6 Tips for Buying a Used RV - From a RV tech
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- Опубликовано: 28 июн 2024
- Are you shopping for a used RV but worried about buying a lemon? As a certified RV repair technician, I’ve worked on a lot of used RVs (and owned 2 myself!) In this video I share my 6 tips for how RV shoppers can assess the quality of a used RV. I’ll teach you what to ask the seller and what to look for in signs of wear and tear.
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Not meant as a "stick in the mud"... 7th tip... DON'T BUT AN RV!!! Okay that's a little strong, but this is why I said it. I retired 2 years back, but got bored after getting the Honey Do list complete, so I hired on as a RV Tech in training. I asked each of the other Techs who makes a good RV and each one said independently, "They are all JUNK, BUT you get to decide how much money you want to spend on your pile of junk!!!"
At first I thought they all had conspired to make that claim, BUT... after a year of working along side them I now understand their claim is pretty much true. Yes, some brands make better quality than others, but they all build similarly at each different level, Good, Better, Best.
Tiffin/others may make the "best" but.... they still use many products designed for RVs that are used in lower quality RVs.... OF COURSE the higher end brands use Corian C/tops rather than Formica type c/tops, and yes they may have a better model toilet, AC, Appliances, ETC.
So the point I have is.... if you had a TRULY "custom home" made, of course you would expect Corian tops, top of the line appliances, etc. BUT... if you looked closely and saw they had hollow core doors instead of solid wood, or fake wood vinyl flooring instead of real wood floors, or a low line of appliances... IF you had done your homework you would immediately see you were buying high and getting low.
Someone could say.... the they both are built out of the same wood construction, BUT many of us understand there are better grades of lumber, plywood, cabinet quality, flooring, lighting, plumbing fixtures, electrical quality and..... wait for it... QUALITY OF CRAFTSMANSHIP in the two different types of home builds, TRUE Custom vs. Tract Shacks.
So my point is... DO YOUR HOMEWORK and realize since about 2017-ish the labor quality in many builds are slapped together by few who care about quality. And with the covid crap years 2019-2023 the quality plunged to even lower depths do to a shortage of "qualified" labor (whatever that means).
Here's the last example. After observing the construction of many, many, MANY med to higher end models (NOT top of the line) I realized to upgrade the interior paneling from 1/8 thickness to 1/4 inch in a 30 ft travel trailer would add approximately 150 lbs +/- and the purchasing price difference to the Manufacturer would be trivial. The weight/price difference to go from CHEAP waferwood/OSB in floors, cabinets, elsewhere to a much better quality plywood would be similar as above.
Manufacturers in the low to high middle range seek out the CHEAPEST products that give the illusion of "quality" full well knowing most people do NOT do their homework and are easily mislead and taken advantage of.... in most industries they are known as SUCKERS and since they are born every minute, well... you get my point if you've read this far!!!
Lastly, when you see it say ULTRA LIGHT/SUPER LITE/EXTREME blah blah balh... that should scream back at YOU... ULTRA CHEAPLY MADE WITH CHEAPER/THINNER/JUNK LIGHTER WEIGHT materials. And if you do decide to buy a RV, remember... YOU get to decide how much money YOU want to spend on YOUR pile of junk!!!
I was going to make this comment too. We bought a 2013 Tiffin motorhome and glad we did. The work quality on the newer rigs are terrible!
I love the idea of making videos about RV's quality but I'd like to make a suggestion. Instead of discussing the quality of RV brands based on popular demand in the comments, I'd love if you'd start this series by presenting a list of the RV manufacturers that have impressed you the most over the years. What features make these RV manufacturers / brands a better quality product than the average? If you prefer to go by popular demand, then I'd love to hear your thoughts on the following RV manufacturers: Outdoors RV, Arctic Fox (Northwood), Amber, Lance, Coachmen Freedom Express or Apex, Rockwood. Thanks!
I would enjoy a video with this info.
I would like to also see on New Horizons
Def rockwood/flagstaff
Agree!
Yes!!
Definitely would like to see another video (or two!) on what to look for in a used RV.
Awesome! I plan to make a part two :)
And yes. we would love a Part 2.
Glad to hear it! I plan to make a part two :)
Great information !!! As a RV Technician , the very first thing I do is climb up top & check the roof . I find the majority of people get caught up in all the bells & whistles . If the roof hasn’t bee serviced on a regular basis , good by bells & whistles .
I found this out on my first big 5th wheel. Lucky for me, I was able to restore the roof before it was to far gone. Not cheap to do. But I saved my investment.
We were thinking about an Alliance, Grand Design or Brinkley but after watching your videos we’re re-thinking the 5th wheel and going with an A class. Back to the drawing board 😂
We have owned three fithwheels but always learning. We'd like to see additional videos on what to look for in used RVs, both towable and Class C. One issue I have seen a lot of are stress fractures and cracks on fifthwheels. It is such a widespread problem I don't know why MFGs do build them right the first time. Good call on inspecting the underside of slidouts and seals. In CO the UVs are killers for RVs. I always ask a selling owner "Where was this stored".
It is also worth noting that a low amount of hours on a generator can actually be problematic. If a generator doesn’t get used for months or years on end, you may have a pretty bad engine on your hands.
That was going to be my comment too!
I bought a 2011 kz TT in 2019, 4 years later zero issues, just maintenance. Tires and new taps just because I wanted a newer look. 18,000km and going strong😊
Thanks for sharing! I'm glad to hear what is working for people, I usually only hear about the problem cases.
Your a great teacher… thanks for talent and knowledge!
Thank you! I work really hard to make these videos so I'm glad they are helpful :)
We found that having a moisture indicator would have been great to have in buying our used RV. Wood rot was concealed very well but fortunately didn’t go into the floor. We check our 5th wheel regularly with this device.
I’d like to see you do a video about toy haulers which ones are lemons and which ones to buy
I would like to see a review on the Keystone Montana 2018-2023 range. Thanks
Is there a list available to download that an RV inspector would use to go over not only a used unit but also a new one of the things to look at and pay attention to? I’d love to see the series on which manufactures have the best quality as well as the least component issues. Your videos are so informative. Please keep it going. God bless.
I don't have that type if list available yet, but hope to make one available in the future!
Forest River Cedar Creek. Had it in storage for 3 months till we bought a truck that would haul it. Took it out for the first time on the road and 5 miles later we were heading to the repair shop!
I'm sorry to hear that, sadly I've had too many clients that has happened to. I've added it to my list to review. Thanks for the request!
As a certified RV inspector and repair technician I totally agree with your video! Great job!
Thanks! 👍
I bought a 11 year old travel trailer last year and because of very helpful experts like you who are educating us consumers. I believe I got a good deal. I followed all but one of your guidelines and I'm happy with my purchase. Thanks again for sharing your experience.
Great to hear!
This is awesome! Keep giving valuable info people can use! Definitely would love a Part II!
Our first class A sat a lot with very little use with the previous owner. When we started using it every appliance had an issue - small D.I.Y. fixes. Our second class A got a lot of local use and has been fine. It appears that lack of use can be a problem just as much as lived in.
Really appreciate your professional wisdom on all things you have discussed already. I find your channel very informative! I am not buying and RV anytime soon but continue to research. I am personally interested in RVs that are live-in vehicles up to 20 feet long, that one can stand up in and that are solar powered as much as possible. Thank you again!
Yes please part 2😎
I’d been interested in a series on best camper for retirees. Including price points and quality. We’d love to have an Airstream.. but that’s price prohibitive 😌 We have a 1/2 ton 01Silverado pick up truck that has a tow package and is well maintained 140k. Also may series on suggesting upgrades to tow vehicles that you may have seen that would make the vehicle more tow ready. Thank you!
I first look at tire wear, especially in towables. Normal wear is expected, but uneven wear indicates relaxed axles (very common) or alignment issues.
YES! Please make another video with part 2 of how to tell if a used RV has high use or low use. Thanks.
I plan to, a lot of people seem to want more tips. Glad you found it helpful!
Been looking for a used RV in the $20-25 range, 22-25 ft (interior). I'd like to know which RVs to target from a quality perspective.
part 2 please!!! :) thank you for sharing all of your knowledge. Absolutely amazing!
Thank you for your videos. Jayco Greyhawk 31FS…Jayco RedHawk
YES! Please cover more of some of these issues. It's always good information to know, especially from a tech. And thanks a ton for all your vids.
Excellent tips.
Excellent video! Yes, please share more signs of high/low use.
Glad you found it helpful! I plan to make a part two, a lot of people want more tips :)
Yes, definitely another video on tips when buying. Thanks!
I am so glad I found your channel. We are hoping to live in a 5th wheel when we retire, for as long as we can. Looking forward to watching more of your videos. Thank you for doing them.
Very informative and helpful as we are looking at travel trailers for full time living.
Thank you for your insights.
This was very helpful. I’d love another video with more tips of what to look for when buying a used travel trailer.
Thank you I appreciate this video. I’m purchasing my first RV soon & I wanted to get as much information as possible
Please do more of videos like this
Would absolutely love to see more videos on things to look for in used RVs. Thanks for the website similar to Kelly blue book.
Part 2 YES!
Magnitude/Omni
Accolade XT
Renegade Valencia
Love the channel!!!
Glad you find the info helpful and thanks for the requests, I've added all 3 of those to my list :)
Love your videos! Would love your take on hybrid campers 👍
I've added that to my list, thanks for watching!
I’d love a review on Grand Design Imagine series TT. Great videos. Keep up the good work!
Thanks for the request, it's on my list!
Great video. I like your idea of reviewing new rv’s.
I would love to know more about Bullet and Grand Surveyor. Thanks
I've added those to my list, thanks for watching!
Hi Jacob, I am so glad I found your channel, It is really helpful to have this type of insider information to know what to look for when making these big dollar RV purchases. We are just getting started on our RV education and are leaning toward the Leisure travel Van brand. Will you be doing any videos on Class B RV's in the future?
I really appreciate what you are doing. Keep up the good work! I'm interested in hearing your thoughts on some of the smaller travel trailers including the Casita Spirit Deluxe, the Scamp and the Airstream Bambi. Thank you! 😊
Added them all to my list! Thanks for the request
Riverstone please. Love your videos, thank you for what you're doing!
Thank you, I'm glad they've been helpful to you! Riverstone is on my list to review, thanks for the request :)
Leisure Travel Wonder models. Especially the new MBL with a slide out on the Transit chassis
Thanks for this! I'm in the early stages of shopping for a travel trailer for fulltime, off-grid boondocking. I'm looking at almost anything from 17-21' (not including the tongue).
Grand Design Imagine travel trailers 17-21ft range.
Jayco Feather Micro
Also, comment on wood vs. aluminum frame for off the grid boondocking with respect to traversing uneven terrain. Thanks!
Would love to see more on Cedar Creek!
I truly appreciate your videos. My request is: What's your evaluation of the Thor Hurricane 29M
There are MANY insurance adjusters in the USA who respond to catastrophes quickly and often far from home. They need an RV that can be self-contained (since there is likely no power and often no water after a hurricane or tornado), secure, and mobile. It's also a nice bonus to have room for a spouse (and sometimes family), a pet, and a proper office with internet connectivity to process claims quickly. Using those guidelines to rate RVs and manufacturers would help a lot of people who are helping a lot of other people! :)
RVs to Review...
I would like to see reviews on the KZ Durango, Durango Gold 5th wheels as well as the KZ Durango Half ton, perhaps vs the Grand Design 150 series and the Alliance All Access.
Thank you so much for all these videos and information!
Can you do a review on a No Bo 19.2? Thank you! I love your content and the delivery of it. Well done
I'd love to! I know the NOBO series is very popular. I hope to film that this summer. In the meantime you can check out my free RV shopping course and learn how I assess RVs. Here is the link, undercoverrvshopper.com/mini-course/
Thanks for watching!
Low mileage for car is not always a good indicator of the good condition. Car are made to be running, not being parked.
Oliver Legacy Elite II which is built in Tennessee.
I would suggest you pick a make like forest River Cedar Creek 5th wheel or the average type 5th wheel units produced to give your opinion on.
Love your information, how about doing a video on manufacturers comparison. According to what I found, forest river, keystone, grand design and heartland are the top four.
Thanks for the request! I've got those 4 on my list to review :)
I would like to see a video on slide in truck campers.
I'd like to see a video about the Rockwood 2205s
Please PART 2 :)
Here we go, four of us each gave an answer: For Class A, Thor Outlaw 37MD/37RB/37LS, for Class B+ Winnebago Aspect/Cambria 29H and Class C would be Winnebago 24F or Trend 23B. Can't wait!
Most helpful. Thanks. I’m interested in a review of Coach House Platinum models (2008-2014 range).
Glad you find the videos helpful! And thanks for the request, I've added it to my list :)
I stayed till the end and yes, would very much appreciate your observations about RV quality. My situation is likely too specific but I will mention it anyway - am currently shopping for a pre-DEF class A, DP. Any observations or guidance would be appreciated.
I've actually gotten some other requests for pre-DEF class A reviews, so not to specific! It's on my list - thanks for the request!
thank you for your knowledge and help, would like to see a review on KZ Durango Gold 358 RPQ THANK YOU
A video on travel trailers with bunk houses, and taller models ex Jaco Eagle 330 RSTS would be great.
Added it to my list, thanks for the request :)
Love to see a review of the Jayco Grayhawks.
Added to my list, thanks for watching!
Would love your review of the Nexus Ghost
Thanks for the request! I've added it to my list!
Your thoughts on the used cruise America RVs would be helpful. Thanks
Check out my recent Q&A video for the answer to your question. 😁
Excellent video & info. I learned a lot. Thank you.
Thanks for watching!
Would enjoy a review on Grand Design Imagine 22MLE
Love to see rockwood/flagstaff
I like to see some hours on the generator. At least that normally means they go out each month and run it for a while. The ones I have bought with real low hours have given me the worst trouble.
I have money for a down payment, what I’m looking for is a motor home and I may need financing to cover the balance. I have used your comments about a used one. My budget is around 100000 and I have half of that down
Please review the towable A-liner Evolution. Thanks!
Def want more
Glad to hear it! I've been getting lots of requests for a part two, so I plan to make one!
Brinkley 2024 Model Z Air 285 travel trailer please. Love your videos.
Outdoors RV Backcountry 24KRS or any ORV. Built in Oregon.
Please review the Fr3 and those types of lower end types.
Class a motorhome love to see a comparisons with the coachman 355DS against a WinSport 34 R
You should review the 2024 WILDWOOD 240BHXL
I’m a bit late to this one but I’d love to see a quality review of Jayco RVs especially the Jayflight series since I see those everywhere and have had a few pop up in my preliminary used EV searching
I would love a review of Intech O-V-R toy hauler's BUT ALSO the InTech Terra Rover. Thanks in advance!
Added to my list, thanks for watching!
Please do a comparison of a few of the top under 30’ 5th wheels.
Good information , I would like to hear about reviews on the Winnebago Micro Minnies like the 1808fbs/1720fb/1708fb
Added to my list, thanks for watching!
Looking at class a diesel pushers, 2004-2008 pre def. What makes and models should I stay away from ? Great info !
Great video!! I am very interested in the Grand design momentum 336 M. Will you do a video on that unit?
I have footage of a Mclass 395, but not the 336M. I'll add to my request list for next season!
Great content!!..part 2 por favor....where did you train for RV repair? Curious is all
I trained under a master certified technician in Texas for two years before I got certified and went independent. I'll probably do a video in the future about my background and how I got into the industry- so stay tuned for that!
Well 1 more time..
I like your vids over moust..I'm looking for a class A diesel.
Please make a vid on front and rear main seles..
Thanks for all your tips. It is very confusing which brand/models to watch out for and which are worth buying. We had a Hideout in 2015 and the siding blew off twice and the awning fell off (on the Santa Monica freeway) and it was less than 2 yrs. old. We took it back to the dealer and ended up with a Cougar Half Ton 5th wheel and have had a lot of troubles over the years with that and now need to buy something to replace it. What to buy that is more dependable is the question. If you can discuss the better models (and why) and what is junk out there I'd appreciate it. I am receiving your 12 days emails. Thanks for all your info. Happy New Year.
I have given up on US RV manufacturers. Canadian companies seem to be much better quality and to provide what I am looking for. 11 months ago you asked for feedback on specific manufacturers or models you could review. How about reviews on Taylor trailers and Escape trailers. They look really good to me but I would appreciate an expert opinion. Thanks.
Would love a review on the “New” Columbus 384RK. I say new because I had a 2022 379MBC columbus and traded it in for a 2024 and let me tell ya, the differences are worthy of taking note.
Check for soft spots in the floor and walls, especially in the bathroom and under windows
Good tip, thanks for sharing!
Love your videos Jacob! Would to see more "covert" brand reviews. We currently have a 2018 Vanleigh Vilano 320GK and are very disappointed in the build quality. We are looking to purchase a 2022 Keystone Montana 3121RL and would love to see your review of the Montana's. Please keep up the great videos... Thanks.
I have several other Montana reviews coming this season, and have added that one to my list. Thanks for watching!
Thanks Jacob! @@undercoverrvtech
Reviewing specific RVs would be great. There are a lot of rv videos about floor plans size and weight and price but none about specific models and how well they are made compared to others. I’m trying now to decide between a Fleetwood Flair 29m or a Holiday Rambler Admiral 29m. 🙄 So hard to know which is best when they are almost identical. Please do a video on those two as to which one is best in construction and will hold up better in the long run or if there are any differences really at all. Best wishes.
Grand design model doesn't really matter more so the fifth wheels
When is the best time to ask to have an inspection done? Before negotiating a price? After? What if the dealer asks you to sign something or put down a deposit to "hold" the RV pending an inspection? What's the best way to handle that?
I would love to see a review on the Lance 2375 or Lance 1995
Please review the 2023 Winnebago Micro Minnie 1800. Thanks!
Please review the Fleetwood Bounder 35K and/35GL.
I’d love your opinion on the Meerkat travel trailer. Thank you.
I am looking at buying a Class A Diesel Pusher from one of the REV Group brands. Either the Armada series from Holiday Rambler, The Discovery LXE series from Fleetwood, or any of Eagle series from American Coach. All seem to have the same interior designs and colors that my wife must have and they all carry some of the mechanical musts I want. I would love to get your opinoin on the REV group. Also if you could comment on RV's made durring COVID versus ones manufacturered before or recent built.
We are currently looking for a Sprinter based motor home and would love a review of the Winnebago view and Navion or the Forest River sunseeker or Forrester. Thanks
I've got those on my list, keep an eye out for a review video in the future!
I would like to see a review of a host mammoth camper. Thank you.
I'm intrigued, definitely added to my list! Unfortunately there are very few for sale and none near me, so I don't know when I'll get a chance to take a look.