Buying an RV can seem overwhelming. You’ll want to do some research before you make your final decision so you can be sure you have the right motorhome for you and the lifestyle you want. One important part of that research will be to make sure you have an RV inspection before you purchase an RV.
How Much Does an RV Inspection Cost on Average?
Motorhome Inspections Costs
Motorhome inspections can cost anywhere from $150 to $1,200. You’ll pay more if you’re looking at a very large rig, or if it has complicated systems to check.
A smaller motorhome pre-purchase inspection that covers just the mechanical systems will be around $150. Getting your interior inspected can be around $350. A level 1 inspection costs between $200-500, and level 2 inspection fees are usually between $500-1,000.
Travel Trailer Inspection Costs
You may also have to do a mandatory inspection of your towable camper to check the frame of the trailer and ensure the brakes are in good working condition, depending on the requirements of your state. Those tend to be much cheaper than motorhome inspections because they take less time.
Understanding the RV Inspection Cost
There are a few factors that are going to affect the price of your RV inspection. RV inspectors determine their own rates, and you can have anything from a short (2-3 hours) inspection to an inspection that lasts 8 hours.
Type of RV
A small, basic Class C camper is going to be faster and cheaper to inspect than a large Class A motorhome with lots of slideouts and amenities. Likewise, trailer inspections usually cost less than motorhomes because there are no mechanisms involving driving the vehicle, like an engine, to inspect.
RV’s Age and Condition
The RV’s age and the wear and tear on the RV will also affect the cost of an inspection. An RV that has barely been used and is still in mint condition should be pretty quick to inspect. An older RV may require more time to check out whether the wear on the vehicle has affected its safety and the quality of the vehicle.
Location of the Inspection
Finally, the price of your RV inspection could depend on where in the country the inspection is performed. In big cities, where the cost of living is generally more expensive, RV inspections can cost more.
Types of RV Inspections
Pre-Purchase Inspection
A pre-purchase inspection is the most expensive RV inspection option. This is because you’ll want to go over the entire RV to be sure you know what you’re getting, and that nothing is broken or missing. You can choose to inspect just the mechanics of your RV, or you can have a full interior and exterior inspection.
An RV inspector should check the following:
- The condition of the exterior body, including the underbody – are there scratches in the paint? Dents? Rust?
- The condition of the tires and wheels
- Any accident or flood damage
- Any cracks in glass or other window problems
- Drive components like 4-wheel and all-wheel systems
- Steering, suspension, braking systems, and exhaust
- Engine and transmission inspection
- Fluid levels and whether there are any fluid leaks
- The doors and roof
- Interior inspection of the furnishings, cabinets, and facilities
- Generator and appliance test
- Test of lights, A/C, and electrical systems
- Check of interior upholstery, mats, seat belts, other decorative finishes
If possible, have your inspector take your motorhome for a road test, and request that they take plenty of pictures during the inspection. This will help if you want to go over any details later, and will be especially helpful if you’re trying to decide between several motorhomes.
Mandatory State Inspection
Different motorhomes require different state inspections – a larger Class A RV may need a state safety and emissions inspection, while a Class B campervan may just need the usual emissions checks required by your state. A safety check will inspect your lights, brakes, tires, and possibly suspension to make sure your vehicle doesn’t pose a danger on the road.
While mandatory state inspections are good for making sure your RV is safe, they won’t be looking for any potential problems or cosmetic issues like dents, scratches, or damage to cabinets and upholstery.
Finding an RV Inspection Near Me
The National RV Inspectors Association is a great place to find an inspector for your RV. They have been trained in RV inspection, and you should be able to find one near your location. If you’re having trouble settling on an NRVIA-certified inspector, you can ask fellow campers or check out RV forums for recommendations.
Can I do my own Pre-Purchase RV Inspection?
You can’t do your own mandatory safety inspections, but you can do your own pre-purchase RV inspection if you want. There are some pros and cons to a DIY inspection.
Pros:
- You’ll save money. Doing it yourself means you won’t be paying an inspector hundreds of dollars
- You can trust yourself. Doing the inspection yourself means you know exactly what is and isn’t wrong with the vehicle without relying on someone else to tell you
Cons:
- You won’t have the experience or knowledge of a trained RV inspector who has seen hundreds of RVs. They’ll know the problems that commonly plague RVs, and they’ll be looking for certain things.
- You’re liable for any mistakes. You may have recourse against an inspector who does a bad job, but you won’t have any if you do the inspection.
The cost of a professional RV inspection can seem high, but when you’re making a purchase as big as an RV, it can give you peace of mind. We recommend covering all of your bases by doing an inspection yourself and hiring a professional.
