Motorhome Inspection

[m6VmUTug2a72]

Hi, I've been lurking for a few weeks now in preparation of purchasing a motorhome to live in full time.

I specifically want a used Class C because of my price range and I prefer the layout. I found one with low miles locally, but I couldn't really inspect the systems beyond running the engine and the generator. Nothing inside the coach flipped on.

I'd like to get someone knowledgeable in motorhomes to check everything, like the breakers, because I have no experience with these vehicles. Today I was quoted two tiers of pricing at $650 and $1000 from a local NRVIA inspector.

Can this be done for less than $500? There are some RV mechanic shops along the same road, so I was considering asking them what they would charge to look at it.

[R.Wold]

Those prices seem high to me but then I always do my own. Where are you and the coach and what is it?Model, year, mileage?

[NLOVNIT]

I would certainly have it inspected. Just remember, you get what you pay for. If you're going to drop some serious $$'s on a motorhome, you don't want to go cheap on an inspector.

There may be some RV experienced/qualified mechanics in your area. Try calling around to truck service shops to see what they'd charge you.


Lori-

[m6VmUTug2a72]

Originally Posted by R.Wold

Those prices seem high to me but then I always do my own. Where are you and the coach and what is it?Model, year, mileage?

Thor Dutchmen M28A 40k miles


They are asking a little above NADA value at $6k.

[NLOVNIT]

Originally Posted by R.Wold

Those prices seem high to me...

The lower price quoted by NRVIA (assuming that's a L2 inspector) sounds right. One for our diesel last yr, was closer to your top quote. Our coach is pretty complicated & for me, it was well worth the money.

Lori-

[m6VmUTug2a72]

Originally Posted by NLOVNIT

I would certainly have it inspected. Just remember, you get what you pay for. If you're going to drop some serious $$'s on a motorhome, you don't want to go cheap on an inspector.

There may be some RV experienced/qualified mechanics in your area. Try calling around to truck service shops to see what they'd charge you.


Lori-

I'll ask around. I just need to get a good baseline on the average pricing. I definitely won't buy a motorhome without an inspection.

[R.Wold]

well regardless of the year, if they don’t have detailed reliable maintenance records I’d pass. 40k is enough mileage to mess things up if they stretched maintenance intervals.These things work pretty hard especially if you tow with them. Also NADA values are unreliable and often high. Just something else to chew on.

[m6VmUTug2a72]

Originally Posted by NLOVNIT

The lower price quoted by NRVIA (assuming that's a L2 inspector) sounds right. One for our diesel last yr, was closer to your top quote. Our coach is pretty complicated & for me, it was well worth the money.

Lori-

That's going to hurt, especially if the guy says the electrical is busted or something... -$650

I'm going to look around some more online this weekend and make a decision Monday. The fact that its local is helping.

[Isaac-1]

I went through the NRVIA level 2inspector course a couple of years ago, but have never formally hung out a shingle, those prices are typical for a standard full inspection with no extras. Some inspectors may offer a basic "life safety" level inspection for around $400. Part of the reason I have never hung out a shingle is even at those prices I could not figure out how to do it as a part time / free time venture and do better than break even.


A proper NRVIA inspection on a mid sized class C coach should take 5-7 man hours of constant activity to perform, and another 3-4 hours of inspector time reviewing notes, writing up report, etc, not counting travel time.



Unfortunately the coaches most in need of inspection are the older coaches that tend to have lower values and more issues. If anything inspectors should probably charge more to inspect these older coaches, as they take more time to log, document /photograph and write up the issues in the report.


On top of all this an NRVIA inspection is primarily focused on the RV house side of things, you really need to also get a mechanics inspection of the chassis side too by a mechanic that is familiar with the particular brand and model of chassis.


An NRVIA inspection is not a walk around and kick the tires thing, it is check the date codes on the tires, check the tire pressure, search for recalls on all the equipment on board, check the date codes on the LPG and CO detectors, check for roof leaks, check for electrical issues, propane leaks, ...

[m6VmUTug2a72]

Originally Posted by R.Wold

well regardless of the year, if they don’t have detailed reliable maintenance records I’d pass. 40k is enough mileage to mess things up if they stretched maintenance intervals.These things work pretty hard especially if you tow with them. Also NADA values are unreliable and often high. Just something else to chew on.

Should I just try to get a carfax report on it? I don't have the VIN at the moment.

[m6VmUTug2a72]

Originally Posted by Isaac-1

I went through the NRVIA inspector course a couple of years ago, but have never formally hung out a shingle, those prices are typical for a standard full inspection with no extras. Some inspectors may offer a basic "life safety" level inspection for around $400. Part of the reason I have never hung out a shingle is even at those prices I could not figure out how to do it as a part time / free time venture and do better than break even.


A proper NRVIA inspection on a mid sized class C coach should take 5-7 man hours of constant activity to perform, and another 3-4 hours of inspector time reviewing notes, writing up report, etc, not counting travel time.



Unfortunately the coaches most in need of inspection are the older coaches that tend to have lower values and more issues. If anything inspectors should probably charge more to inspect these older coaches, as they take more time to log, document /photograph and write up the issues in the report.


On top of all this an NRVIA inspection is primarily focused on the RV house side of things, you really need to also get a mechanics inspection of the chassis side too by a mechanic that is familiar with the particular brand and model of chassis.


An NRVIA inspection is not a walk around and kick the tires thing, it is check the date codes on the tires, check the tire pressure, search for recalls on all the equipment on board, check the date codes on the LPG and CO detectors, check for roof leaks, check for electrical issues, propane leaks, ...

You are a great salesman, ha. That makes me feel a little better about the price.