What to Look for When Buying a Pre-Owned RV in Canada
What to Look for When Buying a Pre-Owned RV in Canada
Posted on March 16, 2026
Buying a pre-owned RV can be an exciting and cost-effective way to start your travel journey. At THE HITCH HOUSE in Oro-Medonte, ON, we often meet customers who are drawn to the lower price of a used unit compared to a brand-new model. And it is true, buying used can save you thousands of dollars. However, if you are not careful, that great deal can quickly turn into a costly mistake. Used RVs are often well-travelled, heavily used and may have hidden issues that even the current owner does not know about. The key is knowing exactly what to look for before you sign anything.
Never Buy Without Seeing It in Person
It might be tempting to secure a “great deal” online, especially if the perfect floorplan seems hard to find. But purchasing a used RV without physically stepping inside and inspecting it is simply too big of a gamble. Photos rarely show soft flooring, roof issues or hidden damage. Even if the seller seems trustworthy, you need to see, smell and touch everything yourself. Walking through the unit gives you a true sense of its condition and how well it has been maintained.
Ask Detailed Questions Before You Inspect
Whether you are buying from a private seller or a dealership, asking questions upfront is essential. Find out how often the RV was used, where it was stored, and what type of maintenance was completed. Ask if there were pets or smokers inside. Request service records if available. If the seller cannot clearly answer basic questions or seems unsure about the RV’s history, consider that a warning sign. Ideally, the person showing you the RV should be the one who actually used and maintained it.
Consider Hiring a Professional RV Inspector
If you are new to RVing, it can feel overwhelming trying to evaluate plumbing systems, electrical components and structural integrity on your own. A professional RV inspector can thoroughly assess the unit, similar to a home inspection. While this may cost a few hundred dollars, it could save you thousands in unexpected repairs. It also gives you leverage when negotiating the purchase price if issues are found.
Interior Inspection: Look and Smell Carefully
The moment you step inside, take a deep breath. A musty smell is often a sign of mould or water damage, which can be extremely expensive to repair. Even if there is no strong odour, carefully inspect the ceiling for brown stains, bubbling or sagging panels. These can indicate roof leaks or rot.
Walk slowly across the entire floor. Soft spots, especially near walls, slides or corners, may signal water damage beneath the surface. Open cabinets, drawers and closets. Pay special attention under sinks where plumbing leaks can quietly cause long-term damage. Push gently on interior walls to check for firmness. Anything that feels spongy or weak should raise concern.
Test All Electrical and Appliances
Bring a small volt metre to test all interior and exterior outlets. A non-working outlet might not seem serious at first, but electrical repairs can become complicated quickly. Turn on every appliance. Make sure the refrigerator cools properly on both electric and propane modes. Run the microwave, fireplace, entertainment system and any built-in electronics.
Operate the air conditioner and furnace for at least 10 to 15 minutes each to confirm they maintain proper temperature and airflow. Test the stove and oven to ensure all burners ignite and the oven heats evenly. Replacing major appliances in an RV can be costly, so you want to confirm everything functions as it should.
Check the Plumbing System Thoroughly
Run water through every faucet and shower. Let the hot water run long enough to confirm the water heater maintains temperature for several minutes. While water is running, look underneath sinks and around plumbing connections for leaks. Even small drips can signal larger issues. Proper water flow and consistent pressure are essential for comfortable camping.
Exterior Inspection: The Roof Is Critical
The roof is one of the most important areas to inspect. A poorly maintained roof can lead to serious structural damage. Climb up and look for cleanliness and signs of regular care. Cracked or dried sealant around vents, skylights and seams is a red flag. Walk carefully across the roof and feel for soft or sagging areas. Pay extra attention to front and rear corners where leaks commonly develop.
Examine Seals, Walls and Storage Bays
Inspect all exterior seams and seals around windows, doors and slide-outs. Cracked or separated sealant allows water to enter. Look closely at the sidewalls for signs of delamination, which appears as bubbling or separation in the fibreglass. Delamination often indicates past water damage and should be taken seriously.
Open all exterior storage bays with a flashlight. Look for water stains, soft surfaces or signs of rodents. Check propane tanks for expiration dates and inspect hoses for cracks. Examine the tires for age, sidewall cracking and overall condition. Even if tread looks fine, older tires may need immediate replacement.
Do Not Forget the Undercarriage and Equipment
Carefully inspect the undercarriage. Look for holes, loose panels or exposed areas in the underbelly covering. This area should be tightly sealed to prevent water and pests from entering. Test levelling jacks to ensure they extend and retract smoothly without unusual noises. Open and close the awning fully to check for tears and proper operation.
What If You Find Issues?
Buying a pre-owned RV in Canada can be a smart investment when done carefully. Taking your time, asking questions and thoroughly inspecting every detail will help you avoid costly surprises. If you are starting your search, the team at THE HITCH HOUSE in Oro-Medonte, ON is here to help you find a reliable RV you can enjoy with confidence.