How To Buy a Used RV - Part 2

Written by William H. Smith


The key to getting a good bargin, instead of a lemon, when buying your used RV is knowing what to look for. Here is a useful checklist to help with your search.

1. Doesrepparttar trailer jack work?

2. Dorepparttar 140651 propane bottles need updating and inspection? This can be costly ifrepparttar 140652 bottles need to be replaced. Generally, if an RV propane tank is older than twelve years, it will have to be reinspected every five years. Also, it is mandatory thatrepparttar 140653 propane tank have an OPD valve. If you don't know what an OPD valve is,repparttar 140654 official description is "Overfilling Protection Device".

3. Checkrepparttar 140655 hoses leading away fromrepparttar 140656 propane bottle for cracks and splits. You do not want a leaking propane connection. Checkrepparttar 140657 nut that screws intorepparttar 140658 propane tank. Is it worn? If so, it may need to be replaced.

4. The LP Gas regulator is usually located just a few inches away fromrepparttar 140659 propane tanks. You'll seerepparttar 140660 hoses leading fromrepparttar 140661 propane tanks into a device with one pipe atrepparttar 140662 bottom of it that runs beneathrepparttar 140663 RV. Regulators begin to leak when they are approximately ten years old. For your information, leaking propane is not a good thing. Don't hesitate to replacerepparttar 140664 regulator if it is leaking.

5. Batteries are often dead, or not too far from dead, in an older RV. Check and make sure it still works. Ifrepparttar 140665 bulbs inside burn bright,repparttar 140666 battery(s) may still be in decent condition.

6. Doesrepparttar 140667 converter still work? What's a converter? Well, it is a device that recharges your battery and converts regular household electrical current from AC to DC allowing your 12-Volt fixtures and appliances to operate. Test this by plugging inrepparttar 140668 electrical cord and unhookingrepparttar 140669 battery (unhookrepparttar 140670 battery before you plug inrepparttar 140671 RV power cord to prevent electrocution). Ifrepparttar 140672 12-Volt lights and water pump still work,repparttar 140673 converter is still working.

7. Dorepparttar 140674 stabilizers beneathrepparttar 140675 trailer still let up and down? You'll be glad to have stabilizers when you park in an area with constant wind gusts likerepparttar 140676 south Texas coast.

8. Arerepparttar 140677 tires still in good condition? Check for cracks and splits and look at tread depth on all tires.

9. It is absolutely mandatory that you understandrepparttar 140678 condition ofrepparttar 140679 braking system. Haverepparttar 140680 owner hook uprepparttar 140681 RV and allow you to tow for a short distance and test testrepparttar 140682 brakes. Brake repairs are expensive. Your life andrepparttar 140683 safety of your vehicle and RV depend onrepparttar 140684 RV brakes functioning properly every time.

10. Doesrepparttar 140685 door step let up and down easily?

11. Can you open and close all outside compartments easily? Dorepparttar 140686 gaskets need to be replaced? Worn or missing gaskets permit air and moisture to penetraterepparttar 140687 RV.

How To Buy a Used RV - Part 1

Written by William H. Smith


If you are on a tight budget and can't afford a new model RV you might consider buying a used RV. Here are a few suggestions for finding a used, affordable RV:

1. Check newspaper listings. Look inrepparttar listings of your local or state daily paper's classifieds. Most towns and cities have a free shoppers circular that is mostly classified listings.

2. Check for any consignment lots in your area. RV owners who aren't interested in having strangers to their home often will park their RV at a consignment lot.

3. Run a "want to buy" listing inrepparttar 140650 classified section of your local paper.

4. Watch for campers parked curbside, in driveways, or front yards with "For Sale" signs posted on them.

5. Drive through local RV and Mobile Home Parks and watch for RV's with for sale signs posted on them.

When you find an RV you are interested in purchasing, don't fall in love with it and be too eager to buy. You could regret a hasty decision for a long time.

If you aren't familiar withrepparttar 140651 functioning of an RV, bring a friend along who is. The chances are excellent that there will be one or more (usually more) components not working that will have to be repaired.

Keep a notebook with you when you do an inspection and make note of every fault. You'll find problems, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing. RV's can be repaired and you'll use your inspection checklist to negotiate a price on your terms.

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