Once you’ve decided what size and type RV you want to purchase, and which floor plan suits your needs, the next decision is where to buy it. Many people opt to purchase used cars from private sellers, but I don’t necessarily recommend this for RVs. Wise buyers of used cars are either mechanically inclined and can detect potential issues or they take knowledgeable people with them to inspect the vehicle. With RVs, it is very important to understand the condition of the RV you are interested in purchasing. While many issues can be addressed by competent do-it-yourselfers, there are some red flags that should make you walk away from the deal. In many cases, only a highly experienced RV technician or inspector would detect these.

While I am a competent RV technician, I always purchase my used RVs — I have never bought a new one — from a dealership. I am able to detect most issues with used units (or new ones for that matter), but there is a lot of area to cover, so it is possible I could miss something, even something serious.

A dealership will generally provide some level of protection, even if you don’t purchase, or they don’t offer, a service contract (often called an extended warranty) for used units. However, regardless of whether you purchase the RV from a private party or from a dealership, it is important to thoroughly check the unit as best you can. I recommend taking a knowledgeable person with you. Note that you can save a lot of money and minimize depreciation by purchasing a used RV.

Buying from a dealership tends to be safer, because they are required to perform predelivery inspections (PDI), which should be conducted by experienced and/or qualified technicians. There is always some risk in purchasing a used unit, but buying from a dealership typically involves the lowest risk. Feel free to review the PDI results with dealership personnel and even to challenge them to perform some repairs they have opted to skip. Generally, they are eager to make a sale if you have the financing in hand.

If you are considering a motorhome, there is also the question of gas versus diesel power. I’d venture to say that those of us who have diesel coaches would never go back to gas, but for many people, it takes a couple of trade-ups to afford a diesel unit. Since diesel units are much more expensive, it is reasonable to forego these for your first or even first few RV purchases. There are definite and clear advantages to diesel units, but they come at a price. Diesel units have heavier-duty chassis and much higher torque, resulting in more power to the wheels. These features make diesel chassis more suitable for large RVs. As mentioned, though, gas units are a great starting point.

Once you do purchase your first RV, be sure to properly maintain it. This is arguably the most important factor in RV ownership. There are two areas that are non-negotiable in terms of maintenance. The first is the propane system (if so equipped), which must be professionally inspected and serviced annually. The second is the exterior seals (roof and body), which should be inspected each season. Failure to do so can result in water damage and eventually lead to serious sidewall or roof delamination. This is an extremely expensive repair that can be easily avoided by simple annual maintenance. You can learn to do this maintenance yourself, or have your local dealership perform the task. Maintain your RV as you would your car or your home.

Should you have any further questions regarding the RV lifestyle or how to embark on the journey, feel free to reach out to me at techtalk@fmca.com.

Steve Froese is a longtime member of FMCA, a nonprofit organization for owners of recreational vehicles, and writes the “Tech Talk” column for Family RVing magazine. He is an experienced RV owner and a certified RV technician in both the United States and Canada. Steve is also a licensed professional engineer in British Columbia and a busy professional musician.

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