Engine Inspection When Buying A Used RV
If you are trying to join the approximately 9 million households that own an RV by purchasing a used motor home, then you need to be aware that you will also be buying a used engine. Now you may be thinking, "Well, duh!" But you would be surprised how many people buy RVs without giving a thorough inspection to the various used parts including the engine. A used RV can cost you between $20,000 and almost $70,000 depending on how old it is, so ensuring that all the parts are in good working condition can save you both time and money and allow you to enjoy the RV experience.
So before you close on the deal in anticipation of all the family fun and nature loving you plan to do, consider these elements in your used RV engine.
Servicing history
Not only does a well-tuned engine save you money on fuel efficiency by up to 20 percent, it can also save you money in not having to regularly replace parts. Even though your engine parts have a specific service life, keeping the engine in good condition can extend this. So, some things to check for, in an inspection of the used engine, include signs of leakage in the engine or engine compartment, the tension on the drive belts, and the appearance of cracks and wear on the belts and hoses. Make an effort to also see the air filters, engine oil, as well as the quality of the fumes from the exhaust. Exhaust that is excessively black or white is not a good sign. All of these can indicate the current owner's commitment to servicing.
You can conduct this check yourself, if you know how, or you can get an RV Independent Inspection Service to do it for you. The cost will depend on the size of the vehicle, with larger vehicles costing about $500.
Manufacturer recommendations
One of the endearing features of RVing is the fact that it gets you closer to nature, and many RV enthusiasts try to make their seasonal trips as eco-friendly as possible. This means that there may have been creative uses of bio-diesel in the running of the RV. While switching from diesel to diesel blends such as B-20 may not be a problem for the engines currently running in an RV, many owners fuel their RVs with other sources of bio fuel such as veggie oil.
This can pose a problem for you later on if your engine was not made to facilitate such usage or if the engine was not converted to facilitate 100 percent bio fuel usage. So be prepared to not only ask questions about the fuel history of the RV but also to start your search again for an RV if you are unsure of the fuel actions taken by the current owner. It is, after all, better to have your money than be sorry.
If you find yourself in need of used parts, contact a business such as Auto & Truck Used Parts.
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