Help buying used camper

[Iowacampers]

I stumbled onto this forum and am finding it very informative and hope I can benefit from the collective wisdom here. We are considering buying a 2005 Challenger 34tbh 5th wheel. I looked at 5 campers this week at different RV dealers several miles from each other. I only did a rather fast inspection knowing I would go back and take a good look at the camper we liked most. I e-mailed the dealer (who has the unit on consignment). I informed him that I would like to come back (a 4 hour one way trip) to take a very good look at the camper. I told him I would like to put all slides in and out, turn on all appliances and lights and do a good visual check inside and out. He said “As far as ruining systems, slides etc. That is up to our service department. Then after inspection we will do a walk through with you guys.” We were told the same thing at another dealership we talked with. Is this the way it is done? We are also planning on having them move the camper to a seasonal site. This will be our first 5th wheel so I’m sure I will be back with a bunch of questions when we settle on a camper. We are still knee deep in snow but I know (think) summer is coming and we’ll be enjoying the warmth.

[BirchyBoy]

In my case, the walkthrough was done with a technician because I wanted to fully test each system prior to completing the deal. It doesn't sound like they are objecting to it, but it may take more time than they are used to and involve another part of the dealership. If you like the unit and are a serious buyer, I would expect them to work with you on a full inspection. There is a great guide on this site that lists all the areas to be tested during the inspection. It might be worth finding that and sharing it with the dealer ahead of time.

[Festus2]

The "great guide" that BirchyBoy referred to can be found in the Keystone Questions section of the forum. It is a Sticky at the very top of the thread listing. You can browse through it, run it off and take it with you during your PDI.

Asking the dealership to run the slides in and out is not an unreasonable request. Some folks ask that the dealer also has the HW tank going, water in the system so you can run the faucets and check for leaks, and check out all appliances - including the air conditioning, the propane stove, and furnace.

After all, you are spending a fair amount of $$$$ and it is an investment for you. If the dealership is not willing to spend the time it takes for you to do a thorough inspection, then I would look elsewhere. You need to be satisfied that all of the RV systems are in good working order. Driving it off the lot and finding out later that they don't is not what you want.

Good luck in your future purchase.