Water damage can be costly to repair on a camper. As such, if you are looking to purchase a used camper, you should always be on the lookout for signs of potential water damage and issues. Here are three of the signs that the camper you are looking at may have hidden problems thanks to leaks or other water damage.
Exterior and Interior Rust
One of the first things you want to check for is rust on the exterior and interior of the camper. Rust is commonly found on the body and the chassis of the exterior portions of the camper. It may also be found on the corners of the interior or around openings, such as windows or doors. Many older RVs and campers have small amounts of rust on their exteriors, so finding rust is not all that uncommon. However, you should be wary if large amounts of rust are present, as rust can weaken metal.
Smells and Odors
Another sign of potential water issues in a camper are smells and odors that are typically associated with sitting water. This includes a musty, mildew-like or mold-like scent. Have you ever left clothes in the washing machine for a day or two? When you open the lid to the washing machine, you are greeted with a musty scent. This is the same scent you may smell if water has leaked into a camper and is sitting somewhere in the fibers, such as the carpet, couch or insulation.
Ceiling Cracks or Bubbles
The last thing that you want to inspect when you are checking a used camper for potential water issues is the ceiling. When you are inside of the camper, look up. If you see cracking or bubbles along the ceiling of the camper, water may have already leaked in or has the potential to leak in. If water has leaked in, you may notice discoloration or water staining around the cracks or bubbles. The paint on or near the ceiling may also be peeling or flaking, letting you know there are potential water problems.
Being on the lookout for signs of interior and exterior rust, smells or odors associated with moisture and ceiling cracks or bubbles can help clue you in to potential water problems with a used camper. If you suspect a camper has water damage, asking a professional RV mechanic to look over the unit is the best way to determine what the issues are, how extensive they may be and how much they may cost to repair before you commit to buying a used camper.
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