Buying a Used RV: What to Actually Inspect Before You Sign
The used RV market is full of good deals and expensive mistakes. The difference between the two usually comes down to what you looked at — and what you missed — before handing over the money.
This guide covers the inspection checklist we use when evaluating consignment units. Use it whether you're buying from us or anywhere else.
Start with the Roof
The roof is where most RV problems start and where most buyers don't look. Water intrusion from a failing roof seal can cause damage that takes months to show up inside — soft floors, delaminating walls, mold behind cabinets.
Get up there (safely) and look for:
- Cracks or gaps in the sealant around any roof penetrations: vents, AC unit, antennas, skylights
- Soft spots — press gently across the roof surface; soft areas indicate water damage underneath
- Discoloration or staining around seams
- Condition of the EPDM rubber (if applicable) — it should be uniform in color and free of cracks
A roof that hasn't been resealed in 2–3 years is not automatically a dealbreaker, but it's a negotiating point and a near-term maintenance item.
Check the Floor for Soft Spots
Walk the entire floor with purpose. Soft spots — areas that flex or feel spongy underfoot — indicate water damage, usually from a roof leak, a plumbing leak, or a slide-out seal failure.
Pay special attention to:
- Around the toilet and shower
- Under the kitchen and bathroom sinks
- Near the entry door
- Around any slide-outs
A small soft spot can be repaired. A large one means the subfloor has been compromised and the repair cost can be significant.
Test Every System
This takes time. Do it anyway.
Electrical:
- Shore power connection (30-amp or 50-amp)
- All interior lights
- All outlets (bring a phone charger)
- AC unit — run it for at least 10 minutes
- Furnace — run it
- Water heater — both electric and propane modes
- Generator — start it and run it under load
Plumbing:
- Fresh water pump — turn it on and run every faucet
- Hot water — verify it actually gets hot
- Toilet flush and seal
- Gray and black tank gauges (they're often inaccurate, but they should respond)
- Check under all sinks for any signs of prior leaks
Propane:
- Stove burners — all of them
- Oven
- Furnace (covered above)
- Check propane connections for any smell of gas
Inspect the Slide-Outs
If the unit has slide-outs, extend and retract each one. They should move smoothly without grinding or hesitation. Look at the seals around the slide when it's extended — they should be intact and making full contact.
Check the floor inside the slide-out for soft spots. Slide-out seal failures are one of the most common sources of water damage in RVs.
Look at the Tires
RV tires age out before they wear out. A tire with 20% tread remaining but 7 years of age is a liability. Look for the DOT date code on the sidewall — the last four digits are the week and year of manufacture (e.g., 2319 = 23rd week of 2019).
Most RV tire manufacturers recommend replacement at 5–7 years regardless of tread depth.
Review the Maintenance History
Ask for it. A seller who has records is a seller who maintained the unit. Look for:
- Oil changes (on motorhomes)
- Roof resealing dates
- Any major repairs and what caused them
- Generator service
No records doesn't mean the unit wasn't maintained — but it does mean you can't verify it.
The Bottom Line
A good used RV is a great value. A bad one is an expensive lesson. Take your time on the inspection, bring someone who knows what they're looking at if you can, and don't let enthusiasm override the checklist.
If you're considering consigning your RV with us or buying from our lot, reach out [blocked] — we're happy to walk you through what we look for and what we've already verified on any unit we're selling.