| 1 - Separate what you want from what you need | | | | Taking a qualified mechanic with you when you view |
| You will probably have some idea as to which sort of | | | | a motorhome or camper is highly recommended, |
| used camper you are looking for. But do you really | | | | even if you are mechanically minded yourself. Your |
| need that class? If you haven't done so already then | | | | mechanic can be checking over all that is the driving |
| you should really spend a few days in a similar model | | | | and mechanical side whilst you inspect the living area, |
| to the one you would like to buy. Renting or using a | | | | bodywork and coach work. |
| friend's rig for just a few days will give you a clear | | | | 4 - Check Out The Bodywork |
| idea on how suited you are to that particular size of | | | | Have a good look at the outside panels, check for |
| rig. You may be looking at 'Class A Motorhomes' and | | | | corrosion and laminating where the panels are bulging |
| realize that it is in reality far to spacious for your | | | | and separating from the side of the vehicle. take a |
| needs, difficult to drive and park and you may come | | | | good look inside at the ceiling especially in corners and |
| to the conclusion that a smaller model would be a | | | | on top of wardrobes or cupboards. Check for signs |
| better investment. Or the opposite may be true. You | | | | of damp. Also check the floors in the kitchen area |
| may be looking at small campers when in reality you | | | | and the bathroom. Soft floors can indicate corroded |
| need to be considering a large 'Class A' rig. Getting | | | | wooden supports as a result of leaking water |
| clear on this will take only a few days and will save | | | | system. |
| you a lot of hassle later when it comes to buying | | | | 5 - Check out fixtures and fittings. |
| your own used camper. | | | | Try everything. Firstly to see if the living area is |
| 2 - Check Out The Vehicle History | | | | comfortable and secondly to see if it all really works |
| Investigate the history of the vehicle you will be | | | | as it should do. Just sit in the dining area, make sure |
| buying as deeply as possible. This means asking to | | | | you will all fit comfortably, sit on the sofa or |
| see all the paperwork, including any repair bills and | | | | armchairs and make sure you can see the TV or talk |
| receipts for spare parts. This way you will get an | | | | to each other well, test out the bed, etc. Then check |
| idea as to what has been replaced and can hazard a | | | | for functionality. Open and close every single |
| guess as to what is likely to need replacing soon. You | | | | cupboard door and locker, both inside and out. Turn |
| also need to check that the VIN number matches | | | | everything on and off again. Test absolutely |
| that on the vehicle and that on all paperwork it is the | | | | everything - There are bound to be things that need |
| same number. Try to find out how many owners it | | | | attention. These should be noted down and used |
| has had and you may even try to contact the | | | | later when negotiating the final price. |
| previous owners and ask them if they can remember | | | | The best place to look for a real bargain in used |
| anything of importance that cold be a problem. | | | | campers is in a police auction or a seized auction. |
| 3 - Check Out the Mechanical Side | | | | |