The buyer-to-owner journey involves a lot of big questions. When to have your RV inspected is one of the biggest. Here’s what the certified inspectors at NRVIA recommend.
Guest Post by NRVIA
Buying an RV is a thing of joy — a journey in and of itself. Every would-be owner has the same goal: a guilt-free purchase. With no buyer’s remorse, no regrets, and no lemons. So, every buyer also has to weigh the question of when they should have their new-found RV inspected.
Once your RV purchase is made, you cannot return it if you make a poor choice. The good news is that there are smart things you can do before you buy to make sure that doesn’t happen. And one of the most savvy things you can do is hire an certified inspector to help you avoid the mistakes other buyers make.
Read what certified inspectors at the National Recreational Vehicle Inspectors Association (NRVIA) recommend to ensure your next RV purchase gives you all the joy you deserve.
The Big Question:
When is the right time to have your RV inspected, whether it’s new or pre-owned?
Some prospective RV buyers may question the necessity and cost of having a trained, certified inspector evaluate the RV they are considering purchasing. However, just as one would not think of buying a house without an inspection, your future home on the road should also be inspected for similar reasons.
The following are the biggest reasons to have your RV inspected before you buy.
Purchasing an RV is a huge investment.
Buying an RV is one of the most substantial investments in a person’s life. It’s crucial to have it thoroughly inspected by a competent professional to ensure its safety and to identify any potential costly issues that could affect its usability.
There may be missing components.
Many new RVs are quickly manufactured in factories and then transported hundreds, if not thousands, of miles to dealerships. Typically, it takes less than three days from the initial assembly to reach the dealership. While some manufacturers conduct basic walk-throughs to catch obvious oversights, such as missing components, this often represents the extent of their pre-delivery inspection.
Pre-owned purchases have wear and tear.
Pre-owned RVs are not exempt from problems either. Given the wear and tear they endure on the road, issues are bound to arise through regular use. Wouldn’t it be reassuring to know what repairs are necessary before finalizing a purchase agreement?
An RV Buyer Advantage:
Don’t dismiss the benefit of having an RV evaluated by a certified inspector.
Flat out: Getting your RV inspected before you buy gives you three key advantages.
Ensuring the vehicle’s safety.
Detecting potential hazards like propane leaks or outdated safety devices such as carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms isn’t just a buyer advantage. It could be life-saving.
Identifying major problems.
Finding evidence of water intrusion in critical areas like the roof, slide-outs, sidewalls, and floor is crucial. At worst, it gives you insight into unseen factors that affect the integrity of your RV. At best, it enables you to feel good about your purchase.
Identifying minor issues.
Providing a comprehensive list of repairs needed allows buyers to prioritize and budget accordingly.
It’s crucial to engage with a trained and certified RV inspector for an inspection. Certified RV inspectors, particularly those certified by the National RV Inspectors Association (NRVIA), have undergone extensive training to understand RV systems thoroughly and recognize signs of potential problems. Importantly, NRVIA inspectors adhere to a strict code of ethics, ensuring impartiality and honesty in their assessments.
By having your dream RV inspected before purchase, you can prevent potential nightmares down the road.
Your Next Move:
Find an independent third-party RV certified inspector by the NRVIA.
- Go to www.nrvia.org/locate and click the “Find an RV Inspector” button.
- A map of the United States and Canada will appear with hundreds of green pins representing all the certified and master certified RV inspectors who are current members of NRVIA.
- Type in the zip code or city and state of your location and indicate if you’d like to see all the inspectors within a 100- or 250-mile radius of that location. The map will center on your location and show pins for all member-certified RV inspectors in your area.
- To learn more about an inspector, click on a pin within the map or click on the “View Profile” link to see their photo, business name, business website, phone number, email address, a brief description of their business, their credentials, and any vital information.
- To schedule an appointment, visit the inspector’s website for more information, email or call them directly.
Please note: The inspector’s profile may show their current certifications, including any held with the RV Technician Association of America (RVTAA) as a registered or certified technician. If so, that NRVIA member is not allowed to work on any RV they have inspected for one year after the inspection.
If you have further questions, email info@nrvia.org or call (855) 472-9948.
The National Recreational Vehicle Inspectors Association (NRVIA) is the certifying body and professional membership organization providing credentials for professional recreational vehicle inspectors across North America. NRVIA’s mission is to provide credibility by verifying hands-on training, creating opportunities for continuing education, certification testing, and awarding of credentials to qualified inspectors. Our inspectors are required to follow specific Standards of Practice and a Code of Ethics that will ensure an inspection of the highest quality and caliber.
For more information, go to https://nrvia.org/locate/
