Buying a travel trailer can be a good investment. You may be looking to buy one to fix up and sell at a later date, or you may be looking for a trailer for personal use. Either way, there are some basic steps to take in the buying process.

Always read every detail, make notes, and ask questions. Sellers should be willing to provide any additional information about the vehicle.

Arrange to view the vehicle in person. Sellers should be willing to meet with you and allow you to fully inspect the vehicle prior to placing a bid.

Upon inspection, look over the vehicle completely:

Outside. Check the lights, tires, spare tire, and the towing set up. Make sure to look over the connections of your towing vehicle and the vehicle to be towed. What size hitch does it require? How many pins are used in the connection. Adaptors can be purchased at auto stores (ie Auto Zone), RV stores (ie Camping World), or travel stores (ie Uhaul). You will also find towing lights in these locations if the lights on the vehicle to be towed are not working. This is often the case with an older trailer.

Inside. Open all doors and drawers. Check for indications of bugs or rodents. These would be red flags as spiders are attracted to propane lines, and rodents can chew thru wires making your trailer a fire hazard. Does the stove and oven work? Does the sink work? How big are the water tanks, and what condition are they in? Do the inside lights work? Does the electricity work? Is the septic tank in good condition? Does the toilet work? Does the shower work? Is the table secure? What condition are the cushions in?

Important. Check all corners for water damage. Check all windows for water damage. Check the ceiling, especially around any vents or AC units. Check the floor for soft spots. Crawl under the trailer and inspect the undercarriage for signs of rust. Does the trailer smell of must or mold? Also, inspect all windows. Are they broken or cracked? How do the seals look?

While some trailers are perfect for fixing up, others have severe damage that the seller may be unaware of (or worse, they may try to hide it). Inspect the vehicle and make notes of everything that will need repair. Take the time to discover how much it will take to fix these repairs, and consider if this is right for you. Some trailers seem like a great deal until the cost of repair is realized.

Very important. Ask about the title and registration paperwork. Be aware that if the title is not in the name of the seller, most DMVs will not transfer the paperwork. You'll have purchased a vehicle that you cannot register. Be aware that some states will not accept a bill of sale while others will. Check the DMV in your state before making the purchase. Make sure the seller has all of the legal paperwork to complete the sale.

Special note. In consideration of adverse weather, be extra careful when considering a vehicle that has weather damage. Specifically hurricane or flood damage, but this does include wind damage, snow damage, and so forth. Make sure to check with the DMV as to the status of a vehicle with weather damage. Check with your DMV if they will issue a new title or registration to a vehicle that has been salvaged.

After making that purchase, be sure to check and recheck the tires. Replace them if there is any question. I've traveled around the country and have seen so many RVs and trailers on the side of the road because of a blow out. If the tires are old, replace them. If they have sat in the sun for an extended time, replace them. If you're not sure, replace them. Never overload the tires. And very importantly, be sure the size of the trailer can be safely towed by the vehicle you plan to use. Towing a trailer that is too big can damage your transmission.

It comes down to doing your homework. Do your homework right and you'll have Happy Camping!

Vintage Trailers   Trailer   Travel Trailer   RV