Your Used Fifth Wheel Inspection Guide

Buying a used fifth wheel is a fantastic way to save money and still get your preferred RV without pinching your pocket. But used campers can have hidden issues that can worsen on the road, and you want to avoid purchasing a lemon. You should inspect your specific model thoroughly and carefully before making any payments.

Examine the Roof

The roof is the first thing to inspect in a used fifth wheel RV. Cracks and bends on the rooftop and leaky seams can be disastrous on the road, and you want to avoid buying a camper with a shaky cover.

Ensure your given RV’s roof is sturdy and not damaged by inspecting along the seams and checking that the caulking and other seals aren’t dry or cracking. You also want to remove any vent covers to see if there is debris buildup or animal nests.

Look at the Exterior Walls

Once you have checked the roof, you want to ensure your specific used fifth wheel’s exterior is free of any damage. Take your time looking for tears, holes, and cracks, and note down any damages that will need more than cosmetic repair.

Ideally, you should look for malformation or sagging of the walls to see if there are any structural issues. If you notice something is amiss, you want to give the model a pass.

Check for Water Damage and Mold

Next, you want to inspect your used fifth wheel for the buildup of mold and water damage.

Water damage can cause severe issues with your RV and force you to seek expensive repairs. To avoid this, try to identify the signs, such as brown spots on your camper’s ceiling and bent walls or floors.

We hope this inspection guide helps you select the perfect fifth wheel camper for your family. If you have more questions or need help picking a second-hand RV that matches your budget and unique camping needs, contact RV Outfitters of Texas. Our dealership is in Nacogdoches, TX, but we also happily welcome those from Lufkin—so stop by today.