In looking for a used unit, and a rookie RVer I thing I know the basic things to look for. But was wondering if there was any unusual things to be aware off. I assume dealers will not be much help.

David

 

If you haven't stumbled across this link it might help you. There are additional links with in to help some. Good luck and happy future camping.

Buying A Used RV

 

Thank you scraprat.

David

 

Stop in your tracks and read everything you can find. Then, if this is a first time purchase, take someone with you who has owned RVs or pay for a couple hours of an RV technicians time and take them with you.

Someone with experience will see and feel more walking in the door than you will see and discover in two hours worth of inspection. Do not waste your time thinking one brand is better than another, it just isn't so!

You are in danger of being trashed. In my experience, private parties will lie to your face. Dealers will more often not directly lie, but will also not volunteer anything either.

My two cents worth,

Steve

 

Be cautious as you shop, as you are by asking the question first off of what to look for. Do your research. Do your due diligence to have the best foot forward you can have.

I am a prospecting RV'er also. In part of my research I came across the following link (ironically I first saw it on FTE here) that describes a lot of the challenges in RV manufacturing and quality control. I started giving things a serious look starting in July of this year. What I have learned in that time is all wrapped up in the article below, and more. I don't post this to deter you, but I think it would be dishonest to know, see someone going in to the market that may not aware, and not share the information.

http://rvdr-cdn3.appxtreme.com/wp-co...ompilation.pdf

 

RV Tech last year I bought a new Keystone Mini, had Nissan Frontier at time, learned what new warranty and getting repairs at dealer really means Was thinking of buying larger used unit, bought my SD, but in looking and reading not ready any time soon. Excellent idea of getting RV Tech to help me. Thanks for sound advice.

KC8QVO have already read it once and intend to reread before any purchase, do appreciate you making sure I was aware of article.

David

 

It's a buyer beware environment. Nothing worse than an educated buyer.

This is what I used when I first started looking years ago before you could get tons of info from the internet or particular rv model groups.
https://rv.org/

That and after walking through countless rv's at dealerships you quickly can see where the quality starts and stops pretty fast. But if your budget is a driving factor than that will certainly stop you from certain units.

If I was looking today and knowing what I know now I would be looking in the 2009-2011 and maybe some 2012's in either Carriage, Hitchhiker or Excel. I personally wouldn't have a rig without the auto levelers but it's a personal preference after leveling with boards. Sooner or later upgrade to disc braking. If the price is right the interior/ exterior can be changed or updated. Your truck will also be some what of deciding factor.

If money wasn't a concern and had enough truck than maybe New Horizons. But again if you're weekend camper and going out only a few time a year any rig will do the same thing I guess.

Also it depends on what your going to do with it. If campgrounds are it holding tank size isn't a big deal but if boon docking/ dry camping a larger fresh water and black/ grey might be more important.

Obviously RV_Tech has more experience in repairing these things than a lot of us combined. I personally enjoy reading what he post on repairs and suggestions to others. Nothing better than first hand experiences (good and bad) as a learning tool to put in the brain housing.

 

I am on my second trailer..

Size, both to live in and tow... reason I had to replace first trailer.

second for me..... roof leak can spell disaster down the road.. so look for small leaks.. many links on how and way...

if purchasing used from a dealer (as I did the second time) make a check list of your own.. make sure the salesman adds it to the contract... and should offer a 60 day in house warranty on everything. if necessary offer a 100 dollars extra for a full inspection from them.. BUT do NOT fully trust them.

my deal .. after arriving home with trailer.. I discovered 3 of 4 brakes did not work.. and It was on my check list.. so returned trailer.. said 1 week to fix or money returned. all 4 brakes were replaced and a few little extras added in..

 

Inspection sheet.pdf

one90guy here is a pre-inspection sheet for an RV if you go looking it might help you. I forgot I had this on my computer.

 

Thank you Chuck's First Ford, and do all TT or 5th's have brakes on both axles? Had never given that any thought, assumed just one axel. Has been a long time since I have worked on drum brakes. Are the electric harder to work on or adjust? Guess I need to find me some YouTube to take a look.

David

 

Thank you again scraprat, already have it down loaded. Sure appreciate all the help.

We had to cut our time out sooner this year, this past Tuesday my wife had a complete knee replacement surgery. So a lot of my down time will be reading and looking. Last November we bought our Keystone Mini without a lot of thought to size and storage. And were shocked at how quick and how much depreciation was. That being said we are much wiser already
Thanks to everyone, any ideas or advice is greatly appreciated.

David

 

only light trailer with duel axle might have 1 set of brakes.

as for service.. no wheel cylinder... no parking brake.. and like parking brake bracket is attached to an electric magnet to move shoes..
that is it. bearings and seals are same.. might be different sizes..

my wife is trying to avoid a new knee..

keep searching and learning.. and yes "NEW" has a Ton of money loss in first year.

 

One of the things suggested in Chuck's post is, provided you can find what you want, buying used is a worthy consideration.

Also, if you are looking for the time to deal, it depends on where you live. Sales heat up in Florida in the winter making it harder to deal but they go cold (pun intended in the North) as long as you buy before February. Once you are through December and January in the winter in the North, most dealers will just wait it out until spring. Used dealers load up at auctions this month so selection is better than in the spring.

Steve

 

Thank you Chuck's First Ford I believe I might be able to do the brakes. And we are defiantly doing lots of looking. Right now used is the way we are going.

This is wife's 2nd knee replacement, the first was 3 years ago. This one has gone so much better, its just been a little over a week and her progress is at least a month ahead of the last one.

RV Tech we have similar weather here. We still have our Mini so we are not in a big hurry.

David

 

After the 4th of July around here is when the best new rig sales hit. They don't want it as the next year will show up soon. We got 40% off.