Tuesday, October 1, 2013

What To Look For When Inspecting Travel Trailers For Sale In Your Area

By Angel Dudley


There is nothing like the feeling of RV camping. It is the perfect way to get away from the stress of everyday life and enjoying nature without being uncomfortable. Whether it is a weekend getaway or a long road trip, using an RV makes it pleasurable. If you have decided it is time to purchase one of your own, then you really need to know what to look for when inspecting travel trailers for sale.

Be sure to check the weight pulling capacity of your vehicle intended to pull the RV. These numbers can be found using the owner's manual. If the manual is missing there is a sticker inside the door panel that states all the information. You do not want to buy a unit you cannot pull.

Always deal with the legal owner of the vehicle when making a purchase. When you get to the Department of Motor Vehicles they will not do any paperwork for you unless the person listed as the owner on the title is there with you. If you're dealing with someone other than the title owner get a guarantee that the person on the title will be at the DMV before you give over any money.

An outward visual inspection should thoroughly cover the structural integrity from the exterior. Do not neglect to check underneath for hidden damage. The tread on all the tires should pass a legal inspection or it will cost you extra in tires. Do not forget the spare. Check the running lights, brake lights and turn signals to see that they work properly. See if the hitch is a match for what you have or if it will need to be swapped.

On the inside leave nothing to chance. Look in every corner and drawer. Inspect for the presence of insects and rodents. Either of these can be a concern as they damage the unit over time. Rodents chew wires, wooden structural components and urinate on everything. Rodent droppings can carry diseases as well. Try all the lights and plumbing to make sure it is in working order, including the toilet. Inspect any cushions carefully.

If you suspect water damage then you should not consider further inspection. Water damage can make the unit structurally unsound and unsafe to move. Check the floors for stability. If you find any soft spots, then you know at some point water has damaged the floor. Stains that are evident on the ceiling or fresh ceiling paint should be suspect. Bad odors are a good indication something is not right.

Some sellers display their units with the table already set up. If it is not, then set it up properly to see if it is sturdy enough for use. The same goes with any fold-down bedding. These are an essential part of the RV and will see a lot of use. If either are nonfunctional then consider repairs in the purchase price.

These guidelines will help you spot problems before they become yours. Always be thorough when inspecting travel trailers for sale as there are many things that could be wrong. Owners that do not want you to inspect carefully are hiding something, so move on if this is the case.




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