Buying a Used Class B Motorhome: How to Find Your Perfect RV

RV Life

Are you looking for an RV that’s compact, nimble and versatile? Class B motorhomes (otherwise known as campervans) are made for exploring the open road with all the basic comforts you need, and not a lot more. A Class B motorhome is designed to make road trips easy and fun. That said, with prices that range from $100,000 to more than $300,000, the cost of a brand new Class B motorhome might have you reeling in sticker shock. However, buying a used RV lets you enjoy all the benefits of vanlife, without the financial drain.Buying a pre-owned RV can save you thousands of dollars. In this guide, I’ll fill you in on everything you need to know to get a used Class B motorhome that you’ll be happy with.

Finding the Right Class B for Your Needs

Class B motorhomes come in myriad floorplans that have a features that range from basic to luxurious. Finding a van that has the right floorplan and features for you will have a huge effect on how much you enjoy vanlife. It also means you’ll need to Identify exactly what you want and don’t want in your little motorhome. Armed with this knowledge, you’ll be able to find a van with a floor plan and features that you’ll be happy with.

What are Your Priorities?

There are many vans on the market that come loaded with very cool features. One of the big advantages of buying a used RV is that owners frequently make tweaks of their own that can enhance (or detract from) a van’s appeal (depending on perspective). For example, a previous owner might add things like a solar power system. This is handy for camping in sunny locations, however, if you’ll be mainly using your van for camping in shady areas, solar panels won’t get enough sun to create electricity. In this case, you might be better off finding a van with a built-in generator. Here are some other things to consider before you begin shopping for a Class B:

How will you use your Class B?

Full-time or part-time? If you plan to use your campervan for occasional weekend getaways, your priorities will be different than those of a full-timer, who might prioritize multi-use areas and cabinet storage space over a pop-up TV or dinette seating areas.
Will you be camping with children? Families with children will probably want a separate area for the kids to go to bed early without being disturbed. You’ll also want to ensure that there are enough seat belts to go around, as well as car seat tethers.
Will you use your camper van as a daily driver? One of the great things about campervans is that they’re so versatile because they’re often easy to drive and park. However, some Class B motorhomes are easier to maneuver than others in this respect.
Do you live in a condo an HOA regulated area Homeowners associations and strata councils frequently regulate what types of vehicles can be parked in a development. If you live in an HOA or condo, you’ll want to check the rules to see if you’re allowed to park an RV where you live. That said, you could always look for a campervan that doesn’t look like an RV, or else find a nearby storage facility.
Are there available RV storage facilities nearby? If you’ll need to store your RV, it’s a good idea to find a place for it before you bring it home.

Chassis Choices

Used camper vans are usually built into on one of four makes of chassis, each with their own fuel type:

Ford Transit: Diesel, gas and hybrid or electric
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter: Diesel
Dodge: Diesel, gas
Volkswagen: Gas, diesel

Tips for Finding the Perfect Floorplan and Features

No matter how you’ll be using your RV, you can rest assured that there’s a perfect RV out there. With that said, Class B RVs are available in a dizzying array of floorplans, especially when you factor in the hundreds of pre-owned RV floorplans. Of course, later models can often have a few more features added in, such as solar panels or televator TVs. It helps to have an idea of what’s available on the market, before you actually go shopping. At this point, you’ll want to go online to check out floor plans. Manufacturers websites are often the best place to view floorplans of current models. Don’t worry, you’ll just be window shopping at this point.

Next Steps

Once you have some models that make you curious, it will be time to head to the RV Trader or Auto Trader websites to see what’s on the market. Online communities like ClassBForum.com and irv2 are great places to find reviews written by RV owners for virtually any campervan. This is a good way to narrow your choices down to just a few contenders.

Head to an RV Dealer

After you have a basic idea of what is going to work for you, it’s a good idea to spend at least a little time in at least a few of the RVs that made your shortlist. The best way to do this is to try some out for size. RV dealer lots are good places to go and sit in an RV and to take it for a test drive to see how the RV handles and how comfortable the cockpit is for you. Walk around in the RV- will that cool drop down bed become an annoyance? Do the seats turn around to face the rear for more living area Are the dining and work areas comfortable? It’s better to find this out before you make a purchase than to deal with buyer’s remorse after buying something that doesn’t work for you.

Visit a Van Expo

In addition, RV and campervan shows provide an opportunity to see a variety of van builds from private manufacturers. Here are two vanlife focused RV shows that are well worth checking out on your shopping journey

Rent a Class B

A good way to see if a Class B motorhome is right for you is to spend a few days in one. Renting a campervan offers the opportunity to test vanlife before you jump in with both feet. There are many companies that specialize in camper van or RV rentals.

Ready to Buy?

After you’ve done your groundwork, finding the right used RV should be easy. RV Trader and Auto Trader are great online resources for used Class B motorhomes being sold by both private sellers and RV dealers. RV rental companies frequently have their own list of RVs for sale as well.

Buying From a Dealer vs. Buying From a Private Seller

Whether you buy your camper van from an RV dealer or from a private party will be largely dictated by your budget and whether you need financing. While a private party can often offer a lower price, there are a few other things to consider. When you buy an RV from a dealer, they’ll often do whatever it takes to get the RV off their lot. This often includes doing necessary repairs. RV dealers have another big advantage in that they can set you up with RV financing should you require it.

What to Look for in a Class B

No one wants to take over someone else’s problem. Mileage for gas fueled Class B RVs should be under 80,000 miles. Mileage on diesel powered vans should be under 150,000 miles. You’ll also want to check payload capacity and towing capacity (if you intend to tow). Payload capacity can be surprisingly low on some RVs. You’ll want to be sure the van won’t be overloaded when you load it with yourself, your spouse, the dog, food, water and all your other gear. That said, you’ll want to do a thorough inspection of any campervan that has made it to the top of your list. Here’s a checklist of key things you’ll want to inspect and/or test out:

Exterior Components

Overall body condition: Rust, missing/peeling paint, dents, etc.
Tire age and tread condition, wheel condition.
Fluid or stains beneath the RV indicating a leak.
Awning is in good condition.
Solar panels: Check for hazing and scratches.
Does it look like someone has loved maintained it?

Interior Components

Solid-wood cabinets.
Do the rear seats have seat belts?
Are all detachable tables present?
Overhead bed comes down and goes back up without issue.
DInette components are all there.
All windows and doors open and close without issue.
All appliances in working order (fans, air conditioners, refrigerator, microwave, etc.).
Furnace works.
Tank heating pads work (if equipped).
Interior lights work.
Inverter and converter in working order.
Power cord included.
Battery age and condition.
Use your nose: The interior should smell fresh, not musty or moldy.
Use a flashlight to check ceiling inside cabinets for signs of moisture.
Ensure the solar array has proof of professional installation.
Records of mechanical maintenance and repairs.
CARFAX shows no accidents.

Mechanical Components

Take it for a drive. Does it drive smoothly, turn, and brake without issue?
Unless you’re an avid and talented mechanic, it’s a good idea to have a pre-purchase mechanical inspection done by a licensed mechanic or at a vehicle inspection facility.

Key Takeaways for Buying a Used Class B

It’s no wonder that Class B motorhomes have had a recent surge in popularity. These RVs offer a unique combination of creature comforts, freedom, and adventure that’s just plain fun. If a Class A motorhome is like having a tiny home on wheels, a Class B is more like having your favorite childhood dream fort on wheels. These RVs are built for exploring the world while providing a comfortable place to rest and relax at the end of the day. That said, while this guide touches on the most important considerations for buying a used campervan, it’s by no means exhaustive. With that said, choosing a used Class B motorhome can save you a lot of money while offering the same benefits (and more) as a new one.

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Source: https://rvlife.com/buying-a-used-class-b-rv-how-to-find-the-perfect-campervan/