Inspection Process

No, it is not necessary for you to be present for the inspection. 

You are welcome to be there, and all that we ask is to try to keep distractions to a minimum. 

We want to focus our attention on the task at hand:

• Providing a thorough and quality inspection for our customers! 

At the end of the inspection, we will be happy to answer any additional questions or address any concerns.

Our goal is to deliver your official report within 24 hours of the completion of the inspection, but most are typically available that same business day.

A verbal overview of the inspection findings can be given in person (if you are present for the inspection) or via a phone call afterwards. 

Weather can affect certain portions of an RV inspection, particularly exterior evaluations, roof access, and the operation of some components. Safety and inspection quality always take priority.

When weather conditions limit the ability to perform portions of an inspection safely or accurately, those limitations will be documented and discussed. Depending on the circumstances, affected portions of the inspection may be rescheduled, deferred, or completed when conditions allow.

The goal is to provide the most complete and accurate assessment possible. If weather impacts the inspection process, you will be informed of any limitations and the available options for completion.

Inspection reports include detailed documentation of the RV’s condition, major systems, and observed findings. Reports are designed to provide a clear, organized assessment that helps buyers and owners better understand the vehicle’s current condition.

Depending on the RV and inspection type, reports may include system-by-system evaluations, photo documentation, operational testing results, equipment readings, maintenance observations, and notes regarding safety, functionality, or condition concerns.

Findings are documented with supporting details and photographs when appropriate, allowing you to review observations in context rather than relying on a simple pass-or-fail summary.

The goal of the report is not to tell you whether to buy an RV. It is to provide the information needed to make an informed decision, plan future maintenance, and understand any areas that may require attention.

When major issues are discovered, they are documented, explained, and placed into context so you can understand their potential impact on safety, functionality, condition, and future repair costs.

Examples of significant findings may include active water intrusion, structural concerns, major system failures, safety-related defects, or conditions that could require substantial repairs. The presence of a major issue does not automatically determine whether an RV should or should not be purchased, but it does provide important information for evaluating risk, negotiating terms, or reconsidering the transaction.

Inspection findings are intended to help you make informed decisions based on facts rather than assumptions. In some cases, major issues may lead a buyer to walk away from a purchase. In others, they may become part of a negotiation or repair agreement.

The goal is to ensure you understand the condition of the RV and any significant concerns before making a commitment.

Inspection findings are prioritized based on their potential impact on safety, functionality, structural integrity, and future repair costs. The intent is to provide context and clarity, not a purchase recommendation.

Some findings may be minor cosmetic issues or routine maintenance items that are common in RV ownership. Others may indicate developing concerns that should be monitored or addressed in the near future. Findings that affect safety, indicate active water intrusion, involve major system failures, or could lead to significant repairs are generally considered higher priority.

The goal of prioritization is not to tell you whether to buy an RV. It is to help you understand which findings require immediate attention, which should be planned for, and which are simply part of normal wear and ownership.

A dealer walkthrough and a professional RV inspection serve different purposes.

A walkthrough is typically intended to familiarize a buyer with the RV’s features, controls, and basic operation. It helps owners learn how systems function, where components are located, and how to use the RV safely and effectively.

An inspection is a structured evaluation of the RV’s condition. It focuses on identifying observed defects, signs of water intrusion, system performance issues, maintenance concerns, and other conditions that may not be apparent during a standard demonstration.

While a walkthrough can be a valuable part of the buying process, it is not designed to provide the same level of condition assessment or documentation as a professional inspection. Both have value, but they answer different questions.

A walkthrough helps you learn how the RV works. An inspection helps you understand its condition.

A dealer’s Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) and an independent RV inspection serve different purposes and are performed from different perspectives.

A PDI is typically conducted by the dealership before delivery to verify that systems are functioning, identify items that may need adjustment or repair, and prepare the RV for customer handoff. The process helps ensure the RV is ready for delivery according to the dealership’s procedures and manufacturer requirements.

An independent RV inspection is performed on behalf of the buyer or owner and is focused on evaluating the RV’s overall condition at the time of the inspection. This includes documenting observed defects, testing major systems, identifying maintenance concerns, and providing detailed findings with supporting documentation.

Both processes can provide value, but they are designed to answer different questions. A PDI helps prepare an RV for delivery. An independent inspection helps a buyer understand the RV’s condition and make informed decisions based on documented observations.

For many buyers, the two processes are complementary rather than mutually exclusive.

No. An RV inspection and an appraisal serve different purposes.

An inspection evaluates the RV’s condition at the time of the inspection. It focuses on documenting the condition and operation of major systems and components, identifying observed defects, and providing information that can help buyers and owners make informed decisions.

An appraisal is intended to estimate the RV’s market value based on factors such as age, condition, features, market conditions, and comparable sales data.

While an inspection report may provide information that influences a buyer’s perception of value or supports negotiation discussions, it does not establish market value and should not be considered an appraisal.

In simple terms, an inspection helps answer the question, “What condition is this RV in?” An appraisal helps answer the question, “What is this RV worth?”