Because recreational vehicles can be quite expensive, many people opt to purchase a used camper instead of a new model. Used campers hold their value very well and offer you more variety when you’re shopping for the perfect model. However, you do need to be cautious to make sure that you’re not getting a bad deal on a poorly maintained used camper. Here are some things to do in advance of the shopping process.

Do Thorough Research

The internet is a great resource for RV buyers. You can hop online and quickly find out information about many different makes and models. Check out brands that interest you and see what current and previous owners had to say about them. Also, look up reviews from professional RV organizations to determine if a given used camper is a good buy.

Be Ready to Ask Questions

When you arrive at a dealership or meet up with a private seller, you’ll want to have some questions prepared so that you can gain as much information as possible about the used camper that interests you. Ask for the vehicle’s maintenance history so that you can ascertain whether it was properly and regularly serviced. Other questions to ask include:

  • How many previous owners has the camper had?
  • How often was the camper used?
  • Was the camper driven a great distance or only locally?
  • What types of modifications have been made to the camper?
  • Have there been any major issues with the camper?

Perform an Interior and Exterior Inspection

Once you’ve satisfied yourself with the answers to your questions, you’ll want to inspect the camper thoroughly for yourself, starting with the outside and working your way in. Walk around the camper and look for any signs of serious damage or major repairs that have been performed. Climb up a ladder to check out the condition of the roof. Inspect the tires for signs of undue wear or damage. Test slide-outs and try doors and windows to make sure they don’t stick.

Inside the camper, you’ll want to walk through each room and look for signs of water damage or leakage from the plumbing system. You should also test out appliances to make sure they work. Check for signs of pest infestation or serious wear and tear on furnishings and cabinetry. Look over the floors to make sure they aren’t warped or damaged. If you’ve got a friend who knows a lot about used campers, you might bring them with you to get an experienced opinion before you pay for the camper.

Ready to check out used campers for sale in British Columbia? Stop by our dealership near Kamloops today to view our selection of new and used RVs for sale in many styles. We can even help you out with financing options if you so desire. Jubilee R.V. Centre proudly serves greater Vancouver and Prince George, BC.