Reasonable Cost of a Survey

[Traxless]

We have found several older Class A RVs (out of town) that seem to meet most of the items on our list. I contacted a dealership service department that does RV surveys near these older RVs. They said a survey usually takes six (6) hours and will cost about $700. Is this amount considered a reasonable cost for a survey?

Thanks in advance for any guidance.

[Algoma]

Seems $300 would be more reasonable. Pre-purchase RV inspection service for motorhome and travel trailer RV buyers

[milkman55]

Here in Kansas City, the local Cummins coach services charges $400-500, but that's with you bringing it to them.

[Gary RVRoamer]

It depends on how thorough the survey is, and whether it covers both house and chassis. If you want a thorough job and the tech has to go to wherever the RV is, 6 hours is not at all unreasonable. Travel time alone will add at least an hour.

You can do a basic check of the house systems in a couple hours plus travel, but in that time you cannot, for example, determine if the fridge really cools (they take hours to chill) and in both LP and electric modes, if the water heater really heats well on gas and electric, etc. Some things just take time.

So, ask the dealer for a checklist of what will be covered, and find out whether you get a report of each item (e.g. a box checked OK or a problem described) or just a verbal "It was OK except for ..." For $600 my expectations would be high.

[Bug512]

You have to figure the cost of travel, inspection and finalizing of the report with the findings. So five to eight hours if you total up the three?

Maybe ask the seller if they are willing to split the cost of the inspection.

I do not think spending $400 - $600 is a lot for a purchase of 50K, 75K or over 100K.

You would spend that on a home inspection, why not a RV?