Buying a Used Forest River

 
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Just because you're buying used, don't think you have to sacrifice variety. Forest River makes a huge line of RVs with an array of floor plans and amenities so large it boggles the mind. Of course, it follows that anything sold new eventually becomes available used. That means you can find exactly the type of used Forest River motor home, travel trailer, fifth wheel, toy hauler or tent trailer you want, with all the amenities you desire and with the perfect floor plan. Nonetheless, the process of buying used can be daunting for even the most seasoned recycler. Our guide to buying a used RV will help demystify the experience for you.

There are many good reasons to buy a pre-owned Forest River RV. As we said, variety is a big one. Because Forest River produces such a large quantity of RVs every year, you should be able to find a large selection of used Forest River RVs at your local dealership. And, obviously, buying used lets you immerse yourself in the RV lifestyle without a huge cash outlay. In fact, when you buy a used RV you'll be able to afford more vehicle for the money.

When buying a used Forest River, remember that your local dealer is your best friend. Not only does your local dealer offer used RVs at reasonable prices, but the experts at the dealership have gone over every RV with a finetooth comb, which gives you a hedge against hidden defects. Use the search feature on our main page to locate the used Forest River RV dealer nearest you or to request information. Used Forest River prices vary based on model, mileage and condition.

Buying a used RV is much too complicated to thoroughly cover in a brief buying guide like this, and much of what you need to inspect depends on the type of RV you decide to buy. Generally speaking, rely on your local RV dealer to perform the critical system tests, while you concentrate on the easy-to-see items. At a minimum, your RV dealer will test and inspect all of these components on every used RV they offer:

* Engine and drive train (on motorized RVs)
* Brakes, axles and stabilizing jacks
* Water lines, tanks and valves
* Propane system
* Electrical components, such as inverter and battery charger
* Furnace and air conditioner
* Frame and subfloor
* Lift mechanisms (on tent trailers)

So what should you inspect yourself? If you're considering a used Forest River tent trailer, it's imperative to closely inspect the canvas. Don't look only for obvious rips or holes. Look for slightly discolored areas, which could indicate the canvas was folded up while still wet. Also check closely for mold on the canvas. Be sure to set up and fold down the trailer yourself more than once. Do the lift mechanisms operate smoothly? If the camper uses manual lifts (as opposed to electric), would another family member be able to fold the camper down in case of an emergency?

If you think a used Forest River toy hauler is more your style, be sure to raise and lower the loading ramp several times to make sure it's in good working order. Also inspect the garage floor for signs of abuse, and be sure to fold down the cargo area and beds and climb onto them to make sure they're still solid.

With motorhomes and travel trailers, begin with the interior. Look for excessive caulking around windows, which may indicate water leakage. Check the upholstery, flooring and window coverings for rips, tears or repairs. Check out the appliances to make sure they're in good working order.

The next thing you should do is take the RV for a test drive. You can point out any mechanical issues to your sales person, who can get them resolved. Lastly, don't forget to request an overnight stay in your used Forest River motorhome, fifth wheel, travel trailer or pop-up camper before making your purchase decision. This will give you an opportunity to test out all the systems and get a feel for how livable the RV really is.

Buying a used Forest River can be a rewarding experience. If you're ready to buy a used Forest River fifth wheel, travel trailer, motorhome or tent camper, click on "Forest River RVs" right now, and we'll direct a quote request or a request for information to a Forest River dealer near you.