Owner guides
What to look for when buying used motorhome in NZ
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People who are new to the world of camping may not know what to look for when buying a motorhome - a gap in knowledge that can be quite costly in the long run. But with the right approach, you can purchase a vehicle that will hold its value and get you a solid return on your investment.
In this article, our camping experts detail exactly what to look for when buying a used motorhome. We’ll walk you through the process step-by-step, from deciding which motorhome is right for you to inspecting the used motorhome and taking it for a test drive.
While it’s always a good idea to further research, you’ll come away from this article feeling a lot more confident in what to consider and keep an eye out for. And you’ll even learn how you can make a return on your investment in a used motorhome!
What to look for when buying a used motorhome
What to check on the exterior
1.Leaks
The first thing that you should look for when buying a used motorhome is leaks underneath the vehicle. A leak could indicate something simple like a damaged pipe or it could mean something much more serious (and expensive) like a cracked engine.
If the engine is cold and the motorhome has been parked for a while, look underneath for any water or oil. Run your fingers along the water pipes and feel for leaks. Check again once you return from your test drive, being careful not to burn yourself on the hot engine.
2. Water and waste tanks
Under the motorhome, there should be three storage tanks: the fresh water tank, the grey water tank (for sink and shower waste water) and the black water tank (for toilet waste water). Ask the owner how large the tanks are and consider whether they will be big enough for your needs. Most motorhomes have a standard fresh water tank size of 120L.
Check each water tank for any signs of damage or leaks. Ask the owner how often they clean the tanks and whether they use treatment tablets or liquids.
Also, ask to drain the waste tanks so that you can check for blockages. Fill the fresh water tank, flush the toilet and let water drain into the black tank. Then turn on the kitchen tap and let the water drain into the grey tank. Finally, empty the black and grey water tanks consecutively, ensuring the water runs out clean and without obstruction.
If the motorhome does not have a black water tank, it may instead have a toilet cassette. Check that the cassette fits snugly inside the external locker and that it can be removed easily.
3. Solar panels and other add-ons
If the motorhome is fitted with solar panels on the roof, climb up on the side and check that the panels are in good condition. Look for any cracks, rust or other signs of damage. Also, inspect the cables and make sure that they are not tattered and worn.
Finally, check that the brackets are solid and well-secured to the roof. If the motorhome has a control panel, check the power reading from the panels and compare it to the suggested output in the manual.
Whilst you’re inspecting the roof, also check that the satellite dish (if fitted) is in good condition and free of damage. Do the same for any other add-ons on the motorhome, such as bike or storage racks.
4. Damage
Before you buy a motorhome, always perform a thorough walk-around and look for any damage to the exterior. In particular, keep an eye out for:
Signs of an accident.
Rust and corrosion (especially in areas that are hard to see like under the vehicle, under the bonnet and on top of the roof).
Loose exhaust pipes or parts hanging off underneath the motorhome.
Poor repair jobs.
A lean on the motorhome indicating damaged or worn suspension.
Gaps in the body panels.
Try to open all the external lockers, checking that they open and lock properly. Ensure that the owner has a key for each.
Also, check where the motorhome has been stored. It’s always preferable for the motorhome to have been stored undercover.
5. Tyres
Have a look at the tyres and the amount of tread remaining. Are the tyres worn evenly around the motorhome? If not, this could indicate a problem with the steering.
If the tyres are in poor condition, this can also be a useful bargaining tool for you when it comes to negotiating the price.
6. Windows and windscreens
Look for small cracks and chips in the windows and windscreens of the motorhome. If left unfixed, these small chips can gradually become worse and result in the window having to be replaced. Use any chips or cracks as a negotiation point.
Check that all the windows open, close and lock without any issues. Inspect the insect screens and make sure there are no holes.
7. Lights
Ask a friend to help you check all the external driving lights on the motorhome. If you don’t have someone with you, try to use a mirror or reflection. Be sure to include:
Headlights
Fog lights
Brake lights
Indicators
Dashboard lights
Internal lights in the cabin
Look for any flashing lights on the dash that indicate engine trouble.
8. Fluid levels
Ask the owner if you can pop the hood of the motorhome and check the fluid levels. You will want to check the engine oil, coolant and steering oil levels.
Refer to the manual if you or the owner are unsure what the acceptable levels are. Low levels might indicate that the motorhome has not been well maintained or there is a leak somewhere.
9. Suspension
Whilst walking around the exterior of the motorhome, rock it to check the spring in the suspension. Ideally, the vehicle should settle after rocking 1 - 2 times. If it rocks more than this, it could indicate faulty or worn suspension.
Also, listen for any unusual noises or squeaks in the suspension when you take the motorhome for a test drive.
9. Awnings
Wind out the awning and check for any damage to the fabric or the mechanical arms. Old and weathered awnings will likely need to be replaced, which can be an expensive exercise.
What to look for inside the motorhome
1. Layout and interior
Walk around the inside of the motorhome and get a feel for whether it suits your needs.
Is it large enough for you to move around? Is there enough space in the kitchen to prepare meals? Is the bed large enough for you to sleep on? Can you fit in the bathroom? Is there enough light?
This is also your opportunity to check for wear and tear on the upholstery and cabinetry. If damage is substantial, try and use it as a bargaining point should you want to buy the used motorhome.
2. Internal leaks
Leaks or water damage inside the motorhome indicate that the seals around the roof have deteriorated. Spray the roof with a hose before heading inside and looking for water leaks around the edges of the ceiling, windows and vents. Feel the walls for any signs of damp, rot or warping.
Look and smell for mould or mildew inside the motorhome, particularly inside storage cupboards and underneath the sofas or beds.
3. Mains power system
When it comes to what to look for when buying a used motorhome, this is one of the most important things to check. Ask to plug the motorhome into a 240v power outlet so that you can check the vehicle's power system. Then ensure that the motorhome's batteries are being charged.
If you don’t think that something’s working properly, consider having a qualified electrician check over both 240v power systems in the motorhome.
4. Battery health
If you or the owner have a multi-meter, ask to test the charge of the batteries. Each battery should ideally give a reading of between 12.3-12.6v (when not charging). Anything less than this might indicate that the battery needs replacing.
Also, ask the owner how old the battery is. If it is more than 3 years old, it will likely need replacing soon anyway.
5. Control panel and power sockets
Ask to test the control panel and electrical sockets in the motorhome. This will indicate whether or not the gas and electrical lines are in good working condition. Be sure to check all of the following:
Lighting
Sockets and USB ports
Water pump
Water heater
Heating system
Roof fans
Air-conditioning system
TV’s and satellite dishes
If you don’t think that something’s working properly, consider having a qualified electrician check over both the 12v and 240v power systems in the motorhome.
6. Heating
Ask the owner whether the heating in the motorhome can be run on both 240v mains power and 12v battery or gas power. Also, ask if the motorhome is fully insulated and check to see whether the windows are double glazed.
Always check that the heating is in working order before buying the used motorhome. Ask the owner how to switch it on and then allow 20 - 30 minutes for it to heat up.
7. The kitchen
Check that the various appliances in the kitchen are working properly.
When arranging to inspect the motorhome, ask the owner to turn on the fridge a few hours before you arrive. This will give the fridge time to cool down so that you can check its temperature. Also, ask the owner whether the fridge can be run on both 12v and 240v power.
Another thing you can ask the owner to do before you arrive is turn on the water heater. During your inspection, turn on the water pump and check that the kitchen sink has both cold and hot water. Water may sputter out of the tap for the first few minutes, but this is normal as air in the lines is cleared out. If you notice foul smells coming from the kitchen sink, this may indicate that the grey water tank hasn’t been cleaned or treated properly.
Turn on the gas and try each hob on the stove, making sure that they light properly. Similarly, if the motorhome has a microwave, power it on and check that it works properly.
Make sure that the ventilation hatch in the kitchen can be open and closed without issue. If the motorhome has a ventilation fan, ensure that this powers on.
8. The bathroom
Now check that the appliances in the bathroom are working properly.
Again, you will need to make sure that the owner has turned on the water heater a few hours before you arrive to inspect the motorhome. With the water pump turned on, check that the hot and cold water taps in the bathroom work (both sink and shower).
If the toilet is a flush model, check that it flushes properly.
If you notice foul smells coming out of the drains or toilet, this may indicate that the waste tanks haven’t been cleaned or treated properly.
9. The dining area
Check that the dining area and seating arrangement will suit your needs. If the dining seats are also used as passenger seats, check that they have working seat belts installed.
If the table in the dining area is removable, make sure that it can be removed and replaced with ease. Ask the owner where the removable table can be stored when not in use.
10. The bed
Ask the owner if you can lie down and test the bed. Check that it is large enough and that the mattress is to your liking.
If the motorhome has a fold-down or convertible bedding arrangement, make sure that mechanisms work properly. Double-check that all the mattress pieces for the convertible bed are all there.
11. Storage
Make sure that the motorhome has enough storage for your travel needs. Open the different cupboards and drawers and make sure that they aren’t damaged and can be closed securely.
What to look for when test driving the motorhome
1. Are you insured?
Before taking the motorhome out for a test drive, check that you’re insured to drive third party vehicles.
2. Start and idle
Preferably, you want to start the engine when it is cold. This will give you a true indication of how well it starts. As you start the engine, listen for any unusual noises or whines. Then let the engine idle for a few minutes and make sure that it sounds ok. Ensure that there are no warning lights on the dashboard and the vehicle doesn’t vibrate while idling.
3. The gearbox
If the motorhome has a manual gearbox, make sure that you can change smoothly between gears. If there are grinding noises or the gear stick knocks about, the gearbox is likely in poor condition and will need to be replaced.
4. Brakes and handbrake
Brakes generally wear out quickly on motorhomes because of their weight. As you drive around, test how quickly the brakes respond and how the brake pedal feels under your foot. If the brakes take a long time to slow the vehicle or make a high-pitched whine, they likely need to be replaced.
Also, test the handbrake by parking on a slope. The handbrake should prevent the motorhome from rolling without the use of the footbrake.
5. Steering
Test the steering by taking the motorhome through some corners. Also, try to perform a U-turn or 3-point turn. If the steering vibrates or squeals, this could indicate problems.
7. Acceleration
As you accelerate, check that the motorhome drives smoothly and that the RPM isn’t too high or too low.
8. Air-conditioning
Test both the heating and cooling functions to make sure the motorhome’s air-conditioning works well. If it doesn’t function properly, you might need to investigate further. Replacing the system completely can be very expensive.
9. Driving instruments
Whilst in the driver’s seat, be sure to check that all of the following instruments function properly:
Windscreen wipers and wash
Motorised mirrors
Power windows
Door handles and locks
Reversing cameras
Essential questions to ask the owner
It’s vital that you speak with the owner before arranging to look at the motorhome. A quick conversation can reveal a lot about the state of the vehicle. Ask the following questions during your phone call:
Why is the motorhome being sold?
How long have they owned it?
Are there any issues with the motorhome?
Do they have the service history?
How much mileage has the motorhome done?
How has it been used?
If you’re happy with the answers and the owner sounds honest, go ahead and set a time to view the motorhome. Inform them that you would like to take the motorhome for a test drive and your inspection will likely last an hour at least. Also, tell them that you would like to view all the documentation when you arrive.
Ask to meet at the same address to which the motorhome is registered. This way you can ensure that they are indeed the lawful owner.
And again, don’t forget to ask the owner to turn on the fridge and the water heater a few hours before you arrive, so that you can test that they both work properly upon inspection.
Documentation to ask for when buying a used motorhome
First and foremost, you should check that the person selling the motorhome is the real owner. A simple check on MotorWeb will tell you whether the vehicle has been reported stolen, any finances owing and any inconsistent odometer readings.
Upon arrival, ask to see the logbook. This will tell you how often the motorhome has been maintained, its roadworthiness and any issues that you need to be aware of. All of these factors can also influence insurance costs.
Also, ask to see the current Warrant of Fitness (WoF) (or Certificate of Fitness (CoF) if the GVM is over 3.5 tonnes). If the WoF is not available, you should not buy the motorhome. This would indicate that the vehicle isn’t roadworthy.
If the motorhome has been modified, it may require an electrical or gas certificate. Ask whether the owner has these and check that they are valid.
Check to see that the motorhome is registered using the NZ Transport Agency website. If the vehicle is diesel, also check that the Road User Charges are all up-to-date and paid in full.
Try before you buy
Now that you know what to look for when buying a used motorhome, it’s time to take the next step! If you’re serious about making this purchase, it is crucial that you “try before you buy”.
Camplify offers heaps of private rentals in New Zealand. Search through the motorhomes available for hire and find one similar to the one that you wish to buy. Hiring it for a night or two will give you a chance to test the vehicle and see whether it meets all of your needs and expectations.
That way, when it comes time to inspect and buy your used motorhome, you will know exactly what you want and will be able to quickly identify anything out of the ordinary.
How to decide which motorhome is right for you
Image: Haerenga_ on Camplify
Of course, there are a few vital questions that you must answer before you even consider inspecting or buying a motorhome:
How are you going to use the motorhome? Will you be touring to different destinations or mostly holidaying in one spot?
How many sleeping berths do you need in the motorhome?
What features do you want in your motorhome? Do you want a large bedroom, kitchen or dining area? Or a balanced layout?
How heavy do you want the motorhome to be? Heavier motorhomes (a GVM of more than 3,500kg) require more regulatory checks, more fuel and thus have a higher cost of ownership and registration.
How much does a motorhome cost? What is your budget?
Use our guide about the best motorhome to buy when deciding which make and model of motorhome has everything you need.
If you find that a motorhome is too large for your needs, you might want to consider buying a used campervan instead.
Make a return on your motorhome investment
If you’re worried about how to finance a motorhome, we’ve got good news for you…
There’s a quick and easy way to start earning a return on your used motorhome - rent it out on Camplify when it’s not in use!
Why Camplify?
Each year, heaps of Kiwis earn up to $10,000 by renting out their motorhome through Camplify. It provides a quick and easy way to generate long-term passive income and earn a return on their investment.
And the best part is, Camplify takes care of many of the expenses involved in hiring out your vehicle, including:
Comprehensive hire insurance.
24/7 AA nationwide breakdown cover for hirers.
Dedicated customer support.
If you’re interested in joining Camplify as an owner, try our earnings calculator and see how much income you could generate each year if you rent out your motorhome!