Get FinancingUsed RV Inspection Checklist
Buying an RV is exciting! But before making such a sizeable purchase, it’s a good idea to put in some time to ensure that an RV—whether it’s a Class A motorhome or a teardrop trailer—is ready for the road.
Good, detailed photos can tell you a lot about an RV, but an in-person inspection can uncover issues that might be harder to see, such as water damage, electrical faults, or other safety hazards that could lead to expensive repairs. Having a process in place and being informed will help you know what to check when buying a used RV.
Paperwork & Documentation
When considering a used RV, your instincts may guide you towards the physical condition of the RV, but paperwork is just as important, if not more so. After all, you probably wouldn’t be comfortable buying a used car that didn’t come with any documentation, and an RV is likely a much bigger purchase.
A reputable seller will have a clean and valid title with a VIN that matches the RV’s. Ensuring the title is free from liens and does not designate the RV as a salvage or rebuilt unit helps confirm whether the RV has sustained significant damage in the past. Additionally, the seller should provide maintenance records, service history, and manuals, which can go a long way to letting you know the RV has been well-maintained.
Tools To Bring
Having the right tools when inspecting an RV is essential for evaluating your potential purchase. These tools can help uncover hidden issues that aren’t immediately visible:
- Flashlight - Use a flashlight to inspect dark areas such as wheel wells, the engine compartment, vents, and exhausts, where mice may nest or leave droppings. A flashlight can also help you find fluid leaks.
- Moisture meter - Contact and non-contact moisture meters also help detect leaks. They are best used around windows, doors, skylights, and roof penetrations, corners, slide-outs, and inside cabinets and storage areas. Non-contact meters can detect moisture through walls without causing damage, though they may occasionally give false readings.
- Tire gauge - Proper tire pressure is essential, and a tire pressure gauge is inexpensive and easy to tote around.
- Multimeter - Use a multimeter to check the RV’s battery voltage and confirm that the converter and inverter are functioning properly, setting it to DC voltage and selecting a range that’s higher than the expected result.
- Outlet tester - Check every outlet in the RV to verify that they are all functioning properly. (It’s a good idea to test the outlet tester at home on a circuit that you know is working first.)
- Digital tools - Digital tools, such as Wi-Fi endoscopes that can allow you to inspect hard-to-reach areas like wall cavities, around water heaters, or within corrugated underbellies. Additionally, tools like thermal imaging cameras will allow you to diagnose mechanical and electrical issues by identifying hotspots that may be caused by friction or high resistance.
- Soapy water - Apply soapy water to all propane tank fittings to check for leaks. If bubbles appear, a leak is present.
Exterior & Structural Inspection
You should thoroughly inspect an RV’s structural foundation, as overlooking problem areas can lead to costly repairs down the road. Here are some common issues to watch for.
Roof, seals, and body panels. Check for cracks, soft spots, oxidation, bubbling paint, or damaged or peeling decals. Inspect every part of the RV for flaws. Many of these result from water damage and can cause the frame to deteriorate. Look for areas where the shine has faded or chalky residue is present, and if possible, compare older photos to its current condition. Sight down the sides of the RV for bumps, depressions, or delamination. Check the paint finish, surface smoothness, and color variations in gel coat and paint. Look for areas with marginal coverage or bubbling.
Slide-outs and awnings. Test slide-outs and awnings to ensure they extend and retract properly, and inspect for tears, holes, or signs of wear. During an RV slide-out inspection, a properly aligned slide-out will operate smoothly without placing undue stress on any points. It should seal tightly to protect the interior from water intrusion and prevent costly damage to the slide-out. Inspect the awning, whether manual or automatic, for warped or stretched fabric, loose or damaged hardware, and improper positioning.
Tires, wheels, and suspension. Test the alignment and check the tire wear patterns. Watch for pulling or drifting while observing the steering wheel’s behavior, as well as any vibrations when you get above 50 mph. Check the tread using the penny test or a tread depth gauge to identify wear indicator bars. Also look for signs of dry rot, such as visible cracking, discoloration, loss of flexibility, or increased air loss. Take a test drive to check for unusual sounds, excessive bumpiness, or instability. Any of these may indicate suspension issues.
Interior, Systems & Appliances
Trust your senses when checking the interior—undeniable indicators like lingering odors are often immediately noticeable. Plumbing, electrical, and safety problems can escalate into more serious issues if left unchecked.
Signs of water damage, pests, and odors. These are immediate red flags and can be deal breakers when evaluating an RV. Inspect the floors, walls, and ceilings for soft spots, unusual odors, faulty wiring, or pest indicators such as droppings or sticky residue. As part of your RV water damage inspection, walk through every accessible area to check for soft spots and trace any musty odors that could indicate mold before it sets in.
Plumbing and electrical. Test all electrical outlets, as well as key plumbing components like the water pump and water heater. While inspecting the RV, have the seller run some water through the holding tanks. This helps you check for leaks and verify that the plumbing system is functioning properly. If applicable, flush the toilet and run some water through the shower and sink to make sure everything operates and drains as it should. When inspecting the RV’s water heater, check for efficient heating, leaks, and signs of rust.
HVAC and appliances. Test the air conditioning system, furnace, stove, and refrigerator on all power sources. Run both the A/C and furnace systems through a full cycle, and check duct vents throughout the interior of the RV to verify that cold and hot air are flowing evenly. Additionally, ensure all filters are clean and no odd smells are present.
Safety systems. Verify that smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, as well as fire extinguishers, are present and functional. Ensure that the smoke detectors have batteries and are in working order. Inspect fire extinguishers for expiration dates, working gauges, proper classifications, and secure mounting brackets.
Chassis, Engine & Analytics
When inspecting the chassis, engine, and onboard analytics, pay attention to the following systems. These factors can affect the RV’s performance and influence how you set up your campsite.
Underbody, hitch, and leveling systems. Check for rust and leaks, and verify that all necessary jack and hitch components are present and in good working order. During your inspection, confirm whether the RV has automatic leveling. Most RVs have four levelers, scissor jacks being the most common. However, Class A models are more likely to use hydraulic or electric levelers operated from inside the RV. If the RV doesn’t have automatic leveling, check whether it has powered levelers and assess their speed and functionality.
Engine compartment. Closely inspect fluids, belts, hoses, and the battery. Start the engine, let it idle, and observe for any irregularities such as exhaust smoke of unusual colors or noises that could indicate serious engine issues. Inspect all wires and lines for rubbing points and bite marks from rodents. Fluid analysis can reveal signs of excessive wear or contamination.
Warning Signs
Inspections can uncover any used RV red flags that indicate it’s time to walk away. Common red flags include unverified ownership, a salvage title, or a missing VIN. During the inspection, be aware of musty odors, soft spots, deteriorated seals, or tires that have exceeded their recommended lifespan. The cost of repairing these faults adds up quickly and can lead to costly repairs. Depending on your willingness to take on repairs, the occurrence of such issues may be a dealbreaker.
When To Hire a Professional RV Inspector
If you have any doubts about a prospective RV—especially a high-value or complex rig like a fifth wheel or a Class A motorhome—hire a professional to inspect it. A professional can provide a comprehensive inspection of a used RV, uncovering a wide range of issues that may be difficult to spot with an untrained eye.
A professional RV inspection covers all major systems, including electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems, as well as the roof, windows, and doors, to ensure the RV is in top condition. A professional RV inspector will not only assist in identifying subtle or hidden issues, but in some cases can also help ensure you get a fair price for the coach.
If you’re unsure where to start, head to the National RV Inspectors Association website and click the Inspector Search button in the upper-right corner to find a qualified RV inspector.
Next Steps
There’s a lot to consider when looking into buying a used RV, including everything from asking about paperwork to inspecting every inch of the vehicle for potential issues. Buying an RV is a big decision, and making sure it’s ready to hit the road will give you peace of mind. If you hire an RV inspector, anything they uncover can provide you with additional negotiating power and help you to get the best possible deal on a safe, enjoyable RV.
If you’re currently in the market for an RV, check out the thousands of listings on RVUniverse.com from popular manufacturers such as Forest River, Winnebago, Airstream, Jayco, Thor Motor Coach, Coachmen, Tiffin, Prevost, and more.