Buying sight unseen

[BarbaraRose]

Has anyone here bought a rig sight unseen? Like out of state, on E-Bay, etc? How do you know if you are getting a deal, or dealing with an honest seller?

Barbie

[VickieP]

While I've never bought sight unseen, my parents sold a Lance Truck camper like that. The lady that bought it had a local RV repairman come over and gave it a very extensive look over and tested everything, then gave her his recommendation. She bought it. I can't remember if she drove down and got it or had someone pick it up for her. I know she was from one of the northern states but can't remember where.

[mitch5252]

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Oh, PUH-leez tell me you would never do that, and that this is just a curiosity question???

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[Redetotry]

Yes Mitch many people do exactly that as your dearest friend point out. I see several of these e-Bay items relisted so guess there is an opt out possible for those who go in person to pick up the vehicle. The man who taught the eBay classes I took sells heavy equipment and cars and he ships pretty much worldwide. I think the big factor before going would be have someone really check it over for you.

[mitch5252]

Yes Mitch many people do exactly that as your dearest friend point out. I see several of these e-Bay items relisted so guess there is an opt out possible for those who go in person to pick up the vehicle. The man who taught the eBay classes I took sells heavy equipment and cars and he ships pretty much worldwide. I think the big factor before going would be have someone really check it over for you.

Wow! I never knew that, nor would I EVER do that. You'd have to have a great deal of trust in the person you send to check it out, that's for sure, especially on an RV, which has the potential for rot inside walls.

I guess I listen to too many "Judge Shows"...like the judge is incredulous, "You're telling me you bought "X" without ever having seen it??" For me, it sure sounds like trouble/lawsuit waiting to happen.

[BarbaraRose]

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Oh, PUH-leez tell me you would never do that, and that this is just a curiosity question???

..

I, personally, would not do that either, unless it was someone I knew and trusted, but I have heard of others doing so, and also seeing RV's on E-Bay, I was wondering if anyone here has done so, with any success. It seems it would be a huge risk with something so expensive. If looking out of state, it would be very expensive to travel out to see it, check it out and decide not to buy it. My SO says he would pay my expenses to go to California, etc. to get an RV, but what if I don't like it and decide not to buy it? Lots of time and money for nothing. I will just look for something local or within a half day's drive.

So, yes, it was just a curiosity question. (I wouldn't even get a cat without seeing it first!)

Barbie

[mitch5252]

So, yes, it was just a curiosity question. (I wouldn't even get a cat without seeing it first!)

Barbie

Whew, cute AND smart!
(no, I'm not gay...I always wanted to have hair like yours, but I think I would need more than 10 of them...hairs, that is)
And there's nothing wrong with being gay...it's just not my thing.)

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[retiredhappy]

Has one friend who bought sight unseen, a Scamp 5th wheel and truck. Truck was fine BUT scamp had leaks and needed a lot of work.. Have another friend who sold her Casita on the Casita forum and it was bought sight unseen by someone from Washington date. Her Casita was spotless and very well taken care of. Not sure I would buy if I couldn't "kick the tires" and have my RV guy check it out from stem ot stern.

[BarbaraRose]

(no, I'm not gay...
And there's nothing wrong with being gay...it's just not my thing.)

..

Whew! I'm glad you cleared that up! I was starting to think you had a thing for Vickie...

Barbie

[VickieP]

No Barbie, she doesn't tell me I'm cute or smart, just mean and a dufus!

[dpf]

http://www.kelolandautomall.com/

Barbie: You might be interested in this website. It often has RV's from private owners in SD, MN and IA. Several motorhomes are listed now.

[mitch5252]

No Barbie, she doesn't tell me I'm cute or smart, just mean and a dufus!

Oh, come on - EVERYONE know that people as funny as you are very smart.
Oh...wait. I shouldn't say that. People could get the impression I like you.
Can't have that.

Okay, you're just a Mean Dufus.
And you're cute, too, for a BLONDE.

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[Christine]

Please dont consider buying sight unseen.. I had or should say "i thought was a friend' bring me out his trailer from Mo( 5th wheel scamp) saying it was in great condition... blah blah blah. He left the next day.. leaving me with a piece of JUNK!! I was totally devistated that he would pull this one me... I proceeded to replace almost everything in the trailer, had it painted and sold it...!!! It took me over 2 yrs to get it back into shape to sell it and I ended up loosing money.
even tho this is off the fiberglass site for CHECK LISTS IT still refers a person to what needs to be checked before buying a trailer.... its BUYER BEWARE

Many times the type of RV we are trying to find and buy are in different states then we live in. I came up with this check list to help people get help from a third person who lives close to where the RV is being sold. This check list is only for a point of reference. It is very subjective, based on the person doing the evaluation. An Auto Mechanic would probably have a very different perspective then an Artist when evaluating a Glass-RV For Sale. Electrical Engineers' and Carpenters' opinions would also probably vary greatly.

This check list is to help get neutral information from a fellow It should be better then the biased information from a profit motivated seller.

Remember, The buyer would have to understand that this is a friendly opinion, it carries no legal weight whatsoever. The basis for looking at the trailer would be to let the prospective buyer form an opinion of their own on whether or not to make an offer. In any case, the buyer should retain the right to reject the purchase after looking over the goods.

As always, "Buyer Beware".


OFFICIAL IDENTIFICATION
VIN number(s) are located:
The VIN number is:
Licensed in what state:
License number:








OUTSIDE

Wiring harness:

Lights - lenses & bulbs

Tires
Brakes
Outside Plumbing& Valves
Outside general appearance:
Fiberglass (oxidized, chips. dings, etc.)

Awning

Awning Crank
Awning Middle Support
Roof Vents
Brake Away switch
Chains
Tong Jack
Rear Stablizing Jacks
Windows
Screens
Door (fit, seal)
Spare tire
Tire cover
Water Heater
Battery Condition
Air Conditioner
Step
TV Antannea
Sewer Pipe
Water Hose
Outside Trim
Trailer Metal Frame (look for cracks, Rust)
Owner Modification #1
Owner Modification #2
Owner Modification #3
Owner Modification #4
Owner Modification #5



INSIDE


Inside General Appearance, Cleaniless
Inside smells
Upholstery - Chairs
Cushions - Bed
Table Posts (firmness)
Refrigerator (Gas, 110v AC, 12v DC)
Stove
Stove Hood
Kitchen Sink
Kitchen Plumbing
Propane Heater
Cabinets & Cabinet Doors
Windows
Window Blinds
Toilet
Shower
Bathroom Sink
Bathroom Plumbing (sink faucet, drain)
Electrical 110v outlets
Electrical 12v outlet
Electrical - Lights
Carpets
Air Conditioning
Closet
Fire Extingisher
Fantastic Fan
Walls - Carpeting
TV Table
TV Amplifier and Cables
Screen Door
Caulking
Pop Rivets
Owner Modification #1
Owner Modification #2
Owner Modification #3
Owner Modification #4
Owner Modification #5
Owner Modification #6
Owner Modification #7

you can check each off as Excellent.. good ..fair .. poor or N/A

[Cedar518]

Sorry to hear that you got ripped off,... especially by a "friend!" That is an outstanding list of check-offs. Thanks for sharing it, hopefully it will help prevent someone else from being duped during a sale.

[AlmostThere]

I second what Cedar said. Great list and good info.