If you’re a newbie RVer just getting started, know this: Having your RV inspected before you purchase it and drive it home is one of the, if not the, most important things you can do. You want someone up on that roof, under that rig, upside-down, inspecting that thing. Every last inch of it.
Trust us.
If you already own an RV, did you have it independently inspected before you bought it? If so, are you glad you did (come on, tell those newbies in the comments below to do it!)?
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We did not have our used, 2014, 39′, 5ver inspected before buying in late 2018. We did not even know what we didn’t know when we bought it! We’ve been incredibly blessed with few problems and we’ve lived full-time in it for >3 years and have traveled throughout the US (>30,000 miles). However, after becoming a registered RV tech, I would HIGHLY recommend having an RV inspected by a qualified RV inspector before buying again!
I bought my camper when it was 6 months old and 1000 miles away. The deal was too good to pass up. i did send a private inspector (specifically an RV mobile repair company) to check it out for me. With his detailed report he assured me it was in perfect condition and if i did not buy it he would. It still is perfect after 2 years.
I did not even think of having our 2014 Thor Class A DP inspected because it was brand new! Wow, was that a mistake I will never make again. In our shake down cruise we quickly found 43 problems requiring warranty repairs. It was in the shop for 7 months the first year we owned it. Never-the-less, we still own it and continue to fix things that break or fail or wear out. We really don’t have any other option since we sold our S&B and live in our motorhome full time.
Bought our latest 5th wheel from a private seller after personally inspecting it while it was sitting in a truck stop along I-75 in Florida. The seller delivered it to our campsite 62 miles away and we went through the setup together. We moved all our stuff from our bumper pull to the 5th wheel. I discovered the TV antenna and speakers didn’t work, the water pump housing was cracked, and the tandem axle equalizer had never been greased and completely rusted ¬ functioning. He had been hauling it with under 40 psi in the tires. We bought it for $6k less than the next lowest price. I’ve fixed all the issues, replaced the China-bomb tires, and we could sell it now for $20k more than our purchase price.
Unfortunately I didn’t have it independently inspected before I bought it. I purchased from a private party in Alabama. I live in Tacoma, WA. He agreed to take it to a local RV repair shop to have it inspected. Based on this, I agreed to purchase it. Within about two weeks of getting it home I spent about $10k in repairs on things that he didn’t tell me, things that he lied to me about, etc. This was seven years ago and the RV inspection industry was basically in its infancy. I hoped I could help people to not experience what I did.
The GOOD thing that came out of this is that I have now been a certified NRVIA inspector for 5-years. I opened GCRV Inspections in 2017 and I have had the pleasure of helping hundreds of people with their RV inspection needs and working with FEMA.
Whether brand new or used, EVERYONE should have the RV they are interested in inspected by a certified RV inspector, and there is no more thorough an inspection than by an NRVIA inspector.
Wish you had a fourth choice “no I didn’t have it inspected but I wish I would have “
We bought our 2019 fifth wheel new, and have owned several rvs, so we didn’t think it was necessary. While there haven’t been major issues, there are a few things that make us wonder, is that really the way that’s supposed to be or is it going to fail?
I did not, as at the time, the need to do so was not nearly as great as it is now. As a camper for much of my adult life, I had a very extensive checklist to test and confirm our last RV’s system’s qualities. And I had a willing dealership that believed in its product and even participated in overnight pressure and AC tests.
I did not, certainly wish I did! Quality of workmanship is non existent, and manufacturers are aware, but don’t care! Do not buy from a large volume dealer without this 1st step! You will wait forever to get an appointment to repair any defect!
Did not. No regrets. Purchased as a trade in from the original manufacturer. Previous owner traded it in on a new version of the same model. 6 years, and about 50k miles nothing has broken, except the door lock.
We did not have an independent inspection done, but over the years my wife and I have developed a substantial multi-page checklist we use.
She takes the inside and I take the outside. I bring coveralls and tools because I go under and inspect everything. I crawl into storage compartments, get on the roof, and check everything on the walls, slides, and end caps. She’s inside crawling on the floor checking for wall leaks, opening every cabinet checking for roof leaks, operating every appliance and light. We require the owner/dealer to have it full of water, refrig on, etc. I also pull fluid samples from the main engine systems and genny to send for analysis. In all, it takes us around 5 hours, or 10 hours of “labor.”
We feel comfortable doing our own inspection. If you don’t, hire a certified inspector!
Bought brand new off the liquidators lot, with full factory, chassis and extended warranty. Never thought about it due to the warranties. If we ever buy a used unit, I certainly will get an inspection.
Yes, I did, as I live in Florida and my 2006 Monaco Dynasty was in Salt Lake City Utah. Paid $950 for a “certified” NRVIA inspection which was a TOTAL waste of time and money. I should have booked a flight and hotel to SLC and done it myself. I will never do that again. Scam me once shame on you but you won’t scam me a second time.
What made you consider the inspection a waste of money? What was missed? Did you discuss the issues with the inspector? Did you seek resolution or were you dismissed? Curious minds want to know.
HWH Air Leveling System not working, Keyless Keypad Entry System non-functional, ALL auto bay door locking mechanisms not working, Engine batteries dead, Dash AC not working, Wiper Blade Motor linkage failed, Gas springs weak on all bay doors, Black tank dump valve leaking, freshwater hose leaking, Bay doors won’t lock, just to name the most important one. There were many smaller items that needed attention. If I had known about these problems, I would have been in a better position to negotiate the final price for the coach.
We haven’t had either of our Class C RVs inspected by others. I was once an auto mechanic so feel competent inspecting the chassis. We’ve also completely renovated two homes so I’ve done plumbing and electrical work many times. So far I’ve been able to fix all the problems we’ve found on purchase or during use.
No inspection, but when the dealer received it, they were inspecting & testing and found the kitchen slide had a problem. They asked us to delay our trip a day so they could take it back to the factory to get the room fixed.
Yes, we had a RVIA certified inspector do a thorough inspection of our brand new 2020 motor home. Although our dealer discouraged us from “wasting our money”, neither of us had any experience with a B+ motor home. Our manufacturer was a high quality, low volume, Canadian company and we didn’t expect the inspector to find anything of substance wrong. The inspection took about 8 hours and along the way she explained how each system worked and maintenance required. It was money well spent and gave us considerable education and peace of mind. The dealer walk thru was about 45 minutes and thin on information…”read the manual”. We highly recommend a certified inspection!
We bought our 2020 diesel pusher new in 2019. I have owned RV’s and larger sailboats for years and am a retired engineer so I pretty much know my way around an RV. Before taking ownership I got my flashlight out clipboard and put on my coveralls and did an inspection that lasted over an hour. My punch list was extensive and the dealership told me to bring it back in a few weeks, I declined to drive it anywhere and told them I will pick it up when done and I would do another inspection. The second inspection showed that a few of the items were not made right correctly, again they said take it back in a few weeks and again I said no. They were not happy with me but did have everything done by the next day!
No, even though it was new, biggest mistake of our lives!!! So many problems, let me count them!!!
No I did not. We took delivery in late February and it was freezing. Therein the rub. When things thawed out in April we discovered everything that had water in it was frozen and a lot of plastic fittings broken and leaking. Dealer had not prepared rv for winter. Never did understand why water was in it, brand new unit! Factory tested and forgotten about? Fully and completely repaired with all new parts. Lesson learned. Complete inspection before delivery no matter what the temp is outside. ALL SYSTEMS!
I say we did because my hubby got certified as an RV inspector before we bought ours so we could make a little money and inspect our own. I would recommend the class for all new RV’ers!
1st one was old but we were lucky. Private seller gave great pointers. Second one was new, 12 years ago and we love it still.
I checked YES even though I didn’t actually use a certified inspector. The original owner used the same mobile RV tech, whom I used, to do work on the Lazy Daze. He was helping her find a buyer for her LD and he told me about it. I felt comfortable buying it from her and I haven’t regretted the purchase.
we bought brand new so, no.
So did we, still had many issues.
Didn’t know about inspections when we bought our 2000 Fleetwood PaceArrow in December of 2014. If it had been inspected, we may not have purchased. As I started repairing things, I needed to learn more about RVs. Found a training program that led me to becoming a Certified Inspector. I now have retired from doing inspections due to age and bad knee.
I would recommend getting any RV, new or used inspected by a NRVIA Certified Inspector before purchase. An NRVIA inspector will charge you more than some other inspectors, but you get what you pay for.
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No. Delivered from the factory 20 yrs ago. Had a blow by issue with engine. That was CAT’s issue. Always “within limits”. New engine at 200K miles. Laminate underneath paint started cracking. Serendipitously found out it was partially covered by warranty. At 15yrs old had all new panels and a repaint done at Newmar factory. Looks like the day we picked it up. The awning blew off over the top of the motorhome across 4 lanes on I-70 in Kansas. Faulty latch. Covered under warranty. (By the grace of God, no one else affected. We use fly fishing wraps to secure awning arms ever since). Other than those 3 “issues” can’t recall anything else. I’m sure there might have been some little things.
I was NOT aware that such a service when I bought my Super-C back in May, 2014. Had I known such a service existed, I would have used it.
Our first (used) Rv we drove about 80 mi. to look it over. Came back a week later and bought it after negotiating with the owner. It had several issues which I didn’t consider to be beyond my abilities to fix. (And weren’t as a do-it-your-selfer).
The 2nd and current used Rv, I bought on EBay with the Ebay buy-back policy and extensive conversations with the owner. (In the day when you could contact the owner!). He agreed to deliver it to me (for expenses) – about 700 miles which gave me some assurance. I took delivery at a local gas station. What appeared to be a major issue was I couldn’t shift the automatic transmission into gear! After getting it home and crawling around I found the gear shift shaft just needed grease. Simple fix – getting to it not so simple. Beyond that and some major exterior cleaning and waxing – no major problems. 34′ Class A, w/GM 454. currently at 34,400 miles. (I also do annual oil analysis!)
We bought a new Fleetwood Avion Savanna in 1999. I know every nut and bolt on it. Best RV I’ve owned and I’ve had several. Very well built, not just slopped together. All OEM appliances, furnace, water heater, and AC’s still working well. Upgraded TV’S and replaced converter. I think we’ll just hang on to it!
I knew the individual that we purchased our 5th wheel from so wasn’t concerned. He was totally capable and always on top of maintenance.
Yes and surprisingly it was the insistence of our lender, who recommended a nationwide third-party inspection company. They sent out a very high-quality, certified inspector who did inspection driving and making all systems function in his 35 page 97 picture report. The items he found wrong on a 10-year-old motorhome we’re actually very minor but it gave us great satisfaction that was a sound unit well-kept by original owner. Then we put a engine/transmission/systems warranty (aftermarket) on it and they required it to be inspected before issuing the warranty. That was a couple years after owning it and we maintained it well and the inspector is quite pleased at his observations and inspections. Even if you’re buying it “as is”, it is important to know the basic systems functions are worth investing your money into purchasing the RV.
Checked it over myself.
I had a 4 page PDI and checked everything off the list. The dealer was impressed that I was on the roof and crawling around underneath.
Regarding it being preinspected for you before you buy it. We did, and we feel it was a waste of money. Not only did they only see the things we saw, but 3 months after we signed on the dotted line the list of 8 or 9 items to get fixed was still not done so we took the RV because of our plans and now we’re going to have to file a warranty claim to get things fixed later
We were lucky. We purchased the RV new and went to measure some things. One of the guys who prepare the trailers was there. He told us we bought a good TT and when we said it was our first one he showed us everything, how things worked, how to maintain etc. A week later we picked it up and they completed a full PDI with me and even suggested we video thing like installing the WDS.
I will never buy another RV that I didn’t get a certified NRVA inspectiin prior to purchase. This includes new ones. We spent more than most people’s houses and only a fool would spend that amount without having an independent inspection .
It was new when we bought it 2 weeks ago. We plan as many trips to the manufacturer as it takes to dial it in.
Bought our Phaeton new in 2012. I was not aware of any any independent inspection business at that time. We took possession on the dealers lot in a FHU campsite and lived aboard for 4 days while transferring from our former coach. We turned up several small punch list items, mostly related to the coach being “shopworn” from too many lookies opening and closing drawers. Everything was taken care of and brought up to Like New before we left. First year punch list items were minimal as I remember. In almost 90,000 miles we have had two roadside breakdowns which were dealt with expeditiously. First was a failed Throttle Control which left us stranded on the Natchez Trace Parkway overnight until the correct tow truck could get to us. The second was a failed cooling fan control which we were able to limp to service with. Both of these were after 80,000 miles and 8 years so inspection would not have helped 🙂
I tried to. Everyone was backed up for three weeks or more. Seller wanted to sell it now ! There was a line of folks who wanted to buy it. One inspector wanted me to tow the trailer I was going to buy to his establishment. Owner said NO.
No, because i didn’t know better. Our next one new or used, will be inspected.