24 inspection tips when buying a used travel trailer

By Cheri Sicard
If you are in the market for a used RV, you are going to want to check out these 24 inspection tips when buying a used travel trailer from Drew of Playing with Sticks, a YouTube channel devoted to RVing with small camper trailers. The video title promises 25 tips, but I only counted 24, but there is some good stuff here.

Experience has taught our host a lot. He says that had you asked him for these tips five years ago, he probably would have said to check for water damage and make sure everything looks good. He has a whole lot more to say today after living the full-time RV lifestyle.

In fact, he has 24 specific items you should look at and consider anytime you are buying a used travel trailer. Most are on the physical aspects of the trailer, but a few are on the head games Drew says we can play with ourselves when making such a purchase. Watch the video for details and examples.

Drew begins with things to look for on the exterior. If problems are serious enough to move from the exterior to the interior, that’s when Drew says it gets more serious and expensive.

#1 The roof: Start here. Drew says you definitely should bring a ladder when you are buying a used travel trailer, as big problems can start on the roof. Check out the video as Drew shares exactly what you should be looking for to avoid problems. If you find any problems on the roof, those are also giving you clues about where you will want to look inside the trailer.

#2 The floor: A new floor in an old trailer should make you ask what are they covering. Drew shows you how to inspect the floor to uncover any potential damage that might be lurking underneath.

#3 Paint: Like a new floor, new paint can be hiding something. (Side note: I once had an unscrupulous repair shop try to tell me that my trailer had lots of water damage and that I had no idea what was under that fancy new paint, floor, and remodel. I informed him that yes, I do, since I did the remodel myself. The point is, new floors and paint do not ALWAYS hide damage, but they can.)

#4 Windows and roof vents: These spots are the other places in a trailer that are notorious for water damage. Again, the video details what to look for. Drew adds that if you are looking at a vintage trailer, the backs of those also tend to have water damage.

#5 Delamination: If you find delaminating panels, that is usually a sign of water damage.

#6 Electrical: Drew recommends taking along a portable generator so you can hook the trailer up to “shore power” to test that everything works. You are also going to want to check that the trailer’s brake and running lights work.

#7 Propane: Hook up the propane and check the stove, oven, and heater and fridge (if applicable). Check anything else that might run off propane, too.

#8 Mold: This will especially be applicable for hybrid and popup campers and anything made with fabric. Know that replacing the fabrics on these often costs more than the trailer itself, so do a careful mold inspection.

#9 Hitch ball size: If you are going to possibly purchase a used travel trailer, it’s a good idea to check that your hitch ball and the trailer’s receiver are a good match before you go.

#10 Electrical pin: The same goes for the electrical pin. Be sure you are compatible before going to look at the used trailer.

#11 Carpet: Drew goes into how to inspect the carpet as it, too, can hide water damage, mold, and more.

#12 Things that don’t match: Take note of things that don’t match, meaning, is there one section of paint older than another. Or different hardware, etc. These are clues that something has been repaired. Which is not necessarily a bad thing, but it merits checking into.

#13 Study: Before you leave home, learn as much about the trailer you are going to look at as possible. If what you see in real life does not match the research, that should be a red flag.

#14 Be sure to document: This is a bonus tip, but Drew says if you buy a trailer and make changes to it, document them all. That way if you ever do want to sell it, you can show the buyer what you did.

#15 Bring a flashlight and phone: The flashlight will help you see into nooks and crannies. The phone lets you take photos and videos you can refer back to should you decide not to purchase at the first inspection.

#16 Look for corroded nail heads: This one is not necessarily bad, but it bears checking out. Drew once bought a trailer and upon further inspection, there was no water damage. But it is something to investigate further.

#17 The exterior: You are looking for holes, dents, and places where the skin might be separated from the trailer. The video shows you what to look for.

#18 Excessive caulk: Again, not necessarily bad, but definitely merits further investigation.

#19 Leaf springs: Check to see if they are damaged or worn.

#20 Tires: You will probably replace them, but make sure what’s on the trailer can safely get you home as blowouts can be dangerous.

#21 Under the trailer: Again, the video will show you what to look for, but wear old clothes, prepare to get down on the ground, and bring a flashlight.

#22 Head games: Be careful about getting so excited about the new-to-you trailer that you ignore any of the red flags and warning signals. Drew says to pretend you are buying the trailer for a friend or your mother-in-law, and you will tend to look at things more realistically.

#23 Ask questions: Ask about how the person used the trailer, how often, where did they take it, etc. Drew says you can learn a lot about if the previous owner cared for the trailer this way.

#24 Trailer frame inspection: This tip is for after purchase but before renovation. Drew says it’s a good idea to get the frame inspected. That just sets you up for future success and with peace of mind that everything is sound.

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