Should I get an inspector for my Class A?

[wanderlusty]

We are getting ready to buy a class a motorhome. Would anyone share their thoughts on having a motorhome inspector or mechanic visit the motorhome prior to purchase? Also, does anyone have any suggestions for someone who could do this in the Seattle area?

[Jim_HiTek]

You might check google for mobile RV techs in your area. Then try to get a recommendation from someone that's used them. Not a good idea to ask a selling dealer to recommend one.

If this is your first RV, and you're buying from a dealer, at least they will give you a walk around and show you how to operate things so you can just hire an inspector for the chassis, but if it's from a private seller, then you'd want a well rounded inspector who knows both chassis and house.

Expect to pay between $300-$500 for an all day inspection. Though that might have gone up a bit in the last 5 years.

You might try to get the seller to let you spend the night in the rig to get use to everything yourself. If you're buying from a dealer, doing so wouldn't be that unusual.

[vsheetz]

Yes - have inspection of the house systems and the engine/chassis/brakes. May require two inspectors.

Treat it like when buying a house - cut the price deal and tender a deposit, with the proviso of deal voided based upon inspections results. If inspection reveals issues then walk away, accept as is, have the seller fix, or renegotiate the price.

[R2Home]

Year/make/model of the MH you are looking to purchase? While checking the chassis under side and the coach, there are things that you might want to check out. Some things to look at that others might not are: all indicator lamps on the control panel, sound system to include DVD player and surround sound if equipped, depending on the type of leveling system ensure that there are no hidden issues. If the MH has awnings, check them out real good and if they are electric, deploy/return them several times.
Keep us posted and there may be more information.

[Bruce C]

Originally Posted by vsheetz

Yes - have inspection of the house systems and the engine/chassis/brakes. May require two inspectors.

Treat it like when buying a house - cut the price deal and tender a deposit, with the proviso of deal voided based upon inspections results. If inspection reveals issues then walk away, accept as is, have the seller fix, or renegotiate the price.

X2.

[94-Newmar]

Mechanics and technicians make for a better inspection. Many (not all) "inspection" companies use people whom have never worked on these things. When I do inspections it takes at least an entire day and in most cases 2 days as my list of things to visit is over 400 items (not including recall/service notices) but I'm anal retentive about the process. I also take 2 pints of oil from the engine crankcase, transmission and genset and send them to Blackstone for analysis. I "flood" the grey and black tanks and of course the roof, run the appliances numerous times, hot water heater on LPG/AC, bring it up to temp cycle and bring it up again x 4, load shed the generator, etc etc etc oh the list goes on and on it seems! Oh, sellers seem to cringe when they see me setup the Seal-Tech machine to check for leaks!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PeoTlfnkNZQ

[rsimstn]

When I got my RV, I did not have it checked out. I took it out for the first time three months later and found four or five problems from the AC to the jacks. Took it back to the dealer and they fixed everything at no charge. My tips is to get it from a good dealer who will stand by what they sell even if its used.

[wanderlusty]

This is all great information thank you very much.

I am thinking that I'm going to need to hire a mechanic for the day, but does anybody have any idea how much that's gonna cost?

I'm also thinking that I should learn more about how to inspect an RV myself. Does anybody know a good book that would describe this kind of thing so that I can do this on an ongoing basis?

[TXiceman]

With a motorhome you really need two techs. One to do a check on the RV systems and a mechanic to check the chassis.

Ken

[jamesrxx951]

I to would hire someone that is skilled in checking things out. My wife and I went to a dealer a few hours away as they promised 2 great motorhomes. After a quick inspection, I found rotten walls on both of them. The sales guy seemed to be surprised on my findings. Personally I can handle the chassis stuff when it comes to repairs, but for me the price has to be almost free for me to buy a motorhome with rotten walls. And yes I feel every area of the walls that I can gain access to. Plus exterior.

[vsheetz]

Originally Posted by vsheetz

Yes - have inspection of the house systems and the engine/chassis/brakes. May require two inspectors.

Treat it like when buying a house - cut the price deal and tender a deposit, with the proviso of deal voided based upon inspections results. If inspection reveals issues then walk away, accept as is, have the seller fix, or renegotiate the price.

Let me add something I forgot to mention. In the provisions include both the professional(s) inspections and afterwards your own personal acceptance inspection as well. If all then is satisfactorily fixed, price re-haggled, etc. and you are happy - then consummate the deal.

[wanderlusty]

Thanks folks! This is great stuff. Any recommendations who to look up for inspecting?

[sh1729]

I had an RV mechanic go over my dp before I purchased it and glad I did . 5k in stuff from neglected maintenance work etc. You would of never known.. Owner adjusted the price and it's being fixed now, I pick it up this week. So glad I spent the 300 for inspection.

[slemnah]

I am a Field Engineer for a luxury automotive brand and have been a Master Tech all my life and I still hired an inspector to look over the coach I am purchasing. Cheap insurance. Also have your oil and trans fluid tested by a lab such as Blackstone before purchase.
Steve
Soon to have a 2005 Panther