An RV is an incredibly family-friendly vehicle, especially for a household with a passion for traveling. A brand new RV can be quite costly, though. Thankfully, a used RV is just as good an option if you’re on a tight budget. As with any vehicle, its value will depreciate as soon as it’s driven out of the lot, so you’re sure to find a steal. However, it’s easy to be swindled by a dealer if you’re not sure what you’re looking for. Visiting a reputable dealer with trusted RV sales in Missouri is the best way to avoid getting duped, but it also pays to do your due diligence. Here’s what you should look out for when shopping for an RV:
Make sure to see the vehicle up close
When checking out potential options, you should always carry out an interior and exterior walkthrough of the vehicle without the owner or dealer with you. This way, you won’t be distracted from any issues that the dealer would otherwise try to steer you away from. If the dealer refuses to make a transaction without allowing you to see the vehicle first, it’s best to look elsewhere.
Sniff out odors
A musty, unpleasant scent is usually a sign of rot or mold, especially if they’re coming from appliances or water sources. Make sure to sniff out any odors that are coming from tanks, drains, and the undercarriage storage to get a whiff of any odor you might not be able to immediately detect.
Pay attention to symptoms of mold
Mold is a definitive indication of a leak or various water issues. Make sure to do a thorough inspection of the vehicles’ floors, walls, ceilings, corners, and in the bathroom. Don’t leave without opening up closets and cabinets. If it’s dark, you can shine a flashlight into the interiors to clearly see any mold growth. Since cabinets are warmer than the rest of the vehicle, mold is more likely to grow there than anywhere else.
Examine the walls
To check if walls are still durable enough, try to push with a considerable amount of force on both the interior and exterior walls around the vehicle. You should feel a bit of toughness and resistance. Avoid getting an RV with walls that have too much give to them.
Ensure that the roof is sturdy and stable
If you’re able, carefully get on top of the vehicle and walk around its roof. It should feel solid underneath your feet. If it feels flimsy and if it has too much give, it’s most likely compromised. Roofs take on the most wear and tear from sun exposure daily, so keep an eye out for bubbles, paint splitting, and cracks on the surface, as well. Roofs are quite costly to replace, so you want to make sure that you won’t have to spend extra on a new one.
Inspect the caulking
The caulking in the bathroom, around the vehicle, vents, and skylights should be sealed tightly and clean. Old, crumbling, blackened, or moldy caulk is a definite sign that water is entering the vehicle and creating a host of problems.
Once you’ve done a thorough inspection of the vehicle’s exteriors and interiors, it’s time to check its performance. If the dealer allows you to, try to take the vehicle out for a test drive. This is a great way to get an overall feel for it. As with any purchase, be smart and do your due diligence and you’ll definitely get your money’s worth.
