FAQ
WHY SHOULD I HAVE MY RV INSPECTED BEFORE I HAVE PAID FOR IT?
An RV is a complex vehicle which can cost a tidy sum of money. Might it be foolish, therefore, to ascertain that there are no serious problems with it? Sadly, many people, through naivety, end up with needed repairs soon after their purchase. A wise buyer ensures that all repairs have been taken care of before paying for and taking possession of the RV? This is just one reason you may want to consider an RV inspection by an NRVIA certified inspector.
Since it is not always convenient to travel hundreds or thousands of miles in order to look at an RV you found online, an NRVIA inspector, like Jim, can help relieve you of this task. He can go to the RV and inspect the unit for you ahead of time – saving you time and money. NRVIA inspectors have been trained to the highest standards in the industry and are certified to perform unbiased, third-party, RV inspections.
WHAT IF MY DEALER TELLS ME, "THEY’VE ALREADY INSPECTED THE RV AND AN INDEPENDENT INSPECTION ISN’T NEEDED"?
Oh my. A book can be written on this topic. While dealers generally do perform PDIs (pre-delivery inspections), they do not follow the strict standards of inspection set by the NRVIA. In fact, in their rush, a dealer might think one was performed when it wasn’t! Their goal is to move as many out the door as feasibly possible. Having to wait on a third-party inspection not only slows the closing of the sale, but it can cost the dealer in thousands of dollars of undisclosed needed repairs. Jim was even told by a salesperson that he didn’t need to do an inspection because it had already had its dealer safety inspection. Jim performed the inspection and the buyer got the dealer to replace 6 tires, 2 batteries, and much more! Another unit was only a year old. Buyers did not trust the dealer when they were told it had been inspected by them already. Jim climbed up onto the roof and the roof sealant was bad. A few other items appeared on the inspection report which the dealer agreed to repair. Now, I ask you, do you trust a dealer’s or a private seller’s assurance that the RV is “perfect” or “needs nothing”? Is not a non-biased, third-party, inspection more trustworthy?
WHAT IS AN NRVIA CERTIFIED INSPECTOR?
NRVIA certified inspectors have been trained to the highest standards in the industry, having completed many hours of classroom training in all aspects of RV inspections, for all types of RVs. In addition, NRVIA certified inspectors are bound by a strict twelve point Code of Ethics. NRVIA’s Code of Ethics promotes the Certified Recreational Vehicle Inspector’s responsibility to report the results of the inspection in a fair, professional and impartial manner while avoiding conflicts of interest that would impact the credibility of the inspection and the professional standing of the National Recreational Vehicle Inspectors Association (NRVIA).
WHAT ITEMS ARE INSPECTED
The NRVIA Standards of Practice outlines the scope of the inspection and exactly what is to be inspected. Jim has prepared a downloadable PDF outlining everything that is inspected on a Towable and on a Motorhome.
WHAT IS THE PROCESS? HOW LONG BEFORE I SEE THE RESULTS OF THE INSPECTION?
- Once you have located an RV, contact Jim.
- Discuss the timing and terms of the inspection and determine the level of inspection you would like.
- Next, he will provide you with an Inspection Requirements document that informs the seller about the requirements for the inspection, its time, date, etc.
- The on-site inspection can take up to 12 hours, depending on the RV and level of inspection requested.
- Written reports can take an additional 12 hours to prepare. However, once the physical inspection is completed, Jim will call and summarize his findings.
- Within 24-48 hours, you can expect a detailed PDF report in your inbox.
- If fluid analyses are included in the inspection, the lab should return the results within 5-7 days or 2 days if a rush order was purchased. Fluid reports are emailed separately and so will not delay the completion of your inspection report.
- Then finally, after you have had time to review the findings, Jim will be available to discuss any concerns or questions you might have.