First, you’ll need to think about what type of used RV you want. Do you want a travel trailer that you haul behind a truck, a fifth-wheel that attaches in the truck bed, a motor home that is a vehicle on its own, or a park model? This will depend largely on whether you have a truck that will haul a trailer and also what you plan to do with the RV. If you plan to take it to an RV park and leave it there, a park model might be your best option. If you plan to travel around, you’ll need to decide between a trailer, a fifth-wheel and a motor home.

Once you start going to look at used RVs, you’ll need to know what you’re looking for. If you know someone who knows a lot about RVs, ask them to go with you. There are many aspects to look at, some are crucial and some are minor issues that you can probably live with.

Let’s focus on the crucial issues.

In the case of a motor home, the mechanics of the vehicle are very important. Take it for a road test and evaluate how it drives. Listen for noises, check the brakes, how the engine runs, and how it rides. If you can have a mechanic look it over for soundness, that is a great idea. Check for leaks, exhaust color (blue or black smoke is a big red flag,) check belts and hoses for cracks and listen to the engine. Make sure the tires are all still good, with good tread depth and no cracks. Inspect the braking system thoroughly as this can be very expensive to repair. Evaluating the engine and drivability of a motorhome is similar to evaluating buying a car or truck. Ues your better judgement here.

Now for the trailer itself. There are minor, cosmetic issues that are really just a matter of preference. Things like color, patterns of curtains and upholstery, countertops, etc. are up to you. Things that are essential to look for are actual structural problems or big-ticket items like inner workings, appliances, plumbing and electrical.

First off, look for any sign of water damage. Any soft spots in the floor, swelling in the walls or ceiling or water stains are bad news. Walk away if you see any sign of water damage. Once it has reached the point of being visible, chances are there is serious structural damage that cannot be fixed.

Inspect the roof for any leaking, rust, or cracks.

Check all of the pipes, water pump, hot water heater, sinks, toilet and shower. There should be no sign of cracks, leaking or water stains around any of the plumbing components.

Inspect the electrical system thoroughly too. Does the battery hold a charge? Do all of the lights work, both inside and out? What about the wiring harness? Do the turn signals, tail lights and brake lights work? Again, check the braking system carefully.

The stove, fridge, furnace and hot water heater all work off of propane or gas. Check all of these components and make sure they all work well and that there is no propane odor, which can indicate a propane leak. Light the oven and all of the burners on the stove and the hot water heater to make sure they all work. The fridge takes a few hours to get cold, but it is worth checking that too, if you can.

Ensure that all of the windows and doors open and close properly and show no signs of leaking. Make sure the fire exits work too.

You’re going to be camping in this trailer, so you’ll want to make sure it meets your needs for staying in it comfortably too. Are the beds comfortable? Is there enough room for everyone? Is the bathroom big enough? Is there enough storage for you?

There are, of course, other personal preferences you will have when you’re looking at RVs for sale, but these are the really big items that are crucial to inspect. If any of these big problems exist, you are better off walking away and continuing your search. There are always a lot of RVs for sale, so just be patient. With a little time and patience you will find the one that is perfect for you and your family.