– Original date: 2020-03-02
– Labels: Camper, Travel, US

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Greetings and Woofs,

One of the most important steps to going full time is looking at all the different types of RV’s and campers that are available. After all you wouldn’t buy a car without looking at it and an RV/Camper is no different. You never want to be sold a lemon. This blog should help you on your trip.

Now that you’ve chosen what kind of RV you want to live in, you have a rough idea of what you want, but now you need to find it. Where are you going to look? Several websites and resources can help.

• Camping World
• Local Dealerships
• RV Trader 
• Newspapers or Magazines
• Craigslist
• eBay*
• Facebook groups/marketplace

*Make sure it is within driving distance. Don’t bid/buy without first looking t it or driving it. You’ll most likely be ripped off/grossly overpay.

If you’re like me and never owned an RV before then, you run the risk of falling into traps. Yes, this RV looks nice but when you get it down the street, it overheats because the water pump is bad. Or maybe there is an issue with leakage in the roof because you didn’t check the seals or ask when the last time it was serviced.

An inspection checklist would help significantly in this area and because I am ridiculously extra in my research (I have anxiety) I have created one. My first one wasn’t that great. I missed a lot of things. But the one I have for a free download has been perfected with experience. You can feel reassured after using that you will not forget questions to ask or areas to inspect! I made it generalized so that it can be for any motorhome, camper or 5th wheel so even if you’re between two different types of living space then you’re still able to use it.

RV/CAMPER INSPECTION CHECKLIST – FREE PDF DOWNLOAD

You will also want to bring the following items with you when you inspect a unit:

• Clipboard
• Tape Measure
• Level
• Flashlight
• Towel
• Multi-tool or small screwdrivers
• Phone Charger with Wall Plugin (to test electrical outlets)

Your mind will be racing with possibilities when you think you’ve found “the one.” This checklist will keep you grounded, so you do not get caught up in the excitement. When all else fails to remember:

The best time to buy an RV is at the end of September or beginning of October. Last years models will be onsale, it’s way past camping season in most of the US and those salemen want a very nice check for Christmas time so they will not only be itching to get last years models off the lot but be willing to cut a deal so they have some kind of commission.

You’ll want to look for a few things specifically.

Check the usual spots for signs of water damage – Ceilings, Floors and Corners. Look for bowing or brown spots. These are normal indications of water damage. Stomp around on the floor and check for soft spots. Press on the areas surrounding the windows – does it feel soft or squishy?

Double check the bathroom and kitchen areas where water usage is normal. These are often where mold and other issues tend to occur first.

Make sure to open EVERY cabinet and drawer (flashlight!). It should be clean and dry. I went to a Camping World and looked at a Class C RV and when I opened the kitchen drawers there were mouse turds. I opened the cabinet under the sink and there was Mickey, long past his expiration date. The salesman hadn’t even looked at the unit. It was clear it had no be winterized or even cleaned. I knew more about the unit than Camping World did.

If you can, get onto the roof of the camper. Walk around on it. Besides the usual fear of falling off, do you feel like you’re going to fall through? If so, climb down and walk away. If you feel safe and sturdy then it is a good sign that the roof is in good condition.

Bust out that towel and your flashlight because the next thing you’ll want to do is crawl underneath the unit and check it out. Do you see rust? Holes? Anything that looks shady?

If it is motorized you’ll want to go for a drive. Listen for all possible problems. If possible, drive it to a mechanic or bring someone who is mechanically savvy with you to inspect it.

You’ll also want to make sure the unit is hooked up to an electrical outlet and a water supply to check the hoses, tanks and outlets.

There is so much more than what is written here, in fact it’s pretty overwhelming. Seriously, my free printable RV and Camper Inspection Checklist is 7 pages long and I even had to go pretend to look at a camper just to make sure I wasn’t forgetting anything! Do not be alarmed. If you fill it out and go slow you’ll be fine and this will help you make a well informed decision before you sign your life away and purchase your first RV.

With love and paw prints,
Essie and Willow
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