RV inspection before buying

[andyviv]

Going to make the leap and try rv’ing! Narrowed down search: want to buy class C motorhome, 22-26’-size that fits in most campsites, gas engine, Ford v10 (thanks ladies on this website for your input that helped me reach this decision). Want something that I can sell and cut losses without losing too much if it doesn't work out or can trade up. Still seems low mile, newer motorhome would be best—kinks worked out and cheaper, but dealers are discounting new 33-40% off list price.

From online googling, I can’t find any companies that make these rigs that have great reviews (very poor quality control with all of them) and disappointingly local dealers don’t rate much higher for service. Once rig leaves dealer—good luck!

I found online several pre purchase inspection checklists ( one 12 pages) and several you tube videos ( mostly from people who have been burnt). Now know that I have no clue how extensively I should check out before I buy! Not sure used or new will pass inspection. Getting scared away from even buying one!

Decided it will take me at least 6-8 hours to check out vehicles before giving dealer/seller the check. I see that I will need to be picky for obvious stuff and will have the salesman very annoyed with me, but am not sure what I am even looking for in some of the technical things that are even more important! Are there rv inspectors that you can hire? I paid for house inspector to inspect the last house I bought pre purchase and it was well worth the money!

Also—are warranties worth the money? See that you can buy from dealer or independently (look like same warranties— but cheaper to buy directly).

Looking for rv inspector to hire. ALL feedback is welcomed.

[JudyJB]

You are right about all of this. I had a horrible experience with the dealer I purchased from, and ended up going to the factory service center in Decatur, IN, to get work done. (Dealer blamed me for things breaking, refused to fix things, got angry when they had to fix things twice, etc.) On the other hand, the factory people fixed things without complaining and fixed them right the first time. The mechanic assigned to me even fixed things I did not know were broken!!

You live not too far from many of the RV manufacturers, so you might want to consider, if you buy new, that you buy from a manufacturer that is located in northern Indiana, instead of California, for example. You still buy from the dealer, but have the option to take it to the factory if the dealer can't or won't fix things. Once you find something, and I do agree that the huge discounts make it worth buying new, call the factory customer service center and ask them if they will fix things if dealer gives you trouble.

[Bethers]

I actually bought my current motorhome new. I couldn't beat the price. And I was an advocate for buying used. You can have problems no matter which way you go. That said, an inspection is as good as the inspector. While I think they are a good idea on a used unit, it's hard to know if you're getting a good inspector. That said, I'd probably do it. As to extended warrantless, I wouldn't. It's insurance. Insurance is based on the insurance company making money. Therefore most warranties go in their favor. I do highly recommend setting aside money for maintenance... Put aside the amount you would have spent on the extended warrantee, then don't use it except for things that would have been covered. Less the deductible. Then have more money for all the other things.

Yes, there are people who make out with the warrantee, so you really have to decide for yourself. And read it carefully, because while they'll tell you everything is covered, it's not. That said some people would say you have to have one.

Have fun shopping. I always say you'll know the right one almost as soon as you walk in the door. Then you do due diligence and find out if it fits your criteria.

Oh, and I quickly learned to not use most dealers for any work. They are overpriced and often not as good. The independent repair shops and many mobile repair services have worked the best for me.

[OregonLuvr]

I agree with Beth. I dont buy the extended warranties but if you do skip what they cover and read the exclusions, those are way longer than what they cover. I have a maintenance fund that I just add to every month. I also never have work done at a dealer. I have a local RV repair shop (family owned for years) that I use AND a light truck and RV repair shop (also family owned for years) for chassis and engine work. Oil changes, new alternator, new radiator ya know things like that LOL

[BirdbyBird]

Another note. While a couple ladies on here have been pleased with Camping World many of us avoid them unless it is an emergency and limited choices. I found their rigs over priced and their salesman extra
Slimy. Like Beth I have a local repair shop that I trust not to over charge. While out traveling.....it is often sheer luck but depending upon where you are there are usually a few
Repair shops with ethics and skill. In the end after all the research and evaluating how you think you will is a rig and what you think will work for you, it is a big chunk of money.... it is a leap of faith and part of the adventures. No matter what happens you will learn a lot.

[andyviv]

My adult children told me over the holiday that they thought it was stupid to try rv’ing since I have never done before. I am Not deterred, continuing my search for the right rv to start with. The yelp reviews for my local rv dealers: General rv, camping world and national rv are very discouraging. Are there any independent rv service companies in southeastern Michigan that anyone recommends. Would like to hire a company/person to help me inspect a vehicle when I go to buy it— like a house inspector.

[Bethers]

Judyjb might be able to help. Hopefully she'll chime in soon.

That said, good for you. No one understood me RVing but I ignored the naysayers. As to dealers, I'm not sure I trust any of them, but it wouldn't stop me from dealing with any if buying new. Possibly not if buying used and I thought I was getting a good deal. I wish one or more of us could go with you looking. Meantime, let's see if anyone can help you find someone to help.

[monik7]

Don’t be deterred by your children telling to give up your dream. I’m sure they mean well. They just don’t understand. This is your life to live. When I bought my RV new (2012 Itasca Navion iQ) it was the first time I had ever stepped inside an RV. Itasca has now been absorbed into Winnebago. I knew absolutely NOTHING about RVing. I bought that first RV, put 57,800 wonderful miles seeing much of the country in 7 years and I wasn’t full-timing. That’s way more miles than most part-timers and shows a beginner can do it. I was very lucky and managed to select one that had absolutely no issues in those 7 years and never had to go in for any warranty work - only regular maintenance. Whenever I needed help, the forum came through with any information I needed or advice on where to go to get answers. If it’s possible to manage, I would recommend buying new.

I don’t recommend doing what I did with no prior knowledge or research. You’re going about it the right way so don’t let others discourage you. Take your time and you’ll find your perfect RV.
Sandi

[BirdbyBird]

Depending upon where you are on MI, there may be someone around you that could go with you. It helps because they can notice things you might not in your excitement. So much with rigs isn't what is right or wrong but configurations that might or might not work as well for you. It is scary to spend that much money and know that the rig will not retain much value but.....traveling in an RV provides experiences that are hard to replicate any other way, especially those of us that like to be out in the wilderness....

[Pooker]

Old timer chiming in here: First - all of us here were newbies at one time. I don't know of any RVers who were born knowing how to buy, drive, maintain, etc. a rig. Now, having said that, do you have a friend, relative, neighbor or someone who is that talented back yard mechanic who can fix anything? Someone who would be willing to check over all the mechanics of a rig if you decide to buy used? Over the years I have had many RVs. I never buy new. Mainly because of the expense, but also because there are bound to be issues in almost every rig and I want the first owner to take that hit along with the first year or two chunk of depreciation. Also, that first owner may have added the extras we all seem to want. Many of the gals here have bought new and that's good, also. It was their choice. We are all different and there's no one size fits all in this hunt.

Two of my rigs were made by Winnebago and I believe they make a very good RV. But you will find that everyone has a different opinion on which manufacturer is good or bad. Please don't buy something based solely on what the reviews on the Internet may or may not say.

You are thinking about a Class C. I loved my Class C and there are times when I miss her. They are not the most glamorous of RVs, but I believe they are the workhorses that give the best versatility in the RV with motor category. If you can, bring someone along to check the mechanics, and you check every nook and cranny inside and out of the rig you want to seriously consider. We often say that you know the minute you walk into the one that's perfect for you. Don't waste time on the ones that don't make the cut. Spend your time on the ones that are contenders and look everyplace! Sit at the dinette, lay on the bed, pretend to brush your teeth, check the knee room, the way the cabinet doors open and more importantly, stay shut! It's unpleasant having a sales person follow you around, but I've discovered that when you find a rig you like and start seriously searching through every cabinet, drawer, storage spot, etc. the sales person looses interest and will often wander away. That's when you get to poke to your heart's content. I suggest to them up front that I'm a slow poker. I want to wander around their lot and take my time. Many of these sales people have little or no experience camping but they insist on "educating" you. Say Hmmmmm a lot. And keep looking.

Happy hunting!

Pooker

[Cudedog]

I'll chime in here a bit. Not a "full-timer" as several on here are, but here I go!!

For most of my life I had absolutely no interest in "camping". Like, zero.

After finding Women RV several years ago (I forget how I found it now!) I became interested. And then more interested still.

Ended up buying a new (had one-hundred miles on it, because it had been driven from the San Francisco bay area to a Central Valley town not too far from me) 2011 GMC cargo van at the end of 2012. Since it was a 2011, now at the end of 2012, the dealer was anxious to get it gone. I was happy to help him out on this. The price was discounted by about 25%.

Had lots of wonderful and amazing trips in this van. All trips were solo - just me and my dog.

A few years later I decided I needed something "more" (basically something I could stand up in) and began to search for something that would do the job. Since I was in love with my van - and all of the work I had put into it (so I didn't want to let it go) - I eventually decided on a travel trailer. After much looking - and much advice on what size trailer my van was safely rated to pull (VERY important - advice given by Melissa on how to figure out/understand this was invaluable. Thanks again, Melissa!!).

The suggestions and advice of the women on this forum have been invaluable to me. These are women who I have mostly never met in person, but are my "Forum Friends". Thanks to all you ladies!!!

Having never before owned a travel trailer, a few months after the purchase of my Jayco I left on my "maiden voyage" from my home near Sacramento (California) to head out for a place I had wanted to visit all of my life, and had never been able to - Yellowstone. Round trip: about 2,800 miles.

This trip was indescribably wonderful. I stayed a week at a campground just outside Yellowstone (one recommended by Sue, another of the generous WomenRV ladies on here - thanks again, Sue!!) and had the trip of a lifetime. Each day as I entered the park, the beauty and wildness of it made me weep. Every. Single. Day.

It took me four days to drive there, a week there, four days to drive home, so I was gone two weeks. Again, never having pulled a travel trailer before (the Jayco pulls like it isn't even there - probably due to it's small size, but also due - without doubt! - to the Andersen weight-distribution/anti-sway hitch that I had put on at the suggestion of another of the amazing ladies on here, Laura. Thanks again, Laura!!

As someone else said on this thread - it is my life to live.

Anne

[JudyJB]

Unfortunately, I just don't know of anyone in Michigan who could do an inspection as I have almost never gotten anything repaired in Michigan. I bought my motorhome in Ohio and drove it off the lot, having never driven any motorhome longer than a couple of miles for a test drive. Drove my younger son crazy, who had to follow me. He had said before I bought it that I would crash and burn in less than 200 miles down the freeway. It took him several years before he would admit that I had done fairly well driving. Other son still thinks I should slow down and not drive so much.

However, like most of the others, I ignore their comments. I agree with Anne that I have only so many years left in my lifetime, so I will do what I enjoy doing and not worry about the rest.

If you buy new, you will find a lot of minor things that need fixing, but should not find anything major. Buying used in more risky and you really need an inspector for that.

I wish I were in your area to at least help you do a walk-through of what you plan to buy, especially if you buy new, which is what I did. The really important thing is that what you buy fits YOU and your husband. Just make really certain you both can fit in the bed and the shower, that the chairs are comfortable, you can see the TV from where you sit, that you can reach everything, etc. And make sure you can walk from the front to the back without opening the slides, for example. Can you open the refrigerator enough to fix a meal at a rest area??? Can you access everything?? Make sure their are handholds for you and your husband getting in and out. Last thing you want is to fall. And check the cargo carrying capacity to make sure you can carry all that you need to carry. (Mine is very tight at 1,300 pounds and I could use another 600")

Do you have any relatives or neighbors who own a motorhome who could help you?? Actually, if you don't, just remember that most of us bought blind and did OK. There are some things about my rig I would like to change, but overall I have been very happy with what I bought.

[andyviv]

Happy New Year to all of my new womenrv friends! I appreciate all of your advice and will take to heart your recommendations to ignore naysayers, check if configurations will physically work for us, and that “only have so many years left”—so it is my life to live!
There is a rv show next weekend in Gd. Rapids (a couple hour drive). Plan on going to it, if Michigan weather cooperative. Hopefully there will be multiple dealers that bring their class c motorhomes to display and can take some time to look around and compare.

[Colliemom]

I’m too far north to help you with an inspection too, but once you find and buy a rig, I will be more than happy to camp with you and show you the ropes if you get up Northern MI way. Just send me a PM. I have pulled a travel trailer for a few years but there are times when I think having something small to drive, might be nice. But need to crunch numbers in that. I do like the trailer for the fact I don’t have an engine and all the drive components to deal with, multiple tires to replace etc., as well as being able to park it and use my tow vehicle, which I need for my daily transportation anyway, to go out and explore and sightsee. But we all have our likes and dislikes and make things work for us. I’ll be watching to see how you fare. RV shows are going to be starting up, so go out and look, mingle with like minded people, you find out all kinds of things.

[JudyJB]

Also don’t believe the salesmen at the RV show if they tell you to put a deposit right then or lose a special price. Those “special” prices will be there the next week at the dealers.