Suggestions on viewing a used Escape

[mrpdk]

Hello, We are looking for a used 19foot Escape.

What do you suggest I be aware of for the inspection?

Thank you paul

[cpaharley2008]

Test the appliances to verify they work, ask for maintenance records if available and look for any exterior damage, sides,top and bottom.

[arniesea]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

Test the appliances to verify they work, ask for maintenance records if available and look for any exterior damage, sides,top and bottom.

I would add open and close all hatch and access doors, looking for good seals. Same with roof vents, door and windows.

[mrpdk]

Thank you for the tips so far

[kootenaigirl]

Here is a good inspection list that reminds you of things to check over.

http://www.fiberglassrv.com/buy-sell.html

As Jim said make sure appliances are working as they can be expensive, ask for fridge to be put on the day before. Check for any evidence of leaks, fiberglass damage etc. Ask regarding pets and smoking in trailer if that is important to you. Also if the trailer was used full time there may be more wear and tear than one used for the odd vacation. If the trailer is a few years old and hasn't been waxed regularly (especially if stored outside) it takes some elbow grease get it shiny again.

Good luck in your search.

[mrpdk]

This is a great list. Thank you

[Brian B-P]

The checklist in FiberglassRV has items for "inside plumbing" and "outside plumbing", which is good but not very helpful. Yeah, there are pipes... but is that enough?

Ideally the unit should be examined in a functional state. That means water in the freshwater tank so you can turn on the pump and see that it works. As water comes out of each faucet (including the shower), check for leaks. That water will then go to the grey waste tank - does it leak? With water you can also flush the toilet, confirming that the water valve works and does not leak, and that the flush valve seals (holds water in the bowl).

In a dry state, all of the plumbing can look fine, even though any or all of it is non-functional. I bought a trailer in which everything worked - according to the seller - and it turned out that even the freshwater fill hose (from the fill port to the tank) was not intact. They said they preferred to cook and wash dishes outside and so did not use the plumbing, but in fact they could not have even filled the tank, and if they did get water into it the kitchen faucet leaked, and once that water made it to the grey waste tank that tank had a crack in it. The price was still fair with those issues, and I fixed them all, but none of them would have been apparent in a dry inspection.

This is all applicable to any RV - including an Escape - but it is not specific to an Escape.

[Greg A]

Age and condition of tires. Last lube/check on bearings - brakes.