What is good mileage for a used RV?

In this article, we will discuss: What is good mileage for a used RV? We will give you a few tips on how to get the best deal in buying a used or new RV. 

What is good mileage for a used RV?

Good mileage for a used RV is between 30,000 and 50,000 miles, but a good score will, of course, depend on several other factors:

• What model is the RV and how old?
• How many people have owned this RV and how many times have they driven it?
• Do they have maintenance records?
• How many miles are there on the tires and when were they last replaced?

As you can see, there are more aspects to consider than the mileage on a used RV. A motorhome can have over 10 years and only 25,000 miles – but that isn’t necessarily a good sign! Buying a motorhome should not be taken lightly.

You have to take into account many details before making the final choice. Not only to avoid making a mistake but also because buying and maintaining a motorhome is a considerable investment. If you don’t know how to orient yourself and how to choose the right camper for you, follow our advice. They will dispel any doubts about buying a used or new RV. 

First RV purchase: what to watch out for

You’ve thought about it and rethought it and now you are determined to buy a camper, the first camper with which to start your long adventures on the road. You have seen some, even very beautiful ones.

But you know, in these cases, aesthetics are not the first of the characteristics to look out for. What aspects to consider when buying your first RV? Here are the most important.

Establish immediately what kind of trips you will need the RV for (long or short, national or international, in the mountains or just plains and coasts). And consider how many people the crew will be or could be composed of: couple, family, several people.

Motorhome model and size. Based on the movements and how many people will stay there, you will choose one model of camper instead of another. An attic motorhome, for example, is more suitable for families than for a couple. A motorhome, on the other hand, can comfortably accommodate a couple or a family with older children and pets in tow.

Mechanics of the camper. When choosing a camper, mechanics are essential to always have a good performance on the road. A very large camper, for example, is preferable with the rear-wheel-drive because the weight to bear is greater. Then prefer motorhomes with electric seats and power steering, for a comfortable driving experience.

Interior spaces and living areas. The interior of the camper must adapt to the needs of its crew. Check there are the right spaces for cooking, sleeping, dining inside, keeping a pantry for emergencies. And make sure that the bathroom also has a shower, in case your travels involve itineraries in isolated places and not adequately served.

New or used camper. Perhaps more important than the others is the spending budget you plan to buy a motorhome. Based on that, in fact, you can opt for a used or new camper.

Buying a used RV: how to choose

If you decide to buy a used motorhome, you will certainly have the advantage of saving on the initial expense and having a good vehicle at an affordable price.

Be careful, however, not to fall back on a camper that costs you less at first, but which then requires a series of interventions. In this case, the savings would not be again. How to choose a used camper and avoid rip-offs? Pay attention to these details.

Age of the RV. Check how old the used camper you want to buy is. A second-hand camper that is 10 years old, for example, is relatively new. Its conditions, therefore, could still be excellent, even if it depends on the use made of it.

State of the facilities. Check all the systems in the camper. From those of mechanics to those of gas, water, heating and the refrigerator. If you are inexperienced, bring an experienced mechanic or technician with you to do a complete check-up.

Private seller or dealership. Before buying a motorhome, it is good to evaluate the type of seller. If it is a dealership, the costs may be higher than if you buy from a private individual, but you would enjoy a 12-month warranty. Make sure of the seriousness of the private person, asking him for all the documents. And if you don’t know him well or don’t trust him, go to a dealership.

How the RV was used. The age of a motorhome is useless if you do not pay attention to how it was used by the previous owners. A little-used camper, for example, may have travelled a few miles but have rotten parts, damaged systems, mouldy coatings.

Careful use and good maintenance of the camper are just as important factors as mileage and age. Always check them before completing the purchase.

Is buying a new RV a better idea?

Now let’s move on to buying an RV that has never been used. Should you buy a new RV or is it a risk to avoid? Regardless of the price, which is higher than a second-hand motorhome, a new motorhome is worth your while if it’s not your first motorhome and if you already know that you will use it a lot.

As a first purchase, in fact, we recommend a used camper, because you do not yet know if you will like the life of a camper. Just as you don’t know which type of camper is best for you, you still don’t have the experience to judge. Better, therefore, not to face large expenses or be forced to resell the vehicle after a while.

Prices: how much does a used and a new RV cost

The prices of motorhomes vary from used to new, from model to model and according to the years of age of the vehicle and the mileage. If you want to make a general estimate, to buy a used camper you could spend from $5,000 to over $50,000. The prices of new campers, on the other hand, range from $35/40,000 to $180,000 for spacious and super-equipped models.

The cost difference is considerable. But if you think you want to opt for a new, smaller model, you can always face the expense by making the purchase of the camper in instalments. In fact, there are many loans for the purchase of motorhomes at zero interest.

Our final advice 

Our last tip is to rent an RV before purchasing one (new or second)! We often let ourselves be fascinated by the life of a friend’s RV. Or you fall in love with a camper without ever having tested it on the road. In order not to regret the choice you have to move well.

We suggest you rent a motorhome for a trip or a whole vacation. This way, you can experience the advantages and disadvantages of a motorhome and challenge yourself.

If you like it and you are passionate about the experience, you can move on to the purchase phase. And at that point, you will also know which camper model is best suited to your needs. 

In the meantime, we wish you an exciting adventure on the road, remembering that you can write to us in the comments for questions and other concerns!

FAQ on What is good mileage for a used RV?

How many miles is too many for a used RV?

Any RV that has close to 200,000 miles is deemed an old RV and has too many miles to be considered a good investment. Besides the number of miles, obviously, you need to ask the dealership all kinds of questions regarding the condition of the recreational vehicle. 

What do you have to take into account when buying a motorhome?

When buying a motorhome, you have to take into account so many things that it is best to involve each member of the family in the process. Give each person precise instructions. Do an eye check of the tires, electrical system, the condition of the furniture, etc. 

What is the best place to buy a used RV?

Below you will find a list of the best 20 places to buy a used RV. We advise you, first of all, to weigh the pros and cons of acquiring a used RV and if not, it would be better to rent one.

References

• What is considered a lot of miles? – Beginning RVing – Escapees …
• How many miles do RVs last? – Average lifespans for each class …
• 8 Tips for Buying a Used RV – Campers Inn RV Blog