Motorhome Campers

Buying Motorhome Campers used can get you a bargain – there are three items you should watch out for, however.

Checking these now can save you thousands down the road.

- Are the engine, transmission, and “drive mechanisms” in good shape?

Engines on motorhome campers operate exactly the same as cars or trucks. While there are often low mileage models available on the second hand market, it is important that you check to ensure that regular maintenance has been done, and that you have a mechanic completely inspect the system.

The drive system on motorhome campers gets different treatment than most – often it sits idle for weeks (or months) at a time, then endures a long non-stop trip (or series of trips) for a few weeks at a time.

This causes a different type of wear on the system. One analogy would be that your regular car or truck goes on a brisk walk around the neighborhood for exercise twice a day every day, while motorhome campers sit on the couch 11 months of the year, and then are asked to run a marathon!

Run the system before purchasing, and ALWAYS ask for a test drive. Even if it is simply a matter of the other driver driving, with you as the passenger, you can look for irregularities.

- Water, Waste Water, and Other “Life Systems”

Internal systems can cost you a bundle to fix if not running properly.

Before purchasing, see if you can have them run for at least a few minutes to see how they act – listen for irregular noises. Most of the sounds in these systems will be a regular pattern.

There are specialists that look at these systems, however there are much less than regular mechanics. A local dealer of motorhome campers should be able to suggest you the right people.

Inspect appliances, and ensure that they are in working order.

- Living Quarters

Check the decor of the insides of the motorhome campers you’re looking at. Ensure that the bed and couches are in proper order, and look inside towards the ceiling of the kitchen cabinets.

Is everything comfortable to sit on, or is it painfully old?

While refurbishments can be made, keep in mind that furniture that folds into the wall or is “motorhome sized” can be hard to come by.

- Is there any water damage?

Water Damage can be crippling to motorhome campers.

Inspect the roof of the vehicle, and ensure that all seams are in place.

Closely inspect everywhere that windows, doors, or mechanical systems have been cut into the body of the unit.

Look at parts of the ceiling, especially in cabinets, closets, and near any piping or connection to the outside