Important Things To Look For When Purchasing A Used RV - RV LIFE (2023)

FAQs

What questions to ask when buying a used RV? ›

Owners who regularly use their RV or motorhome may expect a lifespan of around 200,000 miles. That being said, you could increase your RV or motorhome's lifespan up to 300,000 miles, on average, as long as the driving conditions are not unduly arduous and you maintain it in good condition.

According to Meta Camper, anywhere between 100,000 to 200,000 is miles is considered to be a lot for a used RV. But the mileage isn't the only thing that should be considered when shopping. For example, a Class A motorhome that's less than 10 years old with under 50,000 miles isn't a good sign.

Keep an eye out for anything that seems off – loose seals, cracks in fiberglass, rust. Using a ladder climb on the roof and ensure any gaskets, seals, or areas where the roof was cut are sealed. As you make your way around the RV keep an eye out for delamination, bubbling, or protruding nails.

What's the best month to buy a used motorhome or travel trailer? On average, motorhomes and travel trailers are at their cheapest at the end of the year. You can also benefit from good deals in the neighboring months of November and February — after the high season ends and before the next spring season starts up.

Typically, fiberglass travel trailers last longer than aluminum trailers, because they are built to withstand harsher conditions. They are the perfect mix due to their soft and durable construction, plus they are the right choice for seasoned RV's owners who are always going camping.

Luckily, travel trailers will last for around 10 years on average. However, 10 years is only the average life expectancy for a travel trailer. Some trailers will last longer, and some will have a shorter lifespan. That said, what you do to maintain your trailer is very important.

How many miles per gallon does a 25 foot RV get? ›

The average mileage that this type of motorhome gets is around 18 to 25 miles per gallon. This is actually better than some larger diesel trucks even get.

Unlike a car that you do regular maintenance to every 3,000-5,000 miles, an RV tends to sit a lot. It's important that you do oil changes on a seasonal basis just to make sure that everything is lubricated and running to the best of its ability.

RV Class B: If fuel efficiency is your main concern, an RV Class B is the way to go. The average fuel capacity of this motorhome is between 18 and 22 miles per gallon. The Class B Winnebago Travato 59G camper stands as the most fuel-efficient option, with 22 miles to the gallon.

While the standard RV will average about 10 miles to the gallon, the size of your RV can have a positive or negative impact on fuel economy. As illustrated by the chart below, the larger the rig, the more gas it consumes.

By adhering to this simple rule of thumb, you can make traveling easier for your whole family. It suggests to limit your travel to no more than 300 miles in one day. Then, arrive no later than 3 p.m. Finally, stay at your destination for at least 3 days.

For example, never tell an RV salesperson that you're new to RVing and are buying your first rig. This may lead the salesperson to try to get you to buy something you don't need. You'll be spending more money than necessary.

Travel trailers are the most popular type of RV. Unlike motorized RVs that have their own engine and can be driven on their own, travel trailers are pulled behind another car. Travel trailers come in a variety of sizes and models, and can fit virtually any budget.

Your state's seat belt laws will determine whether or not you can walk around in an RV while driving. Some states have stricter seat belt laws than others.

Inflation and a continuation of the supply and labor shortage that lingered from 2022 have been keeping prices from falling back to pre-pandemic numbers. However, as 2023 continues we expect prices will continue to fall and we might get there. You just might have to wait a bit longer.

Is it financially smart to buy an RV? ›

Is an RV a Financial Investment? The short answer is no. With the exception of some in-demand vintage models, the value of an RV depreciates over time. An RV is an investment in a lifestyle, but you can mitigate the expense by renting it out when not in use through a third-party rental site like Outdoorsy or RVshare.

Buying an old RV is a good idea because you can use the RV's depreciation to save money and still have the latest technology. Also, a used RV has already gone through its shake-down period, so the previous owner has identified and resolved any upfront issues.

Be realistic.

For some RVs, you may be able to receive a discount of 20% to 30% or sometimes even more off of the sticker price depending on the circumstances. For others, you may not be able to receive more than just a few thousand dollars off. It's all about supply and demand.

Being prepared to go to a dealership is the best way to make sure you're not getting ripped off. In most cases, you will know more about the RV than the salesperson. Stick to your guns and don't be swayed by traditional sales tactics. Forewarned is forearmed.

The dealer cost is typically about 70% of the MSRP. So, to calculate fair-market value you will take 85% of the MSRP (which, again, is halfway between wholesale and retail). Don't pay more than this figure. In fact, RVs can often be purchased at 75% to 80% of the MSRP.

Limited storage space

One of the biggest drawbacks of living full time in an RV is the lack of storage space. Most RVs try to include as many cabinets and closets as possible, but there's only a certain amount of space available. By necessity, most full time RVers need to embrace a minimalistic lifestyle.

If you don't plan on staying at RV parks, the age of your rig doesn't matter. But RVs over 10 years old run into problems at some RV parks because of their age. It's known as the 10-year rule.

Is Buying an Older RV Worth It? If you want to save money on your RV purchase and don't mind the quirks that can come with older RVs, an old RV is definitely worth it. With research, planning, and proper RV inspection, you can get a great deal on a used RV that will last you for years to come.

Two weeks is the simple answer to how long to keep fresh water in an RV tank IF you aren't using the water and refilling during that time. When water sits unused in a tank, it can become unsafe and therefore undrinkable.

Is it better to store camper with slide in or out? ›

When it comes time to park your RV between trips or for the winter, store your slide outs closed. This will help keep the elements from eroding the seals, and you won't run the risk of snow or debris accumulating on the slide out roof.

The short answer is that the average lifespan of an RV is around 20 years or 200,000 miles, whichever comes first.

7. The Energy Saving Trust says that the most efficient speed you can travel in a car in terms of achieving the best fuel economy is 55-65mph. Any faster, though, and the fuel efficiency decreases rapidly. For example, driving at 85mph uses 40% more fuel than at 70mph (oh, and it's illegal too).

On average, the most fuel-efficient speed for RVs is between 55 and 65 miles per hour. The faster and more aggressively you accelerate, the more gas you'll waste just getting up to speed. Slow, steady acceleration and deceleration are easier on your engine, your brakes, and your wallet.

A 100-gallon fuel tank that gets 8 MPG can go 800 miles before refilling. However, a 25-gallon fuel tank with 16 MPG can only travel half that far.

Let's briefly review what we covered in this article: You should be dumping your holding tanks every 3-5 days or when tank levels reach two thirds or three quarters full. Dumping this often reduces the likelihood of waste buildup that could cause clogs, odors, or misreading sensors.

So, make sure you care for your rubber roof kind of like your skin, give it a good wash, scrub, and condition to keep it hydrated and pliable, and your RV lasting you longer. Ideally, RV roof care should be done at least two times a year.

Hydraulic fluid in reservoir should be changed a minimum of every 5 years. NOTe: Check the fluid only when all the jacks are fully retracted. NOTe: When checking the hydraulic fluid level, fill to within 1/4" to 1/2" of fill spout.

Diesel – Class B RVs. Most differences between gas and diesel engines from Class A motorhomes likewise hold true for Class B RVs as well. Diesel engines offer more overall power, last longer, typically require less service and offer higher resale value.

What is considered high mileage for a used RV? ›

Roughly speaking, anywhere between 100,000 and 200,000 miles could be considered high mileage. An RV in the higher mileage range may or may not need some patching up. As you would expect with any vehicle, the more it has been cared for, the less worn parts it is likely to have.

How much electricity does an RV use? Average use for a typical RVer is around 20 kWh a day. This comes out to about 608 kWh a month or 7,300 kWh a year. Usage will be lower during fair weather and higher during heating and cooling seasons.

Even the smallest RVs are large, heavy vehicles — it takes a lot of power to move all that weight down the road at speed! That power has to come from somewhere. And since they're still working out the kinks on those fairy-dust-powered RVs, right now, that “somewhere” is fossil fuel.

Monthly RV Maintenance Checklist

Clean the air conditioner. Check fluid levels. Make sure your emergency toolbox has plenty of spare parts. Check your carbon monoxide and smoke detector are operational. Test any safety equipment.

RVchex is the most RV-specific VIN lookup site and gives you detailed vehicle history reports on accidents, liens, odometer readings, and recalls.

Roughly speaking, anywhere between 100,000 and 200,000 miles could be considered high mileage. An RV in the higher mileage range may or may not need some patching up. As you would expect with any vehicle, the more it has been cared for, the less worn parts it is likely to have.

There is no Kelley Blue Book for RVs, but many use another website and database to help determine a used RV value. You have many factors and multiple data points to consider when pricing a used RV, but you can start with the vehicle NADA (National Automobile Dealers' Association) Guides by JD Power.

One of the best ways to ramp up the value of your RV is to have plenty of sleeping spaces. You might like the look of a modern sofa or freestanding table, but unless it can convert to a bed, it will only decrease the attractiveness of the vehicle.

It's called NADA, or the National Automobile Dealers' Association, and they list prices and values for motorhomes, travel trailers, and even truck campers and park models. Platforms like RV Trader, which help people buy and sell RVs, are also a great resource for getting an approximate value of your rig.

What is the best month to buy a RV? ›

On average, motorhomes and travel trailers are at their cheapest at the end of the year. You can also benefit from good deals in the neighboring months of November and February — after the high season ends and before the next spring season starts up.

Usually, the late fall and early winter are going to be the best time to purchase your new (or new to you) RV. Off-season purchases are going to get you the best deal. If you can save money on your purchase, you will have more to spend on upgrades and adventures.

The two largest and best-known providers of paid VIN check reports are Carfax and AutoCheck. In addition to basic information included with free sites, both provide any history of recalls, thefts, crashes and detailed reports on the vehicle, including a description and overall evaluation.

Is there a Carfax history report for RVs? The good news is, yes. For a small dollar amount, you can get quite a bit of history on a motorhome including accidents, title information, mileage, sales records, junk/salvage/insurance records, auction records, theft records, and much more helpful information.