Motor Vehicle Defects and Safety Recalls:

What Every Vehicle Owner Should Know.

I forgot to include this useful resource in yesterday’s post on recalls.

The NHTSA have put together a very large FAQ on the whole recall process and what it involves. If you are buying a motohome you should definitely check out to see if it has been recalled before making the purchase final. You can also download the booklet free of charge. To download the booklet follow the link below.
Recall Process and Booklet from the NHTSA. (you will need Acrobat Reader to view the downloaded document)

Technorati Tags: Motor Vehicle Defects, buying a motohome, rv, rv recalls, motorhome, motorhome recalls

USED RV BUYER’S CHECKLIST

What To Look Out For - Questions To Ask

Whether you are buying a motorhome from an auction or from a reputable dealer you still have to take great care and spend a long time meticulously checking out all aspects of the the vehicle to safeguard the purchase that could most likely be one of the largest in your life second to your house. Don´t let yourself get rushed and take your time making notes as you go. Anything that needs attention or replacing should be written down (there will always be something) and the cost of the repairs need to be taken into account when negotiating the final price.

Take a reputable and mechanic with you to look over the mechanical side of vehicle, preferably one who is experienced in RVs.

Here are some general points to look out for:

• Batteries:
  There are normally two lots of batteries in the motorhome. The house batteries for the living area and the vehicle batteries. The vehicle batteries should be able to hold enough charge to start the engine with little effort even from cold and after a period of non movement.
• Oil:
  Check out the color and constancy of the oil. If the oil is burned then it is a sign that something is wrong with the engine. If the oil is thick and gooey and has a white foam then this might indicate that additives have been used in an attempt to seal up leaky engine gaskets.
• Brakes:
  The brakes should be tested thoroughly on the test drive making sure that they are responsive and bearing in mind that when fully loaded the vehicle will be even more difficult to stop. Check the handbrake will hold the vehicle well too.
• Rust:
  Make sure that the frame of the vehicle is not rusted as this is a sure sign that the motorhome is nearing the end of its life. Occasional small rust spots on certain parts of the bodywork might be possible to repair without presenting further problems but beware of bubbling under the paint work as this signifies rust that has been painted over. At the first sign of rust you need to discover the extent of the damage and ask yourself how much work is involved in repairing it taking into consideration any paintwork that might need to be done at the same time.If you purchase a motorhome that has been used exclusively in the south of the USA then you can virtually eliminate all possibilities of rust.
• Paperwork:
  Ask to see as much of the paperwork as you can including the full service history along with receipts for any other work that might have been undertaken. Look for the number of previous owners and most important of all make sure that the VIN number of the vehicle itself matches that on the accompanying paperwork.Find out how much weight the vehicle can carry. There should be a notice inside (normally on the back of a wardrobe door) stating the net carrying capacity. This is the maximum weight the RV can carry. This is known as the CCC. There are actually many models that are so heavy in themselves that they leave very little margin for anything else and once loaded up with your family and their possessions there is a serious danger of overloading the rig.

  Somewhere on the outside of the vehicle near to the door you should find the seal of the RVIA. This is the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association and their seal denotes that the RV has been made according to standards set by them. Do not buy an RV that doesn’t have the seal.

• House batteries:
  The house batteries provide current for all of the internal electrical systems when an external hook up is not available. You need to discover if these are holding their charge. Check the battery terminals for corrosion. If the vehicle has solar panels fitted you need to discover exactly how much charge is being put back into the batteries.
• Propane system:
  Inspect the propane tanks, hoses, and regulators. There might even be certificates of safety for these. Make sure that the refrigerator switches over from gas to electric with no problems when an external hook up is connected.
• Toilet:
  The toilet needs to be able to hold water or the smell from the black water tanks will come back up into the bathroom.
• Flooring:
  Check over the floors very carefully especially around the sink and in the bathroom. Make sure there are no soft spots. Any damp or mold could lead to rotting of the wood or rusting of metal. Soft spots will most likely be as a result of a leaky plumbing system.
• Ceilings:
  As with the floors you need to check thoroughly for signs of damp or mold. This will most likely start to appear in hidden places, up the corners and at the back of the lockers. Any damp patches on the ceiling are more than likely a sign that the roof is leaking. A leaky roof can be extremely difficult and expensive to repair.
• Heating:
  Test out the heating system well making sure that there is enough power to heat all parts of the motorhome at once. Make sure that there are heating vents in all the rooms including that bathroom and that when on they blow enough hot air to keep the whole vehicle warm on a cold night as well as providing hot water.
• Air conditioning:
  As with the heating make sure that this is adequate and that it still blows cold air. Recharging an air conditioning unit can be quite costly.
• Insulation:
  Ask about insulation. How will it stand up to the cold nights? Are the water tanks insulated?
• Comfort:
  Spend some time sitting in the chairs and lying on the bed. You need to know if these are comfortable and positioned correctly.. Can you lie on the bed without your feet hanging off the end? Can you see the TV from the chairs without straining your neck? Is there enough room to eat comfortably at the table? Are there enough stove burners? Is the kitchen counter space adequate? etc.
• Overall check:
  Finally, make sure you do a thorough general check of everything. This includes tuning on and off everything you can. Make sure that all the lights are working, both inside and outside. Open every cupboard and locker, check all electric items and the electrical outlets. Are the electrical outlets located in sensible conditions and is there enough of them? Open every door, every vent, every window and panel, both inside and out.
• Insurance:
  Just before you make your purchase you should check that you are able to insure the vehicle by providing your RV insurance company with the exact make and model you will be purchasing. Be warned that there are certain models that for one reason or another are classed as un-insurable. This is normally due to recalls of certain models (see the post on vehicle recalls), weight and size restrictions amongst others.

A Word About Quality:

Be aware of Cheap. Not all motorhomes are built to the same standards. Though most are quality build there are some models that are constructed with cheaper materials in order to lower the overall. The cheap models will probably be perfect if you plan to use them for a couple of camping weekends a year but if you plan on spending any long periods in the RV then you should go for a high quality model. Cheap motorhomes tend to have uncomfortable beds, noisy heaters, cabinets with sharp corners, drawers and doors that don’t close properly and thin walls. If you lean against the walls and there is some give then the plywood is probably less than 1/4 inch thick, a good sign of a cheaper quality coach.

RV Buyer’s Guide

This is only a superficial checklist and should be used to give you an approximate idea of some of the things you should be looking for when checking over a motorhome. There are several guides, books and videos on the market which go into the whole process a lot deeper. The RV Buyer’s Guide is full or tips and useful information on how to purchase your motorhome without getting ripped off. It shows you exactly what to look out for and gives examples of some of the hidden tricks you might come across.

Another publications that might help you is the Better Business Bureau DVD, “Buying a Recreational Vehicle.”

Buying A Recreational Vehicle
from Better Business Bureau

Further Information:

RV homebase 2008 - A great guide for buying motorhomes. Gives you loads to think about.
Guide helps fulltimers decide on an RV homebase

Here are a few more things you might want to consider.
RV - A Guide to Choose A Recreational Vehicle

If you need solar power check this out.
Solar Power - The New Way To RV

Before you take the plunge and buy your first rig have a look at this.
Buying an RV

Here are a load of useful RV Maintenance articles that will increase your knowledge when looking at used rvs to buy.
Check out the roof before you buy
RV Travel — Your RV Roof

And finally, before you buy or even rent your first motorhome you should learn a little about driving it. Here is a review about the new book “Drive your Motorhome Like a Pro” by professional bus driver Lorrin Walsh.
New Book Teaches How to Drive a Motorhome

Technorati Tags: RV BUYER’S CHECKLIST, buying a motorhome, motorhome, RV insurance, Cheap motorhomes, recreational vehicle,

Once you are clear on which type of motorhome you need you have to decide how you will purchase it. Here are some of the options you have.

BUY NEW:
This is by far the best option if your finances will allow it. Every year more luxurious and more comfortable models are produced with better accessories and fittings. They are extremely high priced but well worth it if you can afford it. Most of the dealerships can offer a selection of good financing options with comfortable monthly payments.

PRIVATE SALES:
You can often get some pretty good deals when buying from a private seller. You can find adverts in the motorhome magazines, or online at a selection of RV CLASSIFIEDS sites dedicated to putting buyers in touch with sellers. Great care should be taken if you are considering buying your motorhome in a private deal. Take an experienced mechanic with you and if possible an experienced RVer too as an extra set of eyes, eyes that are less likely to get clouded with the enthusiasm and emotion that creeps in at the prospect of obtaining a beautiful new motorhome. Make notes as you check over the vehicle and make a list of modifications or repairs that need to be done. Use your notes later on at the time of negotiating the final price.

POLICE AUCTIONS - SEIZED AUCTIONS:
Organized by the government these auctions are held regularly across the US where seized, repossessed and confiscated vehicles are sold off to the public at extremely low prices. You can often find hardly used RVs in extremely good condition with very low mileage. Bidding typically starts at around the $100 mark and there are times when you can get real bargains with motorhomes being sold for a fraction of what they are worth. There are times however when the bidding get insane and the price is raised up to and beyond the going rate for that particular vehicle. Great care needs to be taken when buying from any auction and you really need to know exactly what you are doing or you could end up purchasing a vehicle that isn’t worth what you paid for it. I will be covering some of the things to look out for in the next post.

Regularly updated information and details about when and where these police auctions will be held along with information on the vehicles that will be up for sale can be found at the web sites Seized Vehicle Auctions and Auction Pass.

USED MOTORHOME DEALERSHIP:
If you are buying your first motorhome or have little experince then this is by far the best way to get a decent used RV. Most dealerships carry a wide range of vehicles of all classes. If you purchase from a reputable dealer you will get that little bit more sevurity and peace of mind as most will offer some sort of guarantee and also have their reputation to consider too..

Another positive point about buying from a dealer is that you will be offered a selection of finance plans which are unavailable if you choose to buy in a private sale or at an auction. The prices of the RVs at a dealership are somewhat elevated in comparison to private sales due to their overheads. In most cases the extra cost is well worth it. Even though a dealership might have a good reputation you should still be just as diligent and as thourough when looking over the vehicles as you whould when buying in a private deal or at an auction.

When interacting with a dealer you need to give them as much information as possible in order for them to offer you what you need. Tell them the type or RV you are looking for and tell them how you plan to use it. A well trained salesperson should be able to show you a selection of vehicles appropriate to your needs. Feel free to ask questions about construction of the coaches, whty they are made this way or that and what one brand and model has to offer over another.

Some dealers are affiliated with one or two specific brands and deal soley with them. This can be an advantage as the dealers will have undergone specialized training and the dealership will have access to original spare parts and service departments. If you are looking for a wider choice however you will be better off by using a general purpose dealer.

Here are a few more ideas on buying motorhomes:

Interesting article on used motorhomes
Getting the Most Out of a Used Motor Home Sale

Some useful advice on choosing your motorhome
How to Pick RV’s & Pop-Up Campers

Advice on some of the different ways Motorhomes can be sold
Steps For Selling Used RVs

Of course you could always build your own as set out by
Converting a School Bus into a Motor Home

RV and motorhome financing explained here
RV Camper Financing, Low Rate Interest Is Affordable

Technorati Tags: motorhome, POLICE AUCTIONS, SEIZED AUCTIONS, USED MOTORHOME, RV, Motorhomes

There are several different classes of motorhome available to suit your needs, each has its own characteristics. Basically they can be split up and put into one of the following groups.

Class B Motorhomes:
The Class B Motorhome or camper van is the most compact of the classes, it is little more than a converted van. Some can be quite luxurious and come fitted with bathroom, kitchen, TV and microwave but the norm is that they have just enough space to accommodate a sleeping area which doubles as a living space, a small cooking area and some storage space. These are great for short camping breaks, they are very easy to drive and maneuver with parking not presenting a problem. These vehicles can easily double as a second family vehicle when not being used for camping.

Class C Motorhomes:
Class C motorhomes are the middle of the range class. They are coach built on top of a special chasis which is basically a truck chasis with the engine at the front. These can be quite a lot larger than the previous Class B motorhomes with lengths ranging from 20 to 40 feet. The more recent models all include slide outs that increase the living space and come with a bathroom, living area and bedroom, The driving area is connected to the living area is set lower down so passing from one to the other at times can be a little awkward. These vehicles are best suited to those who take frequent short breaks, Most have gas engines and are fairly economical to run. Parking is less of a problem than with the larger class A motorhomes.

Class A Motorhomes:
Class A Motorhomes are the real luxury vehicles. They have the appearance of a bus with a flat front and large front windows, the coachwork is built onto a special bus chasis and they can have a rear deisel engine (pushers) or a front engine gas or diesel (pullers). They are fully self contained coming with a separate bedroom, living area, kitchen with refrigerator and stove and oven, a dining area with table and chairs, a complete bathroom with shower and a spacous living area with sofa and armchairs. The driving area is integral and when parked the driver and passengers seats can be rotated to face into the vehicle to form part of the living room. The later models come with up to 4 slide outs in the lounge and the bedroom which greatly increase the interior space. These vehicles are very large and cannot be parked anywhere. They can be tricky to manouvr if you are not used to them. A little training is advised if you have never driven one before. In some countries special driving permits are required as the sheer size makes drivng them comparable to driving a bus. They can be diesel powered or gas powered.

Fifth Wheel Trailers:
The 5th wheel trailor is just as luxurious inside as the typical Class A rig. They are self contained having a closed bedroom, bathroom with shower, kitchen and living room. They come in various sizes up to about 40 feet long. Most of them come with slide outs to increase living space. A Medium or heavy duty pickup truck is required to pull them which needs to have a special hitch fitted in the bed. The beauty of these is that once you are camped you can un-hitch the truck and use it independently without having to break camp. Ideal for those who want to camp in rural areas where the roads may not be very good and the 4 wheel drive of the truck can be engaged.

Standard Travel Trailer:
These are the most poular type of RV to be sold today. They come in various sized from 10 to 40 feet long and can be pulled by most medium to large vehicles. Some of the larger models have slide outs, bedrooms, kitchens, bathrooms, dining and living rooms.



Toy Haulers:
These are a fairly new invention and are a variation of the standard travel trailer. Toy haulers have a room usually at the back which is used as a garage to store anything from motorbikes to ATVs or even small mini cars. Some have folding beds which can be opened once camped and the vehicles have been removed. The rest of the rig is just like any other with bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and living room complete with slide outs.

3D Virtual Tour - This is in interesting 3d virtual tour of some of the different classes of RV available.

Get To Know Your Way Around Researching Motorhomes Sales Online - Great general guide.

Al Qasr and Camel Safari - Includes a description of the 9 different types of RVs.

Tuscan Wine Tours In A Motorhome - an out of the ordinary vacation idea: renting a motorhome and touring Tuscan wineries

Take the kids on a motorhome holiday - NZ Motorhome rentals

Technorati Tags: classes of motorhome, Class B Motorhome, Class C motorhomes, Class A Motorhomes, 5th wheel, RV, Toy haulers, camper van

Get Informed The next step is to familiarize yourself with exacly what is on offer. You need to submerge yourself in the world of RVs and motorhomes. Get lots of up to date information by reading the specialized RV magazines and by scouring the web to find out as much as you can about the different types of motorhome available and the different fixtures and fitting that are available. You would benefit from subscribing to some of the RV magazines (The major two are Trailer Life and RV Magazine). Try and get some back issues if you can. Get to know which models are available, discover some of the problems that experienced RVers seem to be having and you will also start to get a feel for some of the motorhome ‘lingo’ or terms used.

Trailer Life 12 issues Trailer Life is Americas #1 RV magazine. Loaded with features on RV products and technical advice, Trailer Life Magazine makes RV travel safer and a lot more fun! With destination features in every issue, the RV traveler who reads TrailerLife is not only well-informed, but inspired with new ideas! 12 issues Only $1.33 per issue. That is 67% off.

There is a great video all about the RV lifestyle which you can get for free from RVIA. You can have a copy mailed to you or you can watch it online.

Send for your free RV DVD from the RVIA (Recreation Vehicle Industry Association) that provides a valuable overview of the RV lifestyle.

Whilst investigating you will realize that there are several main classes of vehicle to chose from. In the next post I will explain about the different MOTORHOME CLASSES and some of the different models available.

Technorati Tags: RVIA, buying motorhome, motorhome dealer, rv, trailer life, rv dvd, motorhome classes

Find The Right Type Of Motorhome For You

As you will already have begun to realize, motorhomes today come in all sorts of different sizes and shapes with a host of different features and layouts on offer. For a first time buyer it can be a little confusing to say the least. There are models that contain all of the luxuries and fittings you would expect in a normal residence in which you could quite comfortably live in for many months on end. There are others that are more basic but perfectly adequate for short camping trips and if you are used to camping then you might even find these somewhat luxurious.

The first thing you need to do is to determine your own requirements. Ask yourself the following questions.

• How many people will be sleeping at vehicle?
• How often will you be using it?
• When you do use it, will it be for weeks on end or will it be for short weekend breaks?
• How many times a year do you plan on using it?
• Will you be using it in the winter?
• Where do you plan to take it and where will you be camping? On camp sites or will you just stay on the road?
• How long will your average stay in one place be?

Once you have some of the above clear then you will be ready to start investigating just what is on offer with a mind to how you plan to use you new motorhome.

In the next post I will be explaining how to familiarize yourself with the world of RVs so you can become truly informed before you purchase your motorhome.

Technorati Tags: motorhomes, used motorhomes, used rvs, buy motorhome

Hello and welcome to American Motorhome.

I’m Barry Bushnell and over the next few weeks I’ll be posting some information for those of you who are looking to buy a used camper or are looking for a motorhome for sale.
My aim is for this site to become a repository of motorhome knowledge and that it will fast become an authority site on how to buy a motorhome or RV.
The first article will be split into a few parts as it covers several subjects, it is the complete beginners guide to buying a motorhome.

For the experienced RV’ers out there don’t go quite yet, we have some good stuff planned for you too. Bookmark this page or add it to your blog reader and check back soon.

Technorati Tags: buy a motorhome, amercian motorhome, campers, motorhomes, rv