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Buying a used RV is not as simple as it may seem. It can be especially difficult are you are going to be living in the motorhome or 5th wheel for any amount of time. It could be likened to buying a car and a house at the same time, except this house has wheel and goes 65 miles per hour, and this car has a stove and shower.

For this reason, it is crucial to have some great checklists to go over to ensure you find any problems there might be. Sellers usually will not tell you each and every issue they know of. Some sellers will try to hide known problems. As the saying goes: "Buyer Beware".

Using your checklist to look over used vehicles at the used RV Dealer is equally important. The dealer makes his commission no matter how long the RV runs for you, so it's really up to you to make sure you get a good rig!

So let's save you time, money, and frustration and give you some of the key things to look over when viewing a used RV, Camper, Motorhome, Class AB or C, or 5th Wheel for the first time:

Oil Analysis – As with any vehicle, oil is the lifeblood of the engine. Checking the oil is a great start to ensure the integrity of the engine. If the oil smells burnt, is unusual in color or consistency, is too low or too high, you may have a problem on your hands.

Rust – Rust is the natuaral breakdown of iron or a metal with iron in it. Rust is much worse in parts of the country with snow and salt on the roads. Purchasing RV's from the south can help with rust problems, but they will usually cost a bit more. Do a complete rust check. If there is structural rust on the frame, AVOID THE RV AT ALL COSTS. You are buying an RV at the end of its life.

Service Records – Thses will show whether the previous owners did regualar maintenance, on the rig. It will also show you how many previous owners there have been. And, if they do not have any paperwork- why not?

NOTE: If the VIN number on the service records or receives does not match the vehicle you are purchasing then obviously that paperwork is meaningless.

Financing your RV – Many companies offer better financing for certain preferred builders and even certain models, especially those that have the lowest depreciation. The purchase of any used rv for business should not be done without a thorough evaluation of the finance options that are attached to it. Some banks will not finance a commercial vehicle until it has passed a DOT inspection, some offer lower rates for "occasional use", and some charge a higher percentage rate if you plan to "live aboard".

RV Insurance – this can be a real "dream breaker". How will you tell your family that you got a great deal on the rv for them and fixed it up real nice, but … well nobody will insure it because it's too old, or the brakes are after a market, or there was a recall on it. Rv converters, how would you like to finish your rv repairs with $ 30,000 in renovations only to learn it's uninsurable with normal companies due to "gross vehicle weight issues".

In my opinion, learning enough about RV's to make an educated buying decision is just good common sense. What you learn before you get the RV will certainly carry over into what you'll need to know to keep your new rig in tip-top shape while you are on the road later.

Source by Frank Fairview

Purchasing motorhome cover is not anything like getting insurance for your motorcar. There are several different areas you have to consider, and some of them will be very important to your particular needs. If this is your first RV or you've never taken it on a holiday; today is the day you get a better feel for what you need to have in your policy. Plus, we'll give you an inside look at how to save money as well.

• The Written Off RV:

When you purchase a motorhome that is brand new there are certain ways to keep it protected. Most of us do not believe anything bad will happen on a holiday, but it's possible. What will you do if you get into an accident and the proper cover is attached to the policy? In most cases you either have to pay out-of-pocket or just end up losing it all together. This is especially true if you're at fault.

This is an area that we consider to be a necessity, because it's possible you could wind up with nothing. Some UK insurance companies will provide a replacement plan if you purchase the vehicle new and an accident occurs. Keep in mind there is usually a threshold that must be met when it comes to the mileage. Check the company to see if they offer anything like this and the amount of miles the motorhome must be under.

• Additional Drivers:

Some people do not believe that getting cover for additional drivers is important. If you have a plan on your motorcar it's probably not the case, but an RV is different. When you take a holiday you're going to be driving all over the place. What happens if the driver gets sick? Someone is going to have to take over. If they are not protected and something happens you could end up in a lot of trouble.

This is definitely something to consider, especially if you're going to be out on a holiday for extended periods of time. This way you are not putting anyone else in jeopardy if they are dropped over or get into an accident. It's also a good idea, because you're able to get all the essentials if something does go wrong and repairs are needed.

• Internet Policies:

There are still a lot of individuals who would rather purchase their cover from a local agent. Unfortunately this is only going to cost you more money, because in the world we live in today it's the Internet that offers the largest discounts. You can find everything from introductory discounts or not filing a claim to being a part of their preferred club (some companies) or owning a security device for the motorhome.

We also believe that motorhome insurance should be purchased using a comparable website. They take all your needs and then try to find the cheapest plan out there. It's so effective that you can have immediate motorhome insurance within the next hour. It's definitely the best way to go, especially if you're looking to save money.

Source by Charlotte J Wilson

Seitz S4 Framed Windows: A complete window for motorhomes, caravans and camper vans. Supplied as an assembly, ready to install, with grey acrylic double glazed pane, black outer frame, integrated roller blind and flynet. The practical, central, one-hand control system combines both flynet and blind for easy movement into various positions.

Simply and quickly installed, to wall thickness from 1 mm (sheet metal thickness) up to 53 mm, using suitable timber strips.

Seitz S4 framed camper van motorhome caravan windows are installed by screwing the inner frame to the outer frame. The window is ready for installation to a wall thickness of 26 mm. For wall thickness from 1 mm to 25 mm a supplementary frame will have to be fitted to the window aperture. For wall thickness from 27 mm to 42 mm, the inner frame will have to be trimmed. For wall thickness from 43 mm to 53 mm, the outer frame will have to be fitted with timber strips. All these modifications and additions are fully and simply explained in the installation instruction supplied with the window. Seitz S4 campervan motorhome windows for replacement or van conversions. Care must be taken when measuring exact size.

The following guide will help ensure correct sizes.

1. Check for sizes etched on window pane
2. Check exact cutout size of aperture/hole
3. Check exact size of overall size of outside frame Width x Height in mm

Seitz S4 hinged window comes supplied with telescopic arms and safety catches.

The S4 framed windows are supplied to the following colour scheme:

Outer frame black RAL 9005.

Inner frame cream white RAL 9001.

Blind has grey interior with an aluminum coating to the outside.

Flynet is un patterned white.

Acrylic pane is grey.

Hinge windows open up to a maximum of 80°

Seitz S4 sliding window comes supplied with safety catch to stop the window being opened from outside. Left and right hand versions available (as direction of travel). In both cases the sliding section must be fitted to the front of the vehicle.

The S 4 framed windows are supplied to the following colour scheme:

Outer frame black RAL 9005.

Inner frame cream white RAL 9001.

Blind has grey interior with an aluminum coating to the outside.

Flynet is unpatterned white.

Acrylic pane is grey.

Source by Terry John O’Brien

Ten Good Reasons to Remodel Your RV:

1.Remodeling is the most economical way to get a true upgrade. As opposed to trading in your RV, remodeling enables you to add the features you need and the look you’ve always wanted at a mere fraction of the cost of a new RV.

2.Remodeling is the process of customizing and decorating an RV to suit your specific lifestyle as well as your personal tastes. There’s no other way to accomplish this task.

3.Tasteful and competent remodeling adds value to an RV. This added value ultimately results in a higher selling price. Remodeled RVs also tend to sell faster because interested buyers don’t want to miss out on an irreplaceable item.

4.Remodeled RVs tend to be of a higher quality than those that that haven’t. Remodeling, when done properly, is a successful collusion of creativity, quality materials, and workmanship. While some companies claim to accomplish this feat at the factory, it’s hard to compete with a proud owner that has all the time in the world.

5.The primary difference between a $175,000 RV and a $375,000 RV is the interior. Shrewd owners use skillful interior remodeling and selective upgrades to create a luxury RV at a fraction of the cost of a new high-end model.

6.Remodeling is extremely enjoyable as well as rewarding. Whether you’re changing the style, or adding new features, remodeling projects are often filled with excitement and anticipation of a new living space.

7.Even though high-end RVs cost considerably more than a typical home, many lack even the most basic amenities including dishwashers, garbage disposals, book shelves, desks, and Internet access.

8.Remodeled RVs have significantly more storage space than new models. RV manufacturers don’t have the time to install closet organizers, drawer dividers, rotating shelves, and pull-out cabinet inserts.

9.Even though there are more than two million full-time RVers, there’s no such thing as a special model for full-timers. The qualities that make a good full-timing RV have to be implemented by its owners.

10.A huge number of people routinely remodel their RVs. The five most commonly performed remodeling projects are:

a. Replacing or upgrading the flooring

b. Reupholstering the furniture

c. Upgrading the window treatments

d. Painting or wallpapering the walls

e. Replacing the dinette with a table and set of chairs

Source by Julee Meltzer