Shopping For a Used RV: Important Tips for BC RV'ers
Buying a used RV can be one of the smartest ways to start exploring British Columbia without the higher price tag of a brand-new model. From weekends beside Shuswap Lake to longer trips through the Okanagan and BC Interior, the right pre-owned RV can give you years of memorable adventures.
But unlike buying an everyday vehicle, shopping for a used RV means looking closely at everything from the roof and plumbing to the floorplan and towing requirements. At Country Camping RV in Salmon Arm, BC, you'll find pre-owned travel trailers, fifth wheels, and other RV options, along with financing and ongoing service support.
Before you start shopping, here are a few things every BC RVer should keep in mind.
1. Choose an RV That Fits How You Actually Camp
It's easy to fall in love with a huge fifth wheel or feature-packed travel trailer, but bigger isn't automatically better. Think about where and how you'll use your RV most often.
Weekend campers may prioritize a lightweight, easy-to-tow travel trailer, while families might want bunks, extra storage, and a larger kitchen. If longer stays are in your future, a spacious fifth wheel with additional living space may be worth considering.
Country Camping's pre-owned inventory includes travel trailers and fifth wheels in a variety of sizes and configurations, giving BC shoppers plenty of options to compare.
2. Make Sure Your Tow Vehicle Is Up to the Job
Before buying a towable RV, know exactly what your truck or SUV can safely handle. Don't choose a trailer based solely on its advertised dry weight.
Consider the RV's GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating), tongue or pin weight, payload, and the weight of passengers and cargo you'll be bringing along. Staying comfortably within your vehicle's limits can make towing through BC's mountainous terrain much safer and less stressful.
3. Inspect for Water Damage
Water intrusion can turn an otherwise great used RV into an expensive project. Check carefully around the roof, windows, doors, vents, slide-outs, and exterior seams.
Inside, watch for stains, soft flooring, bubbling walls, musty smells, or discolouration. These can indicate current or previous moisture problems that deserve a closer inspection before you buy.
4. Test the RV's Major Systems
A used RV is both a vehicle and a home on wheels, so there's more to inspect than what meets the eye. Make sure important systems and appliances are functioning properly, including:
- Plumbing and water systems
- Furnace and air conditioning
- Refrigerator and cooking appliances
- Electrical system and outlets
- Batteries and charging system
- Slide-outs and awnings
- Propane equipment
- Lights and safety equipment
Buying from an established RV dealership can also give you access to professional service if your RV needs maintenance down the road. Country Camping offers both RV sales and service from its Salmon Arm location.
5. Check the Tires, Brakes, and Running Gear
An RV may look nearly new while still needing attention underneath. Check tire age and condition rather than judging tires by tread depth alone, and look for cracking or uneven wear.
Wheel bearings, brakes, suspension components, hitch equipment, and other running gear should also be considered before hitting the highway.
6. Look Beyond the Purchase Price
One of the biggest benefits of buying used is value, but remember to budget for the complete ownership experience. Insurance, campground fees, maintenance, storage, propane, accessories, and potential repairs should all factor into your decision.
The good news? Buying pre-owned can leave more room in your budget for those expenses—and for actually enjoying your RV once you have it.
Country Camping currently carries pre-owned RVs across a range of price points and also offers RV financing for qualifying buyers.
7. Think About BC's Camping Conditions
British Columbia RVing can mean hot Okanagan summers one weekend and chilly mountain evenings the next. Consider features such as insulation, heating, air conditioning, tank capacities, and storage based on when and where you plan to travel.
If you're hoping to extend your camping season into the colder months, ask about cold-weather features and whether a particular RV is suitable for the conditions you expect to encounter.
8. Don't Forget the Floorplan
Specs matter, but you'll spend your camping trips inside the RV. Walk through the unit and imagine actually living in it.
Can everyone comfortably sleep? Can you access the bathroom with the slides closed? Is there enough storage? Can two people move through the kitchen without constantly getting in each other's way?
A walkthrough can quickly reveal whether an RV that looks perfect online actually works for your lifestyle.
Find Your Next Used RV at Country Camping RV
Shopping used is a great way to get more RV for your budget—as long as you know what to look for. With decades of experience serving the Shuswap, Okanagan, and Southern BC, Country Camping Leisure Products offers a selection of pre-owned RVs along with financing, parts, and service support for the adventures ahead.
Located in Salmon Arm, BC, Country Camping serves RV shoppers from the Shuswap as well as Vernon, Kelowna, Kamloops, and surrounding communities. Browse our used RV inventory today and find the right home on wheels for your next BC adventure.
