What to expect when getting your RV inspected

A beautiful campsite featuring RVs amidst lush forests and towering mountains for a peaceful getaway.

Points of inspections

 
 

1.  Roof

    • Inspect and evaluate the condition of the

    • overall roof

    • sealants and joints

    • roof vents, air conditioners, antenna, and other roof components

 
 

2.  Sidewall and Endcaps

    • Inspect and evaluate front and rear caps

    • aging and general overall condition

    • appearance and functional condition of the end caps, sidewalls, entrance doors, windows and cargo access doors.

    • any damage, discoloration and delamination of the side wall and end cap components.

 
 

3.  Slideout Rooms

    • Identify and evaluate the types of slide-out room drive systems and the condition of the

    • roof material for the slide-out room

    • seals, sweeps, and gaskets for possible damage

    • attached wiring and utility harness that feed underneath the slide-out room

 
 

4.  Awnings and Slide-out Toppers

    • Inspect and identify the operational type (manual vs electric) of the awnings , slide-out toppers and window awnings and operate and rate the condition of the

    • awning frames and latching mechanisms

    • fabric material of the awnings

    • Measure and document the fabric size of the awnings

 
 

5.  Chassis Signal and Running Lights

  • Inspect the condition of the 7 pin connector cord

  • Operate and evaluate the emergency break away switch

  • Activate and evaluate the operation of the DOT lights mounted on the RV

 
 

6. 120 Volt AC Electrical System

  • Inspect and rate the condition of the power cord and its connection ends

  • Remove cover panel of the 120 volt circuit breaker box to visually inspect the condition of the wiring, circuit breakers, and grounding connections.

  • Verify the separation of all the wiring types

  • Test and verify the output operation of the 120 VAC to 12 VDC converter for charging of the deep cycle battery

  • Test and verify the inverter if applicable

 
 

7. Generator Engine

  • – if installed *strongly recommend performing oil analysis to determine internal combustion engine component condition.

  • Identify and note the model, serial number, and run hours of the generator

  • Check oil level

  • Start and operate the onboard generator

  • Test the voltage output and frequency (60 cycles)

  • Put generator under a load to verify operation (typically operating 1 air conditioner will create the correct amount of load)

 
 

8. Generator Radiator

– if installed on this model of Generator *strongly recommend performing coolant analysis to determine the condition of the coolant fluid and the internal cooling system.

  • Location of the radiator and cooling fans

  • Visually inspect the coolant reservoir, radiator and hoses

 
 

9. Inverter

  • – if installed

  • Identify and note the model and serial number of the inverter

  • Visually inspect the wiring and electrical connections and fuses/circuit breakers

  • Place electrical load on inverter to verify proper operation

 
 

10. Coach Battery System

  • (12 volt DC deep cycle Battery Electrical System)

  • Locate and note the location of the battery stack

  • Evaluate the condition, age, and matched sizing of the battery stack

  • Evaluate and determine if positive and negative cables are correctly matched for balanced load

  • Access and visually inspect the wiring, fuse panel, and fuses of the 12 volt DC electrical system

  • Evaluate the operation of the fresh water/wastewater monitor panel for incorrect tank readings

 
 

11. Wastewater Systems

  • (Gray and Black Water)

  • Operationally test and inspect waste (gray and black) plumbing systems for leaks

  • Identify the type of drain valve controls, verify they will maintain water in their tank, and test for ease of operation

  • Verify the drain cap is in place and will hold wastewater

 
 

12. DOT Cylinders

  • – if equipped

  • Document the manufacture date, location(s), and tank sizes of DOT cylinders

  • Conduct visual inspection of exterior of cylinder for rust and other damage

 
 

13. Asme Tank

  • – if equipped

  • If tank is visible, conduct a visual inspection of tank for rust or physical damage

  • List the location, manufacture date (if accessible), and gallon capacity of the tank

 
 

14. Leveling System

  • Identify and note the brand and type of system

  • Verify the system operates properly by extending and retracting leveling system

  • Note visual indications of hydraulic leaks or mechanic issues

 
 

15. Weight Labels and Data Plates

  • Identify and document the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), Vehicle Frame Number and license plate info

  • List the inspection sticker information (if applicable), RVIA inspection seal number, Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, and date of manufacture

 
 

16. Motorhome

  • Please note the following items: Due to insurance restrictions the Motorhome can NOT be driven by the Inspector

 
 

17. Engine

  • Make and model of the engine

  • Verify oil level on the dipstick

  • Indications of engine issues or any noises while running

  • Are there noticeable oil or exhaust leaks

  • Note the oil pressure reading on the dash gauges

 
 

18. Radiator

  • Location of the radiator and cooling fans

  • Visually inspect the coolant reservoir, radiator and hoses

 
 

19. Transmission

  • Type of transmission

  • Fluid level on dipstick

  • Indications of contaminated transmission fluid

 
 

20. Steering

  • Visually inspect for bent or damaged components and hydraulic leaks

 
 

21. Life Safety Items

  • Perform and document LP gas timed leak test

  • Test the Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) circuits

  • Test all wall receptacles for correct polarity and ground fault

  • Test the exterior skin for hot skin that would cause electrical shock

  • Emergency Exit Windows – Verify all safety windows are operational

  • Verify Fire Extinguisher is secure and fully charged

  • Test and verify operation and expiration date of Smoke/Fire Detector and Carbon Monoxide Detector (if applicable)

  • LP Gas Detector – Verify gas detection and audio alarm and document expiration date of detector

  • Verify the rubber grommet is properly sealed around LP gas line of water heater

 
 

22. Refrigerator

  • Identify the brand, model, and type of refrigerator

  • Note the location of the vent panels used by refrigerator

  • Operate on all heat sources – 120 volt AC, LP gas and for 3-way refrigerators, 12 volt DC

  • Collect serial and model number and verify with manufacturer if recall notice has been issued and completed for this unit

  • Visually verify if baffle system on back of refrigerator area is correct and directing heat away from gas coils

  • Test for interior temperature of upper and lower refrigerator compartments and ice maker (if installed) *if refrigerator has been operating for minimum of 12 hours

  • Check condition of door frame, shelving, crisper drawers, door shelves, door gasket seals, and interior light

 
 

23. Water Heather

  • – if equipped

  • Identify the brand, model, and type of water heater

  • Visually inspect burner assembly and gas exhaust system for blockages and insect infestation

  • Fill tank with water (if necessary) and verify operation on all heat sources – LP gas and 120 volt AC if equipped with heating element

  • Operate and verify positioning of bypass valves on back of water heater (If installed)

  • Determine if proper drain plug has been installed in water heater tank

  • Inspect and evaluate if the correct type of dauber screen is being used (If installed)

 
 

24. Furnace

  • – if equipped

  • Identify the brand, model, and type of furnace(s) that have been installed (If accessible)

  • Identify the type of thermostat controls being used to operate furnace(s)

  • Visually inspect air intake and exhaust assemblies for blockages and insect infestation

  • Operate and verify warm air discharge out of vents and proper return air flow to unit

  • Monitor for unusual noise or vibration of blower motor

  • Inspect and evaluate if the correct type of dauber screen is being used (If installed)

 
 

25. Cooktop/Stove

  • Evaluate and rate the condition of the cooktop or stove, the control knobs, door handles, oven racks, metal grill top, and rubber grommets of top burner area

  • List presence and condition of stove top covers

  • Verify the ignition and operation of all top burners and the oven flame (if equipped)

 
 

26. Air Conditioner(s)

  • Identify and list the type of cooling unit/heat pump

  • Perform cooling efficiency test (Delta T) on each unit

  • Visually inspect the plenum box and ductwork sealing, air filter, and the cooling and the heat exhaust coils for debris and cleanliness

 
 

27. Washer/Dryer

  • Visually inspect and verify a wash and rinse cycle of the washer and dryer and leaks or damaged hoses

  • Evaluate and rate the exterior condition of the dryer exhaust vent

 
 

28. Microwave/Convection Oven

  • Identify and list the brand, model, type, and output wattage of the unit

  • Verify the rack and turn tables are installed

  • Operate unit for 60 seconds utilizing cup of water and then list water temperature

 
 

29. Dishwasher

  • – if installed

  • Identify and list the brand and model of unit

  • Verify operation of unit and inspect for leaks and non-functioning rotating racks and wash bars

 
 

30. In House Vacuum System

  • – if installed

  • Identify and list the brand and model of unit

  • Verify the operation and visually inspect the various components

 
 

31. Electric Fireplace

  • – if installed

  • Identify and list the brand and model of unit

  • Operate and verify the various heat settings, fan speed levels, and the back lighting

 
 

32. Cooktop Exhaust Fan

  • Operate and verify condition of the exhaust function and fan speeds

  • Visually inspect the filter, lighting, and the exterior condition of the exhaust vent

 
 

33. Ceiling Mounted Fans and Ceiling Exhaust Vents

  • Visually inspect the condition of the blades and motor

  • Operate and verify condition of the blade direction and fan speeds and lighting (if equipped)

 
 

34. Interior Conditions and Appearance

  • Visually inspect all ceilings, walls, interior doors, and flooring for signs of water intrusion, surface damage and/or staining

  • Operate all windows and doors noting any deficiencies or missing components

  • Evaluate the window coverings

  • Operate all interior, exterior and décor lighting – 12 volt and 120 volt

 
 

35. Cabinets and Closet Condition

  • Inspect and evaluate all cabinet doors, drawers, and pull-out operation

  • Visually inspect all counter tops and flat surface areas of the kitchen, living room, bathroom, bedroom and storage areas for scratches and damage

  • Identify and list all broken and loose cabinet and closet hardware

  • Note if appearance of previous damage repairs have been performed

 
 

36. Furniture

  • Visually inspect the condition of the dinette table/booth, chairs, recliners and sofa

  • Inspect and note furniture fabric tears, discoloration and signs of excessive wear

  •  Visually inspect and note signs of mattress damage or staining

 
 

37. Entertainment System

  • – if item installed

  • Visually inspect and operate all TV, stereo equipment, DVD/disc players, radios, local channels antenna, 12 volt DC power signal booster is operational, roof mounted antenna and remotes

 
 

38. Shower/Tub Enclosure

  • Visually inspect and evaluate the glass panels, curtains, soap dish areas, seals around the framework and doors for water leaks, latch system

 
 

39. Running Gear

  • Type and number of axles and weight ratings for each axle set

  • Inspect the frame, axles, springs, rims, and other components for rust, oil stains and visible damage

  • Document the information on the tires as to their age and weight capacities

  • Check tire pressure and tread condition

  • Note any valve extensions and pressure monitors

 
 

40. Hitch System/Hook Up

  • Inspect and identify the type of system used to tow vehicle

  • Evaluate and list modifications to hitch system