Facebook Marketplace is where a huge percentage of used RV sales happen in Canada right now. Kijiji is still in the mix, but Marketplace has taken over. And look, there are genuinely good deals on there. I've seen well-maintained rigs listed by honest sellers who just want a fair price and a smooth transaction.

But Marketplace also has no verification, no accountability, and a buyer pool that ranges from experienced RVers to people who have never set foot in an RV in their lives. Sellers know this. And some of them take advantage of it.

Here's what to watch for before you go to see anything.

What a listing shows you and what it hides are two very different things

The listing itself tells you a lot

Before you message anyone, read the listing carefully. How it's written matters. Vague listings that use phrases like "runs great," "well maintained," or "minor issues" without any specifics are worth flagging. What does "runs great" mean on a 2003 diesel pusher with 180,000 km? Nothing. It means nothing.

Good listings describe the vehicle specifically. Year, make, model, configuration, what's been serviced recently, what the owner uses it for, and honest notes about cosmetic or mechanical condition. That level of detail usually indicates a seller who knows their rig and isn't hiding anything.

Also look at how many photos there are and what they show. Eight photos of the dinette and bedroom and zero of the roof, undercarriage, or exterior corners is a pattern worth noticing.

Check the seller's profile before anything else

This takes two minutes and tells you a lot. How long has the account been active? Do they have Marketplace transaction history? Are they local? A profile created last month with no history selling a $45,000 motorhome is worth extra scrutiny. That doesn't make them a scammer, but it means you do more due diligence, not less.

For a deeper look at common Marketplace vehicle scams and how they're structured, RV Living put together a solid breakdown of what to watch for. Worth reading before you go to any private viewing.

The phone call before the viewing

Always talk to the seller on the phone before driving anywhere. Not to negotiate, just to have a conversation. Ask them how long they've owned it, where they bought it, what they use it for, and why they're selling. Listen to how they answer. Evasive, inconsistent, or rushed answers on basic ownership questions are worth noting.

Also ask directly: Has it had any water damage? Has it been in an accident? Are there any known mechanical issues? A seller who has nothing to hide answers these without hesitation. One who changes the subject or gets defensive is telling you something.

A ten-minute phone call before any viewing can save you a four-hour drive for nothing

Red flags during the viewing itself

You've done the research, talked to the seller, and decided the viewing is worth your time. Here's what to watch for when you're actually there.

• The seller rushes you through the walkthrough or steers you away from specific areas
• Areas of the rig are locked or "can't be accessed right now"
• Fresh sealant applied recently around roof seams, windows, or any exterior joint
• New flooring in an older rig without explanation of why it was replaced
• Strong air freshener inside, which can mask mould or water damage odour
• Appliances that "just need to be hooked up" rather than being demonstrated live
• Seller unwilling to let you take your time or bring someone else to look

None of these individually prove anything. All of them together tell you to either walk away or get a professional assessment before proceeding.

Payment — this is where a lot of people get hurt

Never pay a deposit via e-transfer, Interac, wire transfer, or gift card to hold an RV you haven't seen in person. Once that money is gone, it's gone. There's no Facebook Marketplace buyer protection on private vehicle sales.

Pay in person, after viewing, and ideally do the final transaction at a bank where both parties can verify the funds and handle paperwork securely. For larger amounts, a bank draft is safer than cash and creates a paper trail.

When you can't view it in person

Buying from across the province or across the country is common. The seller is local, you're not, and you're trying to figure out whether it's worth flying or driving to see it. This is exactly the situation a RigReport is built for. We review the listing, request a detailed walkthrough video, and give you a straight answer on whether the asking price is reasonable and whether the vehicle has obvious problems worth knowing about before you commit travel time and money to viewing it.

It's not a replacement for seeing it yourself, but it gives you enough information to make a smarter decision about whether seeing it is worth the trip.

Facebook Marketplace is a legitimate way to find a good used RV at a fair price. It's also a place where motivated sellers, honest mistakes, and outright scams all sit side by side with identical-looking listings. The difference between them isn't always obvious, but it usually becomes clear if you slow down and look carefully before any money moves.

Ryan Bergeron is a Red Seal certified RV technician and founder of RigReport, Canada's only virtual RV inspection service. RigReport is a service of Fall River RV Repairs LTD.