In the last few years, there have been a good number of serious hurricanes and floods that have left thousands of motorhomes in need of serious and extensive repairs. Unfortunately, there are immoral dirtbags out there that will "wash" the title of it's flood or salvage branding on the title without so much as checking the vital systems on the vehicle, let alone replacing the essential safety systems such as brakes, front end components, wring harnesses, motormounts, lp tanks and fittings, and fasteners. These vehicles are showing up in force lately, and they are difficult and sometimes impossible to spot without a bit of homework and a good gut instinct. Although it is impossible to pinpoint a correct selling price for any given unit, you need to do a lot of research to get a feel for what the going number is for a given motorhome. I personally am drawn to either vintage units, or 80's units. Partially due to my budget, but also because I feel like either buy new, or make it like new after you get an older one.Hypthetically, you could purchase a 30+ foot 80's motorhome, replace the drivetrain, suspension and wheels, electrical, appliances and interior, add some creature comforts of the modern day, upgrade to an overdrive transmission, and end up with a "new" motorhome for under $25k. More importantly, you know the vehicle inside and out, and you don't have to be concerned with the issues that are silently, dangeriously, eating away at vital systems. Salt water is the worst, literally rotting any metal surface or connection, which is even more aggressive when the vehicle is powered either by battery or land power. Ever seen an outboard motor or an outdrive on a boat that is missing chunks and looks like it started falling apart? Imagine that happening under your motorhome at your frame to body connections, tie rods on the steering, electrical ground wires, or anywhere else. I have listed some tip offs that I use to stay away from "great deals" because when I add up the little hints it tells me that I am dealing with a theif.

Listing items:

No vin number listed, and seller won't readily supply it when asked (it is illegal by the way to sell a vehicle without a vin number)

Obvious water stains on interior, on side, or on inside of grill around ground wires and horizontal supports that are able to hold water.

Statements like:   Bought this to clean up for a fishing trip vehicle but didn't get the time, accompanied by title search results showing two or three state registrations, inspections, or title changes in the last two years. (3-4 or more bring "Columbo" out of me) ( had the time to travel to six states in the last 8 months, but couldn't clean the seaweed and clam shells off of the ceiling.....)

Making ridiculous claims like - 1984 and never leaked, speedometer broke on my list trip but it really had 40k on the odometer, or that the engine has 110,000 miles but amazingly still runs like new and doesn't burn a drop of oil. If you notice mis matched fabric and or paneling, missing frniture or replacement seats from original equipment that seemingly look like the seats out of your last minivan, or one of my favorites - don't know anything else except for what my friend told me that i am selling this for. Why isn't the friend selling it or available to speak or write to for answers to questions? Another good one is: "My neighbor left the window open in a storm", but other than the discolored carpet, stains on the wall, missing drawer fronts and musty odor - it's perfect.

Be didligent, ask questions, use Carfax or similiar service, ask the seller where his/her last trip was and ask if they hav pics o the vehicle ffrom the trip and always ask them for a vin if none is listed. There are searchable databases from Insurance web sites, police departments, and dmv's across the nation that track all these claims.If you find that the seller has two perfectly clear pics, and the rest are blury and avoiding a vehicle section or part, I become suspicious.

Remeber this - Delam on sides is from water behind siding, carpet discolored is from scrubbing it with heavy detergents, more than one non-working electrical device or circuit warants further investigation, and non refunable deposit means to me "No Sale". Use the web, use your gut, and politely interrogate the seller while the auction is on. If it doens't feel right, don't do it. There are plenty of motorhomes out there for a fair and honest price that are in good repair, and will bring you many enjoyable trips to wherever you can drive too.  Enjoy, and have a great day. questions are always welcome.