Buying a Used RV/Camper Inspection Checklist~

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GENERAL CAMPER OWNER INFORMATION

Year__________ Make_________________ Model______________

RV class______________________ VIN_______________________________

Registration Expiration Date (license tabs)_______________________

RV/Camper Mileage _______________________ First Impression_________________________

Owner Name________________ Phone________________ Email______________________

RV/Camper Asking Price_____________________ NADA/Kelly Blue Value___________________

Items to bring for camper inspection

1. Pen/Pencil
2. Tape Measure
3. Flashlight
4. Tire Pressure Gauge
5. Voltmeter
6. Camera

RV/Camper Dimension Inspection Checklist

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RV/Camper Exterior Condition Inspection Checklist

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RV/Camper Roof Condition Inspection Checklist

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RV/Camper Storage Inspection Checklist

Notes:
(what would each storage compartment be assigned for…. Tools, water toys, chairs, etc)  

RV/Camper Utility Condition Inspection Checklist

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Outdoor Shower/Faucet/Kitchen? Do all lights or anything power related work on while shore power is plugged in?  While Generator is running? What doesn’t work when only battery is powering rig? Size of Solar Panels? How many batteries in the battery bank?  How many hours of power does that supply? What size is the charge controller? Is the power inverter a pure sine inverter?

RV/Camper Engine Condition Inspection Checklist

Notes:
Rub the engine oil and transmission oil between your fingers.  Are there any metal shavings? Divide total miles by the number of years.  3,000-5,000 miles is the average useage per year for RV/Campers.

RV/Camper Interior Condition Inspection Checklist

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What windows open?  Is there carpet on the bathroom floor (gross)?!? Where would the extra bedding store?  Where do clothes go? Extra towels? Board games/cards/dice? How easy is it to get in/out of dinette?  Any signs of leaks?

RV/Camper Kitchen Condition Inspection Checklist

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If you wanted to cook a pasta dinner would your strainer fit in the sink?  Where would you dry your dishes? Where would the big kitchen knife go? Plates/cups/food? How many stove top burners do you have/need?  Fridge space? Pantry space? Pet supply space? How would you cook a rice dish? Any room for a coffee pot? Any outlets? Lighting? Where does the dish soap & scrubber get stored?  Is there an oven? How do you light the pilot light? Cabinets? How many? Location? How do they secure when driving? How much food can actually fit in your fridge/pantry/cabinets? Can you chop up a stir fry on the counter space?  Where would the seasonings go? Any wall space to add cabinets?

RV/Camper System Inspection Checklist

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If these systems exist how do they function?  What size are they? Example, how big is your water heater tank?  Water pump pressure? How did the generator start/run? Did the control panel gauges work?  Smell any odors from the propane or plumbing? What condition is the Heat & AC filters in? Are the CO/Smoke detectors battery operated?  Do the vents have fans? What size are they? Battery or hard wired? If you have solar how much power does it provide? Is it Pure sine? How long do recharge?  If you have RV hookups how big are the tanks? How do the valves work? Did you check to make sure all vents blow hot or cold air when A/C or Heat are on? Don’t want to find a massive mouse nest after purchase do you?  

RV/Camper Entertainment Inspection Checklist

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Are there modern features (usb outlets, bluetooth speakers)?  Are their outlets on both sides of the camper? Outside speakers?  Do the TVs have HDMI/USB/Aux/RCA ports? Where will you store your games, cables, books, DVDs, etc?

RV/Camper Electrical Inspection Checklist

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Are electrical plugins convenient for laptops? Coffee pots?Juicer?  Shaver? Curling iron? What works when only using battery power? Shore power?  Genreator power? Do the batteries charge while generator is on or plugged into shore power?  What power source do you need to use the leveling jacks? Do you have leveling jacks?

RV/Camper Cockpit Inspection Checklist

Notes:  
RV trips are usually lengthy road trips.  Are the seats comfortable? Do you have cruise control?  Radio accessible? How is your vision? Is there a rear view camera?  How does the cockpit feel? Can you see yourself driving for 10 hours?  2 days? A week? Month? Few years?

13 Crucial & Critical questions to ask yourself when inspecting a used Camper or buying an RV…

Buying a Used Camper Checklist Questions

Answering these presale camper buying questions will keep you from buying an lemon RV

1. Are there signs of previous leaks? If yes, does it look like the leaks have been properly repaired?Leaks are the most common and most difficult issue with RVs. If you see an RV with water damage, walk away. It will not be worth the headache as leaks cause rapid deterioration, mold and other structural damage .
2. Do all the electronics work? Gauges? Water functions?
3. Have you checked in all the camper cupboards for rodent nests/damage, water damage/mold?
4. Have you checked all the fluids? Are there any metal shavings from the engine in the fluids?
5. Do the running lights work? Your RV will not pass inspection if they don’t.
6. Does the awning work properly?
7. Does the the RV have leveling jacks? Do they work?
8. How do the tires look? Tread? Miles?Replacing tires—especially on a motorhome— can be costly. If tires need replacing negotiate a better purchase price.
9. Is the title clear? Do the sellers have maintenance records? Owner’s manuals?
10. When was the last time the RV was driven?Less mileage (specifically on a motorhome) is not always better. RVs quickly deteriorate when left sitting for months.  Low mileage can mean a diamond in the rough, or it could also mean the previous owners used their RV as lawn art over the years.  Ask questions that require answers that only RV owners who use their RV will know.   Wheres your favorite place to camp?  When was the last time it was driven?  How many miles per tank?  How much does it cost to fill up?  When was the oil last changed?  How much did the campground charge you?  
11. What animals have lived in the RV, if any? Have any smokers lived in the RV?Allergens and odors can linger for months or years. You may need to get fabrics deep-cleaned in this instance.
12. Are there any active warranties or any warranties available?
13. Are there signs of rust?Look closely for rust in the under carriage. This can be a sign of structural damage to the RV. If you’re looking for an RV that will last a while, avoid any with rusted framing.

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