John you are amazing!! We just bought our first R-Pod!!! Your videos have been so helpful!!! You truly have thought of everything imaginable to teach us!!! Your videos are so concise, well thought out, super informative and easy for the beginner to understand!! Thank you!!! So glad we came across you on RU-vid!!!
Thanks for the helpful video! If anyone would like a checklist: ENSURE WHAT TYPE OF TONGUE/CONNECTOR BEFORE ARRIVAL Undercarriage/frame Is front tongue free of damage Are tank hangers/pipes looking good Check tire age Inspect storage area - shows leakage Roof Look for bowing on roof Has there been a tarp on the trailer? Evidence for repairs? Check sealant down all seams of roof Floor Check for humps, squishy, raised areas on floor Move rugs if on floor Check for damage on subfloor underneath the trailer Interior Look for fresh paint indicating water damage Go to every window, vents, check for water damage Look for delamination of panel, indicates water damage CLOSELY Discoloration is normal around staple marks Interior Electronics Test devices BEFORE plugged into shore power to make sure battery is working and connected Tap on battery button on the control panel while plugged into shore to show charging TEST THERMOSTAT - is AC blowing cold, is refrigerator cold? Is AC fan blowing? Does furnace blow hot? Propane System Light stove Switch fridge over to propane. Listen to it - it will click a bunch attempting to light propane and stop once it’s lit Water Activate pump, test if water runs Activate water heater, you may/may not be able to hear it attempt to light. Hopefully you can hear it light and activate - test passed Test hot/cold on sink and shower Flush toilet Things to bring Ladder Gloves for moving stuff around Flashlight Nightlight or USB devices to check 120v plugs Lighter to light propane stove
Great information. My wife and I are looking to buy our first RV. We are considering buying something used first, is there any brand we should consider or stay away from? Thank you!
Anything of higher quality is usually very expensive. Oliver and Airstream come to mind. You should consider a certified RV inspector before buying any used RV. There is probably one in your area: nrvia.org
Del, That's one checklist I do not have currently. I need to get one together that ties to the video. For now, you may want to do a Google search for such a checklist. Thanks!
Thank you John. This was helpful as I'm going to be doing RV inspections for buyers. Now I'll be better equipped to perform these inspections. Could you recommend a good USB power converter and flashlight? I am assembling my tools for car and RV inspections.
JDM, I’m glad the video was helpful. I do not have any recommendations on a USB power converter, but I do really like the Foxelli brand rechargeable LED headlights. Here is a link if interested: amzn.to/3jNxTmU
Kurt, I just checked this out and you indeed can charge from the USB port on the Jensen stereo both if plugged into shore power and on battery only. Thanks for the question!
Thanks for the thorough explanation. Just thinking about going from tent camping to rv. Getting to old to set up the tent and would love to extend our season.
Thank you for the very thorough checklist. We’re looking to buy a used travel trailer soon, and would like to hire someone to help us inspect it. What’s the best way to find such a person? Will a dealership’s service dept typically do inspections?
You may want to look up a local RV mobile repair person. They are usually skilled on various issues and some may be willing to inspect the used RV for you at a price.
