When purchasing a used RV from a used RV sale, be sure to seek out an RV inspection service to help you verify that the used RV you are about to purchase is what the seller claims it is. It does not matter whether the used RV sale is from an individual or from a dealer. There are too many systems aboard an RV to trust that the seller has taken the time to evaluate them all!
I was reading the RV Daily report recently. The article posted was about a family that had just purchased an RV. They drove off and parked their “new to them” RV at an RV park. The article did not give many details, or whether the RV was purchased at a used RV sale. I am sure they did not seek out a used RV inspection service to go over all the major systems of the vehicle before driving off.
The result of their trusting the seller was that just hours after driving away, the RV burned to the ground. Now, I did not hear what had actually started the fire. My guess would be either the RV refrigerator had an issue, a propane leak, or an electrical problem. Perhaps it was a combination of these.
Had the buyer known that a nationwide RV inspection service existed and that it was so affordable, it might have saved them so much heartache. I am sure that before this happened they were excited about their new RV home, and dreaming about all the adventures ahead, only to have those dreams destroyed by something they did not consider would ever happen!
I want you to know that if you are looking at a used RV sale around the country, and you want to be sure you are purchasing a great vehicle, and not a lemon, then please seek professional help from a certified RV Inspector! Especially if you are buying from a source like eBay or Craigslist!!
This used RV Inspection service is operating nationally. It is powered by the NRVIA and is ready to serve you!
Have you purchased a home recently? Was it suggested by the mortgage company that you get a certified home inspection? If you have gone through this process then you know what I am talking about.
Back in the 1970’s nobody had heard of a home inspection. That was a new industry back then. It took a few years for it to catch on but now it is mainstream. Most lenders or insurance companies will not take on a home policy unless the integrity of the home has been verified by an unbiased source. And that source is a home inspector certified by someone like ASHI or NACHI!
Why do I mention this? Well, the NRVIA, the National RV Inspectors Association is just like the certifying home inspection agencies. The NRVIA was created to train and certify professionals that can fill a void in this industry. There is now a solution for helping folks that are looking at used RV sales. They can buy with assurance if they seek out an NRVIA professional! A certified RV inspector can help RV buyers receive an unbiased inspection of the used RV they might be interested in purchasing.
If you would like to tackle a full-blown RV inspection on your own, check out my discussion at this link. If you are a do-it-yourself kind of person, you may have the skills to save time and money by following my advice! I have trained over 1,300 people to be RV inspectors since 2010.
Know This Before You Hire an NRVIA Inspector!
Before choosing an NRVIA inspector, be sure to interview them to discover their RV industry experience. I would suggest you search for an inspector with these qualifications:
- They themselves are an RVer with several years of experience living and traveling in an RV.
- For best results, two years of experience as an RV inspector or proof of knowledge base.
- For best results, twenty-five premium RV inspections are under their belt.
- For motor homes, delve deeply into their experience with them. Motor homes are much more complicated than towable RVs and require a higher level of experience inspecting them.
- Ask for a sample report for the class of RV that you are looking at.
Please leave a question or a comment before you check out other pages on this website!
Blessings,
Howard Jaros
RV Consultant – NRVIA Lifetime Member
HMRVI Corporation
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Hello Howard. I’ll admit upfront, I bypassed the inspection, though my gut told me that would bite me…it did. Water under the bridge now, so is it possible to have an post-purchase inspection, so I know what needs to be fixed?
My RV is a 2016 Starcraft Autumn Ridge…346-RESA.
I’m sure the slide-out seals are shot (3 ea)
It never traveled; was a home for an ill son, who never used the stove or oven.
Any help would be appreciated.
Author
Hi Daniel!
If you would like an NRVIA inspector to check out your RV, please visit nrvia.org and search for one in your area.
Do you have or know if inspectors in the Bradenton, FL area? Looking at a 2009 Newmar Grand Star 3752.
Author
Hi Mary!
I will send you an email to the address you left here with information to assist you.
I agree on the fact that a certified RV inspector is needed to make sure that the RV you’re eyeing to buy is in good condition, otherwise, you’re in the risk of possible pre-existing damages that might impact you when you utilize it. In my case, I was looking to sell my RV and I don’t want my name to be tarnished all because if a possible complaint that may arise when a prospective buyer made a keen inspection. I believe it is the owner/seller’s social responsibility to make sure that what he is selling is in rightful condition before you pass it to the next owner. I’ll make sure to have my RV inspected while looking for a reputable company that can find me a good prospective buyer to sell it to.
My wife and I are looking for a used RV in the 60k range for a higher quality older unit. We have seen many coaches but have not settled on a specific coach yet. We have looked at 40 – 42 foot Foretravels, American Eagles, Discoveries, Beavers, Prevost, Revolution, Holiday Ramblers, etc. from 1997 to 2005. Some have been private sellers and some dealers. We have a 1999 Mountain High Residency that has many issues so we are looking to upgrade for full time use and traveling.
In any case, we are going to want whatever we choose to be professionally inspected. We have already canceled one deal due to mechanical issues not disclosed to the consignment company that were uncovered during their inspection (est. 10k repairs). Many of the units we are discussing are out of my area but may be worth traveling to see/pickup.
What levels of inspections do you perform and what are the approximate costs? Initially a high level look might be appropriate before we travel and then a more extensive look if we want to go forward.
Thanks. 512-917-9750
Author
Thanks for visiting our website, Greg!
What region of the country do you think the RV you are going to be purchasing will be located?
Hello, Howard,
I will be selling my home this coming spring and buying a used Class C RV to live in and travel. I am 73 years old and look forward to becoming a gypsy.
I am the type of person that does reams and reams of research before making a decision. I will want to use your service when I locate my ideal RV. My concern is the timeliness of arranging an inspection. What, typically, is the wait time from first contact to actual inspection. I am in Colorado but will be looking in areas 500 to 1000 miles away. Nowhere east of the Mississippi (I am told rust is a factor) nor in the areas where flooding has occurred in the US this year.
I would also like to know what the cost of this inspection would be.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Thanks,
Jane Silver
Author
Hi, Jane!
Thanks for stopping by our website!
Once you find a unit, reach back out to me. Inspections are scheduled inside of a week and it depends on the owner of the vehicle and preparations for the inspection. We need water, sewer, and electric to be able to test all systems.
Pricing is dependent on the level of inspection you choose and the RV being inspected. Once you nail that down, please contact me at howard@nrvia.org and we’ll go from there.
Do you have inspectors in the Miami / Fort Lauderdale area?
Author
Hi, Peter!
This time of year our inspectors are traveling from the Tampa / Orlando area where they are located. What kind of RV are you looking at?
Hi Howard,
I am an Australian arriving in Los Angeles on 4 April to spend the next 6 months travelling around the US and Canada in an RV. I have already purchased a Ford F-250 diesel and am now searching for a 5th wheel. I have narrowed the field down to a Thor Jazz, either the 2870 UK or the 3070 UK model and am currently negotiating with two dealers in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Once I have closed the deal on one I Intend to put down a deposit to hold it until I arrive. I also want to have it inspected hence my email to you. What does it cost to do an inspection on a 5th wheel, do you have an inspector in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, and how long before the inspection can be done and the report is completed?
I look forward to hearing from you.
Regards
Matt
Author
Thanks for the contact Matt! I sent you an email to the address listed above. I look forward to assisting you to find an RV that will suit your needs!