Pre-Purchase Inspection

[Dranrab]

I am narrowing down my list of travel trailers. When I get it to a manageable short list, I want to do a thorough inspection before I commit. Does anyone know of a good inspection process to try to identify QC errors? I want to do my best to reduce my chances of getting a lemon.

[HJLowell]

First

Pick a floor plan.

Then go from there.

Are the floors solid ?
When you walk around the inside of the trailer does it sway, feeling soft.

Solid wood cabinets are a simple guide to quality.

Does it have a one piece Fiberglas or Aluminum roof ??

3 or 4 factors can narrow it down fast.

Do you realy want Quality ???
Or a cheap price ???

Number 1. Decision

[Tcounty1]

Take a ladder and CHECK THE ROOF! Then CHECK THE ROOF AGAIN.

[okcnewbie]

For a TT the biggest problem would be a current or former leak IMO.

Roof, slides, under sinks and any other place you can think of. If you could look at it right after a down pour that would help.

[mokurt]

On the inside look for any defects in craftsmanship...alignment of doors,cabinents,moldings,check everything that moves slides etc-.

On the outside check roof for sealant gaps/shrinkage,rips/tears.
Check the moldings and sealants on the sides.

You really have to take the trailer out and after set up test everything.
Make sure all of the electrical items work as well as the plumbing.

We bought a new Jayco in Sept. and took it out only 1 time and after 2 days found it had a major city water leak coming out from the bottom.
Also found a few other minor issues.

Its difficult to check everything at the dealership.

Its back at the dealer now for repairs.

[bneukam]

Had my dealer hookup power and water. Completely worked every system. Took about 4.5 hours to look everything over with attention to detail. Worked the slides several times while doing this.
When you found the right one be sure to discuss this with your sales rep at the beginning.
I am surprised more people don’t ask this very question. No way would they close on a house before inspection.
Like I always say if the repair list gets too long or extensive be prepared to walk away. All manufacturers build lemons. You’ll be much happier with your purchase in the long run. If your new to owning a RV then find a friend who knows what to look for, or hire someone.

[Dranrab]

Originally Posted by bneukam

Had my dealer hookup power and water. Completely worked every system. Took about 4.5 hours to look everything over with attention to detail. Worked the slides several times while doing this.
When you found the right one be sure to discuss this with your sales rep at the beginning.
I am surprised more people don’t ask this very question. No way would they close on a house before inspection.
Like I always say if the repair list gets too long or extensive be prepared to walk away. All manufacturers build lemons. You’ll be much happier with your purchase in the long run. If your new to owning a RV then find a friend who knows what to look for, or hire someone.

This truly seems like the way to do it. Test every system at the dealership.

[Persistent]

Lots of good advice above.

There is no "one list" that will work well, but you can find extensive lists using Google. Any careful looking will help, but an experienced. A professional inspector who is worth his pay will take about 4 hours.

A newbie who has limited experience probably can't do the necessary job in 8 hours. Allow several months to find the problems and weeks waiting on the dealers service department.

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f50/best-...-443427-2.html

[D1109]

I would research the camper your looking at see how it’s built and insulated check roof seal damage or tears loo in storage compartment make sure you don’t have chip board you want solid plywood good luck

[Dranrab]

Originally Posted by Persistent

Lots of good advice above.

There is no "one list" that will work well, but you can find extensive lists using Google. Any careful looking will help, but an experienced. A professional inspector who is worth his pay will take about 4 hours.

A newbie who has limited experience probably can't do the necessary job in 8 hours. Allow several months to find the problems and weeks waiting on the dealers service department.

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f50/best-...-443427-2.html

I had read that link before I signed on. I found a decent deal on a Grand Design about 300 miles away, but after reading this, I got gun shy. https://www.bbb.org/us/in/middlebury...345/complaints

[MTBer]

In addition to checking electronics (slide, awning, jacks, etc.) have them demonstrate how to work them manually if necessary.