Buying A Used Motorhome - Dont Make These Mistakes 

I won a bid on a 10 year old Class A. The photos made it look like brand new condition. I told the seller that I would be flying to Boston, Mass. the very next day. He kept insisting that I put 50% down so he would "hold" the motorhome for me. I repeated that he would see me in person the very next day, so i wouldn't be making a 50% down payment. I got to Boston the next day and took a cab the 45 miles west to the seller's town. He wouldn't give me his residence address, but he said that he'd pick me up at a local McDonalds restaurant, which he did. We drove to a sort of unofficial storage lot next to an old apartment house. There it was, the Class A, but it didn't look even remotely like the advertisement photos. It had faded paint, body damage, missing parts obviously from hitting something. Inside looked like an oil drilling crew never cleaned their boots off before coming inside. Everything was dirty, a real pig pen. I commented that the photos didn't represent the true condition of the vehicle, and that I wouldn't be purchasing the vehicle. He commented that "it wouldn't take much to fix it up," which was a lie. I commented that if it wouldn't take much, why didn't he do it? I flew back to Reno, Nv the next day, and filed a complaint with EBay. A week later that same Class A was being advertised on EBay again with the same photos that were probably taken when the motorhome was brand new. The ad disappeared the next day. I've always wondered if a sucker paid in advance and bought it sight unseen, or if EBay pulled the ad?

THANK YOU for explaining how to read the code on the tires!!! I've been watching RV videos for over a year now and you're the first one to do that. They all say it's doable, but no one ever explains HOW. LOL

Dan Jones I have had 3 RV over 40yrs of RVing and all your recommendations are spot on. I sold my 20 yr old Itasca 31T late 2018 after looking for 2+ years for a specific floorplan and a newer unit, wanted something 3-5 years old. I found three, missed out on 2 of them and the third one i worked a deal. I flew down to the RV dealer in Louisianan and spent 3+ hours looking over the rig VERY CAREFULLY, (without the sales or tech person) and driving it prior to any paperwork. They ever offered me let me stay in the RV overnight to make sure i loved it prior to actually paying for it. It's helpful that i have been in RV's all my life. So it turned out perfect for me. Price was within the NADA you noted, miles were low for the year, had all the maintenance records and the exact floorplan i demanded. So if you do your homework there are quality RV out there but you need to take your time, know what your looking for. Thanks for the video and the great information...... chuck the music..

I flew to Phoenix from Tulsa for a Class B. All looked good until I was on the road. Had to buy a new generator battery and get the generator fixed. They propane stopped working and the canapy is broken. I also needed new tires, tune up and oil change. Oh, and I had trouble with the title. But all in all..... I have it 3 months and it probably will be needing a transmission within a year. Learned my lesson BIG time.

I enjoyed your video and you brought up a number of very important points indeed. However, I would personally have emphasized more on another VERY IMPORTANT aspect of purchasing a motorhome that I see so many dealers and private sellers simply don't want to discuss. that would be the " MECHANICAL CONDITION " . Bad (ball joints, torque twisted drive shafts, bad brakes systems, rear ends and wheel bearings, just to mention a few of the things that can add up to thousands of $$$$$ to repair if they need to be replaced. I would demand either the seller produce paper work showing the mechanical condition is in good condition or I would demand the motorhome be put on a hoist and a qualified mechanic inspect everything possible. A test drive that showed vibrations present at any speed could be a lot more than just a tire out of balance. Bottom line is the MECHANICAL CONDITION is an absolute must that must be determined before buying!! Thank you

Great video. I live in the Northeast and was looking at a 2016 Class A in the mid West. I hired an NRVIA certified inspector who did a very brief but thorough inspection of the motorhome to rule out first any water intrusion. If that passed, I asked the inspector to perform a fluid analysis of the engine, transmission, generator and coolant. If that passed, I was going to fly down to look at the motorhome myself. If I liked it, I was going to hire the NRVIA inspector again to perform a complete inspection. If that passed, I would purchase and drive home. Well it turned out that the motorhome was a repo first off and it had many areas of water intrusion! It was the best $100.00 I spent in a long time and this NRVIA inspector saved me a ton on money and time! Do your homework and have an NRVIA inspector look it over. It is worth the $$$$$$! Our search continues! Happy New Year!

A very informative video-I gave it a 'thumbs up', but as mentioned by others, on your next video leave out the music.

Had one class c r I was interested in about 3 hours from me. The pics were awesome...they were of the same model but not that RV itself. Didn't know that until I got there. Guy got mad at me when I brought the pic discrepancies with to his attention. He said, "everyone does that"...bs. It had leaks with floor damage. Really, that trip costed me about $230.00 with gas and hotel. Could've cost me a lot more buying it 2sight unseen. Be carefu, scammers and crooks come in all shapes and sizes.

We found our 2014 Winnebago Sightseer 35G at a large dealer in Ocala, Florida last summer. After several phone calls discussing purchase price and receiving a guarantee via fax, we put down a 100% refundable deposit and flew to Florida from Illinois. The salesman kept telling us what a clean, well maintained unit it was, "the nicest rig on the lot, everything works". I spoke with the salesman prior to boarding the plane to ensure the unit would be ready for pick up the next day, assuming we completed the purchase. He stated he was coming in on his day off to make sure it was "polished up and ready to go". Arriving at the dealership the MH was plugged in and still wet from being washed. The slides were extended, every light was on, an thankfully, both air conditioners were on. The fridge was cool, the stove and water heater worked. All the basement compartments were open and very clean. But, the interior had not been cleaned. There was dog fur in every corner, something that looked like ketchup splattered on the back splash and wall next to the sink. Two of the day/night shades were all the way down and would not retract. The bathroom sink had a huge defect from a curling iron. Inside the dryer was someones sock. I asked to speak to Fred, the salesman we had dealt with by phone, and who promised to be there that day. I was told it was his day off. I asked to speak to the manager. He appeared within minutes and promised to have his crew clean the interior and guaranteed, in writing, to have a new sink and 2 new day/night shades "drop shipped" to us in Illinois. I have owned multiple campers and motorhomes and felt comfortable replacing the sink and shades. In compensation the manager filled the gas tank ($150) on our test drive. While completing the paperwork I noticed it was a consignment sale. I asked if the owners lived locally and was told it was a repossession and was being sold for the bank. That bothered me a little, but explained the condition of the interior. It had less than 12000 miles on the odometer and only 60 hours on the generator and drive great. It seemed like they were trying to hide the repossession issue. We stayed 2 nights in Destin on the way home and another in Kentucky. The only issue we had was discovering the house batteries were toast. We got a sink delivered 3 weeks later, wrong size and thin plastic. I called and asked for a factory replacement. I got another thin plastic sink that barely fit. I installed it anyway. Eight months and many, many calls later we have not gotten our shades, despite having it in writing in our contract. All we hear is promises to follow up by whichever manager is working that day. We got a great price on the unit and are very happy with it. If I ever did this again I would take the time to have repairs done before leaving the lot. Once your gone, they don't care.

Your stuff is always short, sweet and informative. I never feel like I waste my time viewing your videos.

A very informative vid. However, why do people think they always have to have all that annoying music in the background? If your doing a video on how-to or to inform, can the music.

We bought a 22 year old Class A motorhome in 11/20 from the previous owner of the RV. Bought it out of state, but only 1-2 hour drive. Went and inspected it, 34 foot Holiday Rambler diesel pusher. I had a great experience solely due to the previous owner, he had all receipts of what he did, and from previous owners before him, and he walked me around and all thru the motorhome and explained to me everything he worked on or repaired/replaced in the 5 years he owned it. To my advantage the diesel motor was replaced with a brand new motor just before he bought it, so the coach has 60k miles on it, but the motor only has 25k. I was also informed that the next project would be if he were to keep it - replace/update engine cooling system. I did replace the radiator (which was needed and I was informed) my self which cost me approx $1,100 ( I understand having that job done cost approx $5,000 ). So far everything I was told has been right on the money and we are going to go on our first trip the end of May. I agree with your 5 things and also agree with what others have said about mechanical condition of the unit. My wife's requirement list was short: clean, not tore up, and walk around bed. My requirement list was: diesel, built on truck frame, and mechanical condition of the unit.

I live in WI and flew myself out to Florida. I had the MH inspected by a third party and was sent pictures and a report before I decided to purchase (500 deposit to hold with written agreement of refund if I did not purchase). I had spent 6 months looking and I decided on a diesel Foretravel. The dealer in Florida had made many videos on this same subject as this one so I felt somewhat comfortable. They stress tested the MH and found my refrigerator needed to be replaced, oil leaking in the transfer case, transfer switch wasn't transferring the 110 properly. They replaced the refrigerator with a 2 year old refrigerator they had, tuned up the Onan generator, replaced the transfer switch with a rebuilt, and replaced the transfer case. They also sent me off with a full tank of diesel fuel. I drove it back 1200 miles and everything went fine except the windshield wipers were bad so I replaced those on the way home. I put it in storage for the winter (no oil leaks!) but my first time to run the generator to charge the batteries I noticed my TSwitch was not kicking in the 110. Had to get this looked at and found that I needed the contacts de-corroded and rechecked then in the inspection found the rebuilt transfer switch was not working properly. I had put aside a large bit of money for repairs due to it being a 1991 but $898 now into repairs. Over all, I felt the dealer did everything to make sure I had a safe and worry free trip. I believe if you purchase an older MH, make sure you put aside at least $6,000 for any issues.

Matt, I haven't found my used Class C yet, but when I'm looking I feel confident that I can check it out to find anything wrong and to make sure a mechanic looks for the right things, as much as possible. You are the man. Thanks Grambo

I learned the hard way about soft spots and leaking roofs. On my first preowned class A. I fixed it all and enjoyed it for many years. I will definitely look closely at my next purchase.

Very helpful information but very difficult to hear the narrative over the music.

When I have sold I was told not to tell too much but I am not like that. I will go into every little detail of what I think is wrong and noticed. I will leave no stone left untouched. I am a firm believer what comes around goes around. But we all know that is not the case with everybody and I have seen that in looking for another one for myself.

I wish I would have seen this video 6 months ago!!!! My Money Literally went up in Flames and my children and I almost lost our lives. I am just working on my credit to purchase a NEW one or no less than 3 years old. Great video! You are great at this ✨😍🌹🐝™️

A family member gave me an older used motor that looked very good. It was registered in a state that had no safety inspection requirements. Once I drove back to my state that does have a required safety inspection, it cost me thousands to get it to pass the safety inspection before I could register it.

Been through a lot of dealers. No used mh dealer makes needed repairs prior to purchase. Only items found prior to purchase (inspection) may be repaired. None after. Make sure you find faults before the signature.

yes I went out of state and bought my first RV, and I can tell you that I didn't know what I was doing, I had to replace all the contaminated emergency brake fluid and new pads, luckily I wasn't far from a repair shop that actually had a motor coach lift. then I found my self replacing the circuit braker box and then I discovered that I had to replace the inverter and the relay switch box. later I had to replace the air conditioning covers and on and on and on.

You brought up great points for a newbie soon to be buyer, thanks I enjoyed watching you!

Flew from Tennessee to Houston Tx to buy our first motorhome from PPL. That was five years ago and we couldn't be happier. We had done our homework and the people at PPL were fantastic. They did not pressure us and were very helpful. They provided accurate information and allowed us to make the decisions. If we ever buy another RV it will be through PPL.

These are great tips. I bought a used car thinking that I know what I was doing. I didn't. Now, do that with a motorhome and that would have cost me a LOT more.

Thanks Matt. Great information. We are trying to educate ourselves.

Awesome info Matt. Thank you!

Thank you! I appreciate that you get to the point!!

I almost did the fly and drive.. thanks for the tip it happened at the RV show

We really enjoyed the tips and this has made me very cautious and noticing everything as we are looking for an RV. Looked at one recently. The pictures looked great but one entire side was delaminated and bulging to the point the strip of metal was standing out 1/2 inch in spots. You could see the water damage on the roof also inside a couple of places. The seams had obvious gaps along many of them so there was no telling how much more damage there was. Otherwise the inside of the RV looked good but I discovered there was a major soft spot on the floor not far inside the door. That was a no go.

Here is my tip... Learn to do your own RV maintenance and use a good car maintenance management program ( I use Automotive Wolf car care software ) to track and monitor it all. It also tracks all my parts, expenses and creates a detailed vehicle maintenance log. After RV'ing for over 10 years I've saved thousands by doing most of the maintenance myself and there is a lot of it on an RV! A small roof leak can cost you thousands in repairs so I check my roof at least twice a year. Keep on top of the maintenance and you'll save money and be RV'ing for years :)

we just found your channel today have watched several of your videos. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge. These videos are most helpful, including those where you review specific motor homes.

I flew from VA to TX to buy a motorhome from an individual. We did a zoom call with the seller prior to making the purchase, checked repair receipts, warranties. Then rolled the dice and funded the purchase through our bank (bank inspected it too). We flew to TX and drove it 1,500 miles home. Kind of risky, I know. But it was the best 2017 Thor Aria 3901 currently available nationwide....we had to take the risk and go grab it before somebody else did.

Very informative. I would add a number one before all the rest of the good stuff you said: 1. Determine what type of RV you want and what layout is best for you. If you haven't traveled in several RVs before, i.e. rent them first, then you really don't know what you really want.

Thank you for doing this video, Matt! Great info! 😀

This video has been so helpful thank you!!!

Very informative. Thank you

Love your honesty

Great video! Thanks for sharing this great information.

Question Of The Day? Have you bought a RV out of state? How was your experience?

I am in the process of purchasing a new gas motorhome. The video was very good and much of what I expected.

At 2:45 you mention looking for soft spots on the floor. Just recently I was looking over a Holiday Rambler and when I went to feel for soft spots, my foot almost went through the floor right behind the passenger seat. Point being- your information is very sound!

Excellent content Matt!

Thanks for the info! We are new to full time Rvling.

Great advice dealing with NADA blue book!

I loved your video Matt and your honesty 👍

Thx for the great information and the hip tracks!

I am looking at buying a diesel pusher sometime in the next 6 months and I have thought about how to deal with out of state RV's. If you have a regular car or a small truck you can drive to the dealership and inspect the RV. If you like it and want to buy then as long as the RV has a receiver hitch (most do or you can have one installed) then you can rent a U-Haul car dolly / trailer and pull your car back home behind the RV on the trailer.

I bought a 2020 Keystone travel trailer from a RV dealer here in San Antonio. Signed and thought the deal was done. We did the walkthrough and all was great. Beautiful inside and out. As the lot was not ready yet, they said I could leave it there at no charge and so I was glad about that. so I made a deal with them at the time of purchase. The day came for delivery, I called them up and asked if I needed to be there when the transport guy was to hook up. They said NO and that everything was fine that the transport was set for delivery. So, I said ok. About 4 hours later my RV had arrived at lot that I had rented. As I was getting out of my car I looked and I'm like OMG! You've got to be kidding me? The RV had holes in it. Front to back on both sides. The front awing was broken off and holes on the front door latch area. At the top by the awning was holes. The light on side was broken off. The back rear on the other side was scratched from top to bottom. The light where the scrapes were was broken off. And I could go on.. I called the dealership and told them what I had just received. and that I was taking pictures of all the damages. They said to send them the pictures and see what I was talking about. Luckily I took pictures when I did my 1st walkthrough and after as well. The driver was smart too because he took film before he left the dealership. Anyway, I went straight back to the dealership and it turns out when talking to the salesmen, he admitted that him and another salesmen knew about the damage to the back light and they tried to fix it with black tar. They NEVER admitted to anything about any of the other damages they had done while it was sitting on their lot. It took them about 8 days to pick it back up. I have been calling and nothing yet. It has been months now and nothing has been done yet. They did call last week and said they did NOT have an ETA when the parts were even coming in. I am in a stump mode and am paying monthly payments for something that I don't even have. I don't have my RV and NOW I don't have the lot. They couldn't hold it! I also found out that when I DO get it back, I will only have a few months IF ANY to have a warrantee left on it. I wish I knew what to do without spending more money out of pocket.. I am wondering if when I do get it back will the Title be a salvage title?

Only about 2 hours from us! North central Florida is very nice, not too far from the parks and St Augustine! Let me know when you start and we’ll come up and take a look around! Looking for a class A diesel but not in a hurry, spending time researching them.

Good video! I flew from Iowa to Florida for a used RV from a 3rd party. We were very lucky! It was in great shape!!!

Found the video AND the comments useful. So engrossed, didn't even notice the music . . . much. 😄

Great great video. Thank you for good tips for buy used one.

In process of getting a class a RV this month locally near Hot Springs Arkansas. First time buyer. Checking nada prices. Thanks for the video.

Great video, too much music distraction.

Great information to think of, thank you for making this video. 😊

So much ch great information,I’m wanted buy a used rev so this was helpful

Great video! Thank you. I haven't purchased...yet. Need to wait until Uncle Sam transfers me back to the USA. I *almost* purchased a TT the week before my orders arrived. Good thing I held off...I was sent to Europe. That would have been 5 years, and counting, of long-term storage.

🙏🙏🙏 very nice of you to share this information with us. Appreciate you Brother

Thanks, just starting the journey. Very useful info.

Excellent tips Matt

Great Video Matt keep it up

Love your show Matt! Could you also mention hiring a reputable RV inspection person to go through an RV 6:53 that the buyer is serious about buying? Especially helpful for 1st time buyers. Thanks Matt ❤

1. Loving your videos there to the point and precise. 2. Perfect timing as I am researching before I buy a use Rexhall. 3. Agree, with earlier comment, music is too loud too distracting. Thank you

I really like this version of presentation from you the best! Probably has something to do with the information I' m looking for, but much better content and much More real! Thanks

Thank you. You are so sincere. Subscribed. Oh and I think I will buy a van and convert it my self. I will know what went in and how to fix it.

Ok. This good video. I'm giving a thumb up. Love the info

So happy we found your channel! We are in the market to purchase our very first motor coach and holy cow there is a lot to learn. I really enjoyed your video and along with the thumbs up, I also became a new subscriber. My only complaint is the background music. Perhaps something softer ? Better yet, no background music at all? Thank you for your informative commentary.

Matt, this was great and so different from you current videos. You should do updates of these. You'll see ME next time.

Matt I watched your video and thought it was really good. I didn't pay attention to the music. After reading thr comment I'd get rid of it because it bothered enough people to do it anyway

Just bought a great 1995 Gulfstream Sunsport Class A in Florida while on vacation. Unbelievable condition. Great find but always make it passing a full mechanical inspection part of the purchase agreement. If anything comes back with a significant expense, you can back out or negotiate a better price to take of the repairs.

Thanks Matt very helpful

I wish u lived closer. These videos help and we narrowed down what we want thru watching. Thank You!!

Excellent stuff! Thanks!

This video helped us out a lot. Great information! Very great work Matt!! I assume a lot of these items still pertain to Camper Vans but anything specific for Class Bs? If at all.

Great information!!!

Great advice thanks

What's with the music pollution?

Very helpful. Thank you!

Found when you show the NADA book to the RV dealer they just laugh at you and when you trade in the RV that is one of the first thing they show you to drive down the price you want for your RV on trade.

Thank you 🙏. Great video

Great information. I like your presentation style more in this older video than your current style.

Very helpful video. Thank you.

Thank you. This was great input.

Thanks. That's good info.

Thank you Matt 👍🏽 love you Brother

Bought a used class C from a local couple a few years ago and just bought a class A the same way. Both were listed for sale by owner in RVtrader places. Tried to go see a local unit listed by a major company that "helps you sell" but they gave us a run around about offers on the table and we needed to make an offer before we could see it, blah blah. I see the unit after 2 weeks is still listed for sale so I don't know what "offers" the owner had!

Great video!

Hey there Matt! We are going to plan to visit your dealership in about two weeks. I will look for you!

Great info..we have found an rv we love..I'm thinking we still gotta be careful..who wants someone else's problems..lol

Good info. Thanks. Fyi for later.. turn the music down. You need to be louder than the music, not the other way round. Made it very difficult for me to understand you.

I'm glad I found your channel. Do you do videos about buying used 5th wheels and travel trailers? We are going to buy either an RV or Trailer this fall.

Thank u for the information 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽❤❤

I bought a used 2013 Fleetwood Bounder 35k out of state. The asking price was good so it interested me. Unfortunately after I made the purchase I had to replace all of the upholstery to the tune of $6k Fleetwood Industries wouldn’t do anything about blaming the defect on Flexsteel. The seating got continually worse that I had no choice but to replace it. Fortunately the reupholster did a magnificent job. It looks better than new. When I went to get it inspected for licensing it wouldn’t pass inspection since several of the tires were dry rotted-another $3k!! The good deal purchase price was negated by the money I had to invest in it. I’m happy now with the coach but buyer beware.

I went out of county to buy a camper trailer. 1989 17 foot single axle. $1,200. I called and told him I wanted it to strip out the, kitchen and dining. We wanted it to make into an office with a bathroom and AC. He told me he already removed the dining and half of the kitchen to rebuild it but health problems forced him to move into an Apartment. It had like new tires about two years old. The bathroom works, the black water and drain system works, the AC works, the hot water heater works. He told me it had a leak to the left of the door about 6 inches from the back wall, but he caught it early on and sealed the roof with rubber coating. I did not care as I grew up in a residential construction family. We mostly did homes but a few times we did camper trailers. I am very happy with the buy. I could have called some of the RV centers within 200 miles to buy one to strip out, but I am sure they would have wanted $2,500 or more. My son and I also do welding so we are going to weld a new extended tongue onto the front of the trailer to add a steel construction lock job site box(we will be leaving the existing tongue). I pushed on the outside of the camper and on the inside walls and ceiling. Only two small soft spots on the ceiling. The trailer will be remodeled and go out to our 5 acres to be parked next to a temporary raised camping platform/deck and under an RV Port, while we build our driveway and camping sites. We got it home, washed it out with Lysol, stripped up the linoleum, then washed again with warm water. Let it dry for a week. We already sanded the inside and primed it with oil based primer. Primed and painted the floor. The floor will get tiled carpet after the removal of the kitchen and new desk/counters go in. The video was very good and pretty much spot on.😃👍

To bad for my wife and I, we didn’t see this video before we bought our Winnebago. We took delivery on March 25, 2022 and it’s been pretty much the whole time at the dealership. I’ve made payments to store it with nothing to store. I’ve made loan payments for nothing to use, this has been the worst buying experience of any product for us. And for the icing on the cake, it’s still at the dealership.

Nice job. Thank you sir.

Great info!!!!!

Great advice

Thank you so very much - you have saved me thousands. God bless you 🙏