Would you like to save this article?

We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later to read!

Are you dreaming of hitting the open road in your very own RV, but thinking about saving some cash by buying used? Before you sign on the dotted line, it’s important to consider the potential pitfalls that come with purchasing a pre-owned RV.

While the idea of snagging a bargain and avoiding that new-RV depreciation might sound appealing, there are some serious reasons to think twice.

The RV market has changed a lot in the past few years, and what used to be a smart move may now come with more risks than rewards.

The host from Big Truck Big RV video lays out the key reasons to be cautious. What do you think? Would you still buy a Used RV? Let us know in our private Group.

1. The Pandemic Flooded the Market with Questionable Used RVs

During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a huge surge in RV purchases as people looked for safe ways to travel. According to the video, “Covid caused so much panic and so many people decided to try the RV lifestyle… the market was flooded with RVs that had very low usage, possibly a lot of problems, and possibly became a financial burden to the person who bought it.”

In other words, the used RV market is now full of units that might look shiny and new on the outside, but could be hiding a world of trouble on the inside.

Think of it like adopting a pet that’s been returned to the shelter three times—there’s probably a reason, and it’s not just because it barks at squirrels.

2. You Have No Idea Why the Previous Owner is Selling

One of the biggest mysteries when buying a used RV is figuring out why the previous owner is getting rid of it. The video points out, “You have absolutely no idea why that unit is being sold. There’s no clarity into it at all.”

Maybe they wanted a different floor plan, or maybe the RV spent more time in the repair shop than on the road. Unless you have psychic powers (or a really good detective hat), you’re left guessing. It’s like buying a used mattress—sure, it might look fine, but do you really want to know its history?

3. Maintenance and Repairs Might Have Been Neglected

The idea used to be that buying a pre-owned RV meant someone else had already worked out the kinks and made upgrades. But as the video says, “There’s certainly a relatively high percentage of folks who just couldn’t afford their RV and they’re trying to get out of it, or problems with their RV convinced them that they don’t want it anymore.”

In other words, some RVs are being sold because the owners didn’t keep up with maintenance or repairs. So unless you’re looking for a project to test your DIY skills (and your patience), you might want to steer clear—unless you really enjoy the thrill of surprise leaks and mysterious smells.

4. Not All Upgrades Are Created Equal

It’s tempting to think that a used RV with a bunch of upgrades is a great deal. The video’s host mentions, “If you bought this Brookstone, you would be buying a higher-end unit than if you went to a dealership and bought a brand new Brookstone, mainly because of all those upgrades.”

But not all upgrades are done well, and sometimes modifications can cause more problems than they solve. Remember, just because someone glued a disco ball to the ceiling doesn’t mean they knew how to fix the plumbing.

5. Inspections Are Absolutely Essential

The video can’t stress this enough: “I’m not going to make a recommendation that you buy a pre-owned RV unless you get it inspected… It is important, I would say it’s almost critically important, that if you’re going to spend your hard-earned money on an RV, have it inspected.”

Skipping an inspection is like buying a mystery box on the internet—sure, you might get lucky, but you’re more likely to end up with a box of regrets (and repair bills). Don’t let your road trip dreams turn into a roadside nightmare!

Check out the full video below: