Used purchase tips?

[mikemc53]

So we have been looking at older (12-20 years) Class A coaches and likely looking at gas as opposed to diesel, simply to keep price/cost down. There are a number of reasons for looking in this range and I know you open yourself to certain problems just with the age alone but, that said, are there any real checklists, or tips for looking at used coaches?

TTs and Fifth Wheels, though still presenting many potential issues, are quite a bit different when creating checklists. That is why I am on the Class A forum looking for pointers. I'm sure a list would be long and involved but I would like input from the experts to help me look things over.

All help appreciated, folks.

[k9-keno]

Vehicle service records. Check Tire date codes. Test every single switch, faucet, pump, stove, fridge, hot water heater, put slides out and in but check under slides for rot, check roof all seals, check ac, heat system, open every cabinet check for water damage, check floor look for soft spots, put jacks down and up check for leaks and make sure they stay up, look at ceiling for water stains, drive it, Generator was it serviced does it have hours on it low hours are not good most times does it power unit, check batteries how old are they do they have water in them, check awnings do they operate properly on slides and over doors, check dash ac on max ac when driving. That should keep you busy for awhile and don't be afraid if you do need to repair or replace normal things like an awning etc just make sure the price has that factored in.

[jplante4]

Find an inspector and go over the coach with him/her. At the minimum, all appliances should be run and the coach should be driven. If you smell anything funny (including an overload of air fresheners) walk away.

[ncrowley]

Check the maintenance records for the engine and chassis. You are looking at oil and filter changes, lubrication, etc. You need to know what maintenance is required for the chassis you are looking at and see if it has all been done and if there are records to prove it.

[toedtoes]

If the seller will not let you test any of the appliances, plumbing, etc., walk away. No matter what reason they give you: hoses put away for winter, propane tank empty, etc. Tell them it's no deal unless you can test everything. Doesn't matter if private seller or dealership.

Turn on lights and water pump with just battery power. Have them plug it into shore power and check the outlets, etc.

Run water through the faucets.

Light stove/oven and water heater.

Ask the seller to cool down the fridge before you come to see it. While you will not be able to necessarily confirm that it all works, at least you'll know it does get cold. Some take a while to cool down.

[doxiemom11]

Check the roof - what kind of condition is it in. Ask to see the awnings out. Are they good. Can it be put in and out , any problem. Power awnings should be tested also. Open cabinets and cupboards. Is there any sign of water damage there. We also asked to have water connected and sprayed the roof down watching for any interior leak - we used the pump, flushed the toilet, ran water in the sinks and shower and checked for any signs of a plumbing leak, turned on the furnace, then the A/C. Asked for the refrigerator to be cold and turned on the kitchen stove. Used the microwave to heat a cup of coffee. Put slides in and out. As we were new to rv's, this also helped us learn a little about how things operated.

[DrewE]

donn0128 wrote:
Actually there are very few differences when looking used. Signs of water leaks or water damage are the number one thing to worry about.

I'd generally agree with this. If you think of it as buying a used travel trailer/fifth wheel and a used truck at the same time, you're pretty much there. There's not a lot of interaction between the truck part and the house part overall; it's mostly just one bolted to the other.

You look for water damage, check that all the appliances and systems work, evaluate the chassis (engine in good shape, transmission shifts properly, see how old the tires are, etc.), and take it for a test drive. There are lots of details, but not any really new territory to cover.

[Ken1San]

Check the shocks on a bumpy road not an interstate. Ours drove fine on the ribbon road but after we purchased it driving home on other roads, we felt the the fillings in our teeth were falling out. Bought new Bilsteins, made all the difference in the world.

[donn0128]

Actually there are very few differences when looking used. Signs of water leaks or water damage are the number one thing to worry about.