Quick Look
- If you see "Not Actual Hours," "N," or "NAH" written on an RV's certificate of title, it could mean that the hour meter was replaced or broken.
- It could also indicate that someone intentionally tampered with the hour meter to change the recorded operating time of the RV.
- Once this brand is added to a vehicle title, it cannot be removed—even if you apply for a new title.
What does it mean for an RV title to say "not actual hours?"
Engine hours are crucial in determining the value of used RVs. They indicate how long the RV's engine has been running—and help potential buyers determine the remaining lifespan of the vehicle. Different hour meter designations may be found on the back of a used RV's title, one of which is "not actual hours." The Not Actual Hours designation—sometimes written as (N) or NAH—indicates that the RV's exact operating time is unknown and the hour meter reading may be misrepresenting its true usage.How this happens:
There are several circumstances that could result in an hour meter discrepancy:- The hour meter was formerly replaced and now incorrectly displays the RV's operating time
- The hour meter broke, maxed out, or returned to zero, and remained broken for a period (or remains broken)
- The hour meter was intentionally rolled back to hide the RV's high usage (if proven, this is a violation of federal law)
- The hours were recorded incorrectly on the disclosure statement due to human error
"True hours unknown" means the same thing as "not actual hours"
The designation of "true hours unknown" (sometimes abbreviated as THU) is essentially just another way of saying that the RV's usage history is inaccurate. Both terms describe vehicles where the operating hours are misrepresented or when there's evidence that the hour meter was tampered with or replaced.How a not actual hours title affects the value of a used RV
In most cases, a "not actual hours" brand reduces the value of an RV, but there are still ways you can determine whether you should make the purchase. Doing your due diligence by requesting a comprehensive vehicle history report and having a pre-purchase inspection done can help you make a more accurate estimate of an RV's actual usage—and better determine its true value.Risks and benefits of buying an RV with a THU or NAH title
Should you buy an RV with a title that says "True Hours Unknown" or "Not Actual Hours?" As with any used RV purchase, it's a bit of a gamble, so it's important to mitigate the risks associated with buying a vehicle with incorrect hour readings. Here are steps to take before buying an RV with a "Not Actual Hours" brand:- Try to find the origin of the issue. Get a vehicle history report. You might notice an hour meter recording that drastically mismatches the rest of the RV's record, making it easier to estimate where things went wrong and get an idea of the vehicle's true usage.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection done. This could help identify any possible problems or necessary maintenance that its hour meter reading may otherwise not reveal. Because RVs with "not actual hours" or "true hours unknown" titles are often undervalued, you could get a great deal on a valuable vehicle.
- Take your time: Not every "not actual hours" RV is a good investment—which is why it's important to do your research before making any purchases. If you wind up purchasing an RV that you believe was misrepresented by the seller, you'll have a tough time proving your case in court, since most states require solid proof of damage.