Repairs and RV Service So Far

Buying a used RV is definitely a bit scary. Extended warranties can be purchased, but they’re pricy and you have to decide whether you’re going to take the plunge. Rather than pay for a warranty, we decided we’d be better off setting aside a certain sum every month for emergencies. (We have a separate line item in our budget for routine maintenance.)

Determined to be risk takers, we also opted against a pre-purchase inspection. I can’t say I recommend this. We had always planned to get a pre-purchase inspection, but our purchase ended up falling right around Christmas and New Years Day, and we were having an impossible time finding a reputable inspector who wasn’t on vacation and could fit us in.

We did get a couple of inspectors on the phone. Once they found out we were buying a Tiffin with new tires and new batteries, and a diesel no less, they ended up convincing us that we didn’t need an inspection. When respected inspectors who inspect for a living talk you out of getting an inspection, things get a little bit confusing.

But what were we to do? We really felt like we had found the RV of our dreams. We knew the most-expensive-to-repair components were solid, and we were getting a good enough deal on the coach that we felt like we could pay for any other unforeseen repairs.

Not wanting Meriwether to be snatched out from under us, we turned down the crazy road through No Inspection Land.

Necessary Repairs and Services

Earlier this month, we made a trip down to Camping World in New Braunfels, TX for a day of installations and minor services. This was our list:

• Get our state inspection
• Get an oil change
• Install a surge protector
• Take out the old box TV up front and install a flat-screen
• Figure out what was going on with our propane water heater switch (it faulted every time we pushed it)

As you can see, though we traveled through No Inspection Land, we didn’t have any scary things on our to-fix list. A big blessing!

We spent our day at Centerpoint Station (amazing hamburgers) and the outlet malls (where Eric bought me pretty boots for Valentine’s Day) while the folks at Camping World took care of Meriwether. There was only one surprise. The control board on our water heater was bad and needed to be replaced. All in all, no big deal.

After about $1400, we were out the door and on our way (note: we received a nice discount as Good Sam members). We’ve been living in Meriwether full-time for three nights and not-quite-four-days, and everything seems to be working okay. The other things on our to-fix list are minor: a foggy window, a broken window latch, fussy window shades, etc. (I just noticed that everything has to do with our windows…)

There are a ton of features we want to add over time – like solar panels! – but I am immeasurably thankful that our journey through No Inspection Land hasn’t ended in mechanical disaster.

If you’re a used RV owner, I’d love to hear your stories of disaster or success. And in another blog post, I’ll want to hear more about the fun things you’ve added to your rig!