Preparing For Your RV Inspection
An RV inspection provides a thorough examination of the RV from roof to the tires and from the exterior side walls to the interior appearances and appliances. Depending on the motorhome 5th Wheel or Travel Trailer inspection, you can expect it to take 3-8 hours. You do not need to be present, but you are most welcome. If not, the inspector can give you a verbal report by phone that evening with written report to follow within a day or two. (Fluid test take longer.)
The first thing your inspector will check is the actual VIN of the RV. If you have the build sheet and/or brochure, that will be helpful as well. If this is a pre-purchase inspection, we suggest that you have a paragraph inserted in your sales agreement that the purchase is subject to an inspection by a inspector of your choosing and subject to your sole satisfaction.
It usually works best to inspect an RV while it is hooked up in a campground, although it certainly can be done in a dealers lot or a backyard. However, in order to properly evaluate the mechanical functions of the RV, it should be completely accessible with utilities hooked up and the gray and black tanks emptied. The refrigerator and freezer should have been running for at least 12 hours before the inspection. we can only inspect what we can see and operate. Take it out of any covered areas, and make sure the storage bays are unlocked.
If you can't connect a hose, make sure there is enough water in the tanks to test the systems including the dishwasher and the washer if available. There should be enough fuel in the propane tanks to test those systems, as well. If a motorhome is being inspected, the batteries need be charged and there should be fuel in the generator and in the RV itself.
Both the exterior and interior should be cleared and ready to be examined. Your inspector will be looking in, under and behind cabinets and drawers so please don't block that access. The microwave and oven should be empty. Be sure to secure any valuables or breakables. Ensure that slide areas are clear as those will be tested as well.
Prior to the actual inspection, you will be provided with a Pre-Inspection Agreement and a "understanding" of what is involved. These two forms will need to be acknowledged and signed ahead of time. Also included in the inspection price is 100 miles roundtrip any mileage over 100 miles will be charged at .85 cents per mile based on address provided by the customer. It's important for you to tell the inspector why you want an inspection. Are you suspicious of anything in particular? If you are selling the RV, are there any modifications that you want the inspector to give particular attention? We always recommend analyzing fluids on motorhomes and tow vehicles.
RV Inspectors will not provide water hoses, sewer hoses or connections, electrical adapters or connectors, generators, propane, batteries or fuel. Please make sure these are available prior to the scheduled inspection time.
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