• Class C motor homes are popular with the RV community.rv image by Greg Pickens from Fotolia.com
  
  Class C motor homes are smaller than the bus-sized Class A. They are built on a van or truck chassis and have the advantage of a cab with both driver and passenger doors. Whether you are buying your RV new from the manufacturer or a previously owned rig, it is best to check out your potential purchase before signing on that dotted line.
  
  

Exterior

• The exterior is probably what caught your eye in the first place. Take some time to look beyond the fancy paint job to make sure the surface walls are in good condition. Check for signs of wear or leakage under the cab-over, the part of the RV that sits over the truck cab. Check the entire roof for evidence of leaks, particularly around skylights, vents, hoods and where appliances are attached, such as air conditioners.
  
  Make sure that any seals and caulking around doors, windows and other openings are in good condition. Check all the lights, mirrors, handrails and connector covers for water, sewer and electric. Make sure the steps, manual or electric, are working. On the underside of the RV, check for leaks around the holding tanks and for any obvious signs of repair or damage.
  
  Check the awnings, both the main one and any that are over slide-outs for wear. A slide-out is a part of the RV that opens out when you are parked. Slide awnings, usually called toppers, keep dirt and leaves from accumulating on the top of the extended slide. Open the awnings to make sure they work. This might need to be done from inside the RV.
  
  

Interior

• Make sure the floor plan, or layout, works for you. Most Class C motor homes have a bed over the driver's cab and at least one more in the cabin section. Other models have a bedroom in the back and maybe an entertainment section and storage over the cab.
  
  Check the flooring and look for wear on the carpets or on the laminate. Look at the cabinetry and check for finish and whether doors shut securely. Make sure all the faucets, appliances and fold-down beds work. Go into the bathroom and shut the door to make sure it is a good fit. While you are in there, check the shower and the toilet for leaks.
  
  Take a good look at the roof and see if you find any water stains suggesting a roof leak. Make sure the ceiling liner is firmly attached to the ceiling. On Class C motor homes, pay particular attention to the ceiling around the cab-over when you search for leaks.
  
  Most Class C's have a utility panel that helps you monitor battery, propane, fresh water, grey water and black water tank levels. The grey water tank stores used water from the sinks and shower. The black water tank holds what comes from the toilet. Make sure this is working by pressing the buttons as instructed. The black and grey water tanks should read empty on a Class C that is up for sale.
  
  

The Cab

• Since Class C motor homes have a passenger cab, much as you would find in pick up truck or van, inspecting this part of the RV should not be overlooked. Make sure the seat adjustments and seat belts work, that the doors close securely and that windows and door locks work. Take a look at the privacy curtain attachments, usually located above the windshield and the side windows. Put up the privacy curtain to make sure everything works properly.
  
  Take a look at the dash and make sure all the lights and gauges work and that the mirror and steering wheel adjustments work. Test out the stereo, DVD, CD, back up camera, GPS and any other installed devices to make sure they work. Start the engine if needed to perform these cab checks. Take the RV for a drive to see how it handles and if the Class C is a fit for you. Be sure to take previously owned vehicles to a professional for an inspection of the motor and drive train.