Checklist for looking at an AS

[FiveOJoe]

I'm going to take a look at a 25 year old AS this weekend. It may be my first one. After looking at this forum for a while now, I made myself a list. Please feel free to add on if I missed anything. Thanks, Joe


Exterior

o Skin panels, rivets
o Dents, gouges, holes
o Clear coat or finish condition
o Rust
o Bottom frame condition
o Axles
o Wheel bearings
oLights
o Physical condition
o Operation

oGlass
o Window Frames
o Tanks
o Hitch
o Receiver
o Sway/Torsion bars
o Safety chains
o Plug
o Roof
o Leaks?
o AC hood
o Fan covers
o Compartment doors
o Hookups
o Awnings
o Entry door




Tires
o Age
o Tread
o Dry rot
o Spare Tire?
o Similar sizes

Brakes
o Age
o Visual condition
o Operation





Interior

• Floor
  • Soft spots or holes
  • Water damage
  • Carpet or flooring

• Cabinets
• Countertops
• Furniture
• Bedding
• Plumbing leaks
• Interior window frames
• Window shades or blinds
• Window operation
• Interior walls
• Lighting
• Outlets
• Inverter
• Toilet
• Faucets
• Drains
• Sinks
• Shower
• Rodent or pests
• Manuals or paperwork

Appliances

• • Heater
  • Refrigerator
  • A/C
  • Stove
  • Microwave
  • Hot Water Heater

[RUSSELL]

Hi , Also check where it was stored. If it was in a garage or outside.
Russell in sunny Tucson Az.
P.S. It is a good list that all schould copy and use when buying.

[The Flintstones]

I think that pretty much covers it. . . I wish I had of checked mine more thorough instead of having my AS blinders on. . as mine has two top rear dents that I don't think will ever get fixed as long as I own it and some leak issues that have since been repaired, but overall I am still pleased with it. Good luck!
James

[FiveOJoe]

Yup, That's why I made a list, because I get talking and stop looking. I've looked at cars and had a camera with me and ended up taking two pictures. I plan on taking about 100 this weekend so I can look at them at home again.

[dwightdi]

You might also want to see if the TV antenna goes up and down. Many have broken segment gears or broken arms. If the radio / 8 track work if you are not planning on upgrading. Clock the same way. I would also check the state of the plastic curtain hangers. They are made from acetel (which degrades badly in sun light) and are frequently very brittle. I would look closely for Frame separation by jumping on the back bumper and bulges in the sides as well as if the interior bulkheads are pushing thru the ceiling. Looking to make sure the plate that hanges down between the wheels is essential to detect frame bending. If is not straight when you look from front to back do not buy. Condition of the batteries is difficult to tell but you can easily tell the age of them by the date stamped on them.

[Loren]

Joe,

Excellent list. The only thing I can think of to add is to check the weatherstripping at the windows and door while you are checking those items. I had to replace mine recently.

Loren