RV owners -what things to double check buying used?

[Ontheroadwithdave]

I’m considering buying  a 2006 Forest River LEXINGTON with 60k miles. The offer price is $26k

If I get closer to pulling the trigger, I will,pull the carfax

What systems should I look at extra closely?

Thx

 

[SoulRaven]

Check everything, here is good list: http://changingears.com/rv-checklist-inspection.shtml As far the coach, watch for soft spots and water stains as water damage can be devastating. I think that is a Class C (?), so check up above the cab if windows are present as they are notorious for leaking. Any "bubbles" on the outside of a fiberglass body is a big NO. Also, "smells"! Never think that a undesirable smell in a used RV can be overcome especially when it comes to smoke or urine, not worth the gamble, and get close up. A rainy day really brings out the smells as does the heat. As for the motor part, can't help with that.

 

[ratfink56]

If I was looking to drop that much coin I would have the rig inspected by a shop that specializes in rv repair and maintenance. Or an rv inspector if there is such a thing. Like hiring a home inspector.

I have read that the average life of an rv roof is five years and most get no love until after a problem occurs.

If the rig is at a dealer do not take the dealer's word for the condition of anything. Likewise with the seller. Unless there is verifiable proof of maintenance.

 

[Dutch Marc]

All of the above plus mechanical ;-) since no 1 likes to be broken down somewhere along their journey

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[mpruet]

According to rvtrader, $26K is about the right price.  Since they are built on a ford chassis, I wouldn't expect to see engine problems. 

A few things to check out...

1) tires.  If the rig has been kept outside then it is very possible that the sidewalls will have cracks.  This will mean that you will need to replace the tires.

2) The Fridge/freezer.  Chances are the fridge/freezer is the original unit and that will mean it will need to be replaced.  That unit probably has one of the older evaporation systems and the fluids tend to turn to a jell after several years.  That will mean that the cooling unit will need to be replaced.  This is especially true if there is an external grill-vent behind the fridge.  The summer heat tends to wear badly on these types of fridges.  You might want to replace the entire unit. 

3) Electrical system - the house batteries will need to be checked to see if they are still holding.  I'm guessing that the interior lighting is still incandescent or florescent.  I'd switch to LED to minimize the draw on your batteries.  Does it have solar? If you are planning on going offgrid, you really need 200 watts.

 

[Smitty716]

If buying used get on top of the roof and walk around , you’ll be able to fill any soft spots . I didn’t do that and now I’m paying for it

 

[SoulRaven]

To help avoid blowouts, tires shouldn't be more than 6 or 7 years old. Tires are "dated" as to when they were manufactured. They are quite expensive, especially when buying 6 of them! Check for recalls and make sure any were corrected: http://www.arfc.org/rvs/forest_river/lexington/recalls.aspx

 

[EnduroRdr]

If buying used get on top of the roof and walk around , you’ll be able to fill any soft spots . I didn’t do that and now I’m paying for it

Agreed:

If that 12 year old rubber roof was out in sun all its life it needs close scrutiny!


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[DonnyHacker]

If I was looking to drop that much coin I would have the rig inspected by a shop that specializes in rv repair and maintenance. Or an rv inspector if there is such a thing. Like hiring a home inspector.

I have read that the average life of an rv roof is five years and most get no love until after a problem occurs.

If the rig is at a dealer do not take the dealer's word for the condition of anything. Likewise with the seller. Unless there is verifiable proof of maintenance.

There are RV inspectors and you can use this site to find one.  I am half tempted to take their training program to get certified myself since I'm trying to embrace an alternative lifestyle  

https://nrvia.org/locate/

 

[Katherine]

As I known, you'd better check the following things, includes the tires, engines, batteries, brakes, macerator pump, shocks, propane sensor etc..
According to the others' experience, do Check EVERYWHERE for water damage. Inspect the roof and around all windows. Press on the walls and feel for soft spots that may indicate previous or continuous water damage. Water damage is the number one reason not to buy a used RV. Because it will totally ruin your journey.

 

[LoupGarou]

Tires, brakes, engines, transmissions and appliances are an easy fix.

Nothing and I mean nothing will sour the purchase more than finding extensive wood rot in the ceiling walls and floor.

 

[yugogypsy1963]

CHECK THE FLOOR!!!, ask about freeze ups or any other plumbing issues, check under the sink and bathroom basin. I didn't and had to take one end of the floor up

 

[Katherine]

The battery check is also very important, otherwise, you should need a change in the near future. Good luck!

 

[yugogypsy1963]

Katherine, I need to get a converter and battery. I don't have any solar yet so will be packing a generator and making sure the converter works so the battery will charge when we're driving.

I've figured out that this is NOT the first lot of repairs this trailer has had, but for its age (42) its holding up pretty good.

My guys are so SLOW with the fixing though, I want to get it done so I can escape my sticks and bricks for a while, not to mention my bed at home is horrid and the bed in the trailer is comfortable!

The guys also don't understand HOW I want to fix the shower so we aren't pulling up the floor again in a year. it has to be done right and the way they're talking, it won't be. I may have to have a small tantrum to get them to do it MY way

Lois

 

[Cammalu]

Did you check the bluebook price? That sounds like about double the price I would have thought it was. Also, forest river is a very badly rated brand for slapping them together with staples and such. I had one that was a 2006 and it was total junk.

 

[bigbasin]

I asked around, and competent RV mechanics in Sacramento charge about $1100 for an inspection.

Getting ready to spec out a Ford Transit

 

[mpruet]

Plan on replacing all of the tires.

Look for any rust and/or softness in the walls/floors.

At this age, the fridge will probably need to have the cooling elements removed.

 

[John61CT]

I asked around, and competent RV mechanics in Sacramento charge about $1100 for an inspection.

Getting ready to spec out a Ford Transit

That's nuts.

I've had a 35' yacht fully checked out including the diesel engine, rigging and all for less.

Including a full written report and market survey valuation for the insurance company.

 

[EnduroRdr]

Agreed $1100 is nuts!




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[BeachRVer]

The Roof is huge! Looking for any leaks or water damage.

Then all the mechanics and electronics within the rig.