Full time RV life – is it heaven or is it hype? It’s a question that a lot of people would like to have answered.
You know, there are YouTube channels out there that portray fulltime RVing as a permanent vacation. Nothing but non-stop fun and adventure.
And then there are lots of other channels that are all about drama. In fact, it seems like these folks have a major life catastrophe happen to them almost every week of their life.
Well, what’s the reason for all of these kinds of extremes on YouTube?
It’s only one thing. And that is to get you to tune in as a subscriber.
First, there’s the channels that are telling you that it’s just non-stop fun out there on the road.
And they want you to daydream along with them, even though it’s not real. It’s just a daydream.
Then other channels are all about drama. And well, they’re kind of like a car accident.
So when you’re going by, you don’t want to look, but it seems like you just have to. Because you’re curious.
Well that’s what they know. And so they want you tuning in every single week for their benefit.
The Truth About Full Time RV Living
So what’s the truth about RV life then? Well, in my opinion, a whole lot of what you see online is not necessarily the way things really are.
It’s not the real life when you’re living and traveling in an RV.
And that’s because for most people life is neither non-stop fun and adventure or constant catastrophe.
In fact, most people’s daily life is very much repetitive. And life on the road is often actually sort of similar to that.
It’s often filled with very normal stuff. Things like cleaning, and doing laundry. And running errands and cooking meals. All those sorts of things.
Now none of that is glamorous is it? And people are not going to tune in to see those things being done.
But honestly, that is what is often being done in full-time RV life. More so than maybe anything else.
Now if you’ve been on my YouTube channel or subscribed to it for a while, you know that I try to give you my honest opinions about pretty much every subject.
So that’s what I’m going to do here. I’m going to give you the pros and the cons of full time RV living.
And we’re starting our fourth year of full-time travel now. And that means that I think we’ve got a pretty good handle on it at this point.
So we’re going to go ahead and start with the pros of RV life first.
The number one pro is what attracts a lot of people to full time RV life. And that is freedom.
Freedom to go where you want, and not having somebody tell you where you have to be.
So if you don’t like where you are, you can just pick up and go somewhere else. And that’s really attractive to a lot of people!
Pro #2 – Unique Experiences
Pro number two of living in an RV full time is you can have very unique experiences as you travel.
You can go and see beautiful places you always wanted to go. See things you always wanted to see, but you couldn’t because of time or circumstances.
RV life lets you see lots of beautiful places
Well now, you can not only go there, you can spend time there. You can get to know it and you can really absorb it well. And that is a big pro!
Pro #3 – Visiting Family
Pro number three is you can go and visit family wherever they may be across the country.
And these days, family can often be geographically fractured. So they can be almost anywhere across the country.
And it’s hard to maintain close relationships when you’re not nearby. So RV life allows you to go there and spend time without staying in their home.
Visiting family is a pro of RV life
They have their home and you have your home. They have their life they’re still living, and you have your life.
But when you get together, you can have a great time. And you can really enjoy each other’s company.
Well, that’s a wonderful provision of being able to travel by RV, and take your home with you!
Pro #4 – Weather
The next pro about full time RV life is that you can stay in good weather as much as you want.
Do you hate really hot weather? Or do you hate cold weather, snow and ice?
Well, there’s almost always a temperate spot or area in the country where you can take your RV. Just go and enjoy it!
Enjoy good weather more often
So there are more days of your life that are filled with good weather. And that can make your outlook on life better too.
Pro #5 – Less Daily Chores
The next Pro is that you have a lot less housework and chores that you have to do. And that’s due to having a smaller living area in your RV.
Now these days, a lot of people live in 3000 square feet or even more. So what if you condense that down to 300 square feet instead?
I think you can see that your chores would be a lot less. They can be done a lot quicker. And no yard work either. So you don’t have to do any of that.
Well, what does that mean? It gives you more time for doing things you want to do instead of things you have to do. And that’s a great thing!
Pro #6 – Expands Your Horizons
The next pro is that full time RV life keeps you active. It keeps you engaged with life.
You know, if you’re staying in one place, then you’re never expanding your horizons.
And sometimes that can get very discouraging and depressing. But if you’re on the move, you stay active.
You get engaged with life. And you learn new things because you’re involved in new activities.
New places and activities help expand your horizons
And those are all very good things for your mental outlook.
All right, now those are the pros about full time RV life that I wanted to cover with you.
But that doesn’t mean that every day out here on the road is just a wonderful party.
No, there are cons too. So let’s talk about some of the cons now.
Full Time RV Life Con #1 – RV Maintenance And Repairs
And number one is that something somewhere is always going to need to be repaired or maintained on your RV.
You take it from me, because I have a real list of things that I go down to repair or maintain regularly.
And the truth is that I never get to a point where I’ve got everything done.
That’s because as soon as I’ve got something done, something else comes up. It’s just to be expected in full time RV living.
Because you’ve got lightweight homes going down the highway being subjected to earthquake forces.
So things are going to break, and things are going to get loose. And so, you’re going to need to maintain them a lot more often than you do your stationary home.
Con #2 – Lack Of Continuity In Life
The second con is that there’s no continuity when you’re out on the road in full time RV life.
Now what do I mean by that? Well, everything changes every time you move your RV.
For instance, when you’re at home you know where your favorite places are. Places to go for groceries, or pharmacies, or fuel stations, and so on.
Yes, you know exactly where you like to go for those necessities of life. You even know the places you like to go to eat.
But every time you move your RV all of that changes. And you’ve got to find out where the best places are for you all over again.
And sometimes they’re not very convenient. Sometimes you have to travel 30 to 45 minutes to get what you want. And it is a challenge.
So continuity does not exist when you’re out on the road in full time RV life.
Con #3 – Relationships Can Suffer
Here’s the next con of living in an RV full time. And that is it’s harder to maintain relationships with other people when you’re on the road.
Of course, when you’re staying with family, it can be pretty easy. But what about when you leave and you’re traveling?
Well, you’re probably not going to know a lot of the people that you meet out there.
And that can be very difficult for some people. Especially those that really crave close relationships and that kind of thing.
It can be a real challenge for some. Especially for those that are shy and find it hard to meet new people.
In fact, one of the things that I’ve often learned from speaking to people who full time RV is that there is a certain sense of loneliness at times.
And that’s because of not having good relationships with people when you need it. Family, friends, things along that line.
So it’s definitely something to consider before heading out in full time RV living.
Con #4 – Close Quarters
The next RV living con is that you’re going to be in a small space with someone else for a long time if you’re a couple.
AN RV’s close quarters can cause friction for couples
And when I say small space, remember that we’re talking 300 square feet here.
So you better love them, and you better really like getting along with them.
Because there’s nowhere else to go, and it can be a real challenge for some.
In fact, some couples get along fine at home in a regular house. But when they’re forced into this really small area, sometimes they find it can get very difficult.
Oftentimes, they just seem to get on one another’s nerves. So try to determine whether this could be a con for you.
Con #5 – Health Matters
The next full time RV living con is health matters. What do you do when you’re at home and you have chronic health issues that need attention regularly?
Well, you have your support system of doctors, chiropractors and acupuncturists. Or other health professionals along that line.
But when you’re out on the road, finding a doctor that you can trust, or one that takes your insurance, can be a challenge.
And what about dentists? That can be a challenge out on the road too.
But then, what about your pet? Finding a vet for them when you move your RV so often is another challenge.
So finding a health care support system in full time RV life can be a con for many.
Con #6 – RV Breakdowns
The final con we want to talk about is RV breakdowns. They can happen anywhere and anytime.
RV breakdowns can be very challenging
And that’s always in the back of the mind for many people. When it happens it’s very stressful too.
Because now you’re going to have to get it repaired. And sometimes the facilities are not close by.
Sometimes they’re also going to charge you an exorbitant price for the work they do.
Also, what are you going to do while they’re fixing the RV? In other words, how are you going to handle your living arrangements then?
You see, there’s all sorts of challenges that goes along with an RV breakdown out on the road.
And these are challenges that you would’t have when you’re in your sticks and bricks home.
That’s because if something breaks there, you probably know who to take it to that you can trust. And you can stay at home while repairs are made.
But on the highway it can a real challenge. And it can always be a worry that’s in the back of your mind too.
Full Time RV Life Pros & Cons Conclusion
All right now, that’s my list of RV living pros and cons that I wanted to cover with you in this article.
Now it’s not by any means the full list though. It’s just the ones that I think can get the conversation started more in a realistic direction.
At least, more realistic than what you see depicted in many YouTube videos these days.
And my advice is to be realistic about what to expect. Because if you’re realistic, then bad things that happen aren’t so terrible.
And disappointments are not going to really upset your apple cart nearly as much either.
So I recommend to do your homework first. Weigh the pros and the cons in your own mind in an honest way.
Also, it’s not a bad idea to actually rent an RV for a while. Just take off for a little bit and kind of sample RV life first before you actually go out on the road.
But whatever you do, think carefully about the points made in this article.
And if you do and you prepare well, you can make the decision that’s best for you. A decision that you will be happy with!
Have safe and happy travels my friends …. until next time
But now I’ve decided to produce the ultimate guide on RV inspections. And include everything that you need or even want to know about them.
And that is what you are reading now. So let’s get started!
What Is An RV Inspection?
Actually there are different kinds of RV inspections depending on their purpose. For instance, here are a few:
Insurance companies sometimes request an RV inspection prior to insuring an RV
Loan companies can also request an inspection of an RV for loan purposes
Some states have a basic inspection requirement on all of their resident’s RVs from time to time
RV sellers will sometimes provide an RV inspection report on an RV they are selling to verify that it is good shape
Prospective RV buyers often will have an inspection on an RV they are considering to buy to make sure that there are no major hidden problems
Out of that list that I just provided, there is one main type of RV inspection that I will be covering here. And that is the one by prospective RV buyers.
The reason for that is that by far it is the most common type of RV inspection. And it is the one that most people have questions about. So let get those questions answered!
Why Have An Inspection Performed On An RV?
When you buy an RV, you want to feel confident that it is worthy of purchase. In other words, nobody wants to buy an RV that has hidden issues and problems.
After all, you are going to spend a lot of money when you buy an item that big. And it is not a cheap or insignificant purchase.
Also, repairing an RV can be very expensive, depending on what needs repairs. If it is a major repair, it could cost several thousands of dollars.
And very few RV buyers have an intimate knowledge of how an RV works. They may have a general familiarity with them if they have been RVing for a while.
But there aren’t many who can spot hidden problems in a motorhome or towable RV easily.
And when most people start RV shopping, they usually focus on superficial matters. Like the colors, the floor plan, the size, and so forth.
And there is nothing wrong with that at all. But there is so much more to consider if you want to make sure that you are making a good purchase.
And that is where the RV inspector comes in. They are an unbiased third-party that has extensive knowledge of how RVs work.
So their honest assessment of the condition of an RV is invaluable in the buying process.
What Is An RV Inspector?
So what is an R V inspector anyway? And I’m sure that you are also thinking “How can I find an RV inspector near me?”
Let’s start with the first question and identify what an RV inspector is.
What is an RV inspector?
In broad terms, an RV inspector is someone who has a thorough knowledge of RVs.
At least enough to be able to correctly test and assess everything in an RV. And make sure that it functions as it should.
So many people will hire an RV service technician that they feel is qualified for the inspection. And that may be sufficient.
But there are drawbacks to that approach. Here are some of the reasons that I don’t recommend hiring RV service techs for inspections:
the cons of hiring an RV service tech
They are not certified as RV inspectors. They may be very proficient in the repair of some parts of an RV. But an inspector needs to be thoroughly trained in every aspect of RV systems and equipment. Without certification you don’t know what skills they have or do not possess.
But suppose that they are knowledgeable about all systems in an RV. More is still required for a thorough inspection report. Having a consistent workflow that takes them through every part of the RV is critical. It is easy for those who do not have the right software and checklists to miss things as they go. Many times without even realizing it. So to inspect an RV properly there needs to be a system for guiding the inspector from one task to another.
The inspection of the RV itself is only one part of the process. It is the report that they produce that translates the information to the buyer. And that report needs to be readable and easy to follow. It should also contains numerous photos and videos for the buyers benefit. That way they can really understand the condition of the RV they may purchase.
Who Should Inspect Your RV?
So then, who is best qualified to inspect your RV? Here is my recommendation.
If you hire an inspector that has been through their school and has been certified, the odds are on your side that you will get a great inspection on your RV.
The school is very thorough in its education about RVs themselves. But it also provides hands-on training about the inspection process as well.
It also helps make sure that RV inspectors have all the correct tools to do the job right.
And the instructors make themselves available after certification for ongoing support too. And this is critical.
That’s because nobody knows everything about every RV out there. So having a large helpful support system to draw from is a big help.
And the collective knowledge that experienced RV inspectors share in this group is amazing. And it leads to better, more thorough and accurate inspections on a wide range of RVs.
I have been through this school myself and became a certified NRVIA RV inspector. And I can highly recommend my fellow certified peers with confidence.
Where Can I Find An RV Inspector Near Me?
This is a questions that I get a lot. “How to get an RV inspector near me?”
The good news is that its pretty easy in most cases. The first step is to visit the NRVIA website.
On the home page there is large button that says “Find An RV Inspector”.
Just click the “Find An RV Inspector” button
Press that button and the next page has a map of all the inspectors in the US. And there is a pretty good representation of them throughout most of the country.
You can use the search box to find an inspector near you. Or you can also just zoom in on the map to find one in your area.
In many cases, there will be multiple inspectors near you. And that is a good thing since they often stay pretty busy.
So use the contact information for each inspector to reach out to them. You can email or call them to find out about their upcoming availability for RV inspections.
But I also recommend that you visit their website and learn more about them too. You can often get a feel for the kind of inspector you want by doing that.
When you contact them, let them know about the RV you are considering first. The make, model and year, and so on.
Then let them know where it is located and how soon you need it inspected. Finally, you can ask how much they charge for the inspection.
And if there are any other questions you would like to ask, go right ahead. Then you can choose the inspector that will fit your needs best.
What If There Aren’t Any Inspectors Near Me?
Sometimes the RV you are considering may be in an area that does not have many NRVIA inspectors. So what can you do then?
The NRVIA does its very best to provide a quality inspection for every request. So if you can’t find an inspector near the RV, email them and explain your situation.
The email address to use is info@nrvia.org. Tell them that you have tried to locate an inspector using their map, but were unsuccessful.
When they receive your email, they will do their best to find an inspector that is willing to travel to you. And in many cases they are able to do that.
They will put you in touch with that inspector and you can work out the details together.
This can also be a good solution if all of the NRVIA inspectors in your area are busy. Maybe they just can’t get to your RV inspection as soon as you need them.
Then contact the NRVIA as I mentioned above and they will do their best to help out.
another source for finding rv inspectors
There is another great source for getting an inspector for your RV that is certified by the NRVIA.
You will find lots of inspectors listed on this site. And you can also find other RV related professionals too.
The site is owned and operated by a couple who are both Master Certified RV Inspectors. And they have created a really helpful resource for RVers of all kinds here.
MyRVResource.com is a great resource for finding certified RV inspectors too
When Should You Arrange For An RV Inspection?
Arranging for an inspection can be a little tricky sometimes, but it is very doable.
The first step is that you need to find an RV that you feel is worthy of purchase. One that you like well enough to be ready to buy if it passes the inspection.
Then you need to contact the inspectors in your area and ask about their availability.
Sometimes they will be able to arrange the job right away. But in some cases, it may be a few days before they can get to it.
This will call for good communication on your part with the RV seller at this point. They need to know that you are arranging for an inspection to be done. And they need to understand the timetable for it.
Of course, most RV sellers want to sell the rig as soon as they can. So you may need to provide them with some kind of refundable payment to let them know you are a serious buyer.
So keep good lines of communication open between yourself and the seller in this process. And do the same with the inspector as well.
If you do, things go much smoother for everyone concerned.
Where Can An RV Inspection Be Done?
A large number of RV sales are made by private sellers. So most inspectors are able to conduct mobile RV inspections wherever needed.
But there also a large number of sales made by RV dealers too. And the inspector can perform the inspection on their lot if needed.
Regardless of where the inspection takes place though, some things will be needed in advance. And here are a few of those things.
It is best that the RV be hooked up to electric, water and a septic system for the inspection. That way all of these systems can be thoroughly inspected.
It is also best to get the refrigerator working the day before the inspection. At least if it is a gas absorption RV refrigerator/freezer. They take a long time to cool down.
Also make sure there is enough propane in the tank for testing that system. And enough fuel in a motorhome and/or generator to start and run them too.
It’s also helpful to have all electronic remotes available. And keys to all storage compartments as well.
What Does An R V Inspection Cover?
First of all, its important to note that not all inspections of RVs are alike. This is because there are several different kinds of RVs out there.
There are motorhomes and towable RVs. And there are different sizes of each too.
Some are small travel trailers or maybe even truck campers. Others are giant diesel pushers with every convenience imaginable.
So an RV inspector’s job can be very different from one day to another. And they have to be ready for almost anything.
But generally speaking, an inspection will cover everything in that RV from the roof to the tires. Both inside and outside the RV.
That includes all systems and components such as:
The propane, water, waste and electrical systems. And there are lots of components that go into each one of those systems.
Also all appliances such as the water heater, refrigerator, air conditioning, stove, oven, etc.
Then there is the construction of the RV too. Things like the condition of the roof, walls, ceilings, floors, and much more.
RV awnings, slide outs and toppers, and on-board generators.
Also leveling systems and suspension components.
Then there are all of the electronic items in the RV too. Things like the TV, microwave, radio, USB ports
And the list goes on and on.
What About A Motorhome Chassis RV Inspection?
If the RV being inspected is a motorhome, it is usually built on a third-party chassis.
In other words, the chassis components like the engine, drivetrain and suspension were bought first. And then the RV was built on top of and around the chassis.
So is an inspector qualified to inspect chassis components? The answer is, to some degree.
A visual inspection of these mechanical components and equipment is possible. But the vast majority of NRVIA R V inspectors are not mechanics.
So anything beyond a visual inspection is usually not included in their report.
Of course, it may be helpful to have the chassis inspected more thoroughly. And that means that it may be beneficial to have a qualified mechanic inspect it as well.
But there is another way to get a pretty good idea of the condition of the major chassis components.
What About Performing An RV Chassis Fluid Analysis?
It is certainly understandable that many RV buyers would like to assess the mechanical condition of the RV.
But getting a thorough inspection of these components by a qualified mechanic is not always easy.
In that case, many RV inspectors offer the ability to perform a fluid analysis of these components.
In this case, fluid can be drawn from the engine oil and coolant. Also from the transmission fluid. And from an on-board generator’s oil and coolant if it is present.
These fluid samples are then sent to a lab that specializes in examining those kind of fluids.
The lab then produces a very detailed report about the wear and tear found in those component’s fluids.
That is because all fluids contain residue from the equipment where they are being used.
And that residue can reveal a lot about the condition of that equipment. Especially under the scrutiny of a trained examiner.
In fact, a fluid analysis can often provide even more information than a mechanic may provide. That’s because the mechanic cannot see inside the engine or transmission.
But the fluid sample gives the examiner a good idea of what is going on inside.
Not all inspectors offer this kind of service though. So if you are interested in getting a fluid analysis, ask about whether it is available.
Do RV Inspections Come With A Guarantee?
I think you can see that an NRVIA inspection is very comprehensive in nature. And it is not just a quick overall visual check that only takes a couple of hours.
There are companies out there that do that kind of inspection. But it is very limited in nature and nowhere near as thorough as the one I’ve described.
So is the inspection report that is presented to the buyer at the end a guarantee of RV performance and function?
Well, a guarantee like that is impossible to provide. What functions one day on an RV may not function the same way tomorrow.
And most long-time RVers are aware of that. There is always something on an RV that needs work or adjustment. No matter how diligent you are in maintaining it.
So the inspector will not be providing a guarantee of any kind with the inspection report.
But what you are getting is an unbiased and thorough snapshot of the condition of that RV at the time it was inspected.
Does An RV Inspector Repair Problems They Find?
As the RV inspector does their job, they will always uncover something that needs attention. Some things may be minor in nature. And other things may be major.
So does the inspector then repair or fix the issues that was found? No, and there is a good reason for that.
Inspectors that are certified by the NRVIA hold to a high standard in their code of ethics.
And one of those standards mandates that an inspector may not repair an RV for some time after the inspection.
This safeguard is in place for the benefit of the RV buyer. To make sure that there are never financial incentives for an RV inspector to find problems.
All they are allowed to do is identify the issues as they find them. They may not profit by fixing them and charging for that service.
It is in the best interest of the RV buyer to keep the inspection and repair services separate in this way.
What About The RV Inspection Report?
The most useful part of the inspection for the buyer is the report that they receive. This is all of the gathered information that the inspector has found about that RV.
The report needs to be complete and thorough. And yet it also needs to be easily understood and clear.
And that is a difficult balance to strike. After all, they are taking very technical information and making it readable by the average person.
A typical NRVIA inspection report will also include lots of pictures about what was found. Especially about the problems that were observed.
But it may also include videos about how some parts of the RV were functioning when tested.
And the report should also include a no-charge question and answer session with the inspector. This takes place after the inspection is concluded.
And this is where they can put their findings in words along with the written report. In this way, anything in the report that wasn’t clear can be explained more thoroughly.
This is one of the best features of an RV inspection by a certified RV inspector. The time spent with them after the inspection allows a free flow of information in a relaxed setting.
What Question Should You Never Ask The Inspector?
There is one question that typically comes up in these question and answer sessions. And it’s a question that the inspector simly cannot answer.
That question is “After inspecting it, would you buy this RV”?
It is understandable that some buyers would like to make a difficult decision easier. And asking the inspector whether they would buy the RV is a way to do that.
But it is an unfair question. The RV inspector is not interested in buying the RV they inspected. They are just performing a service for the prospective buyer.
And how do they know what the buyer wants in an RV anyway? All they can do is accurately list the condition of the RV at that point in time.
It is not fair to try to shift the burden of the buying decision to them as well.
I have always been amazed when some buyers accept an RV that has major problems. And then other buyers reject another RV with relatively minor issues.
So an RV inspector can’t make the call for each buyer about whether they should purchase or not. It is a very personal decision for each buyer to make.
Should You Accompany The Inspector On The Job?
Some inspectors will allow the buyer to go along with them as they inspect the rig.
But I feel that this is not the best thing to do for the buyer. And why would I say that?
As I mentioned earlier an R V inspection requires a consistent uninterrupted workflow. Otherwise, very important parts of the inspection could be missed or not completed.
And when someone else is following along, it is easy to get distracted. And at a time when focus is really required to do the job right.
So my personal recommendation is to let the inspector do their job alone. Then once they are done, feel free to ask them anything you like about what they found.
How Much Does An RV Inspection Cost?
OK, so here’s the big question, right? How much will an NRVIA certified RV inspector charge you for the inspection?
Watch my video on RV inspection on YouTube
To answer that question, let me remind you that there are so many different kinds of RVs. And they come in all kinds of sizes.
Some are relatively very simple in nature. And others can be incredibly complex.
Some can require only a few hours of time to inspect. Others may take many hours with even two people working on them.
So there is no way that one price can fit all RV inspections. And the cost of an inspection has to fit the RV that is being inspected.
The other point is that NRVIA certified inspectors are not employees of the NRVIA. They are usually self-employed entrepreneurs with businesses of their own.
So they are free to set their own prices for each job that they take. And some choose to charge more than others according to what the market will bear in their area.
With that said, the average charge for an RV inspection starts around $500. This would be in line for a small travel trailer.
But the cost for some rigs, like diesel pusher RVs, may be close to $1500. This is due to the extensive equipment that has to be inspected. And the complexity that is involved.
Large diesel pushers take a long time to thoroughly inspect
Of course, the cost for other RVs between these two extremes falls somewhere in the middle.
Inspecting Used RVs
When you buy a used RV, there could be many hidden problems you can’t see. In fact, the seller may not even be aware of some problems yet.
So before buying any used RV, it is highly advisable to get it inspected by a qualified inspector.
This will help you make a very important decision about whether to buy that RV or not.
After all, it could have major hidden problems that could be very expensive to repair. And you may not want to spend that kind of money after purchasing the RV.
In that case, the inspection saved you lots of money, time and frustration that would have been spent on a problematic RV.
But suppose you buy the RV even after the report alerts you to some repairs that are needed. In this case, the inspection may even save you more than the cost of the inspection itself.
That’s because the report can help you have more bargaining power with the seller. Especially when they are made aware of the repairs that are needed on their RV.
And it is often possible to negotiate a lower price with the seller based on what was found in the inspection.
So an RV inspection is always a good idea when buying used RVs!
Inspecting New RVs
But should you pay to inspect a new RV? Well, there is some controversy about this in the minds of some RV buyers.
That’s because they assume that a new RV should not have many problems that need repair. Especially major ones.
But that assumption is not true. And we RV inspectors see problems with new RVs all the time.
These days new RV manufacturers are turning out record numbers of units every month. And that reflects the fact that RVing is becoming very popular.
But the downside of this increased production is that quality control measures often suffer. Because quality control tends to slow down production lines. And RV factories don’t want that.
So the RV leaves the factory in new condition. But sometimes with significant problems.
What About RV Dealer Pre-Delivery Inspections?
So many buyers assume that the RV dealer will focus on fixing all of the problems before the sale.
But they would often be wrong again. Because many RV dealers are mainly focused on one thing. And that is selling RVs.
Fixing the myriad of issues that many new RVs have as they leave the factory slows down the sale process. And that is not what they want either.
So in recent years, RV buyers have often really taken it on the chin. They have born the brunt of the frustration over poor build quality.
Of course, most RV manufacturers will stand behind their product with a solid warranty. At least for the first year or so.
But to get the rig fixed under warranty you may have to stand in line for months. In fact, the service department of many dealers is often overwhelmed with work.
So after the sale, any problems you find that need attention will often have to wait. Until the service department can fit you in for an appointment.
And you may continue finding problems as you go through your first year of ownership. So the frustration just continues!
How an rv inspection can help
But if you insist on an inspection of a new RV, all of these problems are solved. Because the dealer really wants to sell the RV and move it off their lot.
So an RV inspection can identify the issues that need attention. Then you can present the dealer with the total list of issues that need repair.
If you refuse to take delivery of the new RV until all issues are fixed, things start to move quickly. Suddenly, instead of going to the back of the service line, you are at the front instead.
Because they want to conclude the sale and get paid as quickly as possible. And this means that your repair list becomes a priority.
So by getting a new RV inspection you get the RV you paid for on the very first day of ownership.
Can You Inspect An RV Yourself?
This is a tricky question to answer. So let me try to answer it as clearly as I can.
If you are asking whether the average person can perform an RV inspection that equals that of a certified RV inspector, the answer is NO!
Without proper training, a thorough inspection of an RV is just not possible.
But I personally believe that the average person should be able to recognize an inspection-worthy RV. And this means that they should know enough to weed out RVs that shouldn’t be considered.
I say this because if you call in an inspector on every RV that you look at, it can become very expensive. Especially if you aren’t very familiar with RVs to begin with.
But if you have the guidance to be able to do a simple pre-inspection RV exam, it can be a very good thing. Because you know enough to only call in the RV inspector when they are truly needed.
There are lots of RVs for sale out there right now. But finding a quality RV that is in excellent working condition is much harder to find.
So I have created some guidebooks to help the average RV buyer be able to find the RV that is best for them.
They can then make sure that it is functionally worthy of purchase. And get it at the best price possible.
If you want to buy a quality RV that functions well, then an RV inspection is very worth it.
It can help you avoid the pain and frustration of buying something that will cause you a lot of trouble. And you will save much more than the cost of the inspection if the RV has serious hidden problems.
Because you have the option of passing on the purchase of that RV, and avoiding the trouble it could bring.
And even if it doesn’t have serious issues, the inspection can still be worth it. Because any problems found during the inspection can be used to negotiate a lower price for the RV.
Additionally, when the inspection is complete, you know the condition of that RV. So if you decide to buy it, you have peace of mind that you made an educated decision.
And now you don’t have to worry as much about unexpected surprise repairs right away.
You didn’t just buy it and hope for the best like most RV buyers do. Instead, you did your due diligence on a high dollar purchase.
And that is something that you can and should be proud of!
How To Become A Certified RV Inspector
So what if you are thinking about becoming an RV inspector too? Where can you get RV inspection training?
Well, I have gone through the NRVIA training course for inspectors. And I can highly recommend it for you if you wish to inspect RVs as well.
You will be expected to attend classes at their training facility in Athens, TX. And the classes will last for three weeks.
You will learn all about RVs themselves first. Then you will learn the process of how to inspect an RV the right way.
It will include a lot of hands-on training too. So don’t expect to just sit in a classroom all day.
At the end of the training period, you will need to be able to perform an RV inspection correctly. When you show that you can do that, you will be certified by the NRVIA.
You can even further your education to become an RV service technician. But that is entirely up to you.
Click here to learn about how to become an RV service technician
After becoming a certified RV inspector by the NRVIA you are ready to start work. Many graduates become their own boss as a business owner.
From there you will need to pay your annual membership dues each year. And you will need to meet a 24 hour continuing education requirement annually as well.
Conclusion
I know that this is a lot of information to take in about R V inspections. But in all fairness, there is a lot to learn about the subject.
And I have tried to answer the vast majority of questions that I get asked about the subject regularly. Hopefully it has answered your questions too.
I have enjoyed my experience as an inspector of RVs. And I hope to continue doing it for quite a while.
If you found this guide helpful, you may also like to subscribe to my Youtube channel too.
You know, you can really save a lot of money if you buy a used Class A RV. Because new Class A’s, I’m sure you will agree, can be very expensive to buy.
Especially if you’re going to be looking at diesel pushers. So you can save a lot of money by buying used instead.
Also, sometimes you can’t afford to get the luxuries that you want in a new Class A diesel pusher. But if you buy a few years older, you can. So it’s a great strategy to buy used in many cases.
But the question is, which brands made quality Class A motorhomes that you can find now on the used market?
Well lets go back 10 years for RV brands and models. And we’ll cover the top three brands that made not only diesel pushers but also gas powered motorhomes as well.
Watch my video on the top 3 brands of used Class A RVs
Used Class A RVs – My #1 Pick
So let’s start with number one on the list. And that is Newmar. Now Newmar has been building quality RV’s for more than 50 years now. And they have won numerous industry and consumer awards over that time.
So they’ve got this great stellar reputation for building quality motorhomes. And the good news is, they have a Class A for just about every price range.
So let’s start at the high end. And let’s suppose that you have some serious money that you can spend. And you want a used Newmar.
Well then, look on the high end for the King Aire, the Essex, and for the London Aire. These are incredible coaches! They’re rolling palaces. And you can’t go wrong with any one of these used higher end Newmars.
Newmar King Aire
Now in the mid-range there is a model that has been iconic in the industry for years. And it’s the Dutch Star. Don’t miss this one!
Now you’ re going to see a lot of them out there. And there’s a good reason for that. There’s just a lot of very happy, satisfied owners.
But don’t forget that Newmar also makes the Mountain Aire and the Ventana. They are both in that mid-range diesel pusher category. And they are very good coaches as well.
Now let’s move on to the gassers. The gas-powered motorhomes from Newmar start with the Bay Star Sport.
That’s the lowest cost gasser that Newmar makes. But there’s also the Bay Star as well. Also, please don’t forget that Newmar put out the Canyon Star at times in a gas powered unit in the past.
They don’t do it now, but there were some years where you could buy Canyon Star’s with a gas powered engine. So those are all great choices.
Used Class A RVs – My #2 Picks
Now let’s move on to number two on our manufacturers list. And that is Tiffin. Tiffin’s been building quality motorhomes for 45 years.
They have an excellent reputation for build quality and for customer service. They’re just known for that.
Now Tiffin has been owned by the Tiffin family for many decades. But unfortunately at this point they no longer own the company outright. They sold the company to Thor a few years ago.
However, if you’re buying a used Tiffin made in the last 10 years, there’s a very good chance you’re going to get one that was made by the Tiffin family.
Tiffin’s Brands And Models To Consider
Now on the higher end of the Tiffin line up, there’s an iconic model there. It’s the Allegro Bus. And they are fantastic.
Tiffin Allegro Bus
They are very solid with very good quality construction. And lots of features and amenities. So that’s a great place to start.
Don’t forget though, that Tiffin also made the Zephyr too. A lot of people don’t recognize that model as much as they do the Allegro Bus. But it’s a great choice in higher end coaches.
Now in the mid range, once again Tiffin makes a model that is so well recognized. And has lots of fans that rave about it. That’s the Phaeton.
If you visit any campground across the US, then you’re likely to see a Phaeton somewhere in it. Especially if it’s a good size campground. So the Phaeton has a lot of satisfied and happy supporters.
But in recent years, in the mid-range, Tiffin’s been making the Allegro Red series, or RED series too. You just choose the engine size that you want. And they can be very affordable in that mid-range.
Now let’s talk about the Tiffin gas powered motorhomes. Because they make one of the best gas powered motor homes that you’re going to find on the market.
Over the last 10 years, they’ve played around with the model name from year to year. But look for the Allegro. Just plain Allegro in many cases. Or Allegro Open Road.
If you find one of these models during the last 10 years that’s in good shape, well then you probably have a real find there.
Used Class A RVs – My #3 Pick
Now lets look at the third manufacturer on the list. And I would have to choose Winnebago for this spot. Winnebago’s been building motorhomes since 1966.
By the way, do you notice there is a trend going on here? I mean all three of these top manufacturers have been around for years. In fact, for decades.
And they have perfected their building processes. So that’s often why they’re so highly recommended. And they all get high marks from both dealers and customers.
Now Winnebago generally tended to put the emphasis on the mid-range and gas-powered motorhomes in their Class A lineup.
And there are a couple of used higher-end models you should consider. That is the Tour and the Grand Tour. And they’re both fine upper range coaches.
Winnebago Grand Tour
But in the mid-range they also offer you the Horizon, the Journey, and the Forza. All of them are excellent choices as well. And some of those name plates go back for years and years in the RV industry.
Now lets look at the gas powered lineup too. And there’s another iconic name there that goes back for decades as well. That’s the Adventurer.
But there’s also the Sightseer. And on the lower end there is the Vista and the Sunstar. All of them are very fine choices for gas powered used Class A RVs.
Well, those are the top three manufacturers of used Class A RVs. And a list of their models that I can recommend for consideration. Especially in the last decade or so.
Get More Quality Brands That You Should Consider
Now is that all of the used Class A’s that I can recommend for you? No, it’s not even close to being all of them. There’s many more that I can recommend to you as being quality coaches that you should consider.
But the ones I’ve given you today are a great place to start when shopping for a used Class A RV.
Now I have also created a guidebook that will have a full list of all of my recommended used Class A RVs.
Both the brands and the models for consideration if you are shopping for used Class As. In fact, there are more than 100 models that I recommend in my guidebook.
Know which used Class A motorhomes were built with the best quality materials and methods in the past 15 years.
Rank the top quality manufacturers of the past 15 years in the Class A segment of the RV market in order
Get the most important facts about each used Class A model including features and specifications.
Get Personal Assistance In Your RV Search
And if you download my guidebook on used Class A RVs, there is an added benefit. And that is that I will personally be available to help with any questions you have.
It could be questions about the RVs themselves. Or it could be about the RV buying process.
But I will be happy to personally assist you in your search for a quality used Class A RV.
Conclusion
Now let me ask one final question of you. And that is, do you have any recommendations for used Class A motorhome brands and models? Ones that you feel are worthy of consideration?
Well then, please let me know what you think about that in the comments below.
Well, that’s it for now. Have safe and happy travels my friends!
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