This is the first article of a ten-part series discussing the various individual components of enclosed trailers and how they will relate to the long-term stability of your trailer.

One of the most important components of enclosed trailers is their wall construction. Wall constructions come in a variety of combinations. Most enclosed trailers will use aluminum, steel, galvanized steel sometimes referred to as Galvaneal; or FRP. For wall cross members, steel or aluminum is used. Attached to the cross members is plywood, luan, aluminum or a combination of these.

Exterior

Most commonly used is the aluminum exterior. Normally ranging in thickness from .024 - .050, aluminum is the most common form of exterior. It is durable, lasts long, and does not rust. It is the lightest materials used for the exterior of an enclosed trailer. These are applied in panels using screws, rivets, 3M adhesive tape or an industrial epoxy. Using thicker exterior aluminum will generally increase trailer stability and preserve the aesthetics of the trailer longer. FRP (Fiberglass Reinforced Plastics) is a fiberglass based wall than lasts long and is easy to repair. FRP is normally only available in white. Steel and galvanized steel are generally the least desirable exterior as they will rust and tend to deteriorate rapidly.

Cross Members

The materials used to build the wall cross members are made of steel or aluminum. The steel variety is implemented using either a z-channel, hat post or box tube. Hat post implementations use the same steel configuration as road signs, while z-channel is a hat post cut in half. A box tube has steel on all four sides and is generally considered the most desirable due to strength. Z-channel is the least desirable because of their strength while hat post is cost compromise between box tube and z-channel. For commercial uses or if your application requires wall mounted devices, box tube is a must. Generally, enclosed trailers with hot post a z-channel tend to have their exteriors look “wavy” over time. Normally, cross members are 16″ on center. Some manufacturers use 24″ on center, consumers should be wary of these trailers if they also use z-channel or hat post because of the lack of strength.

Wall Material

Generally, with hat post and z-channel, the walls will have plywood reinforcement. Plywood will add weight over luan with box tube. Looking long term, it is more economical to pay more for a box tub wall trailer if the trailer is used frequently due to added fuel costs. Interior aluminum walls are aesthetically pleasing and are easily cleaned. Some trailers offer a white vinyl coating over luan called designer board. These walls are also easy to clean with a lesser cost than aluminum.

William Mrozinski is the Chief Financial Officer of Millennium Trailers. Millennium is the industry leader in the area of enclosed car trailers. William can be reached at bill@milltrailers.com or by calling Millennium Trailers at 1-800-978-7223.

It’s that time of year again; time to get ready for another great camping season. We need to wake the RV up from its deep winter sleep and give it a good spring check up. If we take a little time and check everything out now, the RV will be ready to go when you’re ready to hit the road. In the military this is referred to as preventive maintenance. Maintenance you can perform on your RV before a problem exists. Maintenance designed to prevent or identify potential problems that could lead to mechanical breakdown, malfunction or failure of a component or system on your RV. Basically it consists of cleaning, inspecting, lubricating, adjusting and servicing your RV. Let’s get started.

*Depending on how your unit was winterized it will need to be de-winterized. If you used non-toxic RV antifreeze you need to run fresh water through the entire system until the antifreeze is gone. To remove it from the 12-volt water pump add water to the fresh water-holding tank, turn the pump on and open all of the water faucets. When the antifreeze is out of the system turn the pump off and take the water heater out of the by-pass mode (if applicable). Replace any water filter cartridges you removed for storage.

*At this point I like to sanitize the water system. Make sure all of the drains are closed and drain plugs are installed. Take a quarter cup of household bleach for every fifteen gallons of water your fresh water tank holds. Mix the bleach with water into a one-gallon container and pour it in to the fresh water holding tank. Fill the fresh water holding tank completely full of water. Turn the pump on and run water through each hot and cold faucet, until you smell the bleach. Close the faucets and let it sit for twelve minutes. Drain all of the water and re-fill the tank with fresh water. Turn the pump on and open all faucets until you no longer smell any bleach. It may be necessary to repeat this process to eliminate all signs of bleach.

*With water in the fresh water holding tank turn the 12-volt water pump on and pressurize the water system until the pump shuts off. If the water pump cycles back on, even for a short period of time, there is a leak somewhere. Locate the leak and repair it or take it to an authorized RV service center to be repaired.

*Check the operation of the toilet. Add several gallons of water to the black water holding tank and treat the tank with holding tank chemicals.

*Wash the unit thoroughly. This is a good time to inspect the roof, body seams, and window sealant for cracking that would allow water to get in. Inspect sealants everywhere the manufacturer cut a hole in the RV. Consult a dealer for sealants compatible with these materials.

*Inspect the operation of the awning, clean and check the awning fabric for any damage.
Inspect the tires for signs of dry rot. Inflate all tires to the recommended cold tire pressure.
Lubricate all hinges and locks with spray lubricant.

*Remove any tape or protective covering you may have put over LP gas vents to keep insects and rodents out. Check any mousetraps you may have put out. Open all doors and compartments and check for rodent intrusion and water damage.

*Inspect and clean the interior of the RV.

*Plug in any appliances that you unplugged for storage and replace any dry cell batteries you may have removed. This is a good time to put new batteries in items like smoke alarms.

*Test the operation of the carbon monoxide detector, LP gas leak detector and smoke alarm.

*Check the fire extinguisher. Be sure it is fully charged.

*Reset any breakers you may have turned off. If you removed any fuses for storage re-install them.

*Clean or replace air conditioner filters if it wasn’t done prior to storage and remove any covers that were put over air conditioners.

*Open vents and windows and air the unit out.

*If you removed the coach and chassis batteries for storage install them. Whether they were removed or not check the electrolyte levels, clean the terminals and clamps, and check the state of charge in all batteries. Recharge batteries as necessary.

*Check the operation of the electric steps if applicable. Lubricate step mechanism.

*Test the operation of the hydraulic jacks if applicable. Check hydraulic fluid level.

*Test the operation of the back up camera and monitor if applicable.

*If you didn’t change the oil and filters in the generator prior to storage this is a good time to do it.

*Inspect the generator exhaust system for any damage prior to starting it. Start and run the generator for one hour with at least a half rated load on it. Consult the generators owner manual for proper load ratings.

*Turn the generator off and plug the unit in to shore power. Turn the refrigerator on in the electric mode. Allow sufficient time for it to cool and check for proper operation.

*Check all 12-volt interior lights and accessories.

*Test the monitor panel for proper operation.

*Check the operation of slide outs if applicable.

*Check the remaining 120-volt appliances for proper operation.

*Test the Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) for proper operation.

*Turn the refrigerator off, leave the doors open and allow sufficient time for it to get to room temperature so it can be checked in the gas mode.

*Before I use the LP gas system I have a leak test and gas operating pressure test preformed. A qualified technician with the proper equipment should do these tests.

*Turn the LP gas valve on and check the operation of all LP gas appliances. Be sure the water heater is full of water before testing the water heater. If a gas appliance is not operating properly have it inspected by a qualified technician. Insects are attracted to the odorant added to LP gas and build nests that can affect the appliance from operating properly.

*If your unit was in long-term storage and you didn’t change the engine oil and filter prior to storage this would be a good time to do it.

*Check all fluid levels in the transmission, power steering, engine coolant, engine oil, windshield washer and brakes. Consult vehicle owner’s manual.

*Start the engine and check for proper readings on all gauges. Check for proper operation of the dash air conditioner.

*Chassis lubrication should be preformed if it wasn’t done prior to storage.

*Check the condition of windshield wiper blades and replace if necessary.

*Check the operation of all chassis lights.

*Make sure the vehicle emissions / inspection sticker is up to date.

In addition to this if you have a pop up or travel trailer the wheel bearings and brakes (if equipped) should be inspected at least once annually. Inspect any canvas for dry rot and tears; inspect all hitch work and the coupler for any damage. Inspect the breakaway switch and pigtail for proper operation.
It really doesn’t take a lot of time to get your RV ready for another camping season, and you can rest assured that when it’s time to go camping your RV is ready too. Now for the fun part, load your clothes, food, and personal belongings, hit the road and have fun exploring this wonderful country we live in.

Happy Camping!

Mark

Copyright 2007 by Mark J. Polk owner of RV Education 101

RV Expert Mark Polk, seen on TV, is the producer & host of America’s most highly regarded series of DVD’s, videos, books, and e-books. http://www.rveducation101.com/

Sign up for your free “RV Education 101″ Newsletter http://rveducation101.com/email/

When looking to set out on your RV road trip, you might find yourself at RV dealers staring down prices that you’d rather not be forced to pay. But, if you want a good deal and a decent RV, a used diesel RV might be the way to go instead.

Used diesel RVs are a great decision for those who want to save a few dollars, but the used RV market can be a bit overwhelming. Like any used vehicle, a used RV needs to be thoroughly checked out before purchasing. Here are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind before purchasing any used RV:

Age of the Recreational Vehicle
Any vehicle depreciates immediately upon purchase. There’s a fine line though, as to how long to wait when buying that vehicle used, especially with an RV. For a used diesel RV, you’ll want a vehicle at least a year old, probably two. At that point the price depreciates substantially, but you’re still getting a nearly new RV with all the newest features.

If you wait until the RV has been used for more than four or five years, you face a lot of issues, including high mileage, expired warranties, and necessary repairs.

RV Maintenance
Which brings up the next point. If you’re looking to buy a used diesel RV, you’ll want to make absolutely sure that it’s as cleanly maintained as possible. It’s likely that you might buy from a private seller. If so, make sure to have a certified diesel RV mechanic look at it before you cut that check.

And while it may be cheaper to buy a used RV from a private seller, keep in mind that getting a warranty is impossible unless they still carry one from their original purchase. Dealer’s used diesel RVs might cost a bit more, but they’re often better maintained and carry certain guarantees of quality.

Why Diesel?
A diesel RV is going to be a top of the line RV. Not only are you looking at some of the highest quality, feature packed RVs on the road, but it’s going to save you money on fuel as well, with the higher mileage rate of most diesel engines. A used diesel RV as opposed to a gas RV is generally the best choice.

Regardless of the features or mileage options you’re seeking, a used diesel RV is the best choice for any road warrior looking to set out on a cross country trek. And most important, you save a decent bundle of money by buying one used.

RVs are an American tradition that can become quite pricey if one doesn’t do the right research before making a purchase. Reading as much as you can on the available RVs in your area and establishing just which features you want is a great first step in any major purchase. If you know exactly what you want in a used diesel RV, you won’t spend as much time looking at a vehicle that doesn’t fit your needs.

Mike Patterson is known in camping circles as “that RV guy”. You can read more on his website about Used RVs. In addition you can check out numerous other camping articles and tips plus download a free report for a limited time on Family Camping at Your Camping Headquarters. And lastly, he has put his camping knowledge into a comprehensive book entitled Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Camping. It’s a “must read” camping resource for camping novices and veterans alike.

Well some RV owners may in actual fact also be swingers, but that would be a different story altogether.

Welcome to the world of RV swapping or RV exchange. No leather or handcuffs here folks, just your RV (motorhome, campervan, fifth wheel, Betty the Bus, whatever you call that thing), your air tickets and your adventurous spirit required. Much like traditional home exchange, you can now exchange RV’s all over the world.

One emerging website - Holitrade - actually specializes in this type of exchange program, and it’s completely free. RV owners throughout the world can place a free ad on the site, get in touch with each other via email, and work out the finer details of an exchange. The site currently has users wanting to exchange from the United States, the UK including Ireland, Australia, Canada, France, New Zealand and many other parts of the world.

While there are several opportunities to swap RV’s on the site, there are added opportunities. For instance there are also homes, yachts, canal boats and cruisers. So you may want to do a package deal. You could exchange homes and RV’s, as well as the family car. So there really are opportunities to stay in total comfort in a home in a city somewhere, before hitting the road. There are also many vacation homes for exchange near beaches and ski resorts.

Organizing any type of exchange requires a fair deal of communication prior to handing over the keys. Emails back and forward about travel dates, expectations and any special needs, “Can you feed my Rottweiler?” are the norm. Quite often you may have a relative or friend hand over your keys if you have already departed for your holiday. Having a local contact to assist each other with any enquiries is a good idea.

It is also a good idea to put your agreement in writing. Holitrade has a standard agreement both parties can fill out. Just remember to put in any special requirements.

If you would like to scan some of the ads you can just click on the link below. The latest ads are at the bottom of the page.

Compared to hiring a campervan exchanging makes great sense and can save you a fortune. Currently it’s around $200 per day Australian to hire a decent sized motorhome. Most people doing this type of traveling quite often do so for weeks and months on end, so the bills quickly pile up.

To sum up what makes a good exchange. Lots of clear communication prior, put your agreement in writing, and respect each other’s property. Happy and Cheap travels!
Now, better get started on the swingers article… It’s all about the research.

Written by Damien Priest
Owner http://www.holitrade.com
This article may be reproduced or distributed so long as no content or links are changed without the author’s permission.
Search for an exchange below.
http://www.holitrade.com/DetailSearch_result.php

Much like its Northern brethren, South Dakota is all about open spaces and friendly people. If you are exploring the state, the following Motorhome Lodgings in South Dakota are the places to stay.

If you are looking to see the true glory of the terrain that the United States has to offer, South Dakota is the perfect place to visit. From the majestic presidential faces on Mount Rushmore, to the Badlands National Park, a visit to South Dakota can make anyone appreciate the great outdoors. The Black Hills are also located here, famous for the gold once found in the streams here. Whether you enjoy hiking, climbing or fishing, this state is a great place to experience it all. The Motorhome Lodgings in South Dakota make it easy to stay in locations convenient to all of the major attractions.

Mount Rushmore is one of the most famous monuments in all of the US. Carved with the faces of four of our most influential presidents (George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln), this mountain is known throughout the country as a symbol of those men who made our land great. Over 90% of this monument was carved using dynamite, showing the immense size and difficult nature of this project, which was completed in 1941 after 14 years of work. Today, people from all over the world come here to see this work of art.

The Lazy J RV Park and Campground, located in Rapid City, SD, is the perfect one of the Motorhome Lodgings in South Dakota for your trip to Mount Rushmore. This park, located just a short distance away from the monument, as well as being close to the Black Hills and Custer State Park, is a good central location for seeing the sights of this state. There are 126 sites here at the campground, with a few different levels of amenities and different types of hookups to choose from. There are sites with no hookups, good for those who choose to camp in a tent or are just passing through, and all other sites include water and electric. Some are back-in sites, and some are pull-through - upper level sites also include sewer hookup and wireless Internet is also available

On site at the Lazy J RV Park and Campground are also other amenities and spots for activities. These include a swimming pool, as well as a playground and barbecue facilities. Additionally, the area is mostly forested, with many trails and opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing. A convenience store is also on the campground site, along with clean restrooms, showers and a laundry center. A dog walking area is provided, and the campground is pet friendly.

Visiting the many tourist regions of this state is easy when you choose to stay at one of the Motorhome Lodgings in South Dakota. Many are centrally located, so you can see all of the different attractions while staying at one site.

Find more information on RV campgrounds at RVRentalsforyou.com.

A classic Southern state, South Carolina is the home of history. Motorhome Lodgings in South Caroline run the full range, so here are some of the best.

The next time you are thinking of taking a trip to the Southern states, why not choose South Carolina? This warm and sunny coastal state offers a myriad of different attractions for families and other visitors, from beaches on the Atlantic Ocean to historic spots from the Civil War like Fort Sumter. Myrtle Beach provides families with the perfect American beach vacation, and if you prefer something a bit more adventurous, alligator hunting in Congaree Swamp is an option as well! In every part of the state, you will be sure to find Motorhome Lodgings in South Carolina to meet your vacation needs.

Located in the Northeast quadrant of South Carolina, Myrtle Beach is the perfect family destination. The sunny, sandy beaches here are warm most of the year, making this spot ideal for vacations taking place in the spring through fall months. Myrtle Beach is not just a place to hang out on the sand, however - there are also many other amusements and attractions in the area to keep your whole family occupied. Ripley’s Aquarium is a great side trip for those interested in the sea, and Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede is a dinner show that gets rave reviews from kids and adults alike.

There are many Motorhome Lodgings in South Carolina to choose from for your Myrtle Beach vacation. One of these is the Apache Oceanfront Pier and Family Campground, located in the town of Myrtle Beach. This 937 site park offers many different levels of service, so you can choose just the amount of amenities you need for your stay. There are 250 sites that are back-in full hookups, which include water, electric and sewer, and 250 more of the same that are pull-through sites. A final group of sites are full premium hookups, including cable TV as well as the other amenities.

Apache Oceanfront Pier and Family Campground also has many other amenities and useful items on site. A store is available for those last minute food and camping needs, and a diner/snack bar is open for those times you’d like to have a bite to eat out. Propane is also available on site, as is a laundry center and clean restrooms and showers. Some of the sites at the campground are ocean front, meaning you can wake up each morning to the lapping waves of the Atlantic, and fishing is also allowed on site. A game room as well as outdoor games and amusements are a perfect way to keep the kids occupied.

Staying ocean side is a great way to enjoy the beauty of the beach and water in the southern United States. The many Motorhome Lodgings in South Carolina make it easy to find a location that suites your whole family’s needs.

Find more information on RV campgrounds at RVRentalsforyou.com.

Rhode Island is absolutely one of the more beautiful states in the country. It is small, so following is a list of the few top Motorhome Lodgings in Rhode Island.

Rhode Island is the smallest state in the New England region - in fact, it’s the smallest state in the entire United States. Not an island at all, this tiny state offers much in the way of attractions and atmosphere. From the beauty of its shoreline on the Atlantic Ocean, to the charm of its biggest city Providence, Rhode Island offers travelers a sweet taste of all that New England has to offer. If you enjoy summers in a cool, relaxed climate, or fall in a spot that is brimming with color, this state is for you. The many Motorhome Lodgings in Rhode Island are open seasonally to allow you to enjoy this state when it is at it’s best.

Known as the Ocean State, Rhode Island has the largest percentage of coastline of any state in the US (proportionally). The state is mostly quite flat, with its average height only being 200 feet above sea level. The highest point in the state is Jerimoth Hill, which is only 812 feet above sea level. Rhode Island is primarily known for its beaches and oceanfront property - one of the main reasons it was originally settled in 1636. The state developed its own architectural style which can be seen throughout the region; known as stone-ender, it originated in the 17th century.

The small size of Rhode Island means that no matter where in the state you choose to stay, you will easily be able to explore the entire thing. Most people choose to stay near to the shore, and many Motorhome Lodgings in Rhode Island are located here. The Whispering Pines Campground, located in Hope Valley, Rhode Island, is close to the shore’s many beaches as well as being situated in 50 acres of pine forest. There are three levels of sites at the campground: no hookups (also can be used as a tent site), water and electric hookups and full hookups (water, electric and sewer).

There are many different amenities on site at the Whispering Pines Campground, as well as arranged and camp led group activities. The site has a swimming pool, miniature golf, and other sporting activities available (such as horseshoes and tennis). There is a playground for smaller children, as well as a game room and recreation hall. A snack bar, ATM and convenience store are also on site, for any last minute camping needs. A laundry center, free hot showers and clean restrooms round out the amenities - and free wireless Internet is included with your stay.

Rhode Island may be small in terms of its land size, but it’s big on fun and culture. The many Motorhome Lodgings in Rhode Island offer different amenities and experiences for your stay in this ocean side state - so look around and pick the best RV park for you!

Find more information on RV campgrounds at RVRentalsforyou.com.

There are two styles of camping, both very enjoyable but both with different pros and cons. Deciding on a camping trip is easy, but what isn’t so simple is choosing whether you’d like to spend your holiday in tents or in an RV. Personality types that prefer the outdoors and roughing it are probably going to think tents are the only way to go, and those people who enjoy living in the lap of luxury will definitely rent an RV for maximum comfort - but what about those people who are in between and can’t decide which type of camping is best?

Cost is a factor whether you choose camping equipment or renting an RV. Good, solid tents and warm sleeping bags plus all the other accessories you’ll need for your vacation aren’t that cheap, but compared to the cost of an RV rental, you’re still coming out ahead. If you’re planning to go camping on a regular basis, the long-term potential involved in purchasing equipment is worth the expense, and you’ll be able to enjoy your equipment for many years. Renting an RV will most likely be a one-time thing, but if it’s not, you’ll have to factor the expense into your yearly holiday budget. However, just as with camping equipment, you can go one step further and outright buy an RV for vacationing to have for many trips to come. Again, the price difference is incomparable to the few hundreds tents will cost you, but creatures of comfort will never be one hundred percent happy in more rustic accommodations, so if you’re the kind of person that prefers convenience and luxury, aim for an RV.

By using an RV, whether it is one you own or rent, has many advantages for those who enjoy the luxuries of their own home. After all, a good RV is essentially a nice home on wheels! RVs provide comfortable, full-size beds, running water, hot showers, cooking areas, and electricity for anything you need. The other nice thing about an RV is there is little set-up. Some have pop-out sections that you can expand when parked. The hardest part about setting up an RV is plugging it in to a power source, and anyone who has done this before knows how easy that is. The added convenience of an RV is exactly what some campers are looking for. On the other hand, some people like the feeling of sleeping in a tent and roughing it for a few days. The big disadvantage of an RV in my mind is that you are somewhat limited in where it can go and be plugged in.

Finding the type of accommodation that suits you best will mean that you’ll enjoy your camping trip far more than if you’d tried to box your personality into a bad fit. Outdoorsmen shun creature comforts, and those who like easy convenience find tents frustrating and unpleasant, so it’s a wise idea to find out what type of personality you are and choose the accommodations that will suit you best.

Rob Lewis is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys camping in the Sierras. When looking for a href="http://www.rvdealersacramento.com">California RV sales dealer he recommends NuStar RV for new & used RVs. They emphasize higher end motor homes, campers, diesel pushers, or toy haulers, by Dutchman, Paradise Pointe, Trailblazer, Rally Sport, href="http://www.rvdealersacramento.com/index.asp?pgid=21">K2, Cypress, Torrey Pines, Kountry Aire, and Komfort. All recreational vehicles for sale can be seen online or visit one of the lots in the Sacramento California metro area.

With so many people retiring and living out of their RV’s full-time the life of an RV family is changing rapidly. Just this month alone I have seen four couples retire, sell their house, and purchase an RV to live in. The RV couples usually travel around the country enjoying the different seasons in areas where the weather is the nicest. When you are on the road like that you make a lot of new friends doing the same thing. You may even make friends to travel to certain parks with, sort of like an RV family.

After being on the road for a while sometimes things seem to fall into a rut once the newness wears off, which takes around a year. Whether it is an issue of being retired or just needing something to do other than vacation all of the time the boredom can be rough.

Being on the road definitely has its advantages and once you decide to go on the road you don’t want to give that up too easily. A good way for you to stay productive and help alleviate the boredom is to start your own network marketing business. A network marketing business is something that you could easily do from the road because you really don’t have to have anything special to do the business other than a computer and a telephone. For as little as fifteen dollars per month you could be in your own network marketing business. You could have fun doing it and the proceeds that you earned could help you pay for gas or diesel fuel.

As you go from campsite to campsite you could have people over and show them your products and they could become your customers. Friends that you have already made while on the road may even join with you in doing your network marketing business. With your network marketing business your mind would stay active and you would still be a part of something even though you are retired and living in an RV. You could participate in the companies weekly conference calls and quite possibly even host some conference calls yourself. You could be the CEO of your own business while on the road.

When you are looking at network marketing opportunities find one with a product that you like and can easily mention it to others. Most importantly look at your prospective sponsor. Make sure that the sponsor is someone who you feel that you could work with and go to with questions if you have any. The sponsor should be someone who is willing to help you get started and grow your business.

Bob Crane is a long time network marketer and is involved in building a thriving business for and his network marketing family and himself. Lifetime friendships and relationships are started right here on our team where we actually build our downline deep so everyone benefits. If you are looking for more than just an extra income you should check us out. Meet me in “person” and listen to our company message here.
Contact Bob at http://www.domesticbiz.com

If you have always wanted to own an RV, but the price of a spanking new model is just too steep to consider, there is an alternative.

You might find and buy a wonderful used RV. To start your search you might read the classifieds in your town or visit a few “for sale by owner” lots that are becoming popular on weekends around the country.

With a little patience and due diligence you can buy the used RV of your dreams and be ready for the open highways and adventure.

Did you find a used RV you think is just right? Are you ready for that first magical adventure next weekend?

Well, before you start packing, there are some things you must do to make sure that the used RV that you buy is mechanically sound and structurally sturdy.

Here are a few tips that will help you as you make the final decision to buy a used RV.

-Make sure to thoroughly inspect the RV, both mechanically and structurally.

-Look for tell tale signs of wear such as nicks and dents, patched or repaired windows and tires.

-Inspect the roof for any cracks or problems in the seams.

-Go through the inside with a fine tooth comb. Is the floor solid? Does all the plumbing work? What about the stove, the oven, the shower?, the toilet? The refrigerator?

-Check all the water lines for any problems

-What’s the condition of the carpet? Is it new or does it seem soft or moldy? This could be a signs of leaks.

-Step back outside for a moment. Check the trailer jack and make sure it is in good working condition.

-How about the brakes? Are they in good condition or do they need to be replaced. Remember, the safety of you and your family is at stake when you head down the road in your “new” used RV.

-Check the battery for corrosion . Start the engine and make sure the battery has sufficient “juice” to get you started without challenge.

-Open and close all windows, vents and doors to make sure that they operate smoothly,. If they do not it might be a sign of a structural problem.

-Inspect the Gas and Propane lines for any problems as well as the regulator and tanks for required updates

-Inspect all the lights, both interior and exterior to determine if any are faulty.

-Make sure that all vents open and close and are working properly.

The pointers above ARE NOT a complete list of items to inspect when you buy a used RV. This list will get you started until you call in a certified RV mechanic who will do a complete inspection of the RV you plan top buy.

While there may be problems in any used RV you want to buy, many of these problems are repairable and are not very expensive. The main point is to do a thorough inspection, before you commit to buy a used RV. Do this before you hazard the road and the safety of your family on a trip in a potential road hazard on wheels.

For more information on buying used RV visit our vacation and RV site at
http://rvbuyersguide.e-vacationsmadeeasy.com/
This article may be reproduced with the author’s link displayed.