​Finding and Inspecting Motorhomes For Sale in VA

 

If you've been wanting to head out onto the wide open road, exploring new and exciting areas as you make your way across the county, you may consider investing in a motorhome. While these recreational vehicles can be quite pricey when purchasing new, it’s an excellent idea to look for used rv motorhomes for sale. Of course, just like buying anything used, you'll want to make sure the vehicle is properly inspected in advance to ensure everything is in top notch working order, and that you’re not surprised by any faults. Upon looking for motorhomes for sale in VA, be sure to take these following steps in inspecting and checking out the overall vehicle before purchase.

Many used rv motorhomes for sale are in great condition while others may not be exactly what they seem to be. In order to score a great deal on a reliable recreational vehicle for traveling and camping purposes, you'll want to be familiar with motorhomes and exactly what you should be looking for. Understand the different sizes available and your personal needs. By taking the proper steps and knowing what works and what doesn't, you will be assured that you will not get ripped off on this large purchase.

After finding motorhomes for sale in VA that seem too good to be true, take advantage of this helpful list that you should go over to ensure that everything is in good working condition and as stated by the dealership or present owner. First, check out the propane bottles to see if they need updating or an inspection. Older propane tanks will need to be inspected every five years or so which can be a costly extra expense on your part. You will also want to make sure that the hoses that connect to the propane bottles to not have any cracks or leaks as a propane leak can cause a great deal of damage to your RV.

Next, you will want to check out some relatively basic things that can play large factors in whether or not this is the right used RV purchase for you. This includes checking to see if the trailer jack is working, if the battery in the vehicle is dead or dying, if the tires are in good condition or will need to be replaced sooner than later, if the converter that charges the battery is working, if components can easily be opened and closed and if the braking system seems to be in proper working condition. Faulty brakes can lead to accidents and serious injury.

In addition to the exterior of the motorhome, be sure to check out the inside to see if it has been kept in good condition over the years. Be sure to view the flooring, interior walls, furnace, hot water heater, TV antenna, cooking range and other things that may be found throughout the motorhome. If everything looks good and the price is right, it could be time to make the leap and purchase one of the many motorhomes for sale in VA​.

Is a 5th Wheel Camper Right for You?

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If you are ready to experience traveling in comfort, purchasing a camper is definitely something you should consider. 5th wheel campers are among the most popular types of campers available today. You will want to look at the features of the modern 5^th wheel camper and decide whether you have the right vehicle to tow a camper before making your purchase.

Features to Look For

The perfect place to live.

A luxurious alternative to motels and camping in a tent, most 5^th wheel campers come equipped with beds, a kitchen space and a bathroom. You can also choose to add other features, as well. For example, if you would prefer a full-sized shower or want a camper that offers slideouts for additional space, you can choose a camper that offers these options. You will also need to know which size camper you should get, based on the vehicle that you want to use to tow the camper.

A standard 5^th wheel camper can sleep up to eight people and features one master bed and several additional sleeping spaces. Electric and water hookups are available on all standard campers for sale in New York. One feature that isn't as obvious as the spacious design and solid countertops is the improved stability of a 5^th wheel camper on the road. The design of the gooseneck hitch allows you to travel without experiencing the swerving that is common with some towable campers.


How to Tow Your Camper

Handle your 5^th wheel campers this way.

Towed using a special hitch, called a gooseneck hitch that sits in the bed of a truck, 5^th wheel campers use a towing calculator that is based on your specific truck size, which will help you choose the right sized camper. Remember that towing a 5^th wheel camper isn't the same as towing a standard weight on a trailer hitch. Since the gooseneck hitch sits in the bed of the truck, you may find that the weight is too much for some trucks even if the camper is under the truck's listed maximum towing weight.

You can use an online calculator to help you determine whether your truck is the right size for towing a 5^th wheel camper. A towing calculator that is designed to calculate the weight distribution of a 5^th wheel camper is a simple solution to choosing the size of your camper. Remember not to make your purchase based on the maximum towing weight of your vehicle, since the towing weight is determined using a standard bumper hitch rather than a gooseneck hitch. If this is your first tow along camper, finding 5th wheels for sale ensures you are comfortable on the road.


Getting Started

One of the first things that you can do to decide if a 5^th wheel camper is right for you is to visit a local dealer. You can find 5th wheels for sale in nearly all cities and towns across the nation and dealers are always happy to let you tour the available models. Both new and gently used models of 5^th wheel campers are available for sale in New York, allowing you to choose an option that fits your budget, while offering all the features you need to be comfortable on the road.

Coleman Brings Camping to Life!

Since 1900, the name Coleman has signified fine equipment for outdoor life. Yellowstone, the first national park in the U.S., was only 28 years old when Coleman began providing outdoor gear. Camping in those days meant hiking or riding horses along the trails that lead to the park and its collection of natural wonders. Even with those primitive conditions during the first years, thousands visited the park, and you can bet that most of them brought Coleman equipment with them.

From the iconic Coleman lantern to the current modern RV models, Coleman IS Camping. Coleman recreational vehicles and camping equipment embody what is best about the modern American camping experience. Anywhere you find RVs for sale, you can find a Coleman for sale. Today, the company produces three RV travel trailer models to tempt outdoor enthusiasts throughout the U.S.

Expedition. The conventional model features everything it takes to provide full-value family camping. In addition to conventionally constructed floor plans and very large storage bays, the Expedition features a 60-gallon fresh water system and an optional insulation package for those early season camping trips. Other features include:  

• Fiberglass walls
• Power awning
• Outside shower
• 15,000 BTU air conditioning and second bedroom 8,000 BTU air conditioning
• LCD Television
• Coleman kitchens include a 6-cubic foot refrigerator; cook top and standard-size oven, microwave, sink and high-rise faucet.

Expedition LT. Even though its weight is light enough to haul behind a light-duty SUV or mini-van, this camper has everything your family needs for a great camping experience without committing you to a heavy-duty truck.

Storage is a priority for every traveling family, and you will find a large pass-through compartment in the Expedition LT. For a smooth ride, this RV features radial tires and easy-lube axles. Four different floor plans give everyone an individual option for their unique travel style. Here are a few of the standard features of the Expedition LT:

• Mini blinds throughout
• Skylight in bath
• Cognoleum Carefree slate pattern residential flooring
• Two interior speakers
• Awnings

Explorer Ultralight. Provide this camper with the optional Summit K2 insulation package and you will be comfortable and cozy at those high-altitude campgrounds. When you find these RVs for sale, they’ll be surrounded by EternaBond aluminum-framed construction and comes with nine different floor plans. Standard equipment on the Explorer includes:

• Outside standard equipment: speakers, awnings, heated holding tanks and frameless tinted safety glass windows
• Indoors: a kitchen including a sink cover, a hi-rise faucet, ABS tub/shower surround, a foot pedal flush toilet, bathroom skylight, TV hookup with a DVD connection in the bedroom. You can also upgrade your interior to include an Evergreen “Rest Easy” mattress.

Two optional packages are available for all Coleman RV models, so you can purchase extras to fit your camping style.

• The Summit Package includes upgraded insulation and enclosed underbelly for cold-weather or high-altitude camping.
• The Coleman Base Camp Package includes equipment that outfits your RV with outdoor equipment you need for an outdoor camping experience, a camp table, two sleeping bags, lantern and two coolers.

 

Tips for Inspecting Used Motorhomes For Sale in NY

When buying used motorhomes form NY RV sales, it’s essential to check a few things to determine if it’s worth your hard-earned money. Failing to check on these items can lead to overpaying for a bad motorhome with annoying or irreparable problems. 

Check If The Walls Have Delaminated 

Most motorhomes have sidewalls that are composed of very thin fiberglass sheet on the exterior surface, which is glued to a thin luan plywood. The next layer is a thin layer of Styrofoam and on the interior walls, another thin sheet of luan plywood is covered with vinyl. 

Due to age or perhaps water leaks, the outside layers of the motorhome can separate. Once the walls have delaminated, this becomes an expensive and nearly impossible problem to fix. Before buying any motorhome, you should check if the walls have delaminated. You can do this by going to the rear of the coach and placing your head close to the surface of the wall. On this position, you should look towards the front of the motorhome along the side. Bulges are signs of a delaminated wall. When you see a bulge, check out this portion on the wall and try to push. 

Check for Water Leaks 

Water leaks can come from the roof, windows or slides. To check for water leaks, you will need to go inside the motorhome and bring with you a flashlight. Once inside, you need to check for stains on the ceilings and walls. A sign of water leak on vinyl surfaces would be wrinkling and peeling. 

When buying a used motorhomes for sale in NY, you should consider the magnitude of the leak, the damage done by the leaks, and whether or not this problem can be addressed inexpensively. 

Inspect the Roof of the Motorhome 

You should also check the roof of the motorhome. Typical materials used to make the roof are aluminum and rubber. For an aluminum roof, you should check the seams of the roof. If the roof is made of rubber, you should check for any tears or cracking. If any roof problems are present, you should reconsider your decision of buying as repairs can be extremely costly. 

Generators and Electrical Appliances 

Most motorhomes come with generators and should run smoothly. If this is the case, check the ‘hours’ meter to determine the number of hours on the device. Most generators will have around 1000 hours. However, properly maintained generators can have past 10,000 hours. 

When there are appliances on the motorhome, you should check if these devices work. All appliances should work and run smoothly without any problems. 

Check the Engine, Brakes, Transmission, and Suspension 

Before buying any used motorhomes dor sale in NY, you should check the engine and make sure it’s working fine. You should check for any leaking fluids under the engine or under the motorhome. If you’re not comfortable making these inspections yourself, find a professional who can help. Additionally. consider doing test driving the motorhome to get a feel for its maneuverability.

Making a Meticulous Choice

It's important to check the available motorhomes in NY RV sales​ and to do a thorough inspection before buying. In addition, be sure to check all aesthetics, space, and functionality of all appliances. Even if the motorhome is not in perfect condition, keep track of its shortcomings for negotiation purposes and to make an informed decision.

Tips for Inspecting a Used Motorhome for Sale

Although a thorough inspection doesn't guarantee you a trouble-free coach, it does significantly reduce the likelihood of problems in the days ahead. The first step is to view the vehicle history report of the used motorhome for sale, and if that checks out, move on to the actual inspection.

Exterior

Perform a thorough examination of the motorhome’s exterior for all imperfections, including dents, dings, scratches and stains. Inspect the underside and roof, and look for rust and signs of repair. On the roof, look for cracking rubber and missing, loose and rusted screws.

Wear and Lifespan Components

Examine the tires and brakes. Open the hood, and examine the battery, belts, hoses and seals. Get underneath the RV for sale, and check the motor from that perspective. Be on the lookout for dry rot. Research the model, and know any and all known issues with the vehicle so that you can look for them.

House

Enter the house next. Judge the aesthetics first, which can be an immediate deal-breaker. Then look over the interior for signs of water damage, delamination and overall integrity. Test all doors and windows to ensure they open and close easily.

Creature Comforts

The bathroom and bedroom of an RV are two areas most likely to cause ‘buyer’s remorse.’ Pay particular attention to how easy it is to move into and out of these areas. A minor inconvenience now can be a big problem later when the newness has worn off and you have to deal with it every day.

Appliances

Run the generator under load for a period of time. Avoid generators that surge or have difficulty starting. Flush the toilets, and run the sinks. Assess the water pressure. Ensure that the refrigerator, air conditioning and all other major appliances work well. Test all electrical outlets and similar equipment.

Back Outside

Ensure that all awnings are in good repair and that they open and close quickly and easily. Examine the hitch, and test it if possible. Use the trailer jack, and ensure that it works properly.

Test-Drive

The next step is to test-drive the vehicle for features like signal lights, window controls, air conditioner and so forth. Then take her out for a ride, preferably a lengthy one, paying attention to engine idle, acceleration, braking, steering, cornering and sway. Also, monitor the engine for unusual noises and high temperatures. If you’ve never driven a motorhome before, it’s a good idea to have the mechanic you hire test-drive the vehicle as well. It can be difficult to gauge aspects like sway and proper cornering when you’ve never driven a one before.

When inspecting an RV for sale ca, there are numerous areas you’ll have to pay attention to, such as the exterior, the chassis and running gear, the house itself, the generator and all the appliances. Many consumers will not have all the knowledge required for these exams, so check what you know, then bring in a professional when your intent gets serious.

Check out additional information on how to inspect your before you buy a used motorhome here.