Buying a Used RV or Travel Trailer
In these days of soaring prices and limited availability for new RVs, buying a used RV or travel trailer is very attractive. As with cars, a new RV starts to depreciate the minute you drive it off the lot, usually about 20%.
However, many people are afraid of buying a used RV because you’re pretty much guaranteed to have to fix some things. Let’s take a look at what that means, as well as facing the fact that new RVs sometimes require repairs as well.
RVs and travel trailers need constant maintenance
Almost every new RV will need maintenance on something soon after it’s purchased. They are built fast and cheap. But new RVs at least have a manufacturer’s warranty. Unfortunately, getting most RV dealers to fix things in a timely manner, well, we’ve all heard the stories.
Repairs on new RVs and travel trailers
I’ve seen pictures on Facebook showing a brand new travel trailer with an entire corner joint opening up. Other posts have told stories of numerous warranty repair items that take months to get fixed. Leaking plumbing, underpinning falling off, half the outside wall veneer ripping off on the way home, and more.
One acquaintance had his brand new Class-A diesel pusher burst into flames on the way home from the dealer.
Most repairs on a new RV will be for appliances, plumbing leaks, and manufacturer’s shoddy workmanship.
Repairs on Used RVs and Travel Trailers
With a used travel trailer or RV, I guarantee you’ll be fixing roof leaks and mold issues.
Just assume you will need to redo the roof coating and caulking. All slide-outs will have incurred water intrusion. What needs to be fixed depends on how often and how much water got in.
Soft spots on the floor will tip you off to a roof or window leak.
Determine if it needs a facelift, light remodel, or a total rebuild.
Mattresses
Expect to buy new mattresses, or at least toppers. RV mattresses start bad and only go downhill from there.
Accessories
One good thing about buying a used RV, travel trailer, or motor home is that it will probably come with some of the essential accessories you’ll need like a stinky-slinky.
Mine came with that plus a bottle jack, rugs, and a host of other stuff.
I have a 1992 Class-C Damon Hornet.
I’ve had to rebuild the bed over the cab, rebuild the door, resurface the roof twice, replace the heater twice, replace both batteries, and replace all of the tires. The awning completely deteriorated in the sun so I just took it off. One time the muffler and exhaust pipe fell right off while driving. The kitchen sink faucet (plastic) leaks, and there is a whole list of other things that need to be fixed.
This spring I replaced the power center.
The window on the front of the cab-over bed leaked so often I just took it out.
The outside step seems like it’s going to fall off soon. I’ve tried strengthening it, but didn’t help. 
So far none of these repairs have exceeded my skill level. It’s less expensive for me to keep repairing the old beast than to buy a new one. However, I feel like that day is coming.
Simply because of it’s age the engine and drive train will need significant refurbishment. Seals have dried and are beginning to seep. Radiator hoses could burst at any moment. The belt is showing signs of wear and the motor mounts are shot. These things are beyond my skill level. If you are a good mechanic this maintenance might not scare you but for me it’s time to start looking for a newer RV.
How To Avoid Buying An RV Money Pit
This eBook and RV pre-inspection checklist will show you how to find the best RV for your style of RV camping. And you will learn how to make sure that the RV you choose is not filled with so many hidden problems that it becomes a money pit. Get your copy of this important information today!
Are You Handy?
If you have the ability to fix the kind of issues I faced (and more), buying a fixer-upper might be a fun project for you. This is the main issue you need to consider before even looking for a used RV, travel trailer, or motor home.
The Fix-It-Yourself E-Course
The Fix-It-Yourself E-Course will give you the training and confidence needed to tackle RV repairs.
Lets face it, an RV repair place is going to give priority to rigs that were bought there. If you’re traveling, you probably aren’t near the dealer where you purchased.
Appliances seem to break at the worst times. You heater will stop working a 3:30 AM on the coldest December day (on a holiday weekend).
RV systems are actually very basic and easy to fix if you have the right information.
Fix It Yourself: A certified RV Tech shares how you can learn what it takes to keep your RV properly maintained and road ready.
Click here or on image to learn more about the Fix-It-Yourself E-Course.
Extended Warranties for Used RVs
People often wonder whether used RVs can qualify for extended RV warranty protection. The short answer is, yes! You can still secure coverage for your well-loved rig. Regardless of whether you’re buying a used RV or you’ve been enjoying your RV for some time, there are likely warranty coverage options available to you.
Coverage and eligibility will depend on the provider’s requirements. All warranty brokers have caps in place for mileage and model age, but they will vary. Whereas some brokers do not cover used RVs at all, providers such as Wholesale Warranties offer policies for vehicles up to 20 model years old and 100,000 miles! If you’re approaching these limits, now may be a good time to look into RV extended warranty protection.
Reputable warranty providers will require an inspection prior to signing the warranty contract. This ensures your vehicle is clear of any mechanical or electrical issues. Wholesale Warranties will send a mechanic directly to your location! Once they provide a clean bill of health, you can sign your policy. It goes into effect immediately, with no waiting period.
Here’s a YouTube® video from Wholesale Warranties describing what they do in detail.
It isn’t too late to protect your travel budget with an RV extended warranty! For a free quote on a used RV warranty, visit them here.
Roamly Vehicle Service Contract
The Roamly Vehicle Service Contract is coverage for common mechanical and electrical issues not covered by your manufacturer’s warranty or your insurance plan.
Roamly offers policies to cover additional issues you might encounter.
Things to Look for When Buying a Used RV, Travel Trailer, or Motor Home
- Clear Title: The seller should have a clear title and be able to just sign on the back to transfer over to you. If not, just walk away.
- Never buy “sight unseen.” Do a visual inspection with special attention to water and mold issues. Decide if it’s worth it to fix the issues.
- Check exterior walls for cracks and de-lamination. Can you fix those?
- Test every appliance. Run the heater, air-conditioner, water heater. and lights. Test the slide-outs, awning, and vent fans.
- Inspect the tires for sidewall cracks and age. See this page for more details about tires. If they are more than five years old you’ll need replacements.
- Crawl underneath and inspect the frame, axles, and brakes for rust, excessive wear, and broken parts.
- As stated above. check for mold. Look under mattresses, in cabinets, and behind the commode.
- Check floor for soft spots (indicates a roof or window leak).
- Inspect the roof. You may need to refinish it immediately. If it’s completely ruined don’t buy it.
Finding an NRVIA Certified Inspector In Your Area: Click here to See the map
Motor Homes
This 2016 Winibago, Sightseer was listed on EBay by FretzRV for $15,100.00. Somebody snapped it up. Click image to se others.
Unless you are a mechanic and know what to look for, hire a mechanic to inspect the engine. At least:
- Try and start the engine. Run until completely warm. Watch gauges for overheating.
- Check the engine oil. Is it discolored or burned looking?
- Look closely at hoses and fan belts for cracks and wear.
- Check the radiator fluid.
- Do the owner have any repair records?
- Do a deep-dive with Carfax.
Mileage verses Age
My motor home is 30 years old. It has 50K miles on it. That may seem like fairly low mileage for a vehicle that old but the age is far more important in this case. It sits in my driveway, unused, a lot. Because of that seals and gaskets dry out. I’ve been told by a mechanic that the motor mounts are shot. While I’ve change the engine oil a few times the transmission fluid has not been changed and rear differential has never been serviced. Time has taken it’s toll.
I’ve looked into buying a used RV from a rental company. There are some good buys to be had. However, a 2018, just 5 years old may have 150K miles or more. But, these are usually highway miles and they’ve been serviced regularly. These engines and drive trains are most likely in far better condition than mine.
Buying from a private owner or dealership
You might get a way better price from a private owner who just wants to get this huge thing out of his yard verses a dealership that has accepted the RV onto their lot. You have different expectations of each.
Buying a used RV from a private seller
Buyer Beware is the best advice. Don’t really expect a private seller to be completely honest about all of the problems with the RV. They might not even know. Just assume, unless you have it in writing, it’s non-returnable, non-refundable, no warranty, as-is.
“If you ain’t got it in writing you ain’t got it.”
Buying a Used RV from a Dealership
You may expect an RV dealership to have done a thorough inspection and maybe even repaired some issues. RV Dealerships do have some laws they need to work within, but that usually entails getting it registered to you and paying sales taxes. There are no laws about them withholding their inspection details or service history.
Expect to pay more from a dealership. They do have overhead that needs to be paid for, and sometimes they offer you a guarantee or warranty of some kind. An RV dealership must also make sure the motor homes comply with vehicle emission standards.
Watch out for “tack-on” charges on the final invoice. Sometime you’ll see destination charges or cleaning fees that weren’t discussed during the negotiation period. Be ready to walk if you don’t get the deal you want.
Buying a used RV from a listing like or EBay
EBay has a long list of “Vintage” Airstream’s for sale. Vintage is a code word for “really old and needs a lot of work.”
A worldwide listing like E-Bay will make you aware of many opportunities to find just what you’re looking for.
EBay has been selling RVs for a long time and has policies in place to protect their buyers. EBay has a Vehicle Protection Plan that gives the buyer recourse or even a refund if certain criteria are met. Read it carefully.
The seller needs to be completely honest in their description of the RV or EBay will side with the buyer if an issue arises. Read the ad very carefully.
Make sure you complete the transaction thru EBay’s website to get the protection.
The picture at the top of the page is a travel trailer that is listed on EBay. Click here to see the ad.
Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is a good source for RV listings. You can limit your search to the geographic area around you. However, they do not have protection policies.
Craig’s List
Craig’s List is also a good source for used RV listings. However, like Facebook, no protections are in place. They do offer these suggestions if you search for it:
“Deal locally, face-to-face —follow this one rule and avoid 99% of scam attempts.
- Do not provide payment to anyone you have not met in person.
- Beware offers involving shipping – deal with locals you can meet in person.
- Never wire funds (e.g. Western Union) – anyone who asks you to is a scammer.
- Don’t accept cashier/certified checks or money orders – banks cash fakes, then hold you responsible.
- Transactions are between users only, no third party provides a “guarantee”.
- Never give out financial info (bank account, social security, paypal account, etc).
- Do not rent or purchase sight-unseen—that amazing “deal” may not exist.
- Refuse background/credit checks until you have met landlord/employer in person.
- “Craigslist voicemails” – Any message asking you to access or check “Craigslist voicemails” or “Craigslist voice messages” is fraudulent – no such service exists.”
Determining a Fair Value for a Used RV, Travel Trailer, or Motor Home
Use this tool from the National Automotive Dealer Association to determine the value of the RV you are considering before negotiations.
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