How to Know Your RV is Safe
by Jeff Radich
It is critically
important to inspect every aspect and system of any used RV. Since most
pre-owned units are sold “as is” or with a very short warranty, the best way
you can protect yourself is to insist that the unit has a full “PDI”
(Pre-Delivery Inspection). This means that the entire unit is gone over from
top to bottom at the time of delivery to ensure all systems are working. This,
most likely, will exclude cosmetic problems. Another item you can negotiate
into the deal is an extended service contract that covers items of concern.
Have the entire
LP gas system checked. RV technicians have the proper equipment to check the
system for leaks and to make sure the LP gas pressure is adjusted properly.
You, the owner,
can periodically inspect for LP gas leaks. To do this, turn the main gas supply
on, but do not light any pilot lights or other burners. Take a bottle of
approved LP leak detector solution and dab around all gas fittings. If there is
a leak, the small bubbles will grow into larger bubbles. Tighten the fitting,
and repeat the leak test. If the problem persists, turn the LP gas supply off
and take it to an RV repair center to have it checked out and repaired.
RV tires can be expensive, so it’s important to check
the condition of the tires before you buy. Sometimes less-than-honest RV
dealers switch the tires to save money. Bad tires can be a safety hazard and
contribute to blowouts. Tire blowouts on RVs are caused by overloaded tires,
under-inflated tires, old tires, and tires damaged by the ozone and UV rays.
To tell if the
tires are old, look at the DOT number. All tires manufactured in the United States have a DOT number. You might have to look on the inside sidewalls to find it. The last
three or four digits in the DOT number identify how old the tire is. Older
tires used three digits. The first two digits identify the week that the tire
was built and the third digit identifies the year. Newer tires use four digits.
Again, the first two digits represent the week and the last two digits
represent the year. For example, a DOT number of 1102 means the tire was built
in the 11th week of the year 2002. If you question the age of your tires,
especially on a used RV, and you can’t find the DOT number, have them inspected
by a qualified tire center.
Ozone in the air
and UV rays from the sun shorten the life of your tires. It’s not uncommon to
see RV tires with low mileage and plenty of tread that are ruined by the
damaging effects of ozone and UV rays. Ozone in the air causes tires to dry rot
and deteriorate. UV rays from the sun make it happen quicker. This is
especially true of the tires' sidewalls. Inspect your tires for cracks in the
sidewalls. If you notice any damage, the tires should be inspected by a
professional. To protect your tires from sun damage, use covers to block out
the sunlight when not in use.
When RVs are
stored for the winter, it’s not uncommon for mice and squirrels to make their
winter homes in the RV. These animals are notorious for chewing through vehicle
wiring and plastic and rubber lines, debilitating the entire vehicle. Carefully
check all hoses, wiring, and rubber lines, as well as under the RV, to make
sure that everything is intact and that there are no signs of rodent
infestation.
Do the propane
bottles need updating and inspection? This can be costly if the bottles need to
be replaced. Generally, if an RV propane tank is older than 12 years, it
will have to be re-inspected every 5 years. Also, it is mandatory that the
propane tank have an Overfilling Protection Device (OPD) valve.
The converter is very expensive to repair or replace.
It is the device that recharges your battery and converts regular household
electrical current from AC to DC, allowing your 12-Volt fixtures and appliances
to operate. Test it by unhooking the battery and plugging in the electrical
cord. (Unhook the battery BEFORE you plug in the RV power cord to prevent
electrocution.) If the 12-Volt lights and water pump still work, the converter
is working.
Brake repairs can
be quite costly. Your life (and your family’s lives) depend on the RV brakes
functioning properly every time. It is absolutely mandatory that you understand
the condition of the braking system. Take the RV out for a short drive and test
the brakes; if you do not feel qualified to inspect the brakes, bring along a
technician or take the RV to a brakes specialist before you make your purchase.
Can you easily
open and close all outside compartments? Do the gaskets need to be replaced?
Worn or missing gaskets permit air and moisture to penetrate the RV.
Make sure that
all the windows open and close easily. Are the screens on the windows? Are the
vents rusted or torn?
Turn on the air
conditioner and see how it feels. Does it blow cold air? Does it have a heating
element? If so, does that work as well?
Make sure that
all the appliances are working and in good repair. Does the stovetop work? Do
all the burners heat properly?
Jeff Radich is a
professional research writer and active RV enthusiast. |
