When shopping for a recreational vehicle, it can be challenging to find a model that fits within your budget. Fortunately, there’s an easy fix for this: buy a used RV instead! Used RVs that are well-maintained hold their value for years and years, so you’re sure to find a model with the features you need at a price you’ll love. But what do you need to consider before you buy a used RV?

Herold Trailer Sales in Indianola is your Iowa used RV dealer, serving Des Moines, Iowa, and Omaha, Nebraska. Read on to learn what you need to take into account when shopping for the perfect used RV.

Do Your Research

Before you even go anywhere, hop online and do some careful research to determine what brands and models may meet your needs best. Look up reviews from current and prior owners as well as professional RV publications to figure out whether a given model is a great buy or a lemon. Write down the features you need and the amenities you want so you have plenty of information to take to a local dealership.

Ask Questions

Whether you choose to buy from a private seller or a dealership like Herold Trailer Sales, you should never hesitate to ask as many questions as you need to in order to determine the suitability of a given RV. Ask to see the maintenance history so you can determine whether the RV was well-cared-for, as this is going to be your best clue to the current condition of the RV. 

Ask about how often it was used, how many previous owners the RV has had and why the RV is being sold. If the seller is unwilling to provide you with this information readily, move on! That seller is probably trying to hide something to sell a bad RV quickly.

Perform an Inspection

Once you’ve landed on a used RV that meets your specifications, you’ll want to be sure it’s in good shape. Walk around the exterior of the RV and examine it for any signs of rust or damage. Check the condition of the tires and, if there’s an engine, look that over, too. Walk around the inside of the RV as well and check for signs of water damage, malfunctioning systems, sticky slide-outs or peculiar smells.

It’s always best to shop with a reputable dealer when you’re buying something as important as a used RV. When you’re ready to shop used RVs, visit our dealership in Indianola, IA, to check out what we have in stock. Talk to our staff if you’re interested in RV financing options. Herold Trailer Sales proudly serves our customers in the metro areas of Des Moines, IA, and Omaha, NE.