Understanding Your
Inspection
An RV Inspection is similar to a home inspection, both of which are valid only at the time and date of the inspection. Untoward things can happen outside anyone’s control that can change the condition of the home or rig – even within days after the inspection has been completed. Important note – an NRVIA inspection is not a substitute for a mechanic’s or state’s DMV inspection for roadworthiness.
There are 79 – 165+ points of inspection depending on what kind of recreational vehicle is being inspected and the level of inspection you choose. An RV inspection is a visual inspection of all the major house components of the RV. Inspecting the life safety systems are a key component of all inspections to help keep you and your family safe. Add-on services include oil and coolant analyses for the engine, which can give you insight into the condition of the engine, transmission and cooling systems, much like blood work does for your body.
You choose what Jim's inspection includes by selecting one of the following three levels of quality:
Essential
79+ POINT INSPECTION
Essential Plus
111+ POINT INSPECTION
Premier
165+ POINT INSPECTION
View Jim’s Points of Inspection (“POI”) below to see what each of the three levels includes.
The fee for Essential is the same as for Essential Plus and is calculated basically by an hourly rate. The fee for the Premier includes a very detailed written report with photos of the findings of the Essential Plus inspection and is based upon the length and age of the RV.
(RVs can differ from manufacturer to manufacturer and so the actual number of points can vary.)
Tow-Behind POI
Motor home POI
Requirements for a motor home inspection
Requirements for a towable inspection
Recreational Vehicles Jim Inspects
CLASS A MOTORHOMES & LUXURY COACHES
CLASS C RVS
CLASS B RVS
FIFTH WHEELS
TRAVEL TRAILERS
TOY HAULERS
POP-UP CAMPERS
Inspection Pricing
I. Since recreational vehicles vary widely in size and amenities, so must pricing for performing inspections on them. The physical inspecting process might take from a few hours to an entire day depending upon the size and complexity of the RV. Travel time, research, and time to prepare the extensive report (the day before the inspection and the day after) and all its included photos is quite time consuming as well.
II. Less time-demanding RV inspections might run as low as $349, but a large, fully equipped, Class A can run as high as $1599.
III. Although fifth wheels and travel trailers do not have engines, some have on-board generators. If you are buying a new RV, there should be no concern about the condition of the chassis engine, the generator, or the fluids in them: oil, transmission, coolant, etc., unless there are visible signs of leaks below the motorhome. However, if you are buying a pre-owned RV, especially an older one, please do yourself a favor and consider purchasing a fluid sampling package. For an additional $100, Jim can pull three fluid samples – typically engine oil and coolant plus generator oil – and send them to a lab for analysis to check on the condition of the engine, much like a doctor takes your blood sample for analysis.
Pricing for additional fluid analyses for transmissions, generator coolant, additional generators, tow vehicles, etc. during the inspection is $80 each.