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Shopping for an RV online can be a convenient way to explore options, compare prices, and find a unit that matches your travel goals. However, while online platforms provide a wide selection, they also come with a few risks. Misleading ads and potential scams do exist, so it’s essential to be cautious and informed. Here are several red flags to watch for when browsing RV listings online, along with key tips to help you steer clear of common pitfalls.
1. Incomplete or Vague Listings
If a listing is missing basic details such as the year, make, model, length, type, price, or condition, proceed with caution. Serious sellers usually provide plenty of information to attract informed buyers. A vague listing may suggest the seller isn’t familiar with the RV—or worse, that it doesn’t exist. Ask direct questions and expect knowledgeable answers. A seller who can’t explain the features, history, or condition of their RV likely isn’t trustworthy.
2. Suspiciously Low Pricing
If an RV is listed far below market value, it could be a scam. Compare similar listings on reputable sites to get a sense of the going rate for the type of RV you're interested in. Scammers often invent urgent stories to justify an unusually low price—like a sudden move or a sale on behalf of someone else. While deals do exist, they shouldn’t be dramatically lower than comparable units without a valid explanation.
3. No Maintenance Records Available
Every used RV should come with some documentation of upkeep. Maintenance logs, repair receipts, and upgrade notes help show how the unit has been cared for. If a seller offers no maintenance history or is evasive about past repairs, be skeptical. Even if they handled routine tasks themselves, they should be able to explain what was done and when. Ask about tire replacements, roof seal checks, or any history of leaks and water damage.
4. Uncooperative or Evasive Sellers
Trust your instincts when speaking with a seller. If they seem unwilling to answer questions, avoid phone calls, or grow defensive, that’s a red flag. A legitimate seller should be responsive, transparent, and willing to show you the RV in person. They should also disclose any known issues with the unit. If communication feels strained or suspicious, it’s safer to move on.
5. Refusal to Allow an Inspection
Having a professional third-party inspection is one of the best ways to protect yourself. It ensures there are no hidden mechanical or structural problems. If a seller refuses an inspection, that’s a clear signal to walk away. A trustworthy seller will support your desire to verify the unit’s condition.
6. Demands for Deposits or Cash-Only Payments
Avoid sellers who insist on upfront deposits, especially if you haven’t seen the RV in person. Similarly, be cautious of anyone demanding a cash-only sale. Always use a secure and documented form of payment, like a certified check, and make the exchange in person. Ideally, complete the transaction at your local department for motor vehicles where the title can be officially signed over.
7. Wording to Avoid
Unless you’re looking for a ‘project’, beware descriptions like ‘handyman special’, ‘perfect for the DIYer’ or ‘just needs some TLC’. It typically indicates that poor maintenance, or a poor purchase on the sellers' part, has resulted in an RV that requires a lot of time and/or money before it can be enjoyed. Whatever estimates the seller may provide are probably low, otherwise they would have had them done before the RV went up for sale.
Final Inspection Tips: What to Look for in Person
If you’re purchasing from a private seller, don’t buy sight unseen. Always view the RV in person and conduct a full walk-through. Test all systems, open and close the slideouts, and take it for a test drive. Watch for these red flags during your inspection:
- Soft spots or wavy sections in fibreglass exterior walls could be water damage inside the walls
- Bubbled wallpaper or warped surfaces can indicate water damage
- Soft spots in the floor – also possible water damage
- Look in sink cabinets for water stains – potential water damage
- Check inside all upper and lower cabinets for rodent feces. Their past (or current) presence means potential unseen damage to wiring and plumbing
- Musty, moldy smells
- Loose or cracked seals around windows and doors
- Deteriorating or missing caulking – take a walk on the roof
- Visible damage or dents on slideouts
- Stained or poorly maintained awnings (could reflect overall neglect)
For even more protection, arrange for a certified RV technician to do a complete inspection. An RV is a significant investment. Before you hand over your hard-earned cash, have an unbiased expert examine your new-to-you mobile recreational property. You’ll be glad you did.