Hi Everyone. Well, after 15 years the RV-Dreams Community Forum is coming to an end. Since it began in August 2005, we've had 58 Million page views, 124,000 posts, and we've spent about $15,000 to keep this valuable resource for RVers free and open. But since we are now off the road and have settled down for the next chapter of our lives, we are taking the Forum down effective June 30, 2021. It has been a tough decision, but it is now time.
We want to thank all of our members for their participation and input over the years, and we want to especially thank those that have acted as Moderators for us during our amazing journey living and traveling in our RV and growing the RV-Dreams Family. We will be forever proud to have been founders of this Forum and to have been supported by such a wonderful community. Thank you all!!
I am a soon-to-be travel trailer owner and need information on how to locate a reputable inspector. When I do a search for RV inspectors, I typically get people who work for dealers, which is OK I guess, but will they tend to redirect me to a unit on their lot??? I will most likely be purchasing a smaller, used (<25') travel trailer. Also, any advice and/or suggested resources on the process would be very much appreciated. I will primarily be taking the trailer to multi-day horse shows throughout the southeast. I live in East TN. Thank you.
I never heard of a RV inspector like those for houses- independent from dealers/contractors and insured. Those often offer insurance policies to back up their opinions. If you find something, please share.
I have looked at RV's for people and sent pictures while they tried to decide if the unit was worth travelling to see. But I don't "inspect". I just gave my impressions.
So, if RV inspectors aren't available, how can I be reasonably assured of a good purchase? As I mentioned in my original post, I'm new to this so I'm a little uneasy making a decision on my own. Take a friend with RV experience for their opinion/advice? There are a multitude of brands, types, sizes, etc., that make the decision a bit daunting.
Do you know of resources that help the novice know what to look for? I've researched books, etc., but most have very mixed reviews.
It is hard to know. Since you're looking for a TT, there's no engine and drive train. That does simplify things. A knowlegeable friend is likely the best. Both old and current leaks are obviously the big thing.
If you can, get out and look at a number in your size and price range. That really helps. Take a camera, but no money. Just look for a few weeks. Take pictures of what you might like and dislike about different campers. Bounce slightly on the floors to check for soft spots. Walk on the roof. Sight down the ceiling and walls both, inside and out, looking for bows and bulges. And sniff. A moldy/mildewy smell often indicates trouble.
The GoodSam group offers some kind of insurance for damage other than collision. I'm really leery of anything from that company. I was going to change my towing coverage to the GS carrier until I read all the horror stories. I've read some... unfortunate things about the insurance too.
There is a company selling reviews of different brands of RVs. But paying for information on the internet seems pretty foolish. In any event that group wouldn't review individual units.
I wish I could be of more help. I was a contractor for a lot of years and looking for things that aren't quite right is second nature. It's really a matter of looking at things that are supposed to be solid, straight, flat, or curved but aren't. Those are the problem areas
Thank you. Your input makes sense and is very helpful. I have been reading a lot about units on various websites, and I'm also asking experienced friends for input, as well. I'm glad to get any and all input that helps direct me to a good decision.
Lucy, if you buy/pick your TT first then you can buy your TV to fit. If you already have the TV, then your TT selection is limited to what your TV can safely handle....wet and loaded. A 25 foot TT can easily weight in at 4,500 pounds dry and 5,500 to 6,000 ready to go.
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Winnebago TT 2101DS & 2020 Silverado LTZ Z71. 300 watts WindyNation solar w/MPPT, 2 Trojan T-125s. TALL flag pole. Prefer USFS, COE, BLM, USF&WS, NPS, TVA, state/county camps. 14 year Army vet-11B40 then 11A - old MOS 1542 & 1560.
Howard shared information about NRVIA (The National Recreational Vehicle Inspectors Association (NRVIA) is a membership organization providing certification and credentials for professional recreational vehicle inspectors across North America) in 2015.
From NRVIA's website: The National Recreational Vehicle Inspectors Association, Inc. is an association that tests and certifies RV Inspectors in addition to connecting Inspectors with clients that need inspections done usually prior to the purchase or sale of an RV.
-- Edited by Lynn and Ed on Sunday 1st of January 2017 11:56:40 AM
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2014 New Horizons Majestic 40' 2014 Ram 5500 HD with Utility Bodywerks hauler body
Thank you for the TV info. That's definitely an important consideration. I have an F-150 5.0L v8 with tow package. All of the trailers I've been researching thus far fit well within my truck's capabilities. I will be using my trailer solo, but traveling with others with similar set-up to horse shows so I'm leaning more toward a smaller trailer. It's the trailer selection process I'm a bit nervous about since I'm most likely going the 'used' route.
Many thanks for your input!
Check for a mobile RV tech that would do the inspection. I live in the Johnson City area and know of 1 tech that does inspections, so I am sure more do it too.
