Buying a used RV

[flamesfan1297]

Hey guys I'm going to look at a used holiday trailer tomorrow, it's a 2000 kustom Koach, 25 ft long w/ no slides. The owner is asking $6500.

Anyone have any advice on what I should look for or any red flags on a used RV. I'm a first time buyer so not too sure. Feel free to link any other threads on this topic as I couldn't get the search function to work.

TIA

[Canehdianman]

Water leaks would be my primary concern. There was a thread where it was discussed last year I think... Maybe the camping thread?

[flamesfan1297]

Also, what would be the best way to pay for this trailer? Bank draft, certified cheque or straight cash?

[Canehdianman]

Originally Posted by flamesfan1297

Also, what would be the best way to pay for this trailer? Bank draft, certified cheque or straight cash?

Any of those are fine. Might be able to use EMT as well.

[calgarygringo]

Leaky roof is biggest thing. Look for water stains on ceiling. Check for soft spots. Same on floor look for soft spots from water leaks. Make sure to have the fridge fired up as they are expensive to fix or replace of it has an issue. Run furnace and pressure up with water and make sure pressure holds and water pump doesn't keep running or burping when pressured up. Sign of water leak somewhere. Check lights on trailer before you leave and make sure you have a battery on the trailer for the trailer brakes to work properly. Lots of other things you can do but there is a good start to common issue areas.

[Fuzz]

Don't forget to UV light sweep the bed area...and maybe the kitchen table.

[red sky]

Confirm it isn't stolen.

[MacDaddy77]

The people that bought my old one used Trave'lers RV inspections. I was there when he inspected it and he was very thorough.

Barry Roberts - 403-651-4500

[ken0042]

I would be inclined to pay for an inspection; especially if you are new to using one.

[undercoverbrother]

Originally Posted by red sky

Confirm it isn't stolen.

Which you can do by running a lien search at a registry. I think that will ping any stolen vehicle and as well as any liens.

[flamesfan1297]

Originally Posted by flamesfan1297

Also, what would be the best way to pay for this trailer? Bank draft, certified cheque or straight cash?

Decided to go with a bank draft for the majority of the price and then bring a bit of cash to negotiate with. What's the deal with insurance? Can I tow it home tonight without insurance on it?

[Minnie]

Originally Posted by flamesfan1297

Can I tow it home tonight without insurance on it?

You need to get a plate for it at registries. You don't have to have insurance on it to tow it home but you need the plate.

[Lubicon]

Originally Posted by flamesfan1297

Decided to go with a bank draft for the majority of the price and then bring a bit of cash to negotiate with. What's the deal with insurance? Can I tow it home tonight without insurance on it?

You will need a plate/registration but you do not require insurance for a trailer in Alberta to my knowledge. Liability is covered under your tow vehicle insurance unless you want additional insurance but that is not a legal requirement.

Edit - I see Minnie beat me to it with the answer.

[flamesfan1297]

Originally Posted by Minnie

You need to get a plate for it at registries. You don't have to have insurance on it to tow it home but you need the plate.

Okay thanks, I do have a plate already

[Locke]

Originally Posted by Fuzz

Don't forget to UV light sweep the bed area...and maybe the kitchen table.

Ignorance might be bliss on that score.

[MoneyGuy]

I started a thread last year on this topic, so you could search for one with my name. It was a few pages long. I can't search right now.

There are certified mobile RV techs. I know of one but it's too far from you unless your near St. Albert. I'm sure there are a few in your area. For sure get it inspected. There is lots that can go wrong.

[Hockeyguy15]

What are you planning on towing with?

[flamesfan1297]

Originally Posted by Locke

Ignorance might be bliss on that score.

Yeah I'd rather not know. Lol

Originally Posted by MoneyGuy

I started a thread last year on this topic, so you could search for one with my name. It was a few pages long. I can't search right now.

There are certified mobile RV techs. I know of one but it's too far from you unless your near St. Albert. I'm sure there are a few in your area. For sure get it inspected. There is lots that can go wrong.

Thanks, I actually looked at your thread last night. Lots of answers in there

Originally Posted by Hockeyguy15

What are you planning on towing with?

I have a 2017 GMC 1500. Trailer is 4600lbs

[ken0042]

If you don't end up getting an inspection, a few things to look for:

- put a good amount of water into the system and pressure test every hose. Basically run it like you are camping. Run each tap for various lengths of time.
- Check the ceiling for leaks, and get a ladder and look on the roof for leaks.
- Check the propane system. Furnace, water heater, fridge, stove. The fridge may take 15 minutes to get cold. Check the stove first to make sure there is pressure in the line. My fridge takes a lot longer to fire unless I run the stove first.
- Electrical. Bring a multimeter and check the battery before it has had a chance to charge. An almost dead battery having been charged for a while can still show over 12.5 volts. When charging on electrical power you should be getting 13.5 to 14.5 volts. Check every plug in and light fixture.
- Make sure you know the capacities of each tank; fresh, grey and black. Some trailers have odd tank sizes. For example, I've seen 50 gallon fresh, but only 20 gallons each of black/grey. Keep in mind that the fresh capacity listed by the manufacturer includes the 6 gallons of the water heater; which I consider cheating.
- check all doors and windows.
- get underneath. Look for signs of something being scraped, and for axles being bent. Trailer that old, ask when the last time the bearings were done.

[ken0042]

Originally Posted by flamesfan1297

I have a 2017 GMC 1500. Trailer is 4600lbs

That concerns me. What is the towing capacity of your truck? Has the seller actually weighed the trailer? Dry weight from the factory and actual weight can be very different. At the very least, have a weight distribution hitch.