Sarge34
Texas
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Joined: 04/12/2012
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Hello everyone,
I finally got to a point in my life where the wife and I can travel. I want to buy a used class A.
Now my question is, what should I look for when inspecting an RV? The obvious that comes to mind is the roof and motor. Any particular RV company to ovoid? I realize that question is open for debate.
Thanks in advance for any help/advice.
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donn0128
Pronounced Ore-gun
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Joined: 04/21/2005
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Biggest thing as with any RV is a very thorough inspection checking for water leaks.
Donn,Lorri,Max (The Rescued Lab)
Resident Know It All 
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FormerBoater
South Florida
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Joined: 02/08/2009
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Here are a few that you should pay attention to IMHO:
-Cargo Carrying Capacity
-Large tankage (fuel, fresh water, waste tanks, propane)
-Redundant systems for heating, cooling and hot water
-Good acoustical and thermal insulation (dual pane windows)
-Large cargo doors with slide-out trays for ease of loading/unloading
-Large solar panel with trickle charge direct wired to the battery banks
-Floorplan and galley that the DW likes (if she wants an oven...look for an oven!)
There are many more, but the above have made our ownership experience very pleasant.
Next you need to figure out if you are going to be a driver or a sitter. If driving/traveling long distance is in your game plan find a unit that is a pleasure to drive (and there are many).
My 2 cents and have fun looking!
Dave
1998 American Eagle 40EVS
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gbopp
The Keystone State
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Joined: 08/03/2008
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FormerBoater gave some good advice. But, first check for leaks like donn0128 advised. A small leak can cause a lot of problems and damage.
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FormerBoater
South Florida
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gbopp wrote:FormerBoater gave some good advice. But, first check for leaks like donn0128 advised. A small leak can cause a lot of problems and damage.
X3 on NO LEAKS.
Look at all engine fluids, they should appear fresh even if it is a diesel!
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Sarge34
Texas
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Great advice. Thank you everyone!
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adrianl
Sammamish, WA
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If you have an opportunity, take it to a dealer that performs Sealtech leak detection and pay for the test.
http://www.rvleaks.com/locations.htm
Good Luck!
2005 32' Dolphin GM 8100 Allison 1000
Wife, 2 girls
Go Huskies!
KF7NDY - Yaesu FT-7900 Monitoring 146.52 while on the road.
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RayChez
Barstow, Ca. USA
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Joined: 09/13/2003
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Check the tires to see if the date is not more then five years, IF the date on the tires are over five years you will need new tires. Check for water leaks, check to see if you have double pane windows. Check the tires for unusual wear. But a coach that has an elevated chassis. You open the compartment doors you can see from one side to the other. Make sure your inverter/charger is working properly. Check you levelers to see if they work. Take it for a test drive and see if you like the suspension. Some ride pretty stiff. The more air bags the more things that can go wrong. Some coaches have up to ten air ride bags. Bags do go bad and start leaking. Some people like independent suspensions, others like the I beam with air ride. That is why I mention to take it for a test drive. If you buy a forty foot or bigger coach make sure it has at least a 400 hp engine. Under forty feet a smaller engine will do such as 300 and up diesel.
Get a side radiator if possible, they are easier to service the fan belts. check the fluids and service records to see if the coach has been maintain properly. Check the furniture for wear and tear.
And if everything checks out, go out and enjoy it.
Good luck.
2002 Gulf Stream Scenic Cruiser
330 HP Caterpillar
3000 Allison Transmission
Neway Freightliner chassis
2013 Honda CR-V EX
Aventa II
FMCA member
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Sarge34
Texas
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Thanks again everyone. Now gas or diesel?
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BIKERK9
Igo, CA
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Joined: 02/13/2009
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Read the Trailer Life Book available at Camping World titled "The RV Handbook"
4th Edition by Soleberg.
This will answer all your questions and is a MUST read for all Newbies.
As a veteran I found it helpful to me.
DoggyDaddy
2008 Damon Outlaw 37', WH-24, 8.1 GMC
Class A Toy Hauler
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