An RV pre-purchase inspection is a complete evaluation of the rig you're about to buy, performed by a certified independent RV inspector who works only for you. Here's exactly what to expect: from getting ready, through inspection day, to what happens after.
How to Prepare for Your Inspection
Once you have narrowed your search to the best RV for you, STOP!! Do not sign on the line yet. You can agree to purchase the RV contingent on the results of your independent certified inspection. Most dealerships have no problem with you getting a pre-purchase inspection. You may be asked to put down a deposit, mostly so they do not sell the RV while you are in the process of getting it inspected. This deposit needs to be refundable and not more than $1,000.
If you haven't reached out to me yet about your inspection, please fill out the form on this site so I can get you on the schedule.
- Year, make, and model of the RV
- Location where it will be inspected (most often the selling dealership or a private seller's driveway)
- Your target close date
- Your contact info and preferred report delivery (email is standard)
If you're buying from a dealership, let your sales rep know a third-party inspector is coming so utilities — water, electric, propane — are available for testing on inspection day. Ideally the refrigerator may need to be turned on the day before the inspection. If you are available and able to be present for the inspection, let me know and we will coordinate a time for me to walk you through all my findings.
Inspector's Tip
If a dealer pushes back on the idea of a third-party inspection — "we already inspected it," "it's sold as-is," "we don't allow outside inspectors on the lot" — that pushback is itself the strongest signal you need one. Reputable dealerships welcome the inspection.
What to Expect the Day of the Inspection
On the day of the inspection I will show up on time and check in with your contact person. They will show me to your RV. I'll verify the VIN — Vehicle Identification Number — and then begin the inspection process.
You don't have to be present for the whole inspection, but if you can be there for the last 30 minutes, the inspector will walk you through the findings while everything's still fresh.
What to Expect After the Inspection
You'll receive a comprehensive written report the same day, organized system-by-system with photo documentation of every finding. Each finding is categorized so you know at a glance what matters most. In order to stay as objective as possible with my grading, I use three levels:
- Acceptable — This is the best possible outcome for both condition and operation categories. If it operates like new and it looks nearly new then it is acceptable. If I graded with Good, then it would be subject to my definition of Good.
- Fair — This is the middle ground. The component still operates but looks to be in worn condition, or it looks great but barely operates; it would be classified as Fair.
- Poor — This indicates that either a system does not work or it works but looks bad. If a sofa operates well when it folds out into a bed but the leather on the sofa is full of holes, it would be classified as Poor.
When you receive the report get your favorite drink and sit down. There are probably going to be more issues than you expected. Don't panic. This is what you wanted to know when you hired an inspector. I would enjoy talking you through the report item by item to decipher how big of a deal it really is.
If you are buying a new unit at a dealership you only need to send them the report and they will make everything in new condition before you buy. You only need to verify all the work is done before finalizing the deal.
If you are buying a used RV you are now able to negotiate from a position of strength because you have the current information about the RV's condition. Without an inspection you can ask for a price reduction in case something goes wrong. With a pre-purchase inspection you will know what is wrong and can get an estimate for what it would cost to fix it.
Inspector's Tip
Read the full report at least once, not just the summary page — the detail in each system section is where you'll find what's worth addressing right away versus what can wait.