The more the inspection of your future RV will be careful, the more chances you will avoid further problems, big or small.
Appearance test
From tires up to rooflights (bring a stool or small ladder!), here's everything you need to check, starting with water-resisting properties:
Profiles junction of walls: They are susceptible to water infiltration. Ditto for the angles. Check the elasticity of putty and its good spreading under all aluminium profiles.
Sealing possible holes: If accessories such as blinds or cycle racks have been removed, make sure the holes for attachment have been properly resealed.
Underbody: It should show no trace of impact.
The roof and rooflights: Verify that the roof was not perforated (branches, hail) and the skylights are sealed once closed. Hence the usefulness of a stool that the seller will not probably have at hand.
Joint levers: With the levers that you must be necessarily provided with the caravan, make sure the joint levers unfold and fold without forcing.
Jacks: They shall be free of cracks or ruptures and the tread should make sculptures deep enough. Attention: tires wear off even without rolling. If the RV was stationed long enough resting on its tires, their disks will likely be distorted. Ideally, and whatever the mileage, the motorhome tires should be changed every five years.
The safety of gas cylinders: The key must be available and the trunk must lock and unlock easily. Take the opportunity to verify the abscence of traces of moisture on the trunk floor.
Signal lights: Ask the RV seller to tow his trailer to his car or, better still, hitch it to your own car (if you came with a vehicle equipped with a hitch!). Check operation of all lights (stop, turn signals, marker lights, fog light, plate light).
The coupling head: Coupling and uncoupling must be done without difficulty. Check the operation of the wheel and no traces of oxidation on the electrical outlet.
Inspecting inside
Entrance: The lock shall operate properly. Once closed, the door should let no light inside.
The walls: Tap them in various places especially in the corners. A softer "consistency" is a sign of water infiltration.
Closets: Check the proper lock of their doors and look inside, which should show no trace of moisture.
Skylights: They must open and close properly. The perimeter must be rigorously dry.
Apertures: Opening and closing must be done without force. Warning, if the walls bordering the apertures are soft, that there was water infiltration.
Pillows and mattresses: Lift them all to detect any traces of moisture. Remove the ticks, the inside should be neither wet nor distorted.
Devices: Test the proper operation of all equipment, gas for cooker, gas and electricity for the refrigerator and heating.
Toilets: Check the operation of chemical toilets and water drain the sink and shower. Finally, make sure the water is hot ... hot!
We also strongly recommend you to check JC Whitney shop for RV parts and accessories available - chances are you'll strike your best deal!
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