Buying an RV can seem overwhelming! Although it’s a fun purchase and you have a lot to look forward to once you own one, it’s also an expensive purchase. 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 your vehicle.
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 have a very large rig, or if you have complicated systems to check and a lot of things to cover. A smaller RV will cost less.
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.
Camper Inspection Costs
You can get a pre-purchase inspection of your camper as well, to go over many of the items we listed above. A pre-purchase inspection for a Class C camper or Class B campervan should be between $150-300.
Travel Trailer Inspection Costs
You may also have to do a mandatory inspection of your 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 RV inspections because they take less time.
Understanding the RV Inspection Cost
RV inspection costs can run the gamut from about $150 to $1,200 for a full inspection. The price will mostly depend on the size and type of motorhome you’re having inspected. Although a motorhome inspection cost can seem daunting, spending this money at the beginning can save you money in the long run. You’ll know whether there are any issues you need to have fixed before they get worse. You’ll also know whether you want to choose a different RV altogether. Spending a few hundred dollars now could help you avoid buying a motorhome for thousands of dollars and regretting the decision.
Factors Influencing 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. Here are a few other things that might affect the cost of your inspection.
Type of RV
The type of RV you have can affect the cost of the inspection. A small, basic Class C camper is going to be faster to inspect than a large Class A motorhome with lots of slideouts and amenities. In fact, many shops that inspect smaller motorhomes won’t do Class A motorhomes at all. You may need to go to a place that inspects diesel trucks instead. Trailers also often cost less than motorhomes because there are no mechanisms involving driving the vehicle, like an engine, to inspect.
A good inspector is going to want to test everything, and so – the more things to test, the longer the inspection will take!
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 just like everything else!
Types of RV Inspections
Because an RV is both a living space and a vehicle, an RV inspection checklist will be part home inspection and part vehicle inspection. There are a few different types of RV inspections.
Pre-purchase inspection
A pre-purchase inspection is one of the most expensive RV inspections to get. 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.
A level 1 inspection checks the safety of your RV before you take it out on the road. It can take about three hours. A level 2 inspection is much more detailed and includes checking fluids, which may be sent off to a lab. This takes much longer to complete.
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 they 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.
Tips for Finding a Reliable RV Inspector
There are websites that offer checklists so that you can do your own RV inspection. In fact, you may want to do this from time to time. However, if you’re buying an RV or need one inspected in an official capacity, you’ll want to go with a professional. The National RV Inspectors Association is the best way to find a qualified inspector. Certified RV Inspectors within the association have been tested and meet the requirements of the NRVIA. 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 and Cons
Pros:
- You’ll save money – doing it yourself means you won’t be paying an inspector hundreds of dollars
- You can trust yourself – an RV inspector you’ve hired for the job should do it to the best of their ability, but as with every job, there can be bad apples. 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 an RV inspection can seem high, but when you’re making a purchase as big as an RV, it can give you peace of mind that you made the right decision…or it can steer you away from what could have been a very costly mistake!
As you’re looking at purchasing an RV, consider 7 Questions to Ask When Buying an RV.
Keeping up with RV maintenance and RV inspection costs can add up quickly. Renting out your RV with RVshare can help you earn income towards the upkeep of your RV!
