Buying any sort of recreational vehicle is a big investment. It’s going to take a toll on your wallet no matter which model you choose. If you’re looking for a more affordable option on the market, a used RV is the way to go! Once you narrow down your choices to pre-owned models, you’ve got some important steps to take to make sure you get the right rig for you. 

At Casa Grande RV Sales, we want you to be happy with your purchase. That’s why we created the following list of helpful tips for buying a used RV. Keep reading to learn more, and give us a call when you’re ready to look at used campers for sale. We are located in Casa Grande, Arizona near Chandler and Gilbert. We look forward to helping you find the camper of your dreams!

Do the Research

Before you ever visit a dealership, you should do some research. You should start by covering the basics that you normally would when looking for any kind of vehicle. This can include the size that best suits your needs as well as any features you want and what you’re comfortable driving or towing.

This will be a great starting point! Next, you can start looking at some used RVs for sale. One of the biggest advantages of buying pre-owned models is the amount of information you’ll have available to you. Check out what previous owners have to say about certain models. Manufacturers tend to roll out new upgrades to their trailers, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it improves performance. Looking at reviews will make you aware of any red flags that may indicate you should look at a different rig.

Ask Questions

When you find a used camper that you’re interested in, start asking questions. This is a big investment, so don’t feel bad about asking too many questions of the dealer or seller. It’s important to find out everything you need to know about a unit before you buy it. There’s nothing worse than buying a used RV and finding out there are plenty of electrical or mechanical issues. You should ask for a vehicle history. This will tell you if there have been previous repairs, maintenance, as well as the accident history. If the unit has a history of general upkeep, it’s probably in fairly good condition. A reputable dealer should have this information on hand.

Take a Test Drive

Like any other vehicle, you’ll want to take your used RV for a test drive. Whether this means driving a rig with an engine or towing it with your commuter vehicle, it’s important to make sure you’re comfortable driving with the camper. Try out different kinds of common driving situations like acceleration, braking, and turning. Even if there’s nothing technically wrong with the pre-owned model, if it doesn’t feel right, it’s not for you.

Inspection

Lastly, you should make sure to do two thorough inspections of whatever used RV you’re considering. First, do your own inspection. Do a quick once over on the inside of the rig. Then, start checking the cabinets, drawers, closet, furniture, and everything else. Be on the lookout for any water damage or other concerns. 

Next, have a second inspection done by a professional. This can be a great way to discover potential problems that you might have missed. It’s not uncommon to find used RVs with a little wear and tear, but you could be missing something big.

We hope this guide gives you a good idea of what to look for when buying a pre-owned camper! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at Casa Grande RV Sales in Casa Grande, Arizona. We proudly serve those in Chandler and Gilbert, and we can’t wait to help you find your home away from home!