Soon to be owner (hopefully!)

[yoloinsc]

Hey all,

Great site here and what a wealth of information!

My wife and I are looking to buy a used Montana similar in layout to a 3791RL to park for recreational use.

Neither of us have ever owned an RV before, so we don't know what we don't know. What are good questions to ask of the seller of an RV that we're potentially interested in? I obviously don't want to miss something and have it come back to bite me.

Thanks in advance and I hope to be an actual owner very soon!

[Carl n Susan]

Welcome to the MOC!
As newbies to the world of RVs, there is a lot you probably don't know. And buying from a private party might get you more information than an used RV dealer, it may not get you all you need to know.

The best route if to take a RV literate friend with you to help. There are also RV inspectors you can hire to look at the RV before you purchase. Any help you can get is a benefit.

There are many Pre-Delivery Checklist (PDI) documents floating around. They try to list everything you should check to make sure devices and systems are operational *BEFORE* you sign a contract. Dealers try to get you to sign with a promise to fix it later. But later never seems to come in a timely manner. Hence "you fix it now before I sign.." is a huge motivator. As you appear to be buying from a private party, a warranty doesn't exist so there is even more reason to ensure things work before you buy.

Here is a link to a pretty comprehensive PDI list here on the MOC. https://www.montanaowners.com/forums...?do=file&id=87

[Foldbak]

Water leaks! Roof, roof, roof. Look for de-lamination on the walls. If you have pictures we can help better. Or a dealer link.

[R.S.O'Donnell]

I agree 100% with Foldbak. Water damage.

I would also ask them to remove a ceiling speaker. It’ll allow you to see inside. Any evidence of water/moisture should quickly reveal itself.

https://youtu.be/y21iZUffBR0?si=idchauqYBNfesxPW


https://youtu.be/7l0JMVbBetA?si=vldbBS29D2ajtkrl

[1retired06]

Find a reliable RV repair shop and pay them to inspect before you buy.

[DutchmenSport]

The best thing you can do is do some internet searching and look for pre-purchase inspection check lists, or PDI inspection check lists. There are many "out there" and some are more detailed than others. You can also jump onto YouTube.com videos and watch the many, many, many videos on virtually any RV subject, problem, make, brand, or model anyone can think of. Then go visit different RV dealership and spend some time exploring new and used campers. See what you really like, what you don't like, were you find defects, poor craftsmanship, and what kinds of changes previous owners made that were not original from the factory.

Personally, I'm NOT impressed with RV inspectors. Actually, I'm completely not impressed with house inspectors either.

But, the most important thing you can do is .... if you find a camper you think you really, really like and may want, but then you discover something defecient with it.... don't be afraid to walk away from the deal. Because, AFTER the purchase, you are stuck with all those things you did not like, have to repair yourself, and if there is one problem exposed, you'll discover a dozen you didn't see at all until it's too late.

Educate yourself. Be your own guide. Follow your head .... NOT your heart!

[432bartman]

Are you buying through a private party or an RV dealership? Dealership might give you a warranty. If at all possible, hire someone or have a knowledgeable friend do an inspection on it to make sure all systems are working correctly and there are no leaks at all. Things to check.....exterior, interior, appliances, suspension, tires, slides, hydraulics, water system, air conditioning, heater, thermostats, fireplace, TV's and all outlets. The rig you're looking at is pretty big at being 40' in length with a GVWR of 16,600. Do you have the tow vehicle for that? Just some things to consider. No better way to learn than to jump right in and just go for it. Everyone has to start somewhere.

[Sparatacus]

Welcome to the forum.

[DemLin]

I have an immaculate 3500RL for sale if you are interested.

[tom woodward]

I have a 2015 RM 353 Rl that I was thinking of selling. I’m in Texas, south of Ft. worth. With it comes all the knowledge that you’ll never get from a dealer. Email me for details and price. Buhwana@charter.net or text
817-279-3080

[desertdog]

Welcome, there's a lot to think about. Hope it works out for you and you end up with a Montana. I love mine, even though it seems there is always a to do list of things to fix. But for me thats part of the experience.

[Jay & Bobbie]

Mega dittos to what Carl said.
I do believe in 3rd party inspections by a certified RV Inspector (sorry Dutchmen, we'll have to disagree on this one).
PDI checklists are great, however unless you are in the industry, you likely do not have the tools and skills to thoroughly inspect every component properly and safely.
If you have time, feel free to post pictures and details of any prospective purchase. It is likely someone on here has one and can provide insight to issues related to that unit.

[DebNJim B]

Originally Posted by Foldbak

Water leaks! Roof, roof, roof. Look for de-lamination on the walls. If you have pictures we can help better. Or a dealer link.

Amen to this.
Also, if there is a water stain on the ceiling or a soft spot anywhere on the floor, walk away. There is another rig out there waiting for you.

Most anything else can be repaired but for me water damage is a deal killer.

[brycesteiner]

I would also add, look for anything that looks like it might be used to cover something. Like in our used montana a double recliner was put over a rotted spot in the rear corners. aluminum flashing was put behind the recliner in the corners of the floor and the walls, along the walls to cover water getting in. It actually caused more damage then letting the walls air out. If they would have just fixed the problems, which were obvious, it wouldn't have turned into such a big problem.
Another thing is the seams between the fiberglass and the metal flashing at the bottom. If you see bulges, there is a problem.
Look at anywhere there are bolts on the outside such as where the awning attaches. Are the loose at all? take an adjustable wrench to test. If they are, water has gotten in, and may still be.
Look at the windows. Is the black rubber split and shrunk?
Ceiling - look at any vents, antennae,AC, skylights, etc any brown marks or soft spots?
Roof - cracks or just dirty? How does the dicor and butyl tape look? Edges where the rubber roof meets the fiberglass is it pulling away or torn?
Electrical - test lights, outlets (bring a quick tester with the three lights), slideouts operation, DC and AC lights.
Furnace - you might need to bring your own propane tank.
Water lines - are there any obvious leaks and have they been winterized?
Jacks - do they function?
These can be fixed, but it all depends on how much you want to put into it.
Slideout floor - soft at edges of wall/corner? Carpet unfortunately can mask these problems.