DazedNConfused wrote:

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I have read that one must hire an independent RV inspector to go over the rig.  Is this only if you buy from a private seller?  Can I trust that an RV dealer has gone over the rig?  Where does one find an RV inspector?

Thanks in advance. 

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 Must hire an independent inspector... No... Should (unless you know what you are doing, or are a masochist)... YES! 

Can you trust an RV dealer has gone over the rig?..... Really?  Okay, just in case there is any doubt..... NO WAY! Consider it money well spent having an independent inspector look over the prospective rig.

JMHO, Brian

-- Edited by biggaRView on Saturday 3rd of October 2015 07:40:13 AM

Can't help you with that one, but I'll bet somebody on here will gladly point you in the right direction.

There are lots of great used motorhomes out there at very good prices.  But do your homework.

At a minimum I would budget for new tires.  All else depends on age, condition, and how the motorhome was used by prior owner(s).  You definitely want to get your hands on maintenance records and all owners manuals if possible. 

Extended warranties are a good idea IF there is "value", meaning make sure you get good coverage at a reasonable price.  Dealers often mark up extended warranties significantly and they love to roll them into the financing of the RV.  Of course, extended warranties can only be issued up to certain mileages (varies by company) and only back so many model years (also varies by company).

I agree an inspection isn't a "must", but I've seen far too many people that have skipped inspections to save money with disastrous results.  A big problem is that those seeking to save the most money so they can afford to get into an RV often don't have enough in the budget for a good inspection.  A good, thorough inspection isn't cheap, but could save lots of money and headaches in the future.  There is a new association (NRVIA) that has set standards for RV Inspections (based on those from the home inspection industry), and the leading provider of inspection services is RV Inspection Connection*.  They offer three different levels of inspection, and having gone through inspector training ourselves (just to see if we thought the process was worth recommending - we are not inspectors), I can vouch for the thoroughness.  

I also agree that inspections are a good idea even if buying from a dealer.  In fact, RV Inspection Connection has been surprised by 1) the number of inspections being done on dealer lots, and 2) the significant issues that have been uncovered in some cases.  A few dealers are even paying for inspections so they can sell used units as "certified" pre-owned.

Buying used can save lots of money and you may be able to save enough to add an after-market roof for additional protection or pay for a new paint job to make it look new, etc. etc.  Just be sure to not use all of your budget on the purchase as you can pretty much count on needing some post-purchase funds for repairs and/or upgrades.

Good luck!  :)

 

* For full disclosure, the owners of RV Inspection Connection (for profit business) are also the same people that set up NRVIA (non-profit), but at least they took the time and spent the money to try to establish standards and a code of conduct for inspectors.  

before paying any one for an inspection; do two things when looking at an RV your interested in' 

#1 look at the inside roof  of the RV for water stains;  see a stain----walk away; you don't want a leaker.

#2 get a large piece of card board; put in on the ground and slide under the RV (if it's a motorhome) and look for drips' again if it has drips; walk away. 

Now if your really interested in the RV get a friend that has been RVing a very  long time and have him look at it for you. 

then if you "must"'; hire an expert to check it out for you

 

"#2 get a large piece of card board; put in on the ground and slide under the RV (if it's a motorhome) and look for drips' again if it has drips; walk away." I know the OP said gasser, but the old joke about Detroits has a grain of truth to it. "The only time a Detroit doesn't leak oil is when it doesn't have any in it." Actually, to a certain extent that is true for any engine. Just go out to your car/truck, pop the hood, and start poking around there. Within two minutes you will have oil/grease on your hands.

When you find evidence of drips look at them and try to figure out their source. They might be due to a fitting that isn't tight, or they might be due to neglect. Big difference.

An RV inspector is well worth the money, but you don't want to spend the money until you are ready to buy THAT coach. Do your own inspections as you are looking. When you find the right coach, then call in the inspector. LISTEN to him/her. I good inspector won't tell you to buy or not buy the coach, but the report will suggest what you should do. A report that a coach needs new tires, batteries, brakes, etc. but has no other major flaws gives you some price leverage. Your test drive should reveal whether there are major driving problems.