Looking for a used luxury RV? Here's what to know first.

RVing is one of the most adventurous lifestyles a person can have, and it doesn’t have to be as expensive as you might think. Yes, there is a way to experience a cost-cutting adventure without sacrificing the splendor: buy used. 

If you know how to look for the right used luxury RV, there’s little reason to spend thousands of dollars more on a new version of the same vehicle. Here, we’ll walk you through all you need to know before purchasing a used luxury RV so that you can maximize your savings while minimizing the headache.

Step one: Think about what you want from your RV

This might sound obvious, but many people don’t actually define exactly what they want out of their RV experience before shopping for one. It’s always a good idea to ask yourself important questions about why you want an RV, what you’ll use it for, and what features you absolutely need. 

Sit down and think through your ideal RV lifestyle and picture what you hope to achieve with this RV. Do you want a giant, class A motorhome that you can live in year-round, or would you rather have a smaller one that you can easily tow with your SUV? 

Understanding your wants and needs will help you quickly eliminate unsatisfactory deals and spot those used luxury RVs that meet all your requirements. You’ll want to go into the RV search already having this knowledge.

INSURE YOUR RV

Are you planning to make money off of your rig when you’re not exploring? Learn more about Roamly— insurance coverage for owners who want to rent out their RV on peer-to-peer platforms like Outdoorsy.

Step two: Narrow down the selection

A major part of buying an RV is picking the type of motorhome you want. From class A motorhomes to teardrop campers, there are RVs designed to serve a wide variety of functions, so it’s important to pick the kind that will suit your needs the best. 

To help you get a sense of what type of RV may be best for you, we’ve broken down your options.

Class A motorhome

Class A motorhomes are the largest, most luxurious RVs out there and are designed to sleep many people in comfort. Given their robust suites of features and huge size, these are also the most expensive types of RVs, but it doesn’t get much fancier than this.

Class B motorhome

Smaller than Class A and Class C motorhomes, Class B campervans are great if you plan to drive your RV a lot and don’t mind living in smaller quarters. If you’re willing to shell out, you can still find some pretty nice setups with these.

Class C motorhome

A Class C motorhome is in between Class A and B motorhomes in terms of size and usually features a sleeping space built above the cabin of the RV. These tend to be cheaper than class A motorhomes, but higher-end class C motorhomes can provide gorgeous interior spaces with a full-fledged suite of amenities. 

Travel trailer

If you’re more inclined to tow your RV with another vehicle rather than to drive it, a travel trailer could be your best friend. You can buy a travel trailer as long as 40 feet, allowing you to get luxurious with it while still being able to tow it.

BEST CAMPERS FOR COUPLES

Looking to explore the great outdoors with that special someone? There are plenty of travel trailers perfect for two people on the market today! 

Teardrop camper

These are tiny, towable trailers with very few amenities, but they’re perfect for those looking to dip their toes into the RV lifestyle. A lot of these are customizable, too, so if you have a funky idea for your own trailer design, a teardrop camper might be the way to go.

Step three: Find a used luxury RV for sale

Now that you know the type of RV you want as well as all the needs it must fulfill, it’s time to get hunting for a used luxury RV. Here are some of the best places to look for used RVs:

1. Dealerships

2. Local ads and marketplaces

3. Online RV trading communities

Keep in mind that it may take a while to come across the right RV for sale. Keep your eyes peeled and check back in with these places frequently so that you can hop on a deal.

Step four: Perform due diligence before making your purchase

You’ve found the perfect RV— but it’s not time to buy yet! Here are the biggest things you should do before buying a used RV and red flags to look out for:

Have an expert look over the RV

Before making any purchase, it’s absolutely essential to have a trusted pair of eyes look over it. Go to a local mechanic that you trust and let them carefully inspect the used RV so that they can detect any red flags you might have missed. You should also ask for a pre-inspection report from the dealer so that you and your mechanic can look over the vehicle’s history together.

Always get a look at the RV yourself

Some might try to sell you a used RV just based on an internet listing and pictures they’ve taken, but this never quite gives a full picture of what you’re buying. It’s best to err on the side of caution and see the RV for yourself to make sure you’re buying what you expected.

Inspect everything, and we mean everything

There’s a long list of things that could be wrong with a used vehicle, but that shouldn’t automatically deter you from buying one. It just means that you need to look over every piece of your used luxury RV before making a purchase. These are common problems found in used RVs, and you should look out for all of them.

1. The ceiling has dark stains from water damage or is cracking or dipping in places.

2. Mold is growing in dark places like inside cabinets, or along the walls or ceiling. There are a ton of spots that mold can form, so look over every crevice of the RV with a flashlight to ensure there isn’t any mold hiding somewhere.

3. The floors are rotting away. Visible signs of damaged or stained spots can be an indicator of this, as well as a feeling of the floor being loose or dipping when you put pressure on it. Don’t be afraid to really put pressure on the floors, as you want to make absolutely sure that they’re safe. Treat the walls the same way and put pressure on them to make sure they don’t give.

4. Rust is corroding the metal parts of the RV. This is most common underneath the vehicle, as mud can get stuck under there and cause rust over time. Check out all of the RV’s exterior, especially any places where screws or bolts were used.

5. The roof is creaking or has been damaged. It might seem silly, but it’s wise to bring a ladder to inspect the roof’s viability. If there are signs of damage— like punctures, tears, or cracking— you want to proceed with caution.

SHOULD YOU GET AN EXTENDED WARRANTY?

Wondering if you should get an extended warranty for your RV? Learn how an RV extended warranty works and whether it’s right for you.

If your chosen used luxury RV has passed all these tests, then congratulations! You’ve got a great RV on your hands and can rest assured knowing you’re saving lots of money. Once you make the purchase, you’ll probably want to protect your new investment with insurance. Look no further than Roamly for all your insurance needs, as they tailor their packages to meet your specifications and give you great discounts along the way! And when it comes to RV insurance, we've got you covered. Explore options by clicking the button below.