Vetting a pre-owned RV is different than evaluating a new camper: you can’t assume anything. For this task, there’s no better tool than a used RV checklist to ensure you’ve accounted for every detail when searching for the perfect camper for you and your family.
Our checklist is divided into three phases to help you learn how to buy a used RV trailer: Pre-Purchase (Research), Purchase, and Post-Purchase. It includes everything you need to keep in mind during each phase.
Key Takeaways
- Follow a 3-Phase Checklist: Use a comprehensive used RV checklist organized into Pre-Purchase (budgeting, selecting RV type and floorplan, researching manufacturers and dealers), Purchase (inspections, fair value assessment, financing, making an offer), and Post-Purchase (essential gear, maintenance planning, personalization).
- Thorough Research is Key: Evaluate personal needs, read reviews, seek advice from RV owners, compare manufacturers, and filter by model year. Consider dealership benefits like reconditioning and RV-specific insurance.
- Inspect and Maintain Diligently: Conduct a full inspection before purchase, understand long-term maintenance needs, and join RV communities for support and discounts. Personalize your RV to make it feel like home.
What To Do Before Buying a Used RV
A used RV purchase isn’t a small decision. Follow this checklist when buying a used motorhome or towable camper.
Set a Budget
It’s easy to walk into an RV dealership and be transfixed by all the features and upgrades on today’s RVs. Knowing what you are comfortable spending—and sticking to it—is critical as you move through the process. Establish your must-haves and like-to-haves, then set a budget to comfortably navigate that list while shopping for your RV.
Read this full-time RVer’s tips for setting a budget for buying a used camper.
Decide on a Type of RV
Decide if you’d like to drive a motorhome or tow a trailer. From here, narrow your search by deciding how much interior living space you need. Although the distinction may seem obvious, deciding which RV type best suits your needs can be complicated.
Consider these factors to guide your towable vs motorized RV debate:
- Current and desired travel lifestyle
- Planned frequency and style of use
- Current and future possessions
- Maximum towing capacity of your automobile
- Maximum length you’re comfortable towing
- Maximum length you’re comfortable driving
- Desired sleeping capacity
Learn more about the different types of recreational vehicles.
Choose a Floor Plan
Images by Camping World
Explore the differences between bunkhouses vs bunk rooms, rear and front kitchen and living layouts, how interior space changes with and without slide-outs, and more. Certain floor plans will be a better fit for your camping style.
- Bunkhouse. Thanks to stacked beds, bunkhouse RV floor plans are ideal for families with young children.
- Bunk Room. Also ideal for families, bunk room RV floor plans provide added privacy and often feature kids’ rooms that can comfortably sleep up to four.
- Rear Living. A popular floorplan for those who enjoy entertaining, rear living RV layouts can have exterior cooking spaces and kitchens that make hosting guests a breeze.
- Front Kitchen. Designed for the camp chef, most front kitchen RV floorplans offer spacious countertops, added pantry storage, and larger refrigerators.
Research RV Manufacturers
RV manufacturers vary widely in their offerings. Some specialize in a broad range of models and floor plans, making it easier to compare options. Others focus on fewer, more refined builds with upscale features and residential-style comforts. Narrow your search to a few manufacturers whose offerings align with your needs and preferences.
Learn more about some of the top RV manufacturers in North America:
Read Customer Reviews
The wonderful part about buying a used RV is that the models have already been tested for you. There are thousands of online reviews from consumers who are road-testing these units every day. Take what they’ve learned and apply it to your search.
Ask Your Friends and Family
Know someone who already owns an RV? Great! Ask for their opinion or join them on their next camping adventure to experience firsthand what you like – or don’t – about a certain RV manufacturer or floorplan. Having the chance to see someone navigating an RV in person shows you how it fits into their lifestyle and how it could potentially fit into yours.
Determine an Age Range
When shopping for used RVs, you’ll need to filter through a broader range of available models, which can be overwhelming. However, not all models will offer all the features you want or need.
If you don’t need the latest technology or are comfortable remodeling, an older model may be the best fit. Aim for a newer model if modern conveniences like a tankless water heater or solar package are at the top of your priority list.
Search Online
You don’t have to leave the couch to find the camper of your dreams! RV search engines allow you to filter by manufacturer, RV type, weight, and many other buying factors. During your search, compile a list of questions to ask the RV salesperson at your local dealership when you visit.
Request Insurance Quotes
Now is an excellent time to explore insurance providers to get the best possible coverage for your money. Research RV-specific insurance and learn what different insurance plans cover on a pre-owned RV. This will help you plan for repairs or renovations during ownership. You can also use tools like the Good Sam Insurance Agency Quote Tool for a free, no-obligation RV insurance quote.
Research and Choose a Dealer
Don’t hesitate to contact anyone you know who has purchased an RV. Their experience will help you find a dealer that you can trust. When buying a used RV, dealerships are a great resource because most of them perform used RV reconditioning, which allows you to buy a cleaner used camper in better overall condition. Most dealerships also take in RVs on trade or consignment, so they always have a great variety in stock.
Learn about Camping World’s Used RV Reconditioning Program.
Used RV Purchase Checklist
Once you’ve set a budget, weighed the pros and cons of various RV types, and completed your preliminary research, it’s time for the purchasing phase.
Determine a Fair Purchase Value
Understanding RV values will help you negotiate a fair asking price when buying a used RV, especially when buying from a private seller. The Good Sam RV Valuator Tool is excellent for determining fair RV prices.
Ask Questions
Prepare questions for the salesperson before your dealership visit. A good sales associate will address any questions or concerns about a particular RV brand or the known history of a specific camper.
Here are some sample questions to ask when buying a used RV.
Get an RV Inspection
Before proceeding with a purchase, complete a thorough inspection of the vehicle—mechanical, electrical, plumbing, interior, sidewalls, leveling systems, roof, etc. If items need repair, confirm that the dealer is aware and has a plan to help you resolve issues.
Learn what should go into a comprehensive RV inspection.
Determine How You Will Pay
Will you finance your RV or pay out of pocket? If financing, it’s a great time to get pre-approved through a lender on your own or through the dealership’s choice lenders. Gather everything you need to cover the down payment or the full purchase price when you intend to purchase.
Make an Offer
Prepared with the RV value knowledge previously acquired, you should feel comfortable making an offer. You’re one step closer to traveling the open road!
Post-Purchase Checklist for Buying a Used RV
Whether you’re a first-time RV owner or a seasoned RV enthusiast, remember these points after buying a used RV.
Get Your RV Essentials
The basics include fresh water supplies, electrical cords and adapters, sewer hose accessories, and leveling/stabilizing equipment. But you’ll need the right RV gear to camp safely and efficiently.
Join a Club
RV Clubs (like Good Sam) offer discounts on campground stays, campground search tools, and services like Roadside Assistance and Emergency TravelAssist. You’ll also join a network of RVers that gathers annually for RV rallies, camping get-togethers, and other events nationwide.
Develop a Maintenance Plan
RVs require regular maintenance to keep them running safely and efficiently. Even if you resolved major service concerns during the purchase phase, you need a plan to keep up with routine RV maintenance. Establish what basic RV maintenance tasks you’re willing to tackle yourself and which ones you’ll defer to the dealer or mechanic.
Download this Reference Handbook to track and schedule RV maintenance.
Decorate and/or Renovate!
Exercise your creativity and personalize your RV. From dialing in a comfortable RV bed to renovating a kitchen backsplash to upgrading RV furniture, take time to decorate and/or renovate your RV so it feels like home.
Explore these additional resources to help you buy a used RV:
- Is Buying a Used RV Right For You?
- The Best Used Fifth Wheel Toy Haulers
- Is a Used Travel Trailer Right For Your Family?
Do you have some good tips for buying a used RV? Share them below!
Tried getting a quote from Good Sam last night, they require that you have ownership of an RV before giving a quote. Very disappointed with Good Sam, not so Good Sam. Went with another and got a quote with no issues at all.
Hi Larry!
Are you trying to check for a value on a used RV because you’re interested in buying?
Let us know what your goal is and we can help point you in the right direction.
Great read 😀
Hoping for a list of things to look for when buying a used trailer…..