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An RV inspection is a critical step when buying any mobile home. So how do you get an RV inspection, and how do you find an RV inspector near you?
In this article, we dive into how to get one and the importance of having a certified inspection before you make a purchase. Let’s get into it.
What is an RV Inspection?
An RV inspection analyzes the systems and the condition of an RV. It usually consists of an in-person visual and working analysis of the RV itself, the state of the interior and exterior, and testing different systems like leveling jacks, slideouts, and appliances.
What Does an RV Inspector Do?
An RV inspector looks for potential issues, damage, and failing systems. Prospective RV buyers usually hire RV inspectors to get additional insight into their purchases.
The RV inspector looks at all aspects of the RV, from the roof and sidewalls to the interior plumbing, batteries, and more.
How Much Do RV Inspections Cost?
The price of RV inspection varies. Most qualified inspections start at around $500, and the price range can go up to $1,000 or more depending on the type of inspection.
Some RV inspections only consist of the house part, and some will include the engine and drivetrain.
How to Find an RV Inspector Near You
You can look for a qualified RV inspector at the National RV Inspectors Association. The NRVIA has a network of skilled and licensed RV inspectors around the nation. You can use their online locator tool to input your location and find RV inspectors near you.
How to Get an RV Inspection
Once you find an inspector near you, be sure to communicate clearly with the RV seller about your intention to have an inspection and schedule it at a time that works for them.
Your inspector may allow you to walk through the inspection with them, or they may prefer to work alone. Afterward, your inspector will give you a report of their findings. If you have any questions about the results, your inspector can show you the issues.
Typically, an RV inspection is a hands-off process for the customer unless you walk through with them.
Benefits of an RV Inspection
If you ask us, an RV inspection is a critical part of any RV purchase. Many dealerships will do their own inspection, but it’s best to have an unaffiliated third party inspect your RV.
We’re not saying that dealerships are untrustworthy, but you need a professional unbiased opinion when making such a large purchase. Here are the benefits of an RV inspection.
Can Help You Negotiate a Fair Price
An RV inspector will do a thorough sweep of your RV to assess the condition and any potential fixes. An inspection helps you negotiate a fair price, especially if the inspector uncovers hidden issues.
When you have a report from a professional RV inspector, you may get a seller to lower the price. You can’t deny professional findings!
An RV inspection can alert you to hidden issues lurking below the surface. RV inspectors’ professional training allows them to spot hidden damage. RV inspectors know precisely where to look for the most common problems and will also alert you to less common issues that you might not have known about.
Prevent You From Buying an RV Lemon
The last thing you want to happen when buying an RV is to end up with a lemon. With cars, a lemon generally means a vehicle with a bad engine or needs many repairs. With an RV, it can also mean a lot of hidden issues in the house portion too.
Having both the house and vehicle components means you may have many expensive areas and systems to repair. When you hire an RV inspector, you will have peace of mind knowing exactly what you’ll get.
Getting an RV Inspection Is a Crucial Step in Your RV Purchase
Once you find an RV that you want to purchase, getting a third-party RV inspection is a critical step. Not only can an RV inspection potentially save you thousands of dollars in repairs, but it can also help you negotiate a fair purchase price.
We recommend finding your RV inspector through the NRVIA. However, if you can’t find one in your area, do a Google search and read reviews before selecting an inspector. Happy RV shopping!
Would you recommend an inspection on a new RV prior to pick up?
Yes Bob, an NRVIA Certified RV Inspector should perform the inspection prior to you signing on the dotted line…even with a brand new RV. We take anywhere from 8 – 10 hours checking over 500 items on each RV, and create a report with 80 – 100 photos, up to 100 pages long which includes “Life Safety”, “Major” and Minor” concerns, and that report is usually delivered to you by noon the following day of the inspection.