Buying a used RV - Front Porch Lifestyle - Regency Triple E

How to easily buy a used RV

We bought a used RV. We were campers for years – started with a tiny LL Bean tent when we were in our 20s, moved to older pop-up styles, then new big fancy trailers. We’ve had them all. We used to love exploring and traveling around. Having kids and dogs, moving to the county, then…

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We bought a used RV.

We were campers for years – started with a tiny LL Bean tent when we were in our 20s, moved to older pop-up styles, then new big fancy trailers. We’ve had them all. We used to love exploring and traveling around.

Having kids and dogs, moving to the county, then buying this old cottage, and running 3 businesses resulted in us selling our very much loved the last trailer back in 2016.

We are now settled here in the cottage by the sea here, are total empty nesters, and want to do some more adventuring and photography around Nova Scotia and beyond.

So we had an idea. To buy a small trailer. Bum around weekend trips and a few adventures.

We were originally looking for a small easy to tow trailer camper like the Rpod, but ended up buying a 2006 RV motorhome

Truth is, it was impossible to find a small trailer. We tried. So we shifted our plans.

Ideally, in a perfect world, we would have bought a bright shiny new RV. However, we didn’t know if we would like RVing, and we have other fun things we want to do, and there isn’t an unlimited money tree!

So..we did some research, and we bought a 27′ 2006 Triple E Regency motorhome.

2006 Regency Triple E , our new to us used RV Front Porch Lifestyle

We’re dreaming and scheming lots of upcoming adventures.

7 Things to look for when buying a used RV

  1. Reputation – do your research: Check the brand, model, etc. Join forums, and groups, and check Youtube for real people who are discussing their real experiences.
  2. Water damage: One of the top issues with RVs. Check RV for water damage, near windows, corners, under the bed, inside cupboards, etc.
  3. Maintenance Records: Ask for a copy of all maintenance records. No RV is perfect, but this will help you determine if there has been regular maintenance and by whom. Inspect tires and check the mileage, and have a vehicle inspection.
  4. Check all appliances and quality: And moving pieces, doors, awnings, toilet, etc for working condition. Turn on the AC, heat, etc. Our cabinet doors are solid wood, some RV’s have poor-quality cabinets etc. check the quality and brand names of appliances.
  5. Towing capacity: If you plan to tow a vehicle ensure it’s compatible.
  6. Country compliant: If your RV is made in a different country, be sure it’s compliant with your country’s standards for electrical, propane, and Department of Transport. Our RV was made in Canada, but if it’s US-made (or vice versa) check this site (CRVA) for more info.
  7. Layout and the floorplan: We had some really specific wants for the layout. Consider how you live and think through what would work for your way of living, storage needs, how you like to spend your time inside etc. Make a list. We made a list of “must haves” and “really would like it to have” lol. On our must-have list: canopy, dry bathroom, loungy space, table, AC, place to hang wet coats (that last one sounds crazy but we know from our travel style we will have wet coats), good size sink, freezer, walk around bed, outside storage, generator.
  8. BONUS reminder: check for smells (cigarette, pet, etc). This can be hard to remove if it’s embedded or may cause you to replace fabrics, carpet, etc.

We also found this site helpful for info.

Checking all the moving parts, appliances, awnings etc in the RV

6 Reasons WE bought an RV

As empty-nesters we had a different set of wants/needs with this RV vs family camping. Everyone has different needs. Be sure to consider yours.

  1. We like our own bed and food
  2. Comfort for driving and living
  3. We love to adventure but not so much exactly where hotels are located etc
  4. We like last-minute plans
  5. We wanted to feel at home
  6. I wanted to be able to work remotely
  7. As a photographer, John loves to explore out-of-the-way places
  8. We want to do road trips to visit family and friends and yet have our own space so not be a burden etc. and I couldn’t think of a better way
“mooch docking” at my parents beach house

I’d love to know any experience or advice you have for traveling in a Class C? We need all the help we can get! Eek. Connect with us on DM’s over on IG!

She needs a name – DM your best ideas with me over on Instagram HERE.

We also said we would not update or DIY or renovate this RV….but of course we did! :) Stay tuned…

Have you. seen our fav resources page here? We’re always updating it!

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