How to Buy the Right Used RV

There’s no better way to elevate your camping trip into a camping experience than with your own RV, but these machines can be pricey. If you need to stretch your budget, consider buying yourself a used RV. We here at John’s RV Sales & Service know that can sound scary, so we’ve put together some tips for buying the right used RV below. To learn more, or to see the used RVs we have for sale, contact our store in Lexington, South Carolina, today!

Research

Step one is to know exactly what you’re looking for, which means doing some research. For instance, do you want a towable RV or a motorhome? For the towable option, make sure you have a vehicle that can handle the extra weight. If you prefer a motorhome, consider the size of vehicle you’re comfortable driving—those campers can get big, fast!

Next, look around at different brands and check out their manufacturer’s websites. See if there’s one brand that meets your needs better than others, or if any specific makes and models have been recalled. Then look at current and previous owners’ reviews to see if there are any trends or common flaws. Lucky for you, used RVs have been around longer, so they’ll have more information on the web about them.

Ask Questions

Once you arrive at the dealership or private seller of the RV you’re looking at, ask as many questions as you can possibly think of. Make sure to ask about the maintenance history and if you can see a log, whether any parts have been or need to be replaced, and more. 

That said, we recommend buying from a dealership like us at John’s RV Sales & Service. While a private seller might have something unique, they don’t rely on return customers—meaning they have no incentive to make sure the customer is satisfied. Dealerships, on the other hand, need our customers to be happy with our services, so we make a concerted effort to meet your needs.

Inspection

If you’re satisfied with the seller’s answers, it’s time to inspect the RV from top to bottom. Make sure any and all moving parts work correctly, like doors, windows, and slide-outs. Check that all entrances and windows lock properly, and that there are no signs of pest infestation or water damage. Verify that all appliances are in working order.

Test Drive

Finally, see if you can test drive your RV, particularly a motorhome. A motorhome engine is as vulnerable and precise as any truck’s or car’s engine, so see how it handles and whether it meets your requirements. Even if it’s in perfect condition, you might discover it’s more than you can handle on the road—something you want to learn before paying money for it.

Ready to see what a used RV can do for you? Contact us at John’s RV Sales & Service for more information, or to see the used RVs we have available. We proudly serve Columbia and Greenville, South Carolina—let us serve you today!