Why do I need an RV inspection?

An individual new to the RV marketplace can soon be overwhelmed with all of the features and systems on RV's today. A professional RV inspector will test all the systems for proper operation, and identify any areas of concern. A professional inspector knows what to look for and can detect water intrusion, areas that have been previously damaged and underlying structural issues like rotten flooring or questionable electrical systems.

We are an experienced, unbiased and impartial inspection service that, by our Code of Ethics, does not have any financial interest in the sale of the RV. The written report we provide the buyer includes detailed information about the RV they intend to purchase. This allows the buyer to move forward, and purchase with confidence.

Will this inspection satisfy my state's requirements for a DMV Inspection?

Any inspection performed by Expert RV Inspections & Service does not satisfy the statutory requirement of undergoing a state vehicle inspection in any state, and any client with a need for such requirements will need to have a separate state approved inspection performed to satisfy such requirements.

I'm purchasing a new RV from an RV dealer. Do I still need an inspection?

Yes, absolutely! However, your salesperson won't tell you this. They might say...

"One of our certified RV techs will do a full inspection prior to delivery."
"You don't need an inspection - if there's a problem it's covered by your warranty."

While these statements are accurate, it is still recommended that you hire your own inspector.

Why? First, because we are impartial. Our job is to make sure you are buying an RV with no underlying problems. Today's RV manufacturers are building hundreds of RV's every day. While they always strive for quality, people make mistakes that can cost you a lot of money to fix. RV technicians are trained to fix problems and do what is called a Pre-delivery inspection [PDI] using a one or two page checklist provided by the dealer. RV dealerships are so overwhelmed with repairs, that they typically spend the least amount of time possible to complete a PDI on your RV.

I have experience with RV's. Why should I hire a professional to do the inspection?

Even an experienced RV'er can be easily overwhelmed during the buying process. Dealers many times try to pressure us into making a decision now. We can be easily caught up in the dream, thinking about what we can do, or where we can go in our new [or used] RV.

Many times, buyers are looking at the aesthetics of the RV when determining if the RV meets their travel and comfort needs. It's easy for a buyer to become emotionally attached during the process, causing you to overlook things that could later lead to big [and expensive] problems.

A third party inspector is detached from the buying process, and therefore, truly unbiased, because we have no incentive to have you buy or not buy the RV. We use specialized, detailed software that ensures a thorough inspection.

We love it when our customers find the perfect RV and look forward to living the dream. Likewise, finding problems for our customers prior to purchase helps them to make a sound purchase or negotiate price so they can use their RV as it was intended.

Why should I hire an RV inspector?

Short answer, your own peace of mind! Purchasing an RV is not a inexpensive purchase, neither is repairing one. Would you purchase a home without having it inspected first? Why should an RV be any different?

What is the roof condition? Is there prior water damage? Should I have fluid analysis done? Is the chassis rusting? Do the appliances work? Buying an RV can be a stressful experience. Savvy buyers have their future RV inspected by an independent third party NRVIA Certified Inspector before they sign the purchase contract.

When you bought a new home, who did you trust to inspect it? You didn’t call a handyman or contractor working for the realtor. I hope you called a third party home inspector. The same should be true when you buy an RV.

All NRVIA Certified RV Inspectors are trained to thoroughly go over any RV to find safety and underlying issues. NRVIA has a published Code of Ethics and a Standards of Practice that all NRVIA Certified Inspectors must follow. Additionally, NRVIA Certified Inspectors must complete continuing education (CEU’s) every year to keep current with their membership.

What is an NRVIA certified inspector?

The National Recreational Vehicle Inspectors Association [NRVIA] is a membership organization that provides certification and credentials for professional recreational vehicle inspectors across North America. NRVIA Inspector members are required to follow a specific Standards of Practice and a Code of Ethics. This ensures that the customer receives a high quality, high caliber inspection that allows them to make an educated decision about the RV they wish to purchase.

When you hire an NRVIA certified inspector, you can be assured that you will be receiving a professional, standardized and thorough inspection of your RV equipment.

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How much does an RV Pre-purchase inspection cost?

The cost varies with the type of RV we are inspecting. A luxury diesel-pusher class A RV takes longer to inspect than a small single axle travel trailer. For that reason, we quote prices based on the RV type, size and systems we will be inspecting.

At Expert RV Inspections & Service when we schedule your inspection, you are the only customer we inspect that day. This means we can spend the amount of time needed in order to give you a thorough and complete RV inspection. After the inspection is completed and you have received your inspection report, we take the time to explain the report to you. We want you to understand what was found and why it's important these items be addressed. This gives our clients peace of mind knowing that we are completely unbiased. Taking the time to go over your future RV thoroughly is what NRVIA Certified RV Inspectors are trained to do.

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Where do RV inspections happen?

We travel to the location of the RV to complete the inspection. We will go over all the details with you when we schedule your appointment.

You are responsible to help make sure that the site where the RV is located has the following:

• a flat, dry, level surface to assess the RV
• appropriate full power (usually 50 Amp or 30 Amp service appropriate for the unit - 110 Volt house current is unfortunately inadequate for an inspection),
• full city water hook-ups or at least a half full fresh water tank,
• at least a half-full working propane tank,
• Preferably sewer hookup, but this is not mandatory
• Access or keys to all doors including entry door and storage compartments

Preferably, the RV will be parked at an RV park site with full hookups where electricity and water are included in the daily rental fees.

We cannot perform an inspection in inclement weather for safety reasons. Should the weather cause an inspection to be delayed or terminated, we will contact you for scheduling the inspection on another day.

May I be there during the inspection / watch you / ask questions while you work