Before you buy . . . Why not learn from our experiences			by Jerry & Phemia Lundahl	Back to the Current Issue Back to Features
	In the fall of 1993 we purchased a diesel motorhome. Previously having owned other RV vehicles (trailer, camper, smaller motorhomes) and having attended many RV Shows, plus keeping up-to-date reading motorhome magazines, we felt we were aware of what to look for when purchasing our dream machine. Perhaps because we wanted it so much, we overlooked a number of things not easily seen or thought of. We hope that by presenting the following, future buyers will be aware of some things to look for before purchasing. Many of these can be corrected before purchase, others you can choose to live with but the choice is up to the buyer and they (he/she) will not be frustrated with continually finding little “surprises” after they have purchased the vehicle if homework is done first. Interior of Vehicle: Flooring - check wood floors for smoothness - do stocking feet catch on it? Windows - do all windows open & close properly? Curtains - are front (dash) curtains properly cut & hung for easy closing? Are cloth drapes balanced (length, flounces), are valances secure, are the lower hooks for the tension strings placed properly (do they prevent cleaning of cupboard areas)? Doors, drawers - can they be opened without catching your hand, or doors on wall objects? Are they all securely fastened to coach - no missing screws, or screws not secure to frame. Are the screws in sink brass or will they rust easily? Does the washer/dryer have a trap to prevent sewer gas entry into coach? Does the toilet hold water? Flush properly? Does the toilet shower hose drip? Do all the lights have bulbs? (ceiling, steps, closets) Chairs - comfort for all - try all seating arrangements - can you use swivel chairs without scraping wall? Does the chair by entrance block stairs? Can you use the “controls” of the chairs with normal strength? Are they secure, or are the under-bolts loose? Is the entrance handrail suitable for your needs? Easy to reach or is it more decorative than useful. Dashboard covering - is it screwed or does it flip up from the body of the coach (dash)? Can you reach and operate all controls with safety while driving? Manuals - do you have the correct manuals for all appliances (TV, micro, stove, etc.) Gadgets - look over the extras presented - will you use them or will they be dust collectors or can the space be put to better use? e.g. vanity - more cupboards or drawers? Ice maker - larger freezer (especially if unit has 2 ice makers) Fancy lamps - test brightness of bedroom reading lamps, and number of lights in bathroom (wall space) Large coffee maker - placement - does it crowd kitchen work area? Mirrors - wall space for pictures, bulletin board, hanging utensils, shelves etc. Exterior of Vehicle: Are the headlights properly aligned? Don’t wait for a dark night trip to find they are not. Check for any dents large or small. What caused them, was the vehicle in an accident? Do all doors (entrance, storage, engine door) fit properly - aligned, can they be closed easily? What material is used for the interior hardware of storage compartment doors? Will it rust from road spray? Does the vehicle have an adequate undercoat? Are the storage compartments properly sealed? (Will road dust, water, mud come through the joins?) Is the sweep brush correctly situated? (Or will it allow dirt, etc. kickback into motor?) Are the electric steps protected from road spray/mud? Will the exhaust residue be thrown back onto the vehicle you are towing? (diesel fumes) Are the awnings lubricated to allow easy roll-up without jamming or sticking? Engine Check: transmission, engine oil, radiator- fluid levels and ease of filling them protection of engine from road spray support of generator exhaust pipe condition of muffler are electrical connection weather proofed position of radiator and oil filter hose for unrestricted flow to engine signs of corrosion (rust) check leveling jacks are main pumps & controls protected against road spray (weather proofed) is there a sensing device in a storage compartment - if so is it properly protected against being accidentally bumped when using the compartment? Even if you are buying a new machine it would probably be worthwhile to have your own mechanic check out the machine. The Dealership, Salespeople, Manufacturers: Check out different dealerships - their staff change over the years and many times their policies change. Make sure you know what the up-to-date policies are. Do they “stand behind” the whole machine or is the buyer responsible for dealing with a number of manufacturers on his own? (coach, engine, chassis) Check out the date on the chassis - does it correspond with the coach? If not, make sure your guarantee is noted with purchase date. How do the dealers support you if you get a lemon? How much trouble has to occur before they are interested? Do they support you or is it totally buyer beware? When repairs are required, can they be taken care of within reasonable limits (time, distance) from where you are in the area you live or will it involve costly travel on your part? (e.g. will there be delays waiting for dealers to O.K. work done in another place (while traveling)? Will they leave you responsible for contacting manufacturers to have work done under warranty? What is their policy on previous damage done to a new machine? According to our dealers they did not have to inform buyer of any repair work (damage) up to 20% value of the new vehicle. Do they have toll free numbers? Do they consider any machine a demonstrator? How much wear on machine? Usually RV Dealerships have a variety of salespeople. Find one you can work with. Check out his/her knowledge of the vehicle. Are they willing to call in others if they don’t know the answers? Will they give you background information on their reliability? Will he be available after the contract is signed to advise you whom to contact at their RV Dealership if you need help? Is he willing to show you in detail a number of coaches? Can he explain the differences in the machines? Will he put in writing the things he says? (e.g. if there are small fixable problems get a list from him of things that will be fixed and check them before you sign the contract.) Do not accept “We will have that fixed when ...”, then an excuse such as “we’ll contact the manufacturers”. When you have looked over the complete buying process - type of machine, dealership, salesperson, manufacturers, warranties - make sure you have everything in writing - oral agreements are often forgotten. Study your material & purchase forms before signing. After purchase of the unit, keep all receipts of work done on it - even those under warranty. These may be needed when crossing borders to prove when work was done and in case you end up with a problem unit, to prove the extent of all your troubles. If you find, or think you have been unfairly treated, and are interested in how other RV owners have handled such situations, read magazines such as Highways (Good Sam Club) and Motorhome magazines. These will give you ideas on how to proceed.