Scoring a great deal on a pre-owned rig starts with a thorough inspection. Learning how to inspect a used RV before you buy helps you spot hidden water damage, tired appliances, sketchy wiring, and problems that can turn a bargain into a money pit.
Gather Your Tools and Set Expectations
Bring a bright flashlight, paper towels, a small step ladder, a plug-in outlet tester, a GFCI tester, a tire tread gauge, a moisture meter (optional but helpful), a notepad, and phone camera. Plan on at least 90–120 minutes for a bumper-to-bumper check. If anything feels off, get a second opinion from the techs at Daisy RV.
Do a Slow Exterior Walkaround
Sight down each side for waves or ripples that may indicate delamination. Check decals and paint for UV fade (years in full sun). Inspect the front cap and rear seams for stress cracks and sloppy sealant. Open every storage bay: sniff for musty odors and look for rusted fasteners or swollen wood.
Inspect the Roof Carefully
Safely get on the roof (if the manufacturer allows). Examine skylights, vents, A/C gasket, antennas, ladder mounts, and front/rear cap seams. Cracked or lifting sealant is a common source of leaks. Soft spots underfoot suggest water intrusion. If resealing or a roof report would help your negotiation, ask Daisy RV.
Evaluate Tires, Wheels, and Axles
Tire tread is less important than age—use the DOT code (four digits; week/year). Replace at 5–7 years regardless of tread. Look for sidewall checking, uneven wear (alignment or bent axle), and oil/grease at hubs (leaking seals). Spin each wheel for bearing noise and check lug torque.
Check the Frame and Underbelly
Look for rust scale, weld repairs, crushed crossmembers, and missing belly pans. Verify tank hangers are secure. Inspect brake wiring on trailers for chafe and poor splices. Confirm jacks/stabilizers extend smoothly without bent feet.
Slides, Windows, and Awnings
Run every slide fully in/out; listen for grinding or binding and look for asymmetry. Inspect slide toppers and primary awning for tears, seam separation, or mildew. Check window weep holes and seals for cracks; look for fogging in dual-pane glass.
Hunt for Water Intrusion Inside
Start by your nose—musty smells are a clue. Press gently at ceiling/wall corners, around roof vents, and below windows. Look inside cabinets, under the sink, at the shower pan, and around the toilet base. Stains, soft spots, or swollen trim = leverage or walkaway material.
Test the 120V Electrical System
Plug into shore power. Use an outlet tester to verify polarity and GFCI function. Run the microwave, A/C, and converter simultaneously to test load. Inspect the main panel for burnt smells or double-tapped breakers. A quality EMS/surge protector is wise for future trips.
Test the 12V and Battery Health
With shore power disconnected, operate lights, fans, and the water pump. Check battery voltage (12.6V+ rested for lead-acid; higher for lithium). Corroded lugs or mixed battery types are red flags. Confirm the converter/charger raises voltage properly when plugged in.
LP Gas and Appliances
Open cylinder doors and inspect pigtails and regulator. Perform a quick soapy water test on accessible fittings. Test stove, furnace, water heater (both gas and electric if available), and fridge on both AC and LP. Uneven flame color or persistent ammonia smell at the fridge rear = concern. If needed, schedule a certified LP inspection at Daisy RV.
Plumbing and Tanks
Connect city water with a pressure regulator. Confirm no leaks at faucets, P-traps, pump fittings, and water heater. Fill and run all drains; listen for the pump cycling when no water is open (leak sign). Verify tank monitor accuracy and that dump valves operate smoothly.
Drive or Tow Test
For motorhomes: check steering play, brake feel, transmission shifts, and temps. For towables: verify tongue weight, brake controller gain, and that the trailer tracks straight without sway. Any vibration, pull, or overheating needs attention.
Paperwork, Recalls, and Negotiation
Confirm matching VINs, lien status, and service records. Ask about roof reseal dates, tire age, and slide repairs. Use issues you find to negotiate price or require repairs prior to sale. If the seller resists a professional inspection, consider walking.
Thoroughly mastering how to inspect a used RV before you buy turns guesswork into confidence and helps you start camping on Day One—not wrenching.
