This year we have had the opportunity to inspect all manner of RVs: Class As, Class Bs, Class Cs, Fifth Wheels, Travel Trailers and Park Models. We have enjoyed the opportunity of working with first time buyers and seasoned owners.
Here is what we have learned.
All too often the buyer makes a commitment to purchase, and even signs a purchase agreement BEFORE having the RV inspected.
Would you buy a house -or even a car- before you looked at it, walked through it, kicked the tires? Yet people often make a commitment to purchase an RV (at times from a distant location) before they’ve seen it or had it inspected. The inspection is an afterthought. This can be a mistake.
The inspection will give you valuable information about the condition, maintenance of major systems, and care the seller has given the RV. The inspection will also give you information you need to make an informed buying decision, and may even provide you with some price negotiating leverage. When discussing terms with the seller, make the deal contingent on the results of the inspection. Inform the seller that you will negotiate a baseline price, but you would like to reserve a final price commitment once the inspection is completed. If the seller pressures you, or baulks at having an inspection done, consider this a red flag.
Most of the sellers we’ve dealt with have taken great pride in the way they have maintained their RVs and have nothing to hide. But, there are always findings: the roof caulking needs to be done; or the furniture is worn; or the windows may stick. Or worse, there is a propane leak the seller didn’t even know about; or the tires are shot; or the eight house batteries will need replacing in a year or so. These things could not only be very expensive items, they could be a life safety issue.
It’s understandable that you may be excited to buy that home away from home; to hit the open road and see where it takes you. Becoming an RVer is a whole new adventure. It’s like when you were a kid and first tasted the freedom of getting your driver’s license. But don’t let that excitement cost you much more than it needs to. A trained, independent inspector will give you the unvarnished truth about what you are purchasing. If repairs, replacement, or updating are indicated, you can decide if the additional cost is worth it.
As RV Inspectors, the potential buyer is our client; we look out for you. We want to make sure your purchase is based on knowledge of all aspects of the RV. Let us help you make the best decision you can based on all the information we provide. It’s well worth the cost of the inspection.
An inspection is a good baseline record of the condition of your new home away from home. Once you take possession, you will want to make it your own, and outfit it to suit your needs. You can use the inspection as a record of the little things you may forget or overlook: That basement compartment with the worn seal; the drawer that you only use once in a while but won’t stay closed in transit (what’s that banging noise while we drive?).
The inspection includes a list of appliance brands, models and serial numbers all in one place rather than having to leaf through a huge binder of manuals. Use the inspection as your initial punch list and maintenance record. As you go through and make the necessary changes, updates or repairs, check them off the inspection report and update what you’ve done. It can become a living document of your traveling home.
-Ron & Anita
