New to RV-ing

[countryboy73703]

Looking into a 5th wheel and wanted to know things to look for when buying a used one... Not getting something that's really really nice... Just something with in 10 years old, around 32ft and under 20k... I have never owned and I am still learning so any advice as far as maint. Or corrosion or anything else to watch out for to keep me from having major issues down the road would be greatly appreciated... Thanks...

[Cajun Po-Boy]

Welcome to the FF!

Take your time and plenty of inspections...especially when looking at much older units, working condition all depends how the owner(s) maintained & stored the camper.
Have fun in your search & you should get plenty of tips here on buying used.

[fredm.seven]

Before we bought this time (our 4th and largest) I was also concerned about what to check / inspect.

If you do a google search for "rv checklists" you should find some forms you can print and take with you. As I recall there were several sites that have forms. I ended up making my own form using the info from 2 or 3.

It worked out really well. Checked things I would never have come up with on my own. You also need to bring things with you like a flashlight and extendable mirrors so you can see what's going on in hidden spots - still a concern even if you are looking at new. Bring something to lay on and a ladder if you can or ask if they have a way for you to see the roof.

Good luck with your search and happy camping.

[countryboy73703]

Originally Posted by fredm.seven

Before we bought this time (our 4th and largest) I was also concerned about what to check / inspect.

If you do a google search for "rv checklists" you should find some forms you can print and take with you. As I recall there were several sites that have forms. I ended up making my own form using the info from 2 or 3.

It worked out really well. Checked things I would never have come up with on my own. You also need to bring things with you like a flashlight and extendable mirrors so you can see what's going on in hidden spots - still a concern even if you are looking at new. Bring something to lay on and a ladder if you can or ask if they have a way for you to see the roof.

Good luck with your search and happy camping.

- thanks guys... I'm actually going to be living in it for about a year until my time in the military will be done with.. And then I may or may not keep it.. I'd like to but I may sell and use for a down payment on a house... Anywho... So it will be a daily thing.. I may move it just a couple times with in that year if I decide to go to padre island or something for a week... Just want something that I'm not gonna have to dump money into ya know.. Trying to save not spend.. Lol

[WEMig]

IMO, the biggest concern on an older unit is water damage; water spots on the ceiling, soft floors, soft or damaged roof, spongy walls, or moldy smell would indicate some water damage. Other concerns is towability; tires and axles.

[RalphieAdie]

It took us a year to determine exactly what we wanted. It finally came down to needs vs wants. We did determine that for us, used was a bit too scary and we found that a new was not that much more expensive; so we bit the bullet.

Take plenty of time and good luck we your journey.

[countryboy73703]

Thanks... Another question.. How is financing done on a camper.. Is it like a mortgage loan or like a auto loan? Or is there like a special rec vehicle type of loan.. ? Always wondered that ...

[WEMig]

Similar to a car loan. If you're talking about a used unit, then the lending institution will normally only loan the blue book value minus a required down payment percentage. A lender may also not loan on an older unit.

[countryboy73703]

Originally Posted by WEMig

Similar to a car loan. If you're talking about a used unit, then the lending institution will normally only loan the blue book value minus a required down payment percentage. A lender may also not loan on an older unit.

Oh alrighty... Are you located in Texas? If so what area, I'm around corpus.. .

[WEMig]

No, I'm in South Louisiana, also in the military.

[countryboy73703]

Originally Posted by WEMig

No, I'm in South Louisiana, also in the military.

Oh... Alright, saw your profile pic so I thought maybe... Just curious.. What branch?

[WEMig]

Army National Guard - Active Duty

[countryboy73703]

Originally Posted by WEMig

Army National Guard - Active Duty

Oh alright... I'm navy, I was just wondering cause I have a detachment in Louisiana and though the chances were slim I thought just maybe.. Heh, alright well thanks for the info and ill be sure to post up if I have any more questions or confusions..

[whj77372]

Since you are in Texas, the largest used RV dealer in the country is in Houston, PPL, you will find it on the internet. They have so many RV of all types you will find something that you like. Good Luck

[countryboy73703]

Originally Posted by whj77372

Since you are in Texas, the largest used RV dealer in the country is in Houston, PPL, you will find it on the internet. They have so many RV of all types you will find something that you like. Good Luck

Well Houston is 4 hours away.. But ill look around on the net at what they have and ill make the drive if I have to... Thanks for the info!

[Superdutykid]

If you own a home, you can claim the interest on the RV on your taxes as a second home. We have a 2011, we bought new. That extra interest really helps out come tax time. Good luck finding what you want!!!

[Cajun Po-Boy]

Originally Posted by Superdutykid

If you own a home, you can claim the interest on the RV on your taxes as a second home. We have a 2011, we bought new. That extra interest really helps out come tax time. Good luck finding what you want!!!

Most states this only applies if you own a Motorhome, not TT or Fifth Wheels?

[QCCowboy]

Originally Posted by Ragin Cajun

Most states this only applies if you own a Motorhome, not TT or Fifth Wheels?

I am by no means a tax expert and states might have varying laws, however the interest on a TT or fifth wheel can be deductible on Federal income taxes if the requirements for home (or second home) mortgages are met. These requirements can be found in publication 936 on the IRS website. Below is a snippet from this publication.

"For you to take a home mortgage interest deduction, your debt must be secured by a qualified home. This means your main home or your second home. A home includes a house, condominium, cooperative, mobile home, house trailer, boat, or similar property that has sleeping, cooking, and toilet facilities."

The other tricky element is that most banks do not deliver a 1098 for an RV loan however there is an option to say that you did not receive a 1098 for the interest you are claiming (I believe this is part of the Schedule A).

It is always best to consult a tax advisor or tax professional if you are unsure if you can claim the interest or not.

[ksjerram]

Originally Posted by countryboy73703

Thanks... Another question.. How is financing done on a camper.. Is it like a mortgage loan or like a auto loan? Or is there like a special rec vehicle type of loan.. ? Always wondered that ...

If you purchase the camper thru a business, they usually have connections with lending institutions & can take care of it for you. The down side is that you can usually find a lower interest rate if you have a good credit score & are willing to take the time to shop around locally & online. I have also heard that many lenders are no longer financing units for full time use so you may want to wait on deciding if you will live in it full time. You might also check with places like PenFed, etc. that try to help military members. Good Luck!

[countryboy73703]

Alright thanks for the info