Any used RV will have some exterior signs of use regardless of age. Water damage is the number one enemy of any RV. Hard sided RV’s show water damage easier than metal sided ones but both will have signs that are visible. Ripples for example in fiberglass sided units is a tell-tale sign of water infiltration. Soft spots in the roof are also almost always areas that have had water infiltration. Other not so obvious damage from collisions may also be cause for concern.

Wear and tear on the interior is expected but pay attention to signs of water damage. Remember the 4 corners. The most likely area for water to infiltrate is where your roofing meets the vertical sides front and back. If water is present or has been present, it will manifest inside as well in the form of wrinkled paper or soft wood in the inside corner areas. Other areas may include the ceiling area around roof vents or skylights, slide out openings and windows and doors. Air conditioner seals can also cause water damage so stained ceiling panels or soft spots should be areas of concern.

• Some RVs warranties transfer from the previous owner, but others don’t. Understand all limits of existing warranties and or service agreements before you agree to purchase.

Mechanical or electrical awnings and slide-outs are two of the most common sources of issues in RVs. Test them on any camper you consider buying. Although low voltage can cause issues for slide outs and awnings, they should operate smoothly or at least reasonably so during testing.

If you can get the maintenance records for a used RV, this can identify what went wrong and when. This can be a good indicator of what problems you might face in the future. This is especially important with motorized RVs.

Important appliances like refrigerators and water heaters wear out over time. If you don’t have the budget to fix or replace them, make sure they are in good condition before you buy.

Older RVs may lack many of the modern touches that have made campers more comfortable, such as advanced entertainment systems and efficient heating and cooling systems. We have converted many older dated RV’s to newer electronics so this isn’t much of a concern but make a mental note of this so you can budget accordingly.