Your RV Inspection: What To Expect
You’re about to make a big purchase. Whether it’s your first motorhome or a trade-in for a newer model, the goal of an inspection is to help you understand exactly what you’re buying before you sign the dotted line.
Clear expectations lead to a smoother inspection and better results for everyone involved. When you book with us, our mission is simple: to provide a transparent, detailed look at the RV’s condition so you can make an informed decision with total confidence.
Here is exactly how the process works and what you can expect from start to finish.
Before The Inspection
Getting Your RV Ready
To provide the most thorough evaluation possible, the RV must be fully prepared before our arrival. We start promptly at 9:00 AM and the process typically takes at least 5 hours, though it can run longer depending on the unit’s complexity.
Setting these expectations early with the seller or dealership is the best way to ensure a smooth, uninterrupted inspection. Please confirm that the following requirements are met:
Site & Access
- Accessibility: The RV must be on-site, accessible, and not currently being serviced or worked on.
- Physical Space: There must be adequate room to fully extend all slides and awnings, as well as clear space for ladder access to the roof.
- Keys: All keys for the ignition (if motorized), entrance doors, and all exterior storage compartments must be available.
Utilities & Systems (Mandatory)
- Shore Power: The unit must be connected to a dedicated 30A or 50A power source. A standard household plug is insufficient for testing high-draw appliances like air conditioners.
- Water: City water must be connected, and the freshwater tank should be full.
- Winterization: The unit must be completely de-winterized so we can test the plumbing and water heater.
- Refrigeration: The refrigerator must be turned on at least 12 hours prior to our arrival to ensure it has reached operating temperature.
Fuel & Power
- Propane & Fuel: Propane tanks and fuel tanks (for motorized units or generators) must be at least 1/2 full.
- Batteries: House and chassis batteries must be installed, charged, and in working order.
Interior Prep
Personal Items: Please ensure the RV is clear of personal clutter. We need unobstructed access to key areas, including under sinks, inside cabinets, and around mechanical access panels.
Note: If these conditions are not met, we may be unable to test critical systems, which could result in an incomplete report or the need for a re-inspection fee. Ensuring the seller has the unit ready is your best defense against a frustrating experience.
During The Inspection
What We Do During the Inspection
Our process is a comprehensive visual and operational evaluation of the RV. We use normal operating controls to test systems—when it is safe and appropriate to do so—to give you a real-world look at how the unit performs. Please note that the RV remains stationary throughout the entire process.
Our primary focus is on the “big picture” and the fine details that matter most:
Major Systems: HVAC, plumbing, electrical (AC/DC), and propane systems.
Components: Appliances, leveling jacks, slide-outs, and awnings.
Structure: Roof condition, sidewalls, chassis, and floor integrity.
Overall Condition: Identifying signs of past leaks, wear and tear, or maintenance neglect.
Documentation We don’t just tell you what we find; we show you. Every inspection includes a library of high-resolution photos. To provide the most immersive view possible, we often utilize 360-degree imaging and short videos to capture the operation of specific components. We also utilize body cams at times for internal documentation to ensure every detail is accounted for.
Attendance There is no requirement for the buyer or seller to be present during the inspection. In fact, we are often able to work more efficiently when the unit is clear. However, if you or the seller plan to attend, please coordinate your arrival time with the inspector once they reach out to you.
If you do wish to stop by, we typically recommend arriving closer to the end of the 5-hour window. This allows the inspector to complete the technical walkthrough first so they can then give you their undivided attention and answer any questions you may have about the findings.
What We Don’t Do
What’s Not Included
To maintain a clear and objective evaluation, it is important to define the boundaries of our service. While our inspection is incredibly thorough, there are certain tasks and consultations that fall outside our professional scope.
Operating Limits
- No Road Tests: The inspection is performed while the RV is stationary. We do not drive the vehicle or evaluate its on-road handling and transmission performance under load.
- No Advanced Mechanical Diagnostics: We do not perform internal engine diagnostics, take apart transmissions, or conduct deep mechanical teardowns of the chassis.
- No LP Gas Pressure Drop Testing: While we check propane appliances for functionality, we do not perform high-pressure leak-down tests on the LP system.
Professional Boundaries
- No Repairs: We are there to document the current state of the RV, not to fix it. To maintain our status as an unbiased third party, we do not perform repairs or “quick fixes” during the inspection.
- No Repair Estimates or Valuations: We do not provide monetary estimates for repairs or offer “Blue Book” valuations. Our report focuses strictly on the condition of the unit, not its market price.
- No Purchase Advice: Our goal is to provide you with the facts and data. We do not offer opinions on whether you should or should not buy the unit; we give you the information needed so that you can make that decision yourself.
Optional Add-Ons
Optional Services
Beyond our standard inspection, we offer specialized testing to provide a deeper look into the health of the RV’s internal components.
Fluid Analysis Fluid analysis is essentially a blood test for your RV. By taking samples of the engine oil, transmission fluid, and generator oil, we can identify hidden wear patterns, contaminants, or internal issues that aren’t visible during a standard walkthrough.
How it Works: We collect samples and send them to an ISO-certified laboratory for professional testing.
What to Expect: It is important to note that results depend heavily on the current condition and service history of the fluids. For example, brand-new fluid may not yet show long-term wear patterns, while older fluid provides a clearer historical “map” of the component’s health.
For a detailed breakdown of how this process works and why it’s a vital safeguard for motorized units, please visit our Fluid Analysis page.
After The Inspection
Your Inspection Report
Once the physical inspection is complete, our focus shifts to getting the information into your hands as quickly as possible. We pride ourselves on a streamlined process that turns raw data into a powerful tool for your purchase.
Speed and Clarity
Same-Day Delivery: We know time is of the essence when you are trying to close a deal. Barring significant technical issues or travel delays, you can expect to receive your report the same day as the inspection.
Visual and Interactive: Our reports are photo-rich and designed to be easy to read on any device. You can click to enlarge still photos, navigate through 360-degree images, and watch embedded videos of systems in action.
Clear Findings: We don’t hide issues in fluff. Our findings are categorized and presented clearly so you know exactly what needs attention.
The Punch List Feature This is the feature our clients love most! You can create a custom Punch List directly from the report. This allows you to select specific items that require repair or further attention and generate a professional list you can send straight to the seller or dealership for negotiations and follow-up.
Note: We are excited to announce a new video walkthrough of this feature is coming in June to show you exactly how to get the most out of your report.
The goal is to give you a report you can actually use to make a confident decision.
Communication & Follow-Up
After You Receive The Report
Your inspection doesn’t end the moment we leave the site. We stay in the loop to ensure you fully understand the findings and feel prepared for your next move.
As soon as your report is finalized and uploaded, you will receive a text message notification. This ensures you can access the data the second it’s ready, which is critical if you are working against a dealership’s clock or a competing buyer.
Support and Clarification We strongly encourage you to review the report the same day you receive it while the details are fresh. If any part of the findings is unclear or if you have specific questions about a component’s condition, we are available for follow-up conversations to provide the clarification you need.
Repair Verification If you negotiate repairs based on our report, you may want a professional eye to confirm the work was completed correctly before you take delivery.
- Availability: We offer repair verification services on a limited, case-by-case basis depending on our current schedule.
- Investment: Please note that repair verifications are handled as a separate service with an additional fee.
Quick Reality Check
A Quick Note About Expectations
Buying an RV is an adventure, and we’re here to make sure it starts on the right foot. However, it’s important to remember that an inspection is a snapshot in time. We are documenting the exact condition of the unit as it sits during those few hours we are on-site.
While our process is incredibly thorough, please keep the following in mind:
- Snapshots Change: An RV is a house on wheels. Components that were working perfectly during the inspection can sometimes shift or fail after a long drive or a change in weather.
- Accessibility Matters: Our inspection is based on what is operational and physically accessible at the time. We won’t tear down walls or dismantle permanent fixtures to see what’s behind them.
- The Goal is Risk Reduction: While no inspection can be 100% exhaustive of every single screw and wire, our mission is to provide an expert’s perspective that significantly reduces your risk and gives you the peace of mind you deserve.
At the end of the day, we’re here to significantly reduce your risk and give you the peace of mind you deserve.
Ready To Move Forward?
Get the Clarity You Need Before You Buy
Choosing the right RV is a major decision—don’t go into it blind. Whether you want to see the level of detail we provide or you’re ready to get your inspection on the calendar, we’ve made the next steps simple.