Tips to Help You Avoid Buying a Lemon RV

If you’re thinking about buying an RV to take that cross-country trip of your dreams, you have undoubtedly come across a number of options -- including used RVs. While it is true that buying a used RV can help you save a large amount of cash, it is important to know what to look for in order to avoid buying a lemon.

According to RV Share, the following tips should prove to be quite helpful as you begin your search for a quality RV. Water can definitely be the root of all evil when it comes to turning an RV into a lemon. That said, use these tips to know what to look for during your inspection of the vehicle.

Thoroughly Check the Ceiling of the RV

Prior to purchasing an RV, be sure to look for signs of leaks in the ceiling. If you see brown spots, those are typically signs of leakage. Also, if a portion of the ceiling is sunken or falling down, that may indicate a leak. While it is true that ceiling damage can always be repaired, there is a high possibility that many more issues may be located after the ceiling has been removed. In a used RV, such problems might not be worth the extra added expense.

Closely Inspect the Floors of the RV

Definitely make sure you check all points where the floor and walls meet -- again, brown spots in such areas may indicate a leakage problem. RV Share also suggests that you “jump up and down in a few spots” to ensure the floor is sturdy and stable. If the flooring has a lot of give, that may be a sign of rotting or other damage.

Watch Out for Mold

Mold inside the RV is also another indicator of leakage or water issues. As you inspect the walls and floors, make sure you do not see signs of mold. Specifically, be sure to check all corners, as well as the caulk around the fixtures in the bathroom and kitchen areas. Also make certain to open all doors and cabinets to check for mold. RV Share notes that if the cabinet or closet doors feel warmer than the rest of the RV, chances are that mold is growing inside.

Check All Screws and Exterior Trim

If a screw is corroded or rusting, that may be a tell-all sign of water starting to creep in. Likewise, if you see corrosion underneath exterior trimmings, that might also be a sign of a water issue.

Never Buy Sight Unseen and Always Buy From a Reputable Reseller

Even with so many ways to purchase goods online or over the phone, it is never a good idea to buy an RV (especially a used one) without seeing and walking through it first. If a seller is attempting to pressure you to complete the transaction quickly without a walkthrough, you might want to think twice and simply walk away from that particular deal.

Without conducting an inspection, you will never know if you’re getting a lemon or not. That said, if you’ve never bought an RV or are a bit concerned about what you should be looking for prior to your purchase, working with a reputable dealer may prove to be quite beneficial -- and may save you thousands in the long run.

If you believe you may have purchased a lemon RV, do not hesitate to contact a California lemon law attorney today.