The Recreational Vehicle Industry Association reported a 40-year increase in 2016 sales owing to a rise in the number of young people with a penchant for outdoor life. Such a peak can only compare to the period before the 70s gas crisis. In its survey of manufacturers for the month of September 2019, the association found that RV shipments went up 2.2% compared to September 2018. Many shoppers looking to find bargains on a range of makes and models browse through damaged RVs for sale available at Salvagebid.com. To help you get started, we present a list of the things to check when buying a salvage recreational vehicle.
Getting Started
Before we delve into what you need to check when going through insurance salvage RVs for sale, it is important to first take note of the items that you must bring along for the exercise. You will need:
- Work gloves
- Tape measure – To ascertain if your fittings will fit.
- Multi-tip screwdriver – to remove trim pieces and allow you to look behind panels
- Small mirror – to get a look at hard to reach places
- Rags for checking fluid levels
- Flashlight
- Rubber-soled shoes – To allow you access to the RV roof without damaging it
Exterior Checks
| 1. General Checks | 2. Wheels |
| Overall Appearance | Tread wear |
| Seals and Caulking | Age of tires |
| Rust/Dirt lines (Leaks) | Wheel rim condition |
| Damage to Trim Pieces | Trim piece damage |
| Headlights & Running lights | Sidewall Damage/Cracking |
| External fittings | Pressure |
| Awning – operation/condition | Protection when not in use |
| Exterior doors, windows, screens | |
| Slide-out condition |
| 3. Equipment & Connections | 4. Storage Compartments |
| Power connector | Leakage signs |
| Freshwater fill connection | Lights & Sliding trays |
| Cabin batteries & disconnector switch | Door & Latch operation |
| Inverter | Seal, belts, batteries, hoses condition |
| Drain hose storage area | Suspension, exhaust system, and exhaust color at startup |
| Outside shower faucet | Signs of water pooling |
| Generator condition/hours/Fluid/operation/noise | Solar panels, wiring, Ladder |
| Propane tank lines and connection | Air conditioner, plumbing lines, holding tanks |
| Hitch | Vents and vent hoods |
| Winterizing connection | Skylights |
| Fresh, gray & black water drains & hoses | Condition of wires, seals & caulking |
| 5. Driving Area | 6. Living Area |
| Doors, latches, hinges, panels | Floor plan & Flooring condition (signs of rodents) |
| Window, vent & lock operation | Wall condition (soft spots/stains, etc) |
| Windshield, wipers, washer | Windows & Screen condition & Operation |
| GPS, CB radio, Alarm system, Remote start | Curtains & Blinds |
| Seat belts, seat adjustment | Ceiling condition |
| Rearview monitor/Rearview mirror & adjustment | Door – Latches, locks & hinges |
| Leveling system, transmission lever, Emergency brake & release, trailer brakes, horn | Cabinetry/Drawer – Size, operation, condition |
| Condition of flooring | Exhaust vents and ceiling fans |
| Cup holders, storage areas | Condition of sofas, chairs & tables |
| Air suspension controls | Slide operation & seal condition |
| 7. Kitchen Area | 8. Bathroom | 9. Utilities/Accessories/Safety |
| Countertop & cabinet space (condition) | Toilet operation | Fresh water tanks – condition/leaks |
| Sink size/condition/seals/caulking/leaks | Signs of Leaks/Odor | Water pump – condition, pressure & function (turns on when the tap is open and vice versa) |
| Microwave, Freezer, refrigerator, gas stove & stovetop (Condition/operation) | Sink, vanity, tub, shower – condition/leaks | Taps & Drains (condition & function) |
| Filtered water tap & filters | Shower skylight and exhaust fan condition and operation | Furnace & airconditioner – controls, airflow through all vents, filters, amount of heat/cold |
| Any other appliances | Check behind access panels | AC & DC power – availability on shore hookup, generator & inverter |
| Check the black tank for solid waste using a flashlight | Power to all outlets | |
| Solar panel, breakers – Operation.Water heater and water pump operation. | ||
| Television, AV equipment, entertainment hookups & controls | ||
| Fire extinguishers, emergency exit windows, alarm system. Smoke, carbon monoxide & propane detectors |
Get Insurance Salvage RVs Online
Salvagebid.com is a one-stop-shop for damaged RVs for sale available at heavily discounted prices. When buying insurance salvage RVs for sale, you will also need to get all the documentation and check a variety of specifications such as fuel and water capacities of the different tanks, model, year, and wheelbase. Our damaged RVs for sale come with all the pertinent information such as the VIN number, damage type, and odometer reading. Register today to start bidding in an RVs auction online. You can reach us at +1 (360) 347-1300 or simply Send Us a Message.