In 2018, almost half a million recreational vehicles were sold to Americans which escalated the industry’s revenue to more than $ 20 billion. To ensure that you get a good bargain for your investment, there are many factors that you need to consider starting from the price and the model to the interior conditions, just like buying a new car. Our industry experts will help you identify the major red flags that you need to watch out for as well as everything else that you should consider when buying your RV. If it is the renovation of an old bus you might own, there is also expert advice available to help you get the best parts within your budget. With today’s modern-day and the increased use of the internet, there are reviews available at your fingertips on every topic from the type of wood best suited to be used to an RV toilet guide.
Before anything else, you have to identify the type of RV that you are willing to purchase. In the market, around nine categories are ranging from the option of driving the vehicle to tow it. Also, you can narrow your choices by deciding the amount of space and floor plans that you want within the unit.
Secondly, according to the expert’s advice, you have to know exactly how much the RV is worth, whether is a new unit or a used one. It is common for the value of the vehicle to drop as it leaves the dealer’s showroom, similar to cars. The value keeps depreciating depending on the number of years that it has been used for and also the wear and tear. It is advised to check the market thoroughly to get a better sense of prices of similar models of the RV that you plan on purchasing.
Once you find the perfect match, make sure to inspect every inch of the unit, inside and out, including the bathroom fixtures to the plumbing in the kitchen. This will not only help you assess for protentional problems down the road but also minor damages that can save you a lot of headaches later on. Here are some things that you need to remember to watch out for.
Mold
Upon quick inspection, you might not come across any visible water damages in the floors or walls; however, that might not be the case. A good tip is to check the dark corners of the unit as well as the caulk around any fixtures in the restroom. You can take it further by flashing light inside the cabinets and closets. It will be easy to smell the mold, especially is the closets or cabinets feel warmer than the rest of the vehicle.
Floor and wall damage
It can difficult to see any underlying damages such as water seepage and rotting under the floor or wall linings. The easiest method to check this is by jumping and pushing on some areas of the RV, especially near the bathroom and kitchen. On each jump and push, you should have a stable and sturdy floor and walls, rather than a squeaky one. Also, try your best to check for corrosion or rust by opening the exterior wall panels.
Tires
One of the most common accident on roads are caused by faulty tires, and in case of an RV, a blowout can be a lot more catastrophic than a car. The tires may seem to be in perfect condition, but appearance can be deceiving at times. Your safest bet is to check the age of the tire, which can be estimated by the DOT label on its sidewall.
Test drive the vehicle
The best way to conclude your inspection is by taking the RV for a test drive. This will give you the overall feel and check for any other problems in the moving parts of the RV by listening to noises and evaluating the overall drive. Besides, drive the vehicle off different roads such as highways and gravel paths to see the performance.
And lastly, make sure to have insurance so that your assets are protected in case of any serious accidents. Bon, voyage!
