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. Why so strict? Untoward things can happen outside anyone’s control that can change the condition of the home or RV – even within hours or days after the inspection has been completed.
Important notes:
1) An NRVIA inspection is not a substitute for a mechanic’s inspection for roadworthiness.
2) Test driving a vehicle is too much of a liability risk for NRVIA inspectors; therefore, we will turn down the request to perform one.
3) If you missed seeing the DMV inspection PSA on the home page, please note that NRVIA inspectors are not licensed to provide state inspection stickers. Click here to find an inspection station location.
An RV inspection is a visual inspection of all the major house components of the RV as well as certain aspects of the vehicle chassis. 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. There are approximately 79 – 165+ points of inspection depending on what kind of recreational vehicle is being inspected and the type of inspection you choose. (RVs can differ from manufacturer to manufacturer and so the actual number of points can vary.)
Inspections typically consist of three types of quality from which to choose:
Essential
79+ POINT INSPECTION
Essential Plus
111+ POINT INSPECTION
Premier
165+ POINT INSPECTION
Although some inspectors allow buyers to choose one of the partial types of inspection, Jim only performs complete inspections. He cannot nor will not unsee or ignore problems and deficiencies found during an inspection. It is Jim’s intention to provide a complete inspection as allowed by time and circumstances. However, Jim does provide two levels of service: 1) client present and 2) client absent.
Level 1 – Client Absent
This level of service is more time intensive requiring a very detailed, comprehensive, written report with photos annotating all the findings of the inspection. The fee is based upon the length and age of the RV, as well as a trip charge. The on-site inspection time can take up to 12 hours plus time offsite to complete the report. It is not unrealistic to find that this level of service is twice as expensive as level 2.
Level 2 – Client Present
This level of inspection is provided for the client’s benefit. By attending the inspection, the client can see what is being inspected and see firsthand what is deficient and in need of attention. During the inspection, clients are able to ask questions and learn how to operate their new-to-them RV. They can take notes, photos, and videos as desired, especially if there are things needing to be pointed out to the seller. If the client requests a summary of findings to be written up by Jim, there will be an additional fee charged for the time necessary to take to complete the summary. A trip charge is calculated based upon the location of the RV inspection and an hourly rate charged for the time necessary to complete an in-depth inspection. Please note: The time required for a Class B or Class C can run from 3 – 4 hours. Class A motorhomes can run 6 hours.
Download Jim’s Points of Inspection (“POI”) below to see what an inspection done by Jim includes:
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
Additional Inspection Pricing Notes
I. Less time-demanding RV inspections might run as low as $420, but a large, fully equipped, Class A can run as high as $1999.
II. 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 $150, 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.
** WINTERTIME INSPECTIONS **
The RV industry, like all businesses, understandably wants to keep busy year round; but if RV parks are closed in New England during the winter, how can RV dealers expect to keep busy?
They entice people to buy an RV in the winter… even though freezing weather and snow prevents most people from enjoying the use of the RV. The enticement comes in the form of RV Shows where prices are slashed for “one weekend only”. The Boston show is in mid-January and the Springfield show is in mid-February. Consequently, people take advantage of show prices to buy a new RV (or even a used one) in January and February even though it’s been pointed out that it is not the best time to use an RV in New England! In order to take advantage of great winter-show pricing, buyers have to be cognizant of several issues:
- You need to store your new RV somewhere unless you plan on driving it immediately to warmer southern climes.
- You will want to have it inspected before you take possession of it, unless you are willing to return it to the dealer for warranty repairs that pop up during your first outing.
- The freezing weather that keeps RV parks closed during the winter also prevents thorough inspections of all the systems of an RV if the RV has been winterized.
- Even if the RV has not been winterized, the air conditioner cannot be tested properly until it is 60F outside; nor can the heat pump be tested if it is freezing outside.
- Negotiate with the RV dealer to store the RV on his lot until March; at which time you can have it inspected and repair issues dealt with before driving it home.
- Negotiate with the private seller to hold it for you until the weather improves enough for you to have it inspected.
- Negotiate a hold-back/escrow of sufficient funds to cover repairs/replacement of plumbing systems and air conditioners if the weather or seller refuses to make it possible to inspect those systems.
Jim has inspected on occasion mid-to-end of January and in February during unseasonably warmer weather conditions.