Community Forums

rodekyll · 07-05-2019, 04:04 PM

I'm looking at 99 - 2004 38-40' DP. As I get closer to buying, I'm looking for reasons to rule out rigs. As I get better at spotting the gashes in upholstery, disagreeable galley layouts, and puddles of oil on the ground, I'm weeding out the obvious junk. But I'm not an RV expert. Beyond the obvious, I'm not confident. So I'm looking into inspection and vehicle history report services. This query is about the latter.

I don't understand how these "Carfax-type" vehicle history report services work. How do they know? What do they know? Where do they get their information? Are repair shops required to report an engine rebuild or collision damage to the agencies? Is there a central database for repair and damage? How far back does the data go? What confidence can I have that it's complete?

And beyond the shop history, what about paperwork? Would it show repos? Liens? Odometer changes? Ownership chain? If a vehicle was "totaled" and had salvage/reconstructed "branded" title history in a state where that was possible, and then it was retitled in a state that didn't issue branded titles, would that "title washing" show up in the report?

Do they show who else has bought that report?

And of course -- to those who have used these services -- was the information worth the cost?

critter210 · 07-05-2019, 04:10 PM

I did find this site https://www.rvchecks.com/home.html I've never used it but, maybe someone else has.

Hikerdogs · 07-05-2019, 04:22 PM

Carfax reports only show information provided to them by state title agencies, police reports repair shops, and body shops. There are no federal or state regulations requiring anyone to report information the these types of services.

The title and police information is in the public domain and can be accessed by anyone. The repair and body shop information is usually supplied as part of a contract with the facility.

If a vehicle was involved in an accident that didn't require a police report Carfax would have no information about it unless the repairs were done by a body shop that is paid to submit the information. Likewise if engine, transmission, or any other mechanical repairs are made the only way Carfax would have that information is if the repair garage submitted the information to them.

If the vehicle had been declared a total loss by an insurance company or titled as rebuilt that information would be available by doing a title search with the appropriate state title agency.

igave · 07-05-2019, 04:24 PM

I do not believe repair shops/dealers are required to report anything to any central entity and there is no way 100% complete that shows the things you are asking about on vehicles but carfax is probably as close as anyone. That’s on passenger vehicles. I do not believe carfax or any other company covers rv’s. None.
As far as branded titles go, I think most states would continue it although I have read there may be a couple of states that may not. Bottom line is to do/research as best you can.

TXTiger · 07-05-2019, 04:31 PM

Many insurance companies report the repairs that body shops have done under an insurance claim that the insurance company paid for. That is how CarFax gets info regarding accident repairs and insurance companies, who share this info, know the history of a vehicle. Don’t think they do this for RVs.

Just BK · 07-05-2019, 05:05 PM

Car fax is only one tool in your ‘arsenal’ when purchasing used. Many other tools are available on this forum. Do a search.

Your eyes are only the beginning...

Take time to educate yourself on the RV you are contemplating. Won’t be done in a week or two.

Best,

Ray,IN · 07-05-2019, 07:18 PM

Bottom line reporting to these companies is strictly voluntary, which makes buying their reports a waste of money IMO.
I got a free title history report from the DMV when I bought a 3 yr old truck, it showed it had been repossessed and all other the details.

Gary RVRoamer · 07-05-2019, 07:43 PM

I don't know of any RV repair shop that reports any repair actions to Carfax. Nor did any of my RV insurance companies (I've made 3 body damage claims over the years). And even if they did, there is no substantive info because of privacy concerns.

Mostly what I've found in RV Carfax reports is change of ownership transactions at the DMV, including when it was first titled. You can identify the state and when it happened.