Are we glad we got an RV inspection before buying? As first-time RV owners – absolutely. We had no idea what to look for, so hiring a professional was the right choice. That said, there are a few things we wish had gone a little differently.
Why We Chose to Get an RV Inspection
We spent more on this RV than we had on a couple of traditional stick-and-brick houses in the past. (We’re both semi-feral Gen X-ers who got into real estate before prices exploded.) The next time we buy a home that’s not on wheels, we’ll definitely get that inspected, so doing the same for our RV just made sense. From the start, we had agreed that an RV inspection was a must.
Honestly, even if we had bought a brand-new rig, we still would’ve had it inspected. We’ve heard plenty of stories about issues with new RVs straight from the factory. So whether new or used, getting an RV inspection felt essential.
What Is An RV Inspection?
An RV inspection is a thorough review of an RV’s condition by a certified professional. It covers everything from the roof and seals to electrical systems, plumbing, appliances, and the chassis. To find a qualified inspector, we used the National RV Inspectors Association’s website, nrvia.org. Their search tool helped us find certified inspectors near us, along with reviews.
We contacted the three with the most reviews and highest ratings. Our thinking? More reviews should mean more experience and hopefully a more professional and thorough result.
What Does An RV Inspection Cost?
Prices vary depending on the inspector and the type of RV. Make sure you ask for a quote specific to your rig.
The first inspector we called quoted $1,800 – yikes! That felt steep for a rig we might not even purchase if serious issues turned up. The next two inspectors we contacted were much more affordable and still had excellent reviews. We chose one of them (we paid $850) and felt confident in the value we got.
What Does An RV Inspection Include?
Our inspector encouraged us to be present. We met him toward the end of the process, and he walked us through everything he found.
He was incredibly thorough. He showed us:
- Cracked and aged roof sealant
- Exterior wall seams that needed resealing
- A pull-out tray in the battery compartment that stuck
- A misaligned living room slide
- A loose awning mechanism that slammed against the wall when retracted
He also found several smaller issues that we won’t go into here.
Despite being detailed, he did miss a few things we spotted immediately – loose moldings, broken door locks, misaligned shelves, and other small but noticeable items in the cab area.
The Inspection Report
Afterward, he emailed us a detailed report with plenty of photos. The inspection software let us check off which items we wanted the dealership to fix, then export it as a PDF. That made sharing the list with our salesperson quick and easy.
We saved both the inspection report and the repair list. They’ve already come in handy – especially the photos showing roof details.
Is An RV Inspection Worth It?
Yes – without a doubt. The RV inspection gave us peace of mind and a clear list of issues. Most of them were fixed by the dealership before we even drove off the lot. Plus, we learned a ton in the process. Of course, it wasn’t perfect. Some issues were missed. But it still felt like a smart move.
I asked Hutch just now what his thoughts were about that day. His response? “It wasn’t what I was expecting but it wasn’t a total waste either.” I guess that pretty much sums it up!
What about you? Have you had an RV inspection before buying? Was it helpful—or did it fall short of your expectations? Let us know in the comments!
0 Comments