RVs have been growing in popularity in recent years. With lockdowns a few years ago, people got tired of being cooped up inside. That’s led many people to take more adventures outdoors — with RVs being a popular choice.
Believe it or not, 11.2 million households in America own an RV. You’re joining good company if you decide to buy one yourself.
But you have more to consider when buying a used RV, so it pays to know how to do it right. The four tips below will help you find a used recreational vehicle that meets your needs.
1. Research Fair Market Values
RVs lose a lot of value after you drive them off a lot — just like regular cars. Some RV sellers will try to recoup some of their money when selling by charging more than fair market value.
Make sure you research the value of an RV based on its condition before you buy. If someone tries to charge you more than it’s worth, negotiate for a better price or look for another seller.
2. Consider RV Features
The features you have with your RV will significantly impact your enjoyment of it. The features you need will depend on your use of it. For instance, if you plan to go camping and need something small, a small camper van for sale may be all you need.
But if you plan to stay in an RV for an extended period, you need more features. Many types of RVs include kitchens, bedrooms, and other features. Explore those to see which ones will meet your traveling needs.
3. Inspect the RV
The last thing you want to do when buying an RV used is buy sight unseen. Even if most sellers are upfront about an RV’s issues, that doesn’t mean everyone will be so forthcoming.
Get an inspection of an RV before you decide to purchase it. If it’s a private seller, you can request a third party to examine the RV for issues like mold, mechanical issues, and wear and tear. If you buy from a dealer, they may already have an inspection report for you to view.
4. Vet the Seller
Understanding who you’re buying from when buying a used RV is essential. Not everyone has the best reputation—especially if you buy from private sellers without a reputation in the community.
Do what you can to verify the trustworthiness of the other party. If buying from a private seller, research what you can about them and do your homework on the RV you want to buy. If buying from a dealer, check out local reviews to learn what other buyers think of them.
Do Careful Research When Buying a Used RV
Buying a used RV isn’t something you should do lightly. Depending on the size of the RV you buy, you’ll spend a lot of money on the purchase. The last thing you want is to buy an RV with existing problems and waste more cash fixing them.
Doing enough research before you buy will help you avoid that problem. Use the tips above to narrow your choices and find the perfect RV for your needs.
Are you interested in more advice on what to do after you take your RV on the road? Check out some vacationing tips by heading back to the blog.