Buying a Used Camper in Ohio This Winter: What to Check

A lot of people shop for a used camper or travel trailer over the winter so it's ready for spring. Sellers who don't want to store a camper another season may be ready to deal. But winter shopping has a catch: the camper is often winterized, covered in snow or parked where it's hard to look at. That makes it easier to miss problems that can cost you a lot later.

Here's how to shop smart.

Start with the listing

Before you drive out:

• Ask for the year, make, model and the VIN.
• Ask how it was stored: under a roof, under a cover or out in the open.
• Ask if it has had any roof work, floor work or leaks repaired, and if there are receipts.
• Ask when the tires were replaced and when the bearings were last serviced.
• Ask for photos of the ceiling, the corners of the floor and the roof.

A seller who answers clearly is a good sign.

Water damage: the big one

Water damage is the most expensive problem in a used camper, and it hides well. When you see it in person:

• Smell it. A strong musty smell or heavy air freshener can be a warning.
• Look up. Check the ceiling around vents, skylights, the A/C and the corners for stains.
• Press down. Walk the floor, especially by the door, the front and around the bathroom. Soft or spongy is bad news.
• Check the walls outside. Look down the side of the camper for bubbles or waves (delamination).
• Open the cabinets. Look in the back corners and under sinks for stains or swelling.

If you find soft floors or delamination, the repair can cost far more than a discount on the price. Our post on finding water leaks explains where they start.

Running gear

This is what keeps it safe on the road:

• Tires: Look for cracks in the sidewalls and check the DOT date code on the sidewall (the last four digits are the week and year it was made). Old tires can look fine and still be unsafe.
• Axles and springs: The camper should sit level. Look for broken or flattened leaf springs and heavy rust.
• Bearings and brakes: Ask when they were serviced. If nobody knows, plan on it.
• Frame and hitch: Look for heavy rust, cracks or bent parts.

Systems

If the camper is winterized, you may not be able to test water, the water heater or the furnace. Ask the seller if they'll de-winterize it for a showing, or plan for the cost of fixing anything that doesn't work. Test what you can: lights, 12V outlets, the slide-outs, the awning and the jacks.

Paperwork

Make sure the VIN on the camper matches the title, and the name on the title matches the seller. If anything doesn't match, slow down and ask questions.

Get a pre-purchase inspection

The best money you can spend before buying a used camper is an inspection by someone who fixes them every day. We look at the floors, roof, walls and seals, axles, springs, brakes, bearings, tires, electrical, plumbing and propane, and tell you straight what it needs now, what can wait, and when to walk away. Learn more about our pre-purchase inspections, including for horse trailers.

Quick checklist to bring with you