CAMPING TIPS FOR FIRST-TIME RVERS
In addition to the water pump test , inspect the RV closely for any signs of water intrusion . Take your time and study the interior carefully . Look at and touch the ceiling , walls , and floor , especially around corners . You ’ re checking for soft spots that don ’ t feel as firm as the surrounding areas . No tools are necessary for this process — just your hands .
Look for stains , too . Don ’ t be afraid to open cabinets and drawers , look under furniture , or crawl around on the floor . It ’ s worth the trouble ; water damage is an RV ’ s biggest enemy and can be extremely expensive to repair .
Finally , climb up on the roof and check the state of things . Check for any significant cracks or missing sealant — anything that could allow water into your potential future rig .
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3 Look for evidence of pests
While you ’ re looking for water damage , check for any mouse or rat droppings . Look in drawers and cabinets , and behind or underneath furniture . Check the RV ’ s underbelly for any evidence of chewing , or for holes that look like they don ’ t belong .
Not only do you want to avoid any unwelcome hitchhikers — mice and rats can do a lot of damage to electrical wiring as they chew . Rodents are very good at entering RVs through tiny spaces , so a visual inspection isn ’ t a guarantee . But it ’ s good practice to at least do a visual inspection for anything noticeable .
Other places that bugs and rodents like to hide are the bumper and outdoor compartments ( including the propane storage area and the hatch with outdoor access to the water heater ).
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4 Inspect the tires
Tires aren ’ t just a big-ticket item ; underinflated tires a road hazard , too . Underinflated or worn tires cause most blowouts — so before you drive away , make sure the rubber will hit the road in good working order .
Bring a tire pressure gauge with you and check the pressure of every tire on the RV . Ensure they are all inflated per the manufacturer ’ s instructions , based on the ambient air temperature and the load ( or the weight of the RV ).
Next , do a visual check . Inspect the tread and look for signs of uneven wear . Specific tread patterns could point to issues with axles or alignment .
Finally , perform the penny test . Place a penny inside the tread of each tire with Lincoln ’ s head facing down into the tread . If you can see the top of his head , it ’ s time for new tires .
If the tires are due for replacement , negotiate with the owner on the price . Don ’ t let a good RV go because the tires are old , but certainly factor it into your purchasing ( and driving ) decisions .
If you ’ re purchasing a towable RV , it ’ s also a good idea to look at the leaf springs and the axles . Again , you don ’ t need to be a mechanic to complete this exterior inspection . You ’ re just looking for any blatant issues .
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