Buying a Used Thor

 
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A used Thor Industries motorhome, fifth wheel, travel trailer or toy hauler makes a safe bet for anyone who wants a used RV that offers great value. That's because Thor Industries makes RVs at all price points to meet the needs of RV enthusiasts at all levels, from families who value economy to couples who look for luxury. When you buy a used Thor RV, you can rest assured you'll be getting a high-quality vehicle at an affordable price. Still, the process of buying used can be thorny. Our guide to buying a used RV will help demystify the experience for you.

There are many good reasons to buy a pre-owned Thor RV, especially if it's your first purchase. Buying a used RV allows you to test-drive the RV lifestyle without making a huge financial investment. Since Thor is such a widely known and well-distributed brand, you won't have trouble finding many used Thor models to choose from within your local area. Also, if you buy a travel trailer only to discover later that a motor home is more your style, you won't lose too much value to depreciation when you sell or trade in your used RV.

When buying a used Thor, 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. Plus, a dealership will be there to service your RV after the sale. Use the search feature on our main page to locate the used Thor RV dealer nearest you or to request information. Used Thor 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? Let's start 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.

If you're thinking of buying a used Thor toybox, such as a Tahoe, Vortex or Jazz, be sure to raise and lower the loading ramp several times to make sure it functions smoothly. Are the hinges in good shape? Is the garage floor gouged and banged up from abuse? Set up the fold-down beds in the cargo area and climb onto them. Are they solid?

If you're considering a used Thor 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?

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