Pre-Purchase RV Inspection Checklist 

 

Pre Purchase RV Inspection Checklist

 

Inside the RV:

·         Look for signs of water leaks.  Usually you’ll see stains where the walls meet the ceiling, around window frames, and inside cabinets.  Take a flashlight and look under sinks and behind any access panels near a water source.  Under the shower, for example.

·         Check all appliances for condition and missing parts.  Check each appliance by operating it.

·         Run the Frig (Run it in propane mode as well as in electric mode)

·         Run the air conditioner long enough to make sure it blows cold.

·         Run the furnace.

·         Run the water pump.  (It’s best to run with water in the tank so you can see if it has good pressure/flow.

·         Check all faucets for leaks.

·         Check for plumbing leaks by turning on pump (make sure there is water in the tank) and all faucets off.  Wait for a few minutes.  The pump should not cycle on.  If it does, there is a leak somewhere.

·         Check vent fans

·         Check that vents open and close properly

·         Check water heater. 

·         Check the stove and oven for condition.  Make sure all burners and oven operate properly.

·         Check lights.

·         Check condition of upholstery.  Look for general condition, sun damage, and stains.  Especially pet related stains. 

·         Check condition of carpet.  Look for water stains—may indicate water damaged floor.  Check for pet stains.

·         Check windows for screens and condition of screens.

·         Check windows for proper operation.  Do they open and close smoothly?

·         Check windows  for cracks.

·         Check bed for condition of mattress.  RV mattresses are often very thin and uncomfortable.  A popular upgrade with RVers is to replace the stock mattress with a good quality one. 

Outside the RV:

·         Look for  “bubbles” in the sidewalls.  Push on them to see if they give.  If so, it’s probably delamination caused by water getting in and causing rot.

·         Check slide-outs for proper operation. 

·         Make sure storage doors and access doors work properly.  If they lock make sure there are keys.

·         Check batteries for age and condition.

·         In motorhomes, check windshield for cracks.

·         Check all exterior lights including tail/brake lights.

·         Check condition of roof.  It should not be soft and spongy. 

·         Check rubber sealant to make sure it’s not peeling away from vents, the AC, or around corners and mounting hardware for awnings, etc.

·         Check for white streaks on windows and sides of RV.  White streaks usually mean that it’s time to have the roof recoated.

·         Check grey and black water plumbing.  Pour water into sink and toilet.  Flush toilet.  There should not be water getting past the slide valves.

·         Check the slide valves.  (First, make sure tanks are empty.)  They should slide smoothly and be water tight.

·         If the RV has airbag suspension, check for leaks.

·         Check tires for condition and abnormal wear.  There should be no cracks in the sidewalls.  Check for tread depth to make sure tires still have a few miles left in them.   If the tires have unusual wear it may mean an alignment problem, bent axle, or frame.  Check for proper inflation.  Low air pressure may indicate a slow leak.

·         Run the generator.  Put an electrical load on it to ensure proper operation.

 

If the RV is a motorhome:

·         If the RV is a motorhome you will need to inspect the drivetrain as well.

·         Engine should start easily and run smoothly.  Look for oil leaks, smoke, and unusual sounds.  If it’s a California vehicle,  make sure it passes smog before buying.

·         Check all fluids for level and condition.  If the oil is low and dirty the unit was probably not well kept and could be a sign of problems later.

·         Check condition of belts and hoses.

·         Have a compression and leak down test done.  This is a good way to get an idea engine’s condition.   A failed test can mean problems with piston rings and/or valves.  A costly repair.

·         Check exhaust system for leaks and excessive rust. 

·         Check all the engine gauges in the dash to make sure they are working. 

 

·         Inspect the brakes.  Look at pads and shoes to see how much life they have left.  Check brake rotors for grooves.  Check for leaks along brake lines and components.

 

·         Check hydraulic leveling system for proper operation.  Inspect system for leaks.

Enjoy this page? Please pay it forward. Here's how...

Would you prefer to share this page with others by linking to it?

  1. Click on the HTML link code below.
  2. Copy and paste it, adding a note of your own, into your blog, a Web page, forums, a blog comment, your Facebook account, or anywhere that someone would find this page valuable.
[?]Subscribe To This Site
  • XML RSS
  • follow us in feedly
  • Add to My Yahoo!
  • Add to My MSN
  • Subscribe with Bloglines