An RV inspection checklist should begin at the roof and work its way down to the paperwork. Hidden water damage, age of tires and unsafe propane systems are the most costly surprises in most used RVs, and these can’t be seen by a quick walkaround. Check RVs yourself with the following list and then have a third-party inspector examine it before you buy!
Key Takeaways
The most frequent hidden danger is water damage, so check the roof, seams and all wall joints first.
Do-it-yourself walkaround screening of RVs is not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Confirm the VIN, do a lien check and a recall check before any exchange of money,
Avoid entering rooms that contain active leaks, soft floors or a failed propane test, or a seller who does not let you do a propane test.
Why Schedule an RV Inspection Before You Buy
RV failure can happen in all three ways: the house, the vehicle, or the appliances. The most expensive is water. A leak around a roof vent or window may go on for years without showing it on the roof, and by the time it does, the wall panels, floor and framing might be soft. Such repairs can cost as much as the RV itself.
An inspection provides you with negotiating power. Having a written list of findings enables you to demand a discount, repair prior to sale, or a clean get-out of the deal.
DIY Walkaround vs Professional RV Inspection
It is worthwhile doing a walkaround. It can detect leaks and stains, cracked sealant, worn tires, musty odours, and doorknobs and appliances that do not open. The most effective method is creating a shortlist.
It will not detect moisture trapped within walls and floors, slow propane leaks, worn bearings or corroded frames underneath or electrical problems under load. A moisture meter, a thermal camera, gas test equipment and trained eyes are what those require.
This is what a professional RV inspection can do. A third-party inspector doesn’t have a vested interest in the sale, and a mobile inspector can get to wherever the RV is travelling to.
The Complete RV Inspection Checklist
Go through this used RV and travel trailer inspection checklist sequentially. Take a flashlight, your cell phone to take photos, and a moisture meter. Take photos of all the defects so that you can compare them to the seller’s description. Here is what does an RV inspection includes:
Roof, Seams and Sealants
Walk the roof only and identify the roof membrane (EPDM, TPO or fibreglass).
Check for tears, lifted edges and cracks.
Check the joint between vents and skylights, edges of the roof, and air conditioning units for gaps in the sealant.
Check for fresh sealant or patches over old sealant or patches, as they can be a sign of a leak.
Interiorly inspect under all roof openings for stains or soft spots.
Exterior Walls and Delamination
Inspect each sidewall for waves or bubbles in the sidewall skin, indicative of delamination.
Press around windows, doors, corners and compartments for spongy areas.
Check the door, window and trim seals.
Inspect for streaks on lower surfaces of windows, vents and around roof corners.
RV Water Damage Signs and Soft Spots
Here are the signs of water damage to your RV that will be most important:
A musty or mildew odour (even if no mildew or mould can be seen).
Stains, peeling or rippled panels, discoloured caulk and rusty screws.
Exterior walls and cabinets have dark or soft spots.
Soft flooring around the door, toilet, sink and slide-outs. Walk every metre.
Moisture meter readings at corners, windows and edges of the roof, plus a thermal camera scan, if available.
Frame, Tires and Brakes
Inspect the frame for rust, cracks and inadequate weld repairs.
Inspect the tyres for the date code (the last 4 digits of the code indicate the week and year). Look for bulges and cracks, as well as uneven wear. Check the spare.
Check axle, suspension and bearings for wear, play and leaks.
Test the brakes. Check the brake controller (and breakaway) on trailers twice.
Inspect the hitch, coupler, safety chains and plug. Mount tongue jack and landing gear/stabilisers to a travel trailer or fifth wheel.
Propane System and Detectors
Inspect cylinders for rust, dents and date stamps. Cylinders should be requalified or replaced every 10 years, according to the Canada Safety Council.
Check hoses for cracks and corrosion, and check regulator/fittings.
Request documentation from a qualified technician for the most recent propane leak test. Never do gas repairs on your own.
Test LP detector, CO detector and smoke alarm, and ensure that they are not expired.
Electrical System and Batteries
Test all breakers, lights and outlets when using shore power.
Check for scorch marks, melted wire and unprofessional splices on the converter, inverter and panel.
Check battery age, terminals and corrosion; ask about battery life.
Note the hours of generator operation and then operate the generator with the A/C unit running.
Inspect shore power cord/ plug for burning.
Plumbing, Water Heater and Holding Tanks
Test all the taps, shower and toilet for leaks under and behind them.
Listen for the sound of the water pump. If it is cycling with all the taps off, then there is a leak.
Check for rust or leaks in the water heater when it is fired on propane and electric.
Check and replace holding tanks (fill and drain), check gauges and valves, and inspect for stains around the floor of the holding tanks.
Appliances & Furnace and Air Conditioning.
Use electric and propane energy for the fridge.
Turn the furnace on and off fully and examine the burner flame.
Make sure the AC drains and blows cold.
Test stove, range hood and microwave.
Slide-Outs and Awnings
Push all the slides forward and backward. When grinding, turn your ear toward the movement of the teeth.
Check under floor and slide-out seals for stains.
Extend each awning and check the fabric and arms for any signs of wear and tear, and ensure they can be pulled back fully.
Engine, Drivetrain (Motorhomes Only)
The mechanical aspect is added to your motorhome inspection checklist. Items to check:
Turn on the engine and listen for rough running or smoke while cold.
Inspect fluid levels and for leaks, worn belts and cracked hoses.
Test drive it and be sure the transmission runs smoothly.
If there are any dash warning lights, make a note of them and request service records and mileage.
Paperwork to Check Before You Buy
VIN: Verify the VIN on the RV with the ownership document and bill of sale. If the two numbers are not the same, it is a stop sign.
Lien search: A lender’s claim to the unit. This vehicle can be repossessed if the owner doesn’t pay it back. Look up the personal property registry of the province online by inputting the VIN or serial number, e.g., the Ontario search.
History report: Get a vehicle history report from a Canadian company. Some contain Canada-wide information.
Recalls: Use the VIN to search the Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database. It includes recalls between 1970 and the present.
Provincial requirements: See what applies to your province with respect to safety and registration requirements. Technical Safety BC and other propane safety experts suggest that a gas system check be conducted when reselling an RV.
Inspecting an RV in Winter
Not everything can be tested in cold weather. Most water systems will be drained, filled with RV antifreeze, or the water heater may be bypassed, and most air conditioners cannot be tested in freezing temperatures. Snow cover can also conceal roof membrane and roof membrane sealants.
Walls, frame, tires, shore power, propane, furnace and interior are still available to check. If anything else, request the seller to de-winterize the unit or require a complete water and air conditioner test upon arrival for the weather to be conducive to the unit. A good report reports what cannot be tested.
Red Flags That Should Make You Walk Away
Floors or walls that are soft and spongy.
Any leak that is active, or stains that the seller cannot account for.
New paint, caulk or panels covering only one area.
Widespread delamination of sidewalls.
Cracks in the frame, significant rust or lack of repairs.
A propane leak, failure of leak test or lack of detectors.
The vehicle's VIN does not match an active lien or missing ownership documents.
A seller who does not allow an independent inspection or suggests that you make an immediate decision.
What a Professional RV Inspection Report Includes
The professional report should help you assess how much does an RV inspection costs against the value of identifying problems before purchase. Helpful Guys reports are clear, with photos, and have a section detailing the inspector’s findings and practical recommendations, including structure, electrical, plumbing, heating/cooling and safety. Use it to renegotiate, fix, or break the deal.
See all our inspection services to find out what else we inspect.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s included in an RV inspection?
A professional RV inspection includes a check of the roof, exterior walls and seals, water damage inside the RV, chassis, tires, propane, electrical, plumbing and appliances, and slide-outs (on motorhomes). The report is sent back and includes photos, findings and recommendations.
Is an RV inspection worth it?
Yes, typically for a used RV. A third-party inspector has no interest in the sale, and the report allows you to renegotiate or back out of the sale before you make a commitment. The cost of an RV inspection can vary depending on the size and type of the RV, so be sure to inquire for a quote beforehand.
How long does an RV inspection take?
This will vary based on the RV’s size, type and condition. A small travel trailer will take less time than a large Class A motorhome.
Can you check an RV in winter?
Yes, but not in all circumstances. Exterior, frame, tires, shore power, propane and furnace are areas that can be inspected. Water lines may be frozen, the water heater may be bypassed, and cold-weather ACs may be covered by snow and may not be testable.
How to tell if an RV has water damage?
Watch for musty odour, stains, blisters or rippling wall panels, soft floors, stained caulk and delaminated sidewall. Use a moisture meter and thermal camera readings to substantiate what you see.
Should I inspect a new RV before delivery?
Yes. When units are new, connections may be loose, and gaps and leaks in the sealant may occur. Do all tests at the walkthrough and document defects in writing before signing for delivery.
Conclusion
The process of purchasing an RV to use goes smoother when you use an RV inspection checklist. If there is roof damage and water damage, start there: test all the systems, check all the paperwork and move out of the red flags. Once you’ve identified an RV you’re interested in, a walkaround from a third-party RV inspection gives you a written report, and a printable checklist helps you get through your own inspection.
