Before You Purchase an RV Get a Pre-Purchase Inspection
Whether you are going to purchase a recreational vehicle for the first time, or you have owned an RV before, it is always wise to invest in pre purchase inspections. Pre purchase inspections are a wise choice that can ensure you aren’t wasting your money on an RV that needs a lot of work whether mechanical or otherwise. This is especially true when you consider that the average RVer tends to use their RV 28 to 35 days out of the year.
Choose a Third-Party Professional for Pre Purchase Inspections
It is worth spending the funds for RV pre purchase inspections. Not all problems are obvious, even in gently used RVs with low mileage. However, there are many tiny and large details that need to be inspected. Is the furnace in perfect working order? Are there any leaky hoses? Even with an extended warranty in place, there is more than likely a deductible in place that you are going to have to pay out of pocket. If you know of any issues in advance, you can at least make a well-informed choice concerning whether to purchase a used RV or not.
Why Are Professional Pre Purchase Inspections So Important?
Even an experienced RVer may not understand every part of the mechanics of an RV. You need qualified and trained specialists to provide pre purchase inspections. There are many structural and component aspects that need to be considered. Expert inspectors have the right equipment and knowledge needed to ensure that you are not taking a risk when purchasing a pre-owned RV.
Schedule an RV Inspection Today
The sooner you can get an inspection accomplished; the sooner you will be traveling in the RV you love. Choose a company that offers inspections as well as other services such as RV storage, RV parts, and RV repairs. Before the check, you will want to prepare the RV.
How to Prepare for an RV Check
There are a few things you can do to ensure the RV you want to purchase is investigated thoroughly. Make sure the RV is available and unlocked. It needs to also be plugged into water and electricity, or at least have the fresh water tank filled. Four hours before the check, make sure that the refrigerator has been on. It is actually preferable to have the fridge operational overnight.
An inspection typically takes anywhere from two to three hours. Take notes to jot down anything new you learn, and consider recording the original condition of the RV using a smartphone or camera. This is essential if you are new to RVing and RVs. Also, consider taking shots of any problem areas discovered.
What to Expect from an Inspection
RV assessments will vary based on the type of RV including both towables and motorized. The exterior, interior and mechanicals should all be included in an assessment. Other elements that should be inspected include the batteries, tires, all appliances, heating and cooling, generators, gas, and LP propane systems, slide room operation, holding and fresh water tanks, the drainage system, and the satellite, video, and audio.
A thorough inspector will also check RV fluid levels including the power steering, engine oil, transmission fluid, engine oil, and brakes. Other mechanical aspects that need to be checked include the engine, cruise control operation, transmission, suspension, and braking systems, dash A/C, audiovisuals and dash gauges. Of course, they will also test drive the RV, normally as a passenger to further check for any problems. After a thorough assessment, a report should be completed in which you will receive a copy.
After an inspection, you should be thoroughly educated concerning the condition of the RV you want to purchase. Whether you are purchasing an RV privately or from a dealer, it is imperative that you know exactly what you are getting. It can save you a lot of time, money and heartache in terms of repairs and trip delays.