How To Buy a Used RV - Part 2

The key to getting a good bargin, instead of a lemon, when buying your used RV is knowing what to look for. Here is a useful checklist to help with your search.

1. Does the trailer jack work?

2. Do the propane bottles need updating and inspection? This can be costly if the bottles need to be replaced. Generally, if an RV propane tank is older than twelve years, it will have to be reinspected every five years. Also, it is mandatory that the propane tank have an OPD valve. If you don't know what an OPD valve is, the official description is "Overfilling Protection Device".

3. Check the hoses leading away from the propane bottle for cracks and splits. You do not want a leaking propane connection. Check the nut that screws into the propane tank. Is it worn? If so, it may need to be replaced.

4. The LP Gas regulator is usually located just a few inches away from the propane tanks. You'll see the hoses leading from the propane tanks into a device with one pipe at the bottom of it that runs beneath the RV. Regulators begin to leak when they are approximately ten years old. For your information, leaking propane is not a good thing. Don't hesitate to replace the regulator if it is leaking.

5. Batteries are often dead, or not too far from dead, in an older RV. Check and make sure it still works. If the bulbs inside burn bright, the battery(s) may still be in decent condition.

6. Does the converter still work? What's a converter? Well, it is a device that recharges your battery and converts regular household electrical current from AC to DC allowing your 12-Volt fixtures and appliances to operate. Test this by plugging in the electrical cord and unhooking the battery (unhook the battery before you plug in the RV power cord to prevent electrocution). If the 12-Volt lights and water pump still work, the converter is still working.

7. Do the stabilizers beneath the trailer still let up and down? You'll be glad to have stabilizers when you park in an area with constant wind gusts like the south Texas coast.

8. Are the tires still in good condition? Check for cracks and splits and look at tread depth on all tires.

9. It is absolutely mandatory that you understand the condition of the braking system. Have the owner hook up the RV and allow you to tow for a short distance and test test the brakes. Brake repairs are expensive. Your life and the safety of your vehicle and RV depend on the RV brakes functioning properly every time.

10. Does the door step let up and down easily?

11. Can you open and close all outside compartments easily? Do the gaskets need to be replaced? Worn or missing gaskets permit air and moisture to penetrate the RV.

12. Make sure that all the windows open and close easily. latches can rust shut. Are the screens on the windows and vents rusted or torn?

13. Open and close roof vents and make sure that vent fans run properly.

14. Fire up the hot water heater and make sure it works.

15. Test the refrigerator on both the gas and electric settings. Repairs can be expensive and you are going to want to use both the gas and electric options. Watch for frost beginning to form in the freezer to confirm that it is cooling properly. Make sure the door will latch and lock securely. When you are on the road, you don't want the fridge contents strewn through your RV.

16. Check the furnace. Does it blow hot air? Don't wait until it's thirty degrees outside to find out.

17. Crank up the air conditioner. Does it blow cold air? If it has a heating element does that work as well?

18. Turn on the water tap without being hooked up to city water. Does the water pump work?

19. Check out the toilet. Does it flush properly.

20. Hook up the city water. Check for leaks inside and outside the RV.

21. Inquire about the condition of the waste water valves. Better yet, if the RV is hooked up to a sewer drain, open and close the valves to make sure they work.

22. Check the cooking range and oven. Do all burners function? Does the oven burner function?

23. Do all interior cabinets and drawers open and then latch securely? If not, you may have your belongings scattered throughout your RV when you are in transit.

24. Check for soft spots on the floor, particularly in the bathroom area. The plywood may be rotted through.

25. Is the flooring in good condition? How about interior walls?

26. Make sure curtains are not dry rotted. Can they be easily cleaned? Are the blinds still in good condition?

27. External lights - Test the external running lights. If you tow at night, and it is very likely that you will, you'll want to make sure that the rear tail lights are operable. Simply hook up to the tow vehicle and turn on the headlights. You'll also want to make sure that the brake lights work, that the right and left turn signal lights work, and that the backup lights work. If there is a problem, it could be a faulty bulb, or the bulb fixture simply needs cleaning. Otherwise, you may be faced with an electrical problem.

28. Test exhaust vent fans to make sure they work. Typically you will find them in the living area, over the cooking range, and in the bathroom.

29. Does the TV antenna crank up and down easily? Better yet, find a hobby and skip TV.

William Smith lived, and traveled fulltime in an RV travel trailer for over 12 years, and maintains a website dedicated to educating people about the RV lifestyle.

Visit http://www.happyvagabonds.com to learn more about RV living.

---

Discover Knotts Berry Farm

Of course you know about Southern California's premier attraction, Disneyland... Read More

Protection from Lightning - Smart Strategies for Hikers and All Outdoor Enthusiasts

Prevention is your best protection against lightning. Be sure to... Read More

Be Sure to Buy the Best Discount Camping Gear Before Going on that Family Adventure

When you're on the Internet looking for discount camping gear,... Read More

Discount Lift Tickets - Learn what Colorado Ski Resorts Do Not Want You to Know!

How to get discount lift tickets for popular ski resorts... Read More

A Review of Inflatable Boat Manufacturers

There are many manufacturers of inflatable boats on the market... Read More

Samoa, Heart of Polynesia

The islands of Samoa are emerging as an exciting new... Read More

Shark Pictures Not The Real Thing

Pictures of a massive dead Great White shark on the... Read More

San Francisco Beaches

When you are planning a vacation to Maui or Rio... Read More

No Artificial Ingredients Indeed

Back from our family's vacation to Costa Rica, I am... Read More

Bird Watching Life Lists ? Keeping A Record

If you're a birder, you want to keep a list... Read More

About Table Mountain Cape Town - Well Known in South Africa and Around the World

Table Mountain sheltered the original Cape explorers in the 16th... Read More

Disneyland for Hikers: A Walk to Mt. Whitney

Base camp sits at 12,000 feet - stark, windy, unshaded... Read More

Stay Warm - A Backpacking Skill

Stay warm or die. That's what it comes down to... Read More

Alaska Hunting Guide

WHAT TO HUNT AND WHERE: Alaska is a hunter's paradise.... Read More

Motorhome Camp Grounds Stalls should be Astroturf

Having traveled from state to state and every city in... Read More

Camping - Get Those Tents Up!

Have you ever thought you might like to try a... Read More

Tom Sawyer Day - Floating Down The River

There were four of us on that first Tom Sawyer... Read More

A Hiking Guide to Easter Island

Ask me which Pacific island has the most to offer... Read More

Planning Your Own Gorilla Safari Will Save You Money - Heres How

Going on a gorilla safari must rank as one of... Read More

Experience The Real Florida

Every year around 40 million visitors come to Florida for... Read More

Ireland Golf Vacations ? Top Tips To Help You Plan an Ireland Golf Vacation

Live your golfing dreams on an Ireland golf vacation.The K... Read More

Side-Tripping in Montana

Nightlife in Big Sky, Montana is more exciting than you... Read More

Rafting on the Rogue River in Oregon

Oregon's Rogue River is one of the nation's most beautiful.... Read More

My Five-Ounce Sleeping Bag

Okay, it wasn't quite a sleeping bag. However, it was... Read More

Improving Your Aim

If your aim is not good, or is not quite... Read More

Hiking Shoes Versus Hiking Boots

Hiking shoes versus hiking boots? Hiking shoes win. Okay, next... Read More

Scuba diving in South Africa

This truly beautiful country at the southern tip of dark... Read More

The Different Styles of Tents Available

The dictionary defines a tent as 'a portable shelter usually... Read More

Inflatable Boat Trailers

An inflatable boat trailer is needed if the user has... Read More

The Pyramids of Giza

The most famous Egyptian pyramids to be built are the... Read More

Viewpoints on Whale Watching in Hermanus!

If you're looking to spot a whale, the first few... Read More

Gambling Isnt the Only Thing to do in Las Vegas

Do you think the only thing to do in Las... Read More

RV Vacations: Ten Tips

Perhaps you have wondered about taking an RV vacation. It... Read More