Purchasing a Used Motorhome – Avoiding The Pitfalls
Purchasing a used rv is always going to be more uncertain than the buying of a new model. The checklist below is intended to help a rv buyer to recognize for any potential issues before purchasing.
Points to consider before purchasing a new motorhome:
1. Check all parts that make up you propane system. Make sure you fully check the LPG system. RV fires do happen and some times they’re the result of a neglected propane system.
2. Check the condition of the leisure batteries. The house batteries hold the charge that powers your lights and other items when not connected to a power supply. Find the leisure batteries and give them a thorough inspection. They will be expensive to exchange, and there could possibly be as many as six of them. Are they properly topped off with water, and do they hold a charge? These batteries are significant and Problems with batteries might add a large amount on top of your purchase price.
3. Check that the Motorhome refrigerator works on both the electrics and gas supply
4. Ensure the heater and air conditioning apparatus are working properly. These can be expensive to mend and you’ll desire to ask for a reduction if the units are not working correctly. These parts of the campervan are very specialised and time consuming to mend. If there is any suspicion there might be a flaw ask for a reduction if the appliances are not working correctly
5. Is the lavatory leaking?. If the campervan has been sitting for a length of time the seal might have rotted. Add a modest amount of water to the floor of the WC and notice if it holds water for more than 2 minutes. Remember that the water within the rest room is what stops the stench attempting to escape from the black water holding tank.
6. Check for soft areas in the flooring especially in the loo and kitchen areas. These may be symptoms of a much larger issue. The motorhome could have leaky supply pipes or drains that are causing the wood to rot.
7. The outer shell of the campervan you are viewing may have some issues. Investigate carefully for signs of ruse or bubbling etc. If you find any potential problems ask the owner to scratch away some of the paint work to get a better look. Typical areas to consider are the roof, welded folds and Wheel arches.
8. If it has a gas engine, then I highly recommend you carefully observe the engine records. A good owner might have kept receipts of all engine maintenance
9. Finally, do a Meticulous walk-through. Open and close all doors and windows. Switch everything on and off. Be suspicious and take notes as you walk through the rig.
Alistair king writes for a leading uk motorhome website a free Used Rv website. You can browse a bigger range of used rv’s for sale in the Uk.
