Buy a Motorhome: A Complete Buyer's Guide and Checklist
This checklist helps you choose, inspect, and purchase a motorhome that fits your needs and budget. It covers budgeting, research, hands-on inspection, negotiation, and final paperwork.
Include a 15-20% buffer for taxes, registration, and immediate repairs. A $50,000 budget should target vehicles listed around $40,000-$42,000 to stay on track.
Decide on new vs. used
New motorhomes depreciate 20-30% in the first two years. A 3-5 year old used model offers the best value, as major initial issues are often resolved. Focus your search here for savings.
Get pre-approved for financing if needed
RV loans differ from auto loans, with terms often 10-15 years. Secure pre-approval from a credit union or specialized lender to know your exact rate and strengthen your negotiating position.
Estimate annual ownership costs
Beyond the loan, budget $2,000-$4,000 yearly for insurance, registration, and routine maintenance. Storage fees add $50-$200 monthly if you lack home parking.
Choose your motorhome type and size
Class A offers most space but is hardest to drive and park. Class C is a midsize compromise with an over-cab bed. Class B camper vans are easiest to drive but have minimal storage. Match the type to your typical camping style.
Class A (Bus-like)
Class C (Cab-over bunk)
Class B (Camper Van)
List your must-have features
Sleeping capacity
Bathroom type (wet bath vs. dry bath)
Kitchen appliance needs
Towing capacity
Research and Find Listings
Research common problems for target models
Spend 2 hours on owner forums for your chosen make/model/year. Look for recurring complaints about roof leaks, chassis issues, or appliance failures. This tells you what to inspect closely.
Check valuation guides for fair prices
Use the NADA Guides RV section for baseline values. Adjust down 5-10% for private party sales and up for low-mileage, well-documented units from dealers. This is your negotiation anchor.
Search major online marketplaces
Contact sellers for initial details
Ask for the VIN, maintenance records, and reason for selling in your first message. Sellers who avoid these questions often have something to hide. Request a video walkthrough if distance is an issue.
Schedule viewings for your top 3-5 choices
See multiple units in a 2-3 day period to compare condition and value directly. Bring your checklist and a notepad to record impressions immediately after each viewing.
Conduct a Thorough Inspection
Inspect the exterior for damage and leaks
Check the roof, seams, and around all windows for cracks, soft spots, or discolored sealant. Water damage is the most expensive RV repair. Use a moisture meter for an objective reading.
Check roof and sealant condition
Inspect sidewalls for delamination bubbles
Test all exterior compartment doors and awnings
Test every interior system and appliance
Turn on the generator, air conditioner, furnace, water heater, and refrigerator on both electric and propane. Run each for 15 minutes. Listen for unusual noises and check for proper heating/cooling.
Test HVAC, fridge, and water heater
Check all plumbing faucets, toilet, and shower
Test 12V and 120V electrical outlets
Inspect the chassis, engine, and tires
Look for fluid leaks under the engine and generator. Check tire sidewalls for dry rot cracks and note the manufacture date (older than 5 years is a safety risk). Start the engine cold to listen for knocks or smoke.
Review all maintenance and repair records
Prioritize sellers with a complete file. Look for regular oil changes, roof resealing every 2-3 years, and tire replacements. Missing records mean you must budget for deferred maintenance.
Hire a professional RV inspector for a finalist
A certified inspector costs $300-$500 and provides a 30+ page report. They find hidden flaws in structure and systems. Use this report to renegotiate the price or walk away.
Negotiate, Purchase, and Finalize
Negotiate the price based on inspection findings
Present your repair estimates professionally. Aim for a discount equal to 1.5x the cost of needed repairs. Be prepared to walk away if the seller won't budge on critical safety or water damage issues.
Secure insurance before taking ownership
Contact a specialized RV insurance provider. Policies must cover both liability on the road and comprehensive coverage for the living quarters. Agreed value coverage is better than actual cash value for older models.
Complete a bill of sale
The bill of sale must include the VIN, sale price, seller and buyer information, and an 'as-is' statement. Both parties sign and date it. This document is required for registration.
Transfer title and register with your state
Go to your state's DMV website for specific RV registration forms and tax rates. RVs often have higher fees than cars. Bring the title, bill of sale, proof of insurance, and your ID.
Create a systems orientation and maintenance schedule
Have the seller demonstrate winterizing, dumping tanks, and operating all systems. Schedule your first professional service for 90 days out to address any issues you missed and establish a maintenance baseline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average cost of owning a motorhome per year?
Beyond loan payments, expect $3,000 to $8,000 annually. This includes insurance ($1,000-$2,500), routine maintenance ($500-$1,500), fuel (varies widely), and storage ($600-$2,400 if not kept at home). Major repairs like engine or roof work can add several thousand in a single year.
How many miles is too many for a used motorhome?
Mileage matters less than maintenance and usage type. A diesel pusher with 100,000 highway miles can be in better shape than a gas model with 40,000 miles of short-trip, stop-and-go use. Focus on engine service records, tire age, and hours on the generator (over 2,000 hours is high).
Can you finance a 20-year-old motorhome?
Financing becomes difficult for RVs over 10-15 years old. Most banks and credit unions set a 10-year age limit for maximum loan terms. For older models, seek a specialized RV lender, prepare for a shorter term (5-7 years), a higher down payment (20-30%), and a higher interest rate.
What is the most common major repair on motorhomes?
Roof and water damage repairs are the most frequent and costly, often exceeding $5,000. The rubber roof membrane degrades in sunlight and can develop leaks at seams or around fixtures. Inspect the roof thoroughly every 6 months and re-seal any cracks immediately to prevent interior damage.
Is a diesel or gas motorhome better?
Diesel engines ("diesel pushers") offer more torque for mountain driving, better fuel economy on long trips, and often last 300,000+ miles. They are significantly more expensive to buy and repair. Gas engines are cheaper upfront and for repairs, better for lighter use and shorter trips, but less powerful for towing.