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Girl Camper


Questions to Ask When Buying a Used RV (Part 1)

January 05, 2026

Buying a used RV can be a great way to get on the road—but only if you know the right questions to ask first.

In this first episode of a three-part series, Girl Camper Podcast co-host Lesa McDermott sits down with Mike Harlan, General Manager at North Trail RV Center in Fort Myers, Florida, for an honest conversation about what buyers need to know before purchasing a used RV.

This interview was recorded several months ago, and before the conversation began, Mike was sent a list of direct, tough questions—questions many dealers wouldn’t want to answer publicly. To his credit, Mike didn’t hesitate. He answered every question candidly, and the discussion was so detailed it was split into three episodes.

????️ In Part 1, you’ll learn:

  • The most common mistakes people make when buying a used RV
  • What research you should do before stepping onto a dealer lot
  • Why tow vehicles and weight ratings still matter with used RVs
  • How to think about floorplans and long-term usability
  • Early red flags to watch for when inspecting a used RV

This episode lays the foundation for buying a used RV with confidence and avoiding costly surprises.

Coming up next:

  • Part 2: Inspections, warranties, “as-is” sales, pricing, and system checks
  • Part 3: Dealers, fees, financing, and when to walk away

???? Subscribe to the Girl Camper Podcast so you don’t miss the rest of the series, and join Girl Camper to attend one of our many events across the country.

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Thank you to Progressive Insurance for sponsoring this episode. Check Progressive out for all your insurance needs.