Quote:
Originally Posted by FlyingChops
For those of you suggesting having a professional inspection done, how do you go about doing this?
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Having a professional inspector with you when looking at each perspective coach would be highly impractical so I suggest you do as much self-inspection as possible and then bring a pro in after you’ve separated the wheat from the chaff.
I would propose there are two major approaches, though others may suggest additional scenarios I had not considered. One is to do a professional inspection before negotiating a price and the other is to do the inspection after a deal, with a “subject to inspection” clause, has been negotiated.
A subject to inspection clause can be crafted in any number of ways but basically, it would include the following:
+ A complete list of deficiencies disclosed by the seller and accepted as-is by the buyer.
+ A final purchase price, subject to any non-disclosed deficiencies identified by a professional inspection.
+ The seller should be given the opportunity to repair or replace any non-disclosed deficiencies at his expense and to the satisfaction of the buyer.
+ The buyer should have the option to renegotiate the price, to his satisfaction, if the seller is unable or unwilling to rectify any of the above deficiencies.
+ A reasonable time frame must be stipulated, for the protection of both arties.
The conditional sale should be backed up with a deposit, to show they are serious, and it may be required to make it legally binding, but that deposit must be full refundable immediately if any deficiencies are found and not rectified or rectifiable, solely at the discretion of the buyer.
Doing the inspection either before or after a sale has been negotiated has its pros and cons but going into them may be too lengthy for this post.
Quote:
Originally Posted by FlyingChops
Would you bring someone with you to the dealer you intend to purchase from?
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You usually have no choice here. You can bring a mobile inspector to the motorhome’s location, dealer lot or owner’s yard, to inspect the coach but if you want to have the chassis inspected, you’ll likely have to have the motorhome taken to the chassis mechanic’s shop. If you have already made a conditional deal, the seller may be more accommodating, especially concerning the chassis inspection.
Quote:
Originally Posted by FlyingChops
However, I also don't know how to look for a qualified individual to bring along with me to inspect things.
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There are a few companies that appear to specialize in RV inspections but this service is also offered by many mobile RV service dealers.
When considering an inspector, be sure to qualify both what they inspect as well as “how” they inspect the unit. An example of this is, do they simply do a visual inspection for moisture/leakage problems and the propane system or do they use testing equipment like a moisture meter and propane pressure manometer? A visual inspection is fine for those items that can be seen but its often what is unseen behind the walls that can really cost you.
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