How to Buy a Motorhome

If you plan to take a lot of road trips, a motorhome can prove to be a great investment. Motorhomes allow you to travel around while still having the comforts of a motel room, such as beds, showering facilities, running water and a toilet. Prior to buying a motorhome, determine your budget in order to have a better idea on the type of RV you can afford.

Instructions

1. Determine the model type of motorhome that you wish to purchase. There are three classes of motorhomes. Class A motorhomes are the largest model types weighing an average of 15,000 to 30,000 tons. Class B motorhomes are van conversions with a smaller living space than Class A vehicles. Class C motorhomes have many of the same facilities as a Class A, but weigh in at a more moderate 10,000 to 15,000 tons.

2. Browse classified ads, RV magazines and dealerships in order to find motorhomes for sale. MotorhomesClassifieds.com is an online retailer of new and used motorhomes. For local dealerships of motorhomes, put in your ZIP code on RVSearch.com. MotorHome Magazine and Motorhome Traveler Magazine are two publications that you can pick up from your local bookstore to browse for available motorhomes. Fleetwood and Gulf Stream are two examples of motorhome manufacturers. Visit their websites to see their line of motorhomes for sale.

3. Compare the amenities of the motorhomes you are considering. Find out how many people the motorhome can sleep and what type of heating, cooling and water systems are available. Motorhomes between 21 and 31 feet long will have the ability to sleep between two and six people. Motorhome models at least 32 feet long usually can sleep six to 12 people. Turn the water on and run it for a few minutes to make sure the water is clean and rust-free. Turn on the air and heat to make sure the motorhome will be temperature-controlled. Inspect the electrical and gas systems as well by turning on the light switches and stove to make sure they are operational. Especially look for signs of dry rot and water damage on the body of the motorhome. This can be extremely expensive to fix and greatly decreases the resale value.

4. Examine the mechanical elements of the motorhome. Find out the engine type and transmission. Manual transmissions are much harder to resell on a motorhome, so most buyers look for an automatic. For used models, find out the current mileage prior to the final sale. Gas engines typically last about 100,000 miles; diesel engines can last about 200,000 miles.

5. Take the motorhome for a test drive prior to purchase. Make sure you're comfortable behind the wheel, and double-check the vehicle for potential problems. This includes checking for leaks, especially transmission fluid, brake fluid and liquid from the air conditioning system. Listen carefully to the engine to make sure you don't hear any odd sounds, such as knocking. See how well the motorhome handles in different driving circumstances, such as on the highway and when making wide turns.

References

• RV Web.com

Resources

• Motorhomes Classifieds
• RV Search