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Inspect A Used RV – Join the NRVIA!

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Inspect a Used RV!

Would you like to have a great job while living and traveling in your RV? Could you inspect a used RV?  Would you be interested in helping to build buyers confidence in the RV sales process?

Do You Know?

At least sixty percent of RV’s being sold today are sold privately!  And, when buyers are looking for these RV’s from private sources, they are relying on the integrity of the owner to divulge all they know about the actual condition of the vehicle.

Now, the owner may think their RV is in perfect condition and claim that to be true.  But, the truth is most RV owners don’t know much about the complex systems that exist in their RV.  So, how could they really know if the converter or inverter are working properly?  How could they know if the RV fridge is really working as it should, the propane system is safe, the tires and undercarriage are safe for travel, the emergency systems are up to date, etc.

There are online sources for an RV inspection checklist, and these are helpful in beginning an overall RV survey, but it really takes some training to give used RV travel trailers, 5th wheels, and a used RV motorhome a thorough assessment.

Many RV buyers, unfortunately, wind up buying a money pit.  If they had only known that they could have avoided thousands of dollars in repairs if they had only had a used RV inspection!  Just like getting a home inspection when spending valuable dollars on a house, it’s even more important to inspect a used RV!  Some of these “homes on wheels” cost more than the fixed homes people choose to live in.  Why would anyone not want to have it inspected?

Do You Know This?

RV insurance companies will not reimburse RV owners for costs to repair an RV due to water damage from leaks.  Roof leaks can be a real problem! They can show up at any time, and if they go unnoticed, the damage could cost as much as $15,000 – $20,000 to repair it!

What About Some More Specific RV Repair Costs?

Here are some costs to repair some major items that exist in today’s RV’s:

inspect a used rv

But, it’s not only the cost of the item itself, but the labor to repair it as well. RV technician labor rates can run from $95 to $140 per hour for the repair work.

So How Can You Help?

There is a big need for NRVIA certified inspectors!  If you have an RV and want to work and live out of your home on wheels, this a new way to go! The NRVIA was established in January of 2014.  The NRVIA was created in order to increase awareness of the need for quality RV inspections.  It also was developed to raise the value and professionalism of RV inspectors.

NRVIA1

The goal of the NRVIA is to have high standards of excellence for RV inspectors who join their ranks.  This is accomplished with strict training standards as well as accountability to the organization itself.  The ultimate goal at this time is to continue to develop a nationwide network of these inspectors, those that have been trained, have earned their credentials, and are true professionals in the RV inspection business.

Is it Easy to Become an RV Inspector?

That depends on the individual and what they know about RV’s from their past.  It certainly makes it easier for those with RVing experience to jump into this with ease, but it is not completely necessary.  Between online training classes and optional hands-on classes, someone can be up and be running in a short period of time depending on their level of action from the start.

Listen to what Terry Cooper, president of the NRVIA, has to share with you!

Is this an exciting opportunity in the RV industry right now?  Absolutely!   Is there a need for this kind of national presence?  Oh yeah!

Would you like to travel in your RV and work all over the country doing RV inspections?  Well, as an RV inspector you can do just that!

That is why Pam and I got into the RVing lifestyle!  We want to be able to live and work where we want, not where some employer tells us to.  Not punching a clock, but getting up in the morning and being excited about what we are doing with our day because we are doing something we truly believe in and enjoy!

So, won’t you join us?  Visit this website and begin your investigation to see if this is something you might be interested in.

Please leave a comment before you go!  We would like to know if this page was helpful to you, or if we can be of assistance in your RV job search!

Blessings,
Howard and Pam
Certified NRVIA RV Inspector – Trainer

 

14 comments

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    • jeremy gramlin on March 3, 2022 at 1:48 AM
    • Reply

    Hello, my partner and I are definitely interested in doing RV inspections. If you wouldn’t mind sending me the relevant information I I would be forever in your debt sir

    1. Hi Jeremy!

      I will email you some information to the email address listed here and title the email RV Inspector.

    • Bruce Azzarito on January 26, 2022 at 8:38 PM
    • Reply

    Okay Howard you have peaked my interest. Can you send me details on becoming and inspector please.

    1. Hi Bruce!

      I will send you the info directly to the email address you left here.

    • Mike on November 16, 2020 at 9:19 PM
    • Reply

    Hi I am interested in becoming a rv inspector. Also I have a friend with a very nice 1987 Terry fifth wheel camper, has power when plugged into power from main power cord ,but that’s as far as it goes . should he replace breakers ,couldbreaker panel need replaced,or the Converter or inverter need replaced ? Please let me know your thoughts on this matter. Thank you

    1. Hi Mike!

      If the receptacle you are plugging into is good, but there is no 120-volt AC reading at the main breaker in the electrical panel inside, there has to be a problem from the plug end to the point it connects to the inside electrical panel. This is where a voltmeter will be most useful in diagnosing your problem. As RV inspectors we don’t do this, we just report the issue.

    • Martin Soder on April 5, 2019 at 7:18 AM
    • Reply

    Hello Howard,

    I stumbled across your site while researching something for a Home Inspection I am currently scheduled to do. What a surprise it was to discover that there are actual Certified RV Inspectors out there.

    For some reason, my firewall won’t let your site come through. Can you email me some additional information (Cost, Number of Courses, Hours for total Certification, Specialty Inspection Items/tools needed etc) about becoming a Inspector?

    I run my own Home Inspection company (one other inspector), have and currently use 3 different kinds of thermal imagery devices, mold test kit, electrical testers, 02 Sensers, during my residential and commercial home inspections and am very interested in taking your courses.

    vr
    Marty Soder
    ACD Home Inspections LLC

    1. Hi Marty!

      Thanks for visiting our website!

      I will email you some information on becoming an RV inspector.

    • Shari Tracey on July 24, 2016 at 12:22 PM
    • Reply

    Hello Howard and Pam – We thoroughly enjoy reading your blog and learning what to expect as we prepare for a full time RV lifestyle.
    Can you suggest an online database or chart or publication that we can use to compare competing manufacturers specifications and brands?
    We are open minded and excited. But we are new-bees. My husband is a master auto and boat mechanic and can maintain/fix anything. We narrowed our search to a FB design 5th wheel. We are attempting to compare the construction quality and specs of a Winnegago Destination 39FB to a Heartland Big Horn 3875FB. We looked at the Winnebago recently and confirmed that this is the style we desire. The fit and finish is impressive, the weight is the max we can tow, and the price is affordable. We have a Dodge Ram 2500 diesel pick-up which will pull the RV. However we will remain in an RV park, a local Thousand Trails where we recently became members, for at least 6 months while we are still employed. I need time to adjust to the small space and different lifestyle.
    Thank you for your informative and fun-to-read blog and any advise you can offer. Shari (Houston, TX) ??

    1. Thank you for visiting our website Shari and that you found our information useful!

      When it comes to comparing RV manufacturers I am not aware of a chart of all the different kinds and how they compare to each other. That would be a huge undertaking as there are so many and the manufacturers and they don’t always share their construction methods in the same way. Plus, they change things every year!

      So, that being said, you just need to look beyond the inconsequential things they think are important (the curtains, the kitchen adornments, the double bowl sinks in the bathroom, the fireplace, etc.) and compare the construction of it by looking in every nook and cranny to see how it’s built. Check axles, tires, roof construction (walk on it), electrical wiring and systems, etc. If you look deep enough you will be able see differences and then choose the one that you feel best suits your needs.

      Good luck and happy hunting!!

    • Chuck on June 11, 2016 at 8:05 PM
    • Reply

    Hi Howard & Pam,
    My wife&I are planning to go to full time RV living in about a year. One of our primary concerns was how to afford it! WE will be checking out the NRVIA site with interest.
    Your site is fascinating, as we are still struggling with the class A or 5th wheel debate as well .
    We will be visiting your site often.
    THANKS FOR WHAT YOU ARE DOING!!!

    1. Hi, Chuck!

      Thanks for stopping by our website and for your supportive comments!!

      The Class A or 5th wheel debate is one that many full-timers face! If you are uncomfortable backing a trailer and towing one, avoid the 5th wheel purchase. That seems to destroy full timers dreams quickly when they battle moving the RV about and suffer from the frustration of dealing with that. That being said, you can take classes to help you prepare to learn how to negotiate a fifty to sixty foot long RV with a higher level of comfort.

      Please feel free to contact us if we can be of assistance!

    • Michael Smith on June 2, 2015 at 1:16 AM
    • Reply

    Thank you for this informative information. Will be checking out the NRVIA website and the consideration of becoming a certified RV inspector.

    1. Thanks for visiting our website Michael! Please let us know if we can answer any questions for you about the NRVIA and the opportunities available as an RV Inspector.

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