ServiceNomad RV · Knowledge
RV Buying Used Checklist
Walking through a used RV can be overwhelming—there's a lot to look at, and sellers often have the rig staged to look its best. A systematic checklist helps you stay organized, ensure you don't miss critical issues, and take detailed notes that you can reference later when making your decision. This guide provides a step-by-step walkthrough that you can print out or save on your phone, covering everything from tires and roof to appliances and hidden damage.
Why a Checklist Matters
Even experienced RV owners can forget to check important details when they're excited about a potential purchase. A checklist keeps you methodical and ensures you give equal attention to systems that might not be glamorous but are expensive to fix. It also creates a paper trail—if you note an issue during your inspection and the seller says they'll address it, you have documentation. The checklist also helps you compare multiple RVs objectively. After looking at three or four units, it's easy to forget which one had the soft floor or which one had a loud generator. Written notes prevent that confusion and help you make a more informed decision.
Exterior Inspection Points
Start at the front and work your way around the RV. Check the tires for age, tread depth, and any signs of weather cracking. Look at the roof—if you can safely climb up, do so. Note any soft spots, cracked sealant, or debris buildup around vents and AC units. Inspect the body for dents, delamination (bubbling or separation of the fiberglass from the substrate), and any signs of previous accident repairs. Check the awning by extending and retracting it—look for tears, mold, or a motor that struggles. Test the entry steps and ensure they extend and retract smoothly. Check all exterior lights, including brake lights, turn signals, and running lights. Look under the RV for rust, fluid leaks, or damage to the frame or tanks. On motorhomes, pop the engine cover and check for obvious leaks, corrosion, or a battery that looks old and neglected.
Interior and Systems Checks
Once inside, turn on the lights, test all outlets, and run every appliance. Turn on the AC and let it run for at least 10 minutes—it should blow cold and not trip breakers. Turn on the furnace and ensure it ignites cleanly and heats the space. Run the water pump and check for steady pressure at all faucets and the shower. Fill the sinks and watch for slow drains or leaks underneath. Test the toilet flush and ensure it holds water. Turn on the water heater in both gas and electric mode (if equipped) and wait for hot water. Check the refrigerator in all modes—AC, gas, and battery. Operate the slideouts multiple times and listen for unusual noises or uneven movement. Check the generator—start it, let it warm up, and then turn on the AC and a few other high-draw appliances to test it under load. Open cabinets, closets, and storage bays and look for water stains, mold, or soft spots that indicate hidden damage. Use your nose—musty smells often mean hidden leaks.
Documenting Issues and Negotiating
Take photos and videos of anything concerning. Note the condition of the tires (including the spare), any soft spots in the floor or walls, appliances that don't work, and cosmetic damage. If you find issues, don't immediately walk away—most used RVs will have something wrong. The question is whether the price reflects the needed repairs. Use your findings to negotiate a lower price or ask the seller to address specific issues before closing the deal. If the seller is unwilling to negotiate on known problems, that's useful information. A checklist with detailed notes gives you confidence in your decision, whether you decide to buy, negotiate further, or walk away.
💡 Prevention Tips
- Print out a checklist or use a note-taking app on your phone to stay organized during the inspection.
- Take photos and videos of any issues you find—they'll be useful for negotiating or getting repair estimates.
- Test systems thoroughly—don't just turn things on for a few seconds. Run the AC for 10+ minutes, test the hot water, and drive the generator under load.
- Don't rush—a thorough inspection takes at least an hour, sometimes longer for larger rigs.
- If you're not comfortable evaluating systems yourself, bring an experienced RV owner or hire a mobile RV inspector to join you.
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