Buying an RV is a major investment. Taking your home with you during extended trips or deciding to live in your RV are both life-changing decisions because the amount of money you’ll be spending on your lifestyle change can become a small fortune. Buying an RV is unlike buying a car. The appliances, living space and exterior of the automobile all need to be inspected closely for signs of damage.
Before you purchase an RV make sure to follow these 3 tips.
Take it for a Spin
Take the RV for a road test to put it through its paces. You can get a feel for the ride only by driving it for an hour or longer. Don’t rush through your road test. Accelerate onto local highways, back it up, drive on local roads and practice parking. Drive in traffic to get a feel for how the vehicle operates in stop and go situations. Brake, shift and turn to get a feel for the RV. Note any difference in handling when you drive on different road conditions. If the steering wheel persistently pulls you may have an alignment problem. Observe how the RV shifts. Whether you’re driving in hot or cold weather one shift should be similar to the others. Watch out for pulling when you come to a stop. Brake work may be required if the vehicle is pulling regularly when you brake.
Every Appliance Should Be Tested to Make Sure it Works Properly
Every appliance should be operated before you buy an RV. Whether you’re talking water heaters, leveling jacks, cabin batteries, lights, fans, inverters, microwaves, refrigerators and stove tops make sure every appliance is in working order. Every appliance should work without fail. If you plan to live in the RV for an extended period of time you should demand that all appliances are ready to go. Think about appliances like fridges failing in a remote area like the desert. How would you react to losing refrigeration in the middle of a dry region? Make sure everything works before you make a significant investment in an RV.
Check the RV for Water Damage
Water damage is common in RVs due to the many seams in both the sides and roofs of these vehicles. The best way to find leaks is to do the hose test. Wet the camper with a garden hose to search for leaks. Leave no are unexplored. Soak the basement storage, luggage racks, ladder, antennae, spot lights, air conditioning units, vents, doors, windshields, windows, slide-outs and awnings. Make sure the water remains for 15 to 20 seconds in the area. Have someone check for signs of leaking. Check for streaks inside the RV after having it washed if you really want to do a thorough test. Watch out for bubbling wall paper as this is a sign of water damage. All wall paper should be smooth. Look out for peeling wood too as this is a sign of leaking.
If you’re looking for a change up to an RV consider the Dynamax Trilogy fifth wheel.