Do you need to choose a home-motor-used?

Do you need to choose a home-motor-used?

If you plan on buying a used motorhome or RV then you need to treat the exercise as fundamentally the same as any other vehicle, and you really need to stay focused on what you need

The going price ranges for new RVs are typically as follows and looking for a home-motor-used may well be a sensible financial option

1. Folding Camping trailers in the range $4,000-$13,000

2. Truck campers in the range $4,000-$26,000

3. Travel trailers in the range $8,000-$65,000

4. Class C Motor Homes in the range $48,000-$140,000, and

5. Class A motor homes in the range $58,000-$400,000 and a lot more.

Recreation vehicles are covered by a wide range of types and sizes and they have simple amenities up to hot and cold running water, luxurious galleys and bathroom facilities, multiple power sources from DC, AC and liquid propane, generators and inverters along with additional creature comforts that include air conditioning, entertainment systems and the more innovative and space making slide-out rooms.

What to Look for in a home-motor-used vehicle

You need to break the home-motor-used RV down into some basic functional groups and check each thoroughly as part of your pre-purchase inspection routine. You can opt to use a professional inspection service or do it yourself

Inspect The Vehicle

1. The engine is the number one inspection point. The odometer reading will tell you how many miles the RV has traveled. Do an open bonnet inspection and observe general cleanliness. Look for oil leaks around the motor, and the same applies to the gearbox as well. I always check the oil, and pull the dipstick, if the vendor is smart he will have changed the oil. Check the battery and if not sealed then open a cap and see what the electrolyte levels are like

2. Check the radiator, low levels may indicate poor care or a leaky radiator. Check the brake fluid reservoirs as well. Check fan belt tension deflection, as loose belts mean heat generation, and low battery charging and even water pump bearing damage

3. Check the windscreen for scratches, and this makes driving uncomfortable in sunshine if it’s scratched, and they are not cheap to replace

4. Start the engine and let idle, and listen for abnormal noises. As always check exhaust smoke, one up to temperature blue smoke means worn piston rings and impending high cost engine repairs. An irregular idle means poor ignition and possible problems in this home-motor-used.

5. Check all the electrics, that includes all the lighting

6. Check the tire condition including the spares

7. Check shock absorber condition

8. Remove a wheel and check the brake drum or disc condition, if one is good all will be probably similar, if the one you check is poor with worn pads and scoring then all will be similar

9. Check the chassis and body panels for rust, its more common with snow birder RV’s that sit by the coast half the year.

Check The Interior

1. Look at general condition, and if it is tattered and lots of minor damages it shows lots of work in the past.

2. Look carefully for leaks. This includes windows and hatches. Stains are usually visible and these can be hard to fix, and devalue the unit.

3. Awnings and tenting should be in good condition, and you should make sure it is all there and it works. See all roll out or motorized awnings etc work for yourself, don’t take anyone’s word for it that it does

4. Check the floor condition

5. Look for any internal signs of rust and corrosion

Check all home-motor-used RV Systems

1. Carefully check all of the galley systems. Operate the stove, and switch on the refrigerator at the start of your inspection to see if it works. Te same applies to ventilation fans

2. Verify the water system works, including all faucets, showers etc

3. Check the toilet system

4. Check all the electrics, and that includes all the internal lighting. If there is a separate battery bank you should check this. Also load test it by switching on lights and other items and see whether it will sustain any load, if it doesn’t then batteries require replacement

5. Plug in the main AC power lead and see that the AC works, and no GFCI trips or any other breakers trip. If the main supply breaker trips at the supply source or any on board you have a fault there to troubleshoot and repair.

6. Run the generator if installed and load it up to rated load and see how it performs. If it smokes or dies when loaded its in need of major repairs and overhaul

7. Switch on the air conditioning if installed and verify that it works properly, they cost a lot to fix so make sure they work

8. If the home-motor-used RV has slide-out rooms, operate all of them in and out, and listen carefully for abnormal noises, or indications of any seizing or jamming

Do you need to choose a home-motor-used? Use this advice!