The National RV Dealers Association found that between 2002 and 2007, new motor home sales revenues decreased about 8%. With that said, there were and still are plenty of people buying new motor homes, and plenty more buying used ones. If you’re getting ready to buy a motor home, especially if you’re buying used, you need to be sure you’re getting a good deal.
Here are Seven Things to Check Before Buying A Motorhome – before you sign on the dotted line:
1. Carrying Capacity
Motor homes manufactured in the mid-’90s or later should have a label required by the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association listing the Net Carrying Capacity or Cargo Carrying Capacity of the vehicle. You’ll want to be sure that the carrying capacity is large enough for your needs. If the RV doesn’t have a weight label, it’s important to get it weighed and to see if the RV will line up with the latest safety standards.
2. The Mechanics
It’s particularly important to have your RV checked out by a qualified mechanic if you’re buying used. A mechanic can ensure that the engine looks to be in good condition and can let you know about any items, such as belts, that may need to be replaced in the near future. If the buyer doesn’t pay for a mechanic to certify the vehicle’s safety and suitable condition, you may need to either walk away or ensure that the sales contract allows you to return the vehicle for a refund under certain conditions.
3. The Gas Mileage
Of course, it’s important to know what type of gas mileage your motor home is going to get. While no RV is going to get fantastic mileage, some are better than others. The mileage will matter more if you’re planning long-distance RV trips or if you’re going to move the motor home often. Many motor home owners use the best gas credit cards to get some money back on the gas they put into a motor home, but even with cash back, gassing up a motor home can be quite expensive. So make sure you know what to expect at the pump before you buy a motor home – new or used!
4. The Age of Tires
If you’re buying a new motor home, the age listed on the tires shouldn’t be much older than the motor home itself. If you’re buying a used motor home with low mileage, you’ll still want to check the tires. Even tires with plenty of tread need to be replaced every four to five years for safety’s sake. If the motor home you’re checking out has older tires, you can use this to negotiate the price downwards, since you’ll have to pay for new tires in the near future.
Yep this is our motorhome ~
Didnt know anything about seven things to always check before buying a Motor home!
5. Possible Leaks
Even if everything in the motor home looks fine at first glance and there aren’t obvious holes in the siding or inside of the motor home, check carefully for leaks, which can pose serious issues down the road. All outside compartments, for instance, should be clean, dry and rust-free, and you shouldn’t see rust, mold or soft spots on the inside of the motor home, either. You may also want to check the caulk on the motor home, since caulk can dry out and lose some of its leak-prevention power over the years.
6. The Extras
If you’re purchasing a particular motor home for its extras, such as the built-in television and radio or whatnot, be sure to check that everything is working. It’s even better if the owners of the motor home have manuals for all the appliances and equipment that come with it. Either way, be sure that those extras, which will definitely add-on to the asking price of the vehicle, are all in working condition before you buy.
Buying a new or used motor home is certainly exciting, and it can be an investment in a host of future memories for your family. But before you buy, take time to carefully inspect these seven things so that you know you’re getting a motor home in the best possible condition.
Daniela Baker is a blogger at Credit Donkey!
Please Note :: This was a guest blog post by Daniela.
Cheers
Lisa
New Life on the Road
Wished I had heard of “Seven Things to Always Check Before Buying a Motor Home” before I jumped onto eBay and brought our motorhome!