There are many reasons to buy a used or pre-owned (or
previously loved) RV. If you’ve never
owned a motorhome or travel trailer, you may want to start out with a used,
relatively less expensive model to learn what works best for your family. Or even if you aren’t a first time RV
enthusiast, you may want to buy a nice pre-owned RV and get a higher end model
for the same price as a more basic new model.
If you’re planning to use an RV for one long trip and are thinking about
renting, you should consider buying a used RV.
Often, people have sold their used RVs for near or at their purchase
price after traveling around the country.
When you buy a used motorhome or travel trailer from a
reputable RV dealer, you have the dealership standing behind the RV. They will check it out thoroughly and make
sure the systems are in working order before you pick it up. Here at Reines RV Center, our service
department has a detailed inspection list that must be completed for each RV.
When a customer buys an RV here, he or she is given a 2 1/2
to 3 hour walk-through of the RV before completing their paperwork on the
purchase. During this walk- through,
every system is demonstrated. And, the
customer is shown how to use everything on the inside and outside of the RV.
Dealerships are usually able to arrange financing for your
purchase. At Reines RV Center, our banks
will finance RVs up to ten years old.
Don’t forget that RV loans secured with the RV qualify for a second home
tax deduction. Dealers should also give
some type of warranty on their used RVs, as we do. And, of course, dealers process your title
and tags.
An extended service contract, which is relatively
inexpensive, can be included in your loan.
Extended service contracts are available for motorhomes up to 5 or 6
years old (depending on mileage) and for trailers up to 6 years old. They cover most mechanical and electrical
components and help eliminate unplanned expenses. They are good at any service
facility (whether RV center or not) in the US and Canada.
If you have a trade-in and are shopping for a used RV, it
obviously makes sense to work with a dealership. At Reines RV Center, we take cars, trucks and
motorcycles in trade as well as recreational vehicles.
If you buy an RV from a private party, hopefully you’ll get
a very nice camper in good condition.
You should be careful to check all systems thoroughly. And, make sure to check for signs of water
leaks, the condition of the roof, the tires, check for any soft spots on the
floor, make sure all appliances work and are clean, make sure drawers, doors
and latches work smoothly, check house and engine batteries, propane tanks and
lines, sewer hoses and compartments, steps, vents, windows and seals, jacks,
air condtioners. hot water heater, furnace, toilet, sinks, etc. The refrigerator takes about 6 hours to cool,
so make sure it’s cold and works on gas and electric. Also, make sure the TVs, VCR/DVD player,
stereo system and TV antenna are working.
There’s a huge selection of great used RVs on the market! You and your family can start enjoying the RV
lifestyle without spending a lot of money.
Think about how you will use the RV, how many people you want to
accomodate and what you can afford. If you aren’t sure what type of RV would
best meet your needs, a knowledgeable salesperson can certainly guide you.