The key to getting a good bargin, instead of a lemon, when buying your used RV is knowing what to look for. Here is a useful checklist to help with your search.
1. Does the trailer jack work?
2. Do the propane bottles need updating and inspection? This can be costly if the bottles need to be replaced. Generally, if an RV propane tank is older than twelve years, it will have to be reinspected every five years. Also, it is mandatory that the propane tank have an OPD valve. If you don't know what an OPD valve is, the official description is "Overfilling Protection Device".
3. Check the hoses leading away from the propane bottle for cracks and splits. You do not want a leaking propane connection. Check the nut that screws into the propane tank. Is it worn? If so, it may need to be replaced.
4. The LP Gas regulator is usually located just a few inches away from the propane tanks. You'll see the hoses leading from the propane tanks into a device with one pipe at the bottom of it that runs beneath the RV. Regulators begin to leak when they are approximately ten years old. For your information, leaking propane is not a good thing. Don't hesitate to replace the regulator if it is leaking.
5. Batteries are often dead, or not too far from dead, in an older RV. Check and make sure it still works. If the bulbs inside burn bright, the battery(s) may still be in decent condition.
6. Does the converter still work? What's a converter? Well, it is a device that recharges your battery and converts regular household electrical current from AC to DC allowing your 12-Volt fixtures and appliances to operate. Test this by plugging in the electrical cord and unhooking the battery (unhook the battery before you plug in the RV power cord to prevent electrocution). If the 12-Volt lights and water pump still work, the converter is still working.
7. Do the stabilizers beneath the trailer still let up and down? You'll be glad to have stabilizers when you park in an area with constant wind gusts like the south Texas coast.
8. Are the tires still in good condition? Check for cracks and splits and look at tread depth on all tires.
9. It is absolutely mandatory that you understand the condition of the braking system. Have the owner hook up the RV and allow you to tow for a short distance and test test the brakes. Brake repairs are expensive. Your life and the safety of your vehicle and RV depend on the RV brakes functioning properly every time.
10. Does the door step let up and down easily?
11. Can you open and close all outside compartments easily? Do the gaskets need to be replaced? Worn or missing gaskets permit air and moisture to penetrate the RV.
12. Make sure that all the windows open and close easily. latches can rust shut. Are the screens on the windows and vents rusted or torn?
13. Open and close roof vents and make sure that vent fans run properly.
14. Fire up the hot water heater and make sure it works.
15. Test the refrigerator on both the gas and electric settings. Repairs can be expensive and you are going to want to use both the gas and electric options. Watch for frost beginning to form in the freezer to confirm that it is cooling properly. Make sure the door will latch and lock securely. When you are on the road, you don't want the fridge contents strewn through your RV.
16. Check the furnace. Does it blow hot air? Don't wait until it's thirty degrees outside to find out.
17. Crank up the air conditioner. Does it blow cold air? If it has a heating element does that work as well?
18. Turn on the water tap without being hooked up to city water. Does the water pump work?
19. Check out the toilet. Does it flush properly.
20. Hook up the city water. Check for leaks inside and outside the RV.
21. Inquire about the condition of the waste water valves. Better yet, if the RV is hooked up to a sewer drain, open and close the valves to make sure they work.
22. Check the cooking range and oven. Do all burners function? Does the oven burner function?
23. Do all interior cabinets and drawers open and then latch securely? If not, you may have your belongings scattered throughout your RV when you are in transit.
24. Check for soft spots on the floor, particularly in the bathroom area. The plywood may be rotted through.
25. Is the flooring in good condition? How about interior walls?
26. Make sure curtains are not dry rotted. Can they be easily cleaned? Are the blinds still in good condition?
27. External lights - Test the external running lights. If you tow at night, and it is very likely that you will, you'll want to make sure that the rear tail lights are operable. Simply hook up to the tow vehicle and turn on the headlights. You'll also want to make sure that the brake lights work, that the right and left turn signal lights work, and that the backup lights work. If there is a problem, it could be a faulty bulb, or the bulb fixture simply needs cleaning. Otherwise, you may be faced with an electrical problem.
28. Test exhaust vent fans to make sure they work. Typically you will find them in the living area, over the cooking range, and in the bathroom.
29. Does the TV antenna crank up and down easily? Better yet, find a hobby and skip TV.
William Smith lived, and traveled fulltime in an RV travel trailer for over 12 years, and maintains a website dedicated to educating people about the RV lifestyle.
Visit http://www.happyvagabonds.com to learn more about RV living.
Traveling By RV: The Importance Of Mapping Out Your Route
Have you recently decided that you would like to take a trip, namely a trip where you will be traveling by RV? If you have, you have a number of important decisions to make. For example, you may need to decide whether you would like to buy, borrow, or rent a motor home. Another important decision that you will have to make involves deciding on an intended travel route. In fact, mapping out your planned route is an important component of having a safe and successful trip.
Pro Plug Introduces Surface Mount RV 12 Volt Electrical Connector System
Pro Plug production begins November 2007.
How To Buy a Used RV - Part 1
If you are on a tight budget and can't afford a new model RV you might consider buying a used RV. Here are a few suggestions for finding a used, affordable RV:1.
The Insiders's Guide to Buying Your Dream RV
A new DVD, "The Insider's Guide to Buying Your Dream RV," aims to help recreational vehicle purchasers save money and avoid a lemon. This comprehensive video guide covers everything from what to look for in terms of RV condition and components to resale value and financing options.
RV Parks Modern Camping
What happened the last time you looked at your wife and told her that you wanted to go camping? You know, real camping with sleeping bags, a tent, and a campfire to cook the meals? It probably was a look that clearly meant she thought you were an idiot. But don't give up yet; consider a compromise, such as staying in an RV park with an RV instead of the ground level accommodations you normally provide. You may be surprised at the reaction you get.
RV Towing Tips
If you are looking for RV towing service use the same care in selecting a towing company that you would do for your vehicle. Ask questions about insurance, DOT licensing, damage claims, and seek references from past customers. How should you prepare RV (Recreational Vehicle) for towing? Here is a basic RV towing safety checklist:
Bates Provides Business Opportunities to Rv Owners
RV owners earn money by listing RVs with Bates.
Family And Holiday Fun On An Rv Road Trip
Vacations are usually something most people save up for and plan carefully. The goal is to have a memorable, fun vacation and, oftentimes, to see and do as much as you can fit in. Vacations are not a time to waste money on unnecessary service or items, but rather a time to research your trip and plan to save as much money as you can. If this sounds like your approach to vacationing, you may want to consider a road trip and even better, RV vacation. Road trips are one of the best vacations in which saving money is easier, and RVs offer the most convenient transportation choice for travel on road trips. Here are a few simple steps to make your RV holiday one of the most memorable, fun and cheapest vacations you have taken.
Assisted Cycling Tours Opens Up the World of Bicycle Touring for People with Developmental and Physical Disabilities and Their Families
In a world where very little recreation exists for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, Assisted Cycling Tours is opening up the world of bicycle trips to those individuals and their families. Started by parents of children with disabilities, Assisted Cycling Tours is a non-profit organization that reaches out to those who are disabled. Bicycle trips will consist of day trips, weekend trips and several week long trips to locations families may otherwise be unable to see together as a family. Assisted Cycling Tours will be based in Colorado, but expanding across the United States as demand arises.
RV Owners Learn How to Avoid Emergency Maintenance Repairs
It can be hard for RV owners to know exactly what to do or where to get correct information. RV Expert Mark Polk, owner of RV Education 101, provides essential RV Education via training videos and instant downloads.
Caravans For Your Holiday Vacation
What used to be defined as a group of travelers traveling together has now changed. This also used to mean group of merchants traveling on camels or on horses and going to different locations to trade goods. But all these changed when cars were invented. Now, caravans can mean cars used when people travel from one location to another. People are now using this means of transportation to travel together or bring products and goods to other areas. Caravans can also mean a home trailer for people who are always on the road. Such caravans are named motor home caravans.
The Lake Havasu RV Resort
Lake Havasu, Arizona has become a treasured destination for tourists, campers, and RV enthusiasts.For those travelers who prefer to drive their home-away-from-home to Lake Havasu, the Lake Havasu RV Resort offers guests everything they could need.
What You Need To Know If You?re Thinking Of Installing An RV Solar Panel
You?ve probably seen more than a few of them on the roads now, and in increasing numbers: RVs with an RV solar panel attached to their roofs. And if you have an RV of your own, you?re doubtlessly wondering how you can get one of those panel RV solar setups yourself. Well you can. And here?s what you need to know so you can do it.
Oregon RV Parks Help Travelers Get the Most Out of Their Vacations
Oregon is one of the most diverse states in the country, with a wealth of fun, amazing, and beautiful attractions. Here you will find towering mountains, volcano craters, old growth forests, pristine rivers and lakes, and of course a spectacular coastline. With so much to see in Oregon, it helps to be mobile. RV camping is an especially popular option for exploring, and some of the best campgrounds and parks in Oregon cater primarily to RVers.
RV Camping at Casinos
There's nothing that will quicken the interest of RVers like the prospect of free overnight parking. Places such as Wal-Mart parking lots, and truck stops, are well known freebies, and if you are on the move in your RV, expanding the list of possible free overnight camping locations will broaden your options.