My suggestion would be to take someone with them that has a camper or has had one in the past. There really isn't much more to buying a camper, either used or new than buying a car or house. I will mention a few things to look at.
1. Look at the outside really good. If possible look at the top. If the camper has ever been damaged, you can usually see where it has been repaired. Don't read much into small dents in an aluminum sided camper. It doesn’t take much to dent this type sides.
2. Especially look at the tires. They develop what is called "lot rot". If a camper sits for a long time, especially on a lot, the asphalt gets super hot and of course this is transferred to the tires causing them to weather really bad. A trick that is used is they will use a solution on the tires to make them look new and not show the cracks in the tires. A trailer tire can go for over $150.00 easily when you have to replace one. Also, take a look at the spare.
3. Gas leaks. Before you ever purchase a camper, most dealers will have everything connected so you can see everything works and no leaks. I really look and "smell" around the tank connections. If it has a tank selector valve make sure that each tank has gas in it and check both tanks for leakage. Gas used is scented so you can smell a leak.
4. Refrigerator. If it's an AC/DC/Gas refrigerator, make sure that it works on all the different settings, especially the Gas setting.
5. Water leaks. Take a look underneath for leaks. Open the storage areas and look for water damage or leaks.
6. Freeze damage. If the unit was not winterized correctly you will have leaks and pipe damage. Look for tape, as this can be used to hide damages.
7. Slide out(s). Have the salesperson bring the slide out(s) in and out a couple times. They will operate with DC or AC power.
8. Hot water heater. Before you leave the lot, make sure it works on both AC and Gas. At a minimum, make sure you check this out before your first camping trip. This is an area that has freeze damages, so take a close look here.
9. Battery. Have the salesperson disconnect AC power and make sure that the battery holds a charge. If the battery is bad, when operating the slide outs and water pump the battery will drop out quickly. Look at the battery monitor to see what kind of charge it maintains. A good RV battery will run you around $100.00 or more. The charging unit is much more.
10. Tank odor. Enough said. Have the dealer flush the tanks if you think the smell is bad.
These are just a few things to look at. I feel they are the most important. Just about any replicable dealer is going to give a 30 day warranty on a used camper, so make sure you check it out in this timeframe, even if you set it up at home first. Spend a night or two in it to see how it sleeps. Better to find out problems there rather than a campground.
Good Luck. :clapping:
1. Look at the outside really good. If possible look at the top. If the camper has ever been damaged, you can usually see where it has been repaired. Don't read much into small dents in an aluminum sided camper. It doesn’t take much to dent this type sides.
2. Especially look at the tires. They develop what is called "lot rot". If a camper sits for a long time, especially on a lot, the asphalt gets super hot and of course this is transferred to the tires causing them to weather really bad. A trick that is used is they will use a solution on the tires to make them look new and not show the cracks in the tires. A trailer tire can go for over $150.00 easily when you have to replace one. Also, take a look at the spare.
3. Gas leaks. Before you ever purchase a camper, most dealers will have everything connected so you can see everything works and no leaks. I really look and "smell" around the tank connections. If it has a tank selector valve make sure that each tank has gas in it and check both tanks for leakage. Gas used is scented so you can smell a leak.
4. Refrigerator. If it's an AC/DC/Gas refrigerator, make sure that it works on all the different settings, especially the Gas setting.
5. Water leaks. Take a look underneath for leaks. Open the storage areas and look for water damage or leaks.
6. Freeze damage. If the unit was not winterized correctly you will have leaks and pipe damage. Look for tape, as this can be used to hide damages.
7. Slide out(s). Have the salesperson bring the slide out(s) in and out a couple times. They will operate with DC or AC power.
8. Hot water heater. Before you leave the lot, make sure it works on both AC and Gas. At a minimum, make sure you check this out before your first camping trip. This is an area that has freeze damages, so take a close look here.
9. Battery. Have the salesperson disconnect AC power and make sure that the battery holds a charge. If the battery is bad, when operating the slide outs and water pump the battery will drop out quickly. Look at the battery monitor to see what kind of charge it maintains. A good RV battery will run you around $100.00 or more. The charging unit is much more.
10. Tank odor. Enough said. Have the dealer flush the tanks if you think the smell is bad.
These are just a few things to look at. I feel they are the most important. Just about any replicable dealer is going to give a 30 day warranty on a used camper, so make sure you check it out in this timeframe, even if you set it up at home first. Spend a night or two in it to see how it sleeps. Better to find out problems there rather than a campground.
Good Luck. :clapping:
