Questions To Ask When Buying A Used RV

There is nothing quite as exciting as gearing up to shop for an RV; however when you’re shopping for a used RV, it can quickly become overwhelming.  Especially as a first-time RV buyer, it can feel like there are so many things to remember and questions to ask. 

Before you meet with a seller or step onto a dealership lot, it’s smart to come prepared with a clear list of questions. Just like you'd check a to-do list before hitting the road, having the right questions ready can help you uncover potential red flags and avoid expensive surprises. This guide outlines the key questions to ask when buying a used RV—questions that can reveal how well the RV was maintained and whether it’s worth pursuing further.

Top Questions to Ask When Buying a Used RV from Any Seller

It's not about asking everything under the sun—that’s simply going to make the process even more overwhelming. We also want you to keep in mind that this isn’t a comprehensive checklist (for that, we strongly recommend hiring a certified RV inspector through RVHelp.com. This is simply a list of SMART questions that are going to give you clear answers, help you make the most informed decision on your big purchase, and avoid expensive mistakes.

Download This Question List as PDF to Print and Bring with You!

We’ve created a handy printable version of these questions (and more) for you to take with you. When you show up with questions, sellers will know you’re a serious buyer and not there to waste their time. It will also give you peace of mind knowing that you won’t forget an important question! This question list can also be great for a phone call with sellers.

Want your free copy? Scroll to the bottom of this page to download the free Seller Question List and take it with you while RV shopping.

Ownership and Use History

When meeting with the owners of the RV, it’s important to ask questions about their ownership. It will help you understand how they used the RV, and if possible issues could be present. For example, if an RV was kept outside, without cover, you know the RV was exposed to the elements and may need new sealant, or checked for leaks more so than an RV that was kept in covered storage.

We like to think that everyone is honest and upfront about the condition of the RV they're selling, however if you aren’t able to get the answers to some of these questions, it’s a really good idea to get a pre-purchase inspection. This can save you headaches and big bucks in the long run if the owners either don’t disclose something or have lack of knowledge (perhaps they aren’t the first owner, or haven’t used the RV in a long time!)

Here are some sample questions to ask when buying a used RV to get clarity on ownership and use history:

• How long have you owned this RV?

• Are you the first owner?

• How was it typically used—full-time, weekends, seasonal trips?

• You may want to ask where the travels took place. (Months in the Arizona sun or parked under trees that drop sap and leaves can both cause different types of wear on an RV.)

• Where was it stored between uses? (For example, was it in a climate-controlled storage area or was it outdoors primarily?)

Maintenance and Repairs

Buying an RV is more involved than buying a car because of all the additional moving parts, but many of the same questions apply! If a seller is confident in how they took care of their RV, and have well-documented repairs and reports, this is a good indication that the RV was reliably taken care of. Especially when it comes to buying your first RV, it can bring peace of mind to buy an RV from someone who’s documented all the maintenance and can easily pass it off to you.

Here are some maintenance and repair questions we recommend asking when buying a used RV:

• Do you have service or maintenance records?

• Even if they performed their own maintenance, they should be able to supply those records to you via receipts and dates.

• Have there been any past or current leaks? If they don’t know - this is where hiring a professional RV inspector through RVhelp.com! Certified NRVIA inspectors check everything from electrical systems to potential water damage—things that aren’t always visible to a buyer.

• When was the roof last inspected or resealed?

• Have the tires or batteries been replaced recently?

• Have any appliances or systems been repaired or replaced?

Remember that while an RV may look in perfect condition, there can be a lot “under the hood” that isn’t visible at first glance. Asking these questions can give you clarity on some of those hidden things.

Want our free downloadable RV inspection checklist? You can find this handy list here!

System Functionality and Condition 

Let’s be clear, RVs are significant investments, and you deserve to know what’s working vs. what may need repaired immediately or in the near future. Even if an RV is in “great condition”, the seller should be transparent about the functionality of everything. They should also let you test things, and be willing to show you everything in working order.  Make sure you understand the systems - for example if there’s solar installed, have them explain the system so you know what the status is.

Here are some questions to ask about system functionality and condition when buying a used RV:

• Does everything work? (Fridge, stove, A/C, heater, slide-outs, etc.) Don’t be afraid to have them demonstrate it all!

• Any quirks or problems I should know about? (Even if it’s just a tear in a seat, you want to know upfront.)

• Have you tested everything recently?

• How does the plumbing/electrical system behave during travel? (Make sure you understand the systems in the RV.)

Paperwork, Title, and Legal Status 

We’re big believers in double-checking everything. It’s always a smart move to double-check the VIN and paperwork as a precaution to make sure the title is clean, and there are no liens or issues with the legal status of the RV. This information is all available by searching (you can also verify this through your state’s DMV or title-check services), so a seller should be upfront and honest about it.

Here are some questions to ask about paperwork and legal status when buying a used RV:

• Do you have the title in hand?

• Is there a lien on the RV?

• Has it ever been in an accident or had insurance claims? (If the answer is yes and you proceed with the purchase, you’ll want to make sure you get copies of that information for your records.)

• Do you have the original manuals and documentation?

Pro tip: The manuals can be very handy, but if the RV isn’t more than a handful of years old, you may be able to get them from the manufacturer!

Pro Tip: Don’t Skip the Professional Inspection 

At RV Help we believe nothing is as valuable as a professional inspection when buying a used RV. Why? Because even honest sellers may still overlook or be unaware of issues that could cost you time and money as soon as you drive away.

NRVIA-certified inspectors typically spend 6 hours or more checking things buyers can’t easily evaluate. Once you get your detailed inspection report from your inspector, you can then make an informed decision on whether to move forward with your purchase. If you’re ready to find a local certified inspector before committing to a purchase, we are here to help. It couldn’t be more simple to find a local inspector through RVHelp.com.

Conclusion

If there’s one thing you’ll quickly learn as an RVer, it’s that being prepared for any situation is the most important thing! By equipping yourself with the right questions before committing to a purchase, you’re already on your way to responsible RV ownership.

More than anything, if something seems wrong when speaking with the seller of a used RV, trust your instinct. It’s okay to ask the hard questions, verify their findings, and of course, hire your own inspector.

We’ve got free resources to make this process easier for you! Here are two simple steps to follow:

1. Download your free list of seller questions to bring on your RV hunt.

2. Download the free RV Help mobile app to make it easy to schedule an inspection before you buy.