I've been looking for a larger new to me trailer.  I found one about 3 hours from me that sounds interesting, but I'm thinking I should walk away.

The unit is a 2019 Venture Sonic bought new in September of 2019, but never used.  This can be confirmed by the storage company.  It is located in the midwest (Missouri).   The purchasers/now sellers were in the medical care field and due to Covid we too busy to use.  Now they think they are just going to sell it and wait until they retire and buy a newer larger unit.

Here are the red flags as I see them.  Owner says he bought at a local dealer who did a full walk-thru including how to use the water system.  The water was then "drained" and he brought unit to storage unit.  There the unit has sat for three years.  He has done nothing to the unit except take it out to wash it at the local truck wash.  

1.  Unit has never been winterized.

2.  Unit has sat out in summer sun for three years.  It was in covered storage during the winter months.

3.  Unit has never been serviced in any way.  (no checking for cracks in caulk etc.)

How far and fast should I run from this trailer?  Hubby thinks we can just charge up to water system and check for leaks, but I'm not sure they would be apparent since it has a closed under belly.   

I appreciate your thoughts.

2. Are there any indications that this might be a scam (such as saying that ebay motors will hold the money until you get it but you need to pay in gift cards)?

3. Is the seller wanting payment before you get a chance to go and physically see the trailer?

If the answer to 1 is no and the answers to 2 and/or 3 are yes, by all means, run away.

How do I know? I got bit by a scam before we purchased our RPod. I lost a significant amount from that scam.

Thank you for the food for thought.  

We have bought 2 trailers sight unseen through individuals.  I have found when the sellers are as concerned about being scammed as  much as you are it's probably an okay thing.  

I have had several conversations with this owner and have accumulated enough information that I feel he is trustworthy.  I know where the trailer was originally purchased, where it is currently stored, and the individual's address and the phone number is consistent with his address.  Absolutely no $$ is changing hands until we are satisfied that the trailer is as represented and title is clear.  My major concerns is that the trailer has been ignored and neglected since he bought it.  

In the past I have used the sniff test to get an idea if there has been any water intrusion.  (Don't laugh, but my hubby says I have a better nose than his high priced bird dog)  I'm a little concerned about water intrusion, but more concerned about the plumbing system.  I like the other poster's comment about listening for the water pump to kick in after the system has been brought up to pressure.

Keep your comments coming!

Missouri,

 where summers are hotter than Hades and winter's are below freezing for days on end.

Sorry, I just noticed you are in St Louis.  You are very familiar with our weather.  The trailer is in Rolla.

This is a good thought.  I had also considered taking back to the original selling dealership and have them check it over, since it is not far from the current trailer location.

One last bit of advice: They are probably more motivated to sell than you are to buy, so don't be afraid to go in low on the price based on the history of the unit and the things that could go wrong. I am the guy everyone hates who always comes in with lowball offers and I am perfectly okay with that. It's not like the RV has a ton of history and memories associated with it.