Used RVs are a great way to save money and get a great recreational vehicle that will take you everywhere you want to go. However, while the savings and benefits of purchasing a used RV can be really great, you do have to be somewhat careful. There are unscrupulous people out there who might be trying to pawn off a bad RV on you, which is why you should do some research and be ready before you begin shopping.
Day Bros. RV Sales, with locations in London, KY, and Lake Park, GA, is your Georgia and Kentucky used RV dealer, serving Valdosta, GA, as well as Louisville and Lexington, KY. Here are five things to take into consideration before buying a used RV.
1. Go to Dealerships
Visiting a variety of RV dealerships in your area will help you to get a good idea of what’s available on the used market. Doing online research is great, but really being able to see and tour the RVs up close lets you figure out what features you want, what layouts you prefer and how large an RV you think you may need. RV dealerships such as Day Bros. RV Sales will also be able to give you information about particular brands that might interest you or recommend some of their best used models.
2. Create Your Wish List
Don’t go in to buy your used RV without knowing what you do and don’t want from it. Just like searching for the perfect apartment, your search for a used RV needs to factor in everything you want to be comfortable and happy while camping and traveling. Determine what features are non-negotiable (for example, you may want climate-control features if you plan to travel all year round) and what features would be nice to have.
3. Be Cautious
There will be a lot of units available for sale on the internet, either through a dealer’s website or on Craigslist and other selling forums. It’s entirely up to you where you purchase your used RV, but be wary of fly-by-night private sellers who aren’t willing to offer up much information or documentation about the used RV they’re trying to sell.
4. Perform a Thorough Inspection
When you’ve landed on a model you like, make sure that you perform an inspection of its interior and exterior to make sure that it doesn’t have any glaring mechanical issues that will cost you a pretty penny to repair. Check the water system, look for signs of water damage, test the power and inspect appliances, try out the slide-outs and awning, look over tires and check the engine if the RV has one.
5. Stick to a Budget
It’s a smart idea to make a budget so you know exactly what you can afford to spend. Bear in mind that if you make use of financing options to fund your purchase (as most RV buyers do), you’ll have to save up 10% to 20% of the sticker cost as a down payment. Then, figure out how much you can afford to pay each month on a loan. Don’t forget to factor in insurance, maintenance and storage costs!
Stop by one of our locations in Georgia or Kentucky today to view our current stock of used RVs for sale. Day Bros. RV Sales proudly serves the cities of Louisville and Lexington, KY, and Valdosta, GA.
