8 Most Common RV Problems That Can Make it Unusable
Buying an RV is a large investment that can be worrying; even new RVs can actually have a lot of problems when you first get on the road. Getting your RV fully checked out by a mechanic and an RV technician is a good start, but there are also things that RV owners and potential buyers can look for on their own.
Roadworthiness
1. Tires
If you’re looking for someone to buy my RV fast, make sure that the tires are in good shape. For those who can’t store their RV inside, grayed-out and cracking tires that show sun damage can impact your sale price. Consider upgrading the tires before you sell.
2. Brakes
RVs are heavy. If you’re marking your RV on your own and the brakes are noisy or clunky, you may scare away potential buyers. As you maintain your RV, make sure you track any and all repairs that you make. Test drive your own rig and make some hard stops to make sure that your rig is quiet and quick to respond.
3. Engine
An RV with very few miles on it is not uncommon. Get it out on the road and get it warm. Park it over a fresh piece of cardboard so you can find the source of any drips or leaks. Rubber is biodegradable. If your tires are showing wear from sitting still, the seals on your engine may also be failing.
4. Transmission
Get the rig out and climb some hills to make sure the transmission is not slipping. Taking it to a mechanic and getting all the fluid levels checked is an excellent start, but if you’re selling an RV that has towing power, make sure the transmission is in great shape under normal driving conditions.
5. Exhaust
Folks who like to get out into wild country may take their RV across some rough roads. First, get under the rig and make sure that the entire exhaust pipe is in good shape. Damaged exhaust systems can pump carbon monoxide into the living quarters.
Living Space
6. Waterproofing
The sealant on the roof may be as old as the seals in the engine. Interior plumbing seals can also degrade over time. Carefully check the inside of the rig for signs of leaks
- along the ceiling seams
- under the windows
- under sinks and in the bathroom
If you choose to paint the inside of the rig before you sell it just to brighten the space, be aware that a potential buyer may assume that the rig has water damage.
7. Electrical Systems
If the rig has a generator, make sure it’s functioning well and has been maintained. Keep track of your maintenance steps and date each appointment. If your rig has solar, offer a potential buyer a ladder to check out the mountings and the seals on the roof.
Check the water level; if your batteries are sealed, make sure you share the warranty information or can at least prove when they were purchased. A new owner may choose to upgrade or just plan to replace them as batteries fail over time.
8. Tracking Tools
Make sure all the electrical display features inside the rig are well-lit and reporting accurately. Similarly, make sure that the black and gray tank-level display dials are functioning well. If you have made any changes to the waste tanks, such as adding a composting toilet and doubling up on the gray water, show potential buyers the benefits of these changes.
The Bottom Line
Do invite potential buyers to go ahead and run the taps to demonstrate that nothing is leaking. RV leaks can cause a lot of damage and worry. If there are old signs of drips, explain what you fixed and why.
As you maintain and upgrade your rig, track the changes you make and demonstrate any problems that you have taken care of. Anyone buying a used rig will know that repairs are a fact of RV life; just don’t let them think you’re hiding anything.