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RV Inspection Purpose
The purpose of the RV inspection is to identify visible and operational defects as permitted by the current conditions that in the judgment of the RV Inspector will adversely affect the function or integrity of the items, components and systems of the RV. RV Inspections performed under NRVIA’s Standards of Practice, (https://nrvia.org/standards-of-practice), are not an expressed, implied warranty or guarantee of adequacy, performance or useful life of any RV, any of its components or systems.
The NRVIA Standards of Practice establishes a uniform standard for RV Inspections and reports that provide an objective documentation of the conditions of a Recreational Vehicle and its components. The Standards describe the components and systems included in a RV Inspection. The Standards apply to motorized and towable RVs as defined by the RV Industry.
The Standards apply to a visual inspection of those areas, components and systems that are readily accessible to determine, at the time of inspection, that they are performing their intended function without regard to life expectancy.
Your detailed RV inspection report will be between 50 and 100 pages depending on type of RV with up to 100+ photos and comments that document condition, operation and deficiencies of over 200 items. The report will be summarized with sections that identify Life Safety Issues, Major Issues, Minor issues and Noteworthy comments. Depending on the type, the RV inspection will last 6 to 8 hours.
Your report can be used as a repair order for a dealership or a negotiating tool with the seller.
Why schedule an RV Inspection?
Your RV is a mini city. It has its own power, water and sewer systems. It must be capable of operating after experiencing an earthquake in the middle of a hurricane! When we take our rigs down the highway at speed, that is the exact same type environment they experience; 65 to 70 mph winds and bumpy roads.
RV Inspections are performed on all types of new and used RVs.
New RVs should have an RV inspection performed; don’t depend on the dealership to identify all items in need of attention. If you have ever moved into a home or had a home built, there is always a “punch list” of discrepancies identified during the home inspection or walk through. New and used RVs have the same punch lists, but often can’t be identified without a professional RV inspection.
It is more advantageous to have your RV inspected pre-purchase. A pre-purchase inspection will identify items that should be corrected prior to making a final offer or used in price negotiations. Dealerships will be more inclined to repair deficiencies prior to the sell in order to complete the sell. Unfortunately, most dealerships aren’t willing to move your unit ahead of others in the repair queue once you have taken it off the lot.
Post Purchase RV Inspections
Is it too late to have my RV inspected? NO!
Post purchase RV inspections completed within the warranty period will still identify deficiencies and safety issues that need addressing prior to continued use of your RV. Protect your investment and eliminate needless irritating issues that take away the wonderful enjoyment of RV life. The extensive RV inspection report you will receive includes a detailed repair report that can be given to the dealership for warranty repairs.
Purchasing a Motorhome?
Motorhome inspections performed by Miles From Monday RV Inspection Services include fluid analysis. The motor oil, transmission fluid, coolant as well as generator oil and coolant along with Aqua Hot solutions (if equipped) are collected and sent to an ISO certified lab that provides a detailed analysis of all particulates and metals present in the samples. The analysis provides a peek into the interior of the enter workings of the tested systems.
Your tow vehicle can also benefit from fluid analysis. Be confident in the condition of your engine, transmission and coolant systems that you depend on to get your RV to and from your adventures.
Selling an RV?
Stand out, schedule an RV inspection and advertise it as a “Certified Used” RV. Provide potential customers with the peace of mind and assurance that your RV has had a thorough RV inspection by an independent RV inspector. A buyer will know he is getting the RV in “as advertised condition” and an open book.
Some lenders and warranty companies may require an RV inspection prior to loan approval, or before the policy goes into effect. These RV inspections are conducted under the agency’s guidelines and usually are a significantly scaled down version of NRVIA’s Standards of Practice and focuses mainly on life safety equipment and basic systems checks. You may prefer to upgrade to the full NRVIA’s Standards of Practice, (https://nrvia.org/standards-of-practice), RV inspection that includes all systems and sub-systems and their operational condition.
Ideally, the RV inspection will take place at a location with full hook-ups (power, water and sewer). Full hook-ups are required to inspect the operational condition of all systems. Due to the nature of RV absorption refrigerators and the time it takes for these refrigerators to cool, the refrigerator must have been in electric operation for at least 12 hours before an accurate temperature reading can be taken in the freezer and the refrigerator compartments.
Prior to the RV inspection, you will need to provide the year, make, model, and VIN of the RV, and the location.
The RV Inspection Report Contains
- Depending on type RV, there is an average of 225 to 240 points of inspection
- Each report contains between 50 and 100 pages and up to 100+ photos
- Life Safety, Major, Minor and Noteworthy Comment Summaries
- Detailed lists and photos of all systems and discrepancies
- All motorhome inspections include fluid analysis
- Coach oil
- Transmission fluid
- Coolant fluid
- Generator oil
- Generator coolant
- Generator coolant
- Aqua-Hot/Oasis water heater fluids (in equipped)
- Owners are responsible for blinker fluid
- Insurance/Warranty RV Inspections details are dependent on company policy
- Ask about our Veteran/First Responder Discount
What does the RV Inspection cover?
Covered systems include the following:
- Inspect and rate the overall roof condition
Identify the roof material type and the sealants that have been applied to the roof - Evaluate the condition of the various sealant and joints around the roofing components
- Rate the condition of the roof vents, air conditioners, antenna and other components that are mounted on the roof
- Identify areas of concern and potential water intrusion points
- Inspect and identify the material type of the front and rear caps
Evaluate the aging and general overall condition of the front and rear caps - Inspect and evaluate the appearance and functional condition of the end caps, sidewalls, entrance doors, windows and cargo access doors
- Inspect and evaluate any damage, discoloration and delamination of the side wall and end cap components
- Identify the types of slideout room drive systems
- Identify the type of roof material for the slideout room
- Inspect and rate the roof condition
- Inspect and evaluate the condition of the seals, sweeps and gaskets for possible damage
- Evaluate the attached wiring and utility harness that feed underneath the slideout room
- Inspect and identify the operational type (manual vs. electric) of the awnings, slideout toppers and window awnings
- Operate and rate condition of the awning frames and latching mechanisms
- Evaluate and rate the condition of fabric material of the awnings
- Inspect the condition of the 7-pin connector receptacle
- Activate and evaluate the operation of the DOT lights
- Visually inspect the chassis battery compartment, the electrical connections and batter
- Inspect and rate the condition of the power cord and its connection ends
- Identify any damage or repair of the power cord
- Remove cover panel of the 120-volt circuit breaker box to visually inspect the condition of the wiring, circuit breakers and grounding connections
- List any heat discoloration to the wiring and 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 batteries
– 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)
- 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
- 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 the inverter to verify proper operation
- 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
- Verify the fresh water connections for the city water hookup are operational
- Test and verify proper filling of the fresh water tank
- Verify the onboard fresh water tank and pressure pump system will operate and maintain pressure
- Operationally test all fresh water fixtures inside and outside of the RV
- Visually inspect the water filtration system (if installed) for leaks and filter placement
- Operationally test and inspect both waste (gray and black) plumbing systems for leaks under the sinks, shower, around the toilet and discharge lines
- Identify the type drain valve controls
- Verify the drain valves for both systems will maintain water in their tanks
- Operate both drain valves and test for ease of operation
Verify the drain cap is in place and will hold waste water
- Perform and document LP gas timed leak test at cooktop burner spud for 5 minutes at 8 inches of water column gas pressure
- Test the Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) circuits in the 6-foot range of the water areas of the bathroom, kitchen and exterior receptacles
- 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
- Fire Extinguisher – Verify unit is secure in bracket and dial indicates extinguisher is fully charged
- Smoke/Fire Detector –Test and verify operation of unit and document expiration date of detector
- Carbon Monoxide Detector (if applicable) – Test and verify operation of unit and document expiration date of detector
- 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
- Visually inspect all hoses and pressure regulators for damage and age deterioration
- Verify the plastic cover has been installed over the regulator
- Conduct a visual inspection of tank for rust or physical damage if tank is accessible
- List the location of the tank
- Document the manufacture date of the ASME tank if accessible
- List the gallon capacity of the tank
- 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 and interior light
- Evaluate and rate the door gasket seals of freezer and refrigerator box areas
- 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
- Determine if proper drain plug has been installed in water heater tank
- If installed, inspect and evaluate if the correct type of dauber screen is being used
- If accessible, identify the brand, model and type of furnace(s) that have been installed
- 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
- If installed, inspect and evaluate if the correct type of dauber screen is being used
- Evaluate and rate the condition of the cooktop or stove
- List presence and condition of stove top covers
- Verify the ignition and operation of all top burners and the oven flame (if equipped)
- Inspect and rate the condition of the metal grill top and rubber grommets of top burner area
- Evaluate the presence of the control knobs, door handles and oven racks of the unit
- 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
Inspect the air filter, cooling and the heat exhaust coils for debris and cleanliness
- Visually inspect and verify a wash and rinse cycle of the washer and dryer
- Visually inspect for leaks or damaged hoses
- Evaluate and rate the exterior condition of the dryer exhaust vent
- 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
- 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
- Identify and list the brand and model of unit
- Verify the operation and visually inspect the various components of the hose assembly, access doors and dirt bag
- Identify and list the brand and model of unit
- Operate and verify the various heat settings, fan speed levels and the back lighting
- Operate and verify condition of the exhaust function and fan speeds
- Visually inspect the filter and lighting
- Evaluate and rate the exterior condition of the exhaust vent
- Visually inspect the condition of the blades and motor
- Operate and verify condition of the blade direction and fan speeds
- Verify lighting if equipped
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Visually inspect and operate all TV and stereo equipment
- Verify DVD/disc players and radios are operational
- Verify local channels antenna and 12-volt DC power signal booster is operational
- Raise and lower roof mounted antenna if equipped
- Verify remotes are operational
- Visually inspect the glass panels, curtains and soap dish areas
- Evaluate and rate the seals around the frame work and doors for water leaks
- Operate the door and latch system to verify its operation
- Inspect and evaluate the stains and chemical/mineral build up
- Please note the following items: Due to insurance restrictions the Motor Home can NOT be driven by the Inspector. Also, the lack of clearance under the motor home and safety issues the
- Inspector will conduct the following visual inspections from the outer perimeter of the motor home.
- Visually inspect for rust, damage and excessive oil on the underside of the motor home
- Visually inspect for bent or damaged components and hydraulic leaks
- 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
*strongly recommend performing oil analysis to determine internal combustion engine component condition.
- 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
*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
*strongly recommend performing transmission fluid analysis to determine the condition of the fluid and the internal components of the transmission.
- Type of transmission
Fluid level on dipstick
Indications of contaminated transmission fluid
- Type and number of axles
- 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
- Inspect and rate tire tread condition
- Note any valve extensions and pressure monitors
- Inspect and identify the type of system used to tow vehicles
- Evaluate and list modifications to hitch system
- Identify and document the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Locate and document Vehicle Frame Number
- Document the license plate info
- List the inspection sticker information – if applicable
- List the RVIA inspection seal number
- List the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
- List date of manufacture
RV Inspection Points
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