Frequently Asked Questions
What will be contained in my inspection report?
Your inspection report will contain a detailed review of all the operating systems in the RV. We’ll tell you what works and what doesn’t, with particular attention to hidden damages and safety concerns. The report will contain photographs of everything significant that we find along the way. (Download a sample inspection report)
Will you tell me whether or not I should buy this RV?
Our inspection will provide you with an accurate and comprehensive report on the condition of the RV, but it’s up to you to decide what to do with this information. No RV is perfect! You may decide to buy it “as is,” request repairs before your purchase, or renegotiate the price based on what we have found. We’ll give you the information you need to make the best decision for you.
I want to sell my RV. Can you help me with that?
One great way to stand out in a crowded market and add value to your RV is to provide buyers with a comprehensive, independent inspection report before the sale. Our report can help you plan ahead for any repairs that may affect your selling price, and give prospective buyers peace of mind to close the sale.
Can you repair any of the problems that you find with the RV?
No. And that’s a good thing, because you can be sure that we will never “find” a problem just so we can fix it! What we will do, however, is tell you what issues we find (if any) that are urgent or significant safety concerns. And we’ll be happy to point out some simple fixes you may be able to do yourself to save an expensive trip to the repair shop.
I’m an experienced RVer. Why should I pay for an inspection?
Buying an RV can be overwhelming, even for experienced RVers. Once you start to fall in love with a particular unit, it can be easy to overlook certain issues that might become serious problems down the road. We encourage you to think of your RV inspector as a “friend in the business” who will look out for your interests and provide you with the unbiased information you need to make the best decision.
I'm buying a brand new RV from a dealer. Why should I pay for an inspection?
Unfortunately, despite the high costs of RVs, the quality control for even "premier" RV brands is far lower than in the automobile industry. It's not uncommon to purchase a new RV only to discover on your first trip that the plumbing or propane system has serious leaks, seals around the roof or windows have gaps, electrical systems are wired improperly, appliances don't work, or other problems with the fit and finish. In fact, in one sample of 101 brand new RVs that had already passed a dealer's pre-delivery inspection, independent inspectors found significant issues in 85% of the vehicles! If you have to bring your RV back to the dealer for repairs on items that should have been found before taking delivery, you could be in for a very long wait. Better to make sure any issues we discover are repaired to your satisfaction before completing the sale .
Do I have to be present for the inspection?
No. In fact, sometimes you'll want a professional inspection because you can't be there, such as when you're planning to purchase an RV that's far from your home. Whether or not we have the opportunity to meet you face-to-face, you can count on the report to provide you with all the information you need. By the way, if you need transportation for your RV you can also hire a professional trucker such as www.rentedtruckdriver.com to bring it to you!
How should I prepare for the inspection?
In order for us to do the most complete inspection, the RV should be parked on a level site and connected to shore electric, water, and sewer. The refrigerator should be turned on and running for at least 12 hours before the inspection, and any propane tank(s) should be filled. If this isn’t feasible due to location or weather, we will do the most thorough inspection possible, but our ability to make a comprehensive evaluation of the related systems or appliances will be limited. We will provide you with a pre-inspection checklist.
What if the RV is winterized?
To properly inspect the plumbing systems of the RV, the seller will need to de-winterize the unit so that all of the plumbing, the water heater, and any appliances such as the washer/dryer or dishwasher can be turned on and thoroughly tested. If, for some reason, the unit cannot be de-winterized, the inspection will not include any of the plumbing systems. Re-winterizing the RV will be the responsibility of you or the seller.
How long will the inspection take?
Our inspections can take anywhere from 4 to 8 hours depending on the size and complexity of the RV. We don’t watch the clock — we watch out for you!
When will I receive my inspection report?
As soon as we complete our inspection, we will call you to highlight what we’ve found. You’ll receive your written report the next day. Fluid analysis can take 7 to 10 days, although rush service is available.
What's included in a walk-through?
Our walk-through is especially designed for first-time RV owners. While an RV contains all of the same systems as a sticks-and-bricks house, most of them work quite differently. As much as is applicable for your RV, we will teach you how to:
on the use of any entertainment systems or internet devices.
What's included in the Safety Inspection?
Your Basic Safety Inspection focuses on items in your RV that can be dangerous to you if they are not functioning properly, such as:
Your inspection report will contain a detailed review of all the operating systems in the RV. We’ll tell you what works and what doesn’t, with particular attention to hidden damages and safety concerns. The report will contain photographs of everything significant that we find along the way. (Download a sample inspection report)
Will you tell me whether or not I should buy this RV?
Our inspection will provide you with an accurate and comprehensive report on the condition of the RV, but it’s up to you to decide what to do with this information. No RV is perfect! You may decide to buy it “as is,” request repairs before your purchase, or renegotiate the price based on what we have found. We’ll give you the information you need to make the best decision for you.
I want to sell my RV. Can you help me with that?
One great way to stand out in a crowded market and add value to your RV is to provide buyers with a comprehensive, independent inspection report before the sale. Our report can help you plan ahead for any repairs that may affect your selling price, and give prospective buyers peace of mind to close the sale.
Can you repair any of the problems that you find with the RV?
No. And that’s a good thing, because you can be sure that we will never “find” a problem just so we can fix it! What we will do, however, is tell you what issues we find (if any) that are urgent or significant safety concerns. And we’ll be happy to point out some simple fixes you may be able to do yourself to save an expensive trip to the repair shop.
I’m an experienced RVer. Why should I pay for an inspection?
Buying an RV can be overwhelming, even for experienced RVers. Once you start to fall in love with a particular unit, it can be easy to overlook certain issues that might become serious problems down the road. We encourage you to think of your RV inspector as a “friend in the business” who will look out for your interests and provide you with the unbiased information you need to make the best decision.
I'm buying a brand new RV from a dealer. Why should I pay for an inspection?
Unfortunately, despite the high costs of RVs, the quality control for even "premier" RV brands is far lower than in the automobile industry. It's not uncommon to purchase a new RV only to discover on your first trip that the plumbing or propane system has serious leaks, seals around the roof or windows have gaps, electrical systems are wired improperly, appliances don't work, or other problems with the fit and finish. In fact, in one sample of 101 brand new RVs that had already passed a dealer's pre-delivery inspection, independent inspectors found significant issues in 85% of the vehicles! If you have to bring your RV back to the dealer for repairs on items that should have been found before taking delivery, you could be in for a very long wait. Better to make sure any issues we discover are repaired to your satisfaction before completing the sale .
Do I have to be present for the inspection?
No. In fact, sometimes you'll want a professional inspection because you can't be there, such as when you're planning to purchase an RV that's far from your home. Whether or not we have the opportunity to meet you face-to-face, you can count on the report to provide you with all the information you need. By the way, if you need transportation for your RV you can also hire a professional trucker such as www.rentedtruckdriver.com to bring it to you!
How should I prepare for the inspection?
In order for us to do the most complete inspection, the RV should be parked on a level site and connected to shore electric, water, and sewer. The refrigerator should be turned on and running for at least 12 hours before the inspection, and any propane tank(s) should be filled. If this isn’t feasible due to location or weather, we will do the most thorough inspection possible, but our ability to make a comprehensive evaluation of the related systems or appliances will be limited. We will provide you with a pre-inspection checklist.
What if the RV is winterized?
To properly inspect the plumbing systems of the RV, the seller will need to de-winterize the unit so that all of the plumbing, the water heater, and any appliances such as the washer/dryer or dishwasher can be turned on and thoroughly tested. If, for some reason, the unit cannot be de-winterized, the inspection will not include any of the plumbing systems. Re-winterizing the RV will be the responsibility of you or the seller.
How long will the inspection take?
Our inspections can take anywhere from 4 to 8 hours depending on the size and complexity of the RV. We don’t watch the clock — we watch out for you!
When will I receive my inspection report?
As soon as we complete our inspection, we will call you to highlight what we’ve found. You’ll receive your written report the next day. Fluid analysis can take 7 to 10 days, although rush service is available.
What's included in a walk-through?
Our walk-through is especially designed for first-time RV owners. While an RV contains all of the same systems as a sticks-and-bricks house, most of them work quite differently. As much as is applicable for your RV, we will teach you how to:
- Safely connect your RV to “shore power” for A/C household current.
- Use and maintain your onboard generator.
- Maintain your house batteries for 12-volt D/C current.
- Sanitize and use the fresh-water plumbing.
- Empty and maintain the waste tanks.
- Understand the workings and limitations of an RV refrigerator.
- Use and maintain any levelers or slideouts.
- Use and maintain the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems.
- Inspect and maintain your roof.
- Weigh your RV and remain within safe weight limits.
- Choose the right tires and batteries.
- Build a basic toolkit of RV essentials.
on the use of any entertainment systems or internet devices.
What's included in the Safety Inspection?
Your Basic Safety Inspection focuses on items in your RV that can be dangerous to you if they are not functioning properly, such as:
- leaks in your propane system
- the age and working condition of smoke, carbon monoxide, and propane detectors
- the condition of electrical wiring inside your circuit breaker panel
- the age of your tires
- the functionality of your outside driving lights and 7-pin towing connector
- and more! Please contact us for a complete list.