Used motorhomes are often for sale at a mere fraction of the cost of new ones. If you’re on a budget and unable to purchase a brand-new model, you might consider purchasing a used one for your travels to save money.
While there are many safe and sound used motorhomes for sale, it’s vital to perform in-depth research to avoid any hidden problems. Here are a few of the many checks you can complete before handing over your hard-earned money.
Electrical and Gas
Improperly installed or malfunctioning motorhome appliances can be dangerous, especially where gas and electricity are involved. If your chosen motorhome has second-hand appliances, ask whether you or the current owner can contact a test and tag Gold Coast business to test, inspect, and tag them for safety assurances. All appliances must also be certified to European, Australian, or North American standards.
Water Damage
As desirable as a motorhome might be with its many exciting features, water damage can be a costly issue to fix. Fortunately, there are many ways to tell that a motorhome has water damage. Look for brown spots on the floor or ceiling, mould, signs of bowing in the ceiling, and corrosion on exterior screws. You might also notice rust, soft walls, or a soft roof.
If you spot any of these problems, ask for advice from motorhome specialists about the costs associated with fixing them. You might then decide to proceed with your purchase or look elsewhere for a non-damaged model.
Plumbing
Plumbing in a motorhome can be complex, and the average person won’t always know what to look for when spotting potential problems. While seeking a motorhome mechanic’s advice is always encouraged, you can do a few things yourself.
Test the water system by filling the waste and fresh water tanks and driving the motorhome around. You can then check for leaks underneath it, dump the waste tanks, and look for decent flow to the outlet. You can also check the water pump works properly by turning the faucets on.
Finally, don’t forget to check the water heater, plumbing features, and toilet. Look around the toilet and shower for leaks, and make sure hot water comes out of all hot water faucets. These checks can be vital whether you purchase an entry-level, more affordable motorhome or a high-end model.
Don’t Buy Sight Unseen
Not all motorhomes you fall in love with will be in your location, which can be frustrating when you don’t wish to drive or board a plane just to inspect a motorhome in person. As a result, it can be tempting to buy one sight unseen to avoid missing out. You can then be the proud owner before you’ve had a chance to step foot inside.
However, photos can be deceiving, and you might not always spot all flaws. You also can’t perform your own checks and tests when you don’t visit the motorhome yourself. Instead, arrange a day and time to view the motorhome in person, and you might still be able to confirm the sale in one trip before a comfortable ride home again.
Many people successfully purchase problem-free used motorhomes, but that’s not everyone’s experience. Take note of this information above, and you might be in a much stronger position to find a motorhome without any significant or costly problems.