If you’ve ever shopped for an RV, you already know that excitement can cloud judgment. That new fifth wheel or travel trailer looks spotless, the lights work, and the air conditioner kicks on — so it must be fine, right? Not necessarily.
Even brand-new RVs can hide costly problems. That’s why a professional RV inspection, performed by a certified inspector, is one of the smartest investments you can make before signing on the dotted line.
In this first part of our “Avoid an RV Buying Nightmare” series, I sat down with NRVIA-Certified Inspector Brenda Puckett to talk about who needs an RV inspection, what it costs, and why a dealer’s PDI (pre-delivery inspection) doesn’t protect you the same way.
Who Actually Needs an Inspection?
You might assume inspections are only for first-time buyers, but the truth is every buyer benefits — even experienced RVers. Brenda explained that she works with customers from every background: retirees trading up, first-timers buying sight unseen, and full-timers upgrading to a larger rig.
“Some of my clients are seasoned RVers who have owned several units,” Brenda said. “Others are brand new and just want peace of mind before spending tens of thousands of dollars.”
Many buyers today shop online, locating their dream RV hundreds or even thousands of miles away. Hiring a local certified inspector lets them verify the condition before they ever hit the road or buy a plane ticket.
New or Used: Which Needs It More?
This surprises most people — new RVs need inspections just as much as used ones. With manufacturers producing units faster than ever, little mistakes can slip through the cracks.
Inspectors often find missing sealant on roofs and slides, miswired outlets, and even untested generators. One of Brenda’s recent inspections uncovered a brand-new toy hauler that wouldn’t start its generator because the gas tank had never been filled. The dealer’s paperwork said everything had been tested — it hadn’t.
Used RVs bring their own challenges: hidden leaks, aging tires, or amateur electrical work from previous owners. Either way, the inspection report gives you leverage to request repairs, negotiate a discount, or walk away entirely.
The PDI Myth
Almost every dealership promises they’ve already “inspected” the RV during a PDI — or pre-delivery inspection. It sounds reassuring, but there’s a catch. The PDI is performed by the dealer, not an independent professional, and it usually happens after you’ve paid.
A proper third-party inspection is different. It’s designed to represent you, the buyer. It takes time — often an entire day — and tests systems under load: propane, electrical, plumbing, and every appliance. You’ll receive a detailed, photo-rich report documenting each issue found, from minor cosmetic flaws to safety concerns.
As Brenda put it, “When a salesperson says, ‘No need for an inspection, we do a PDI,’ what they’re really saying is, ‘We’ll check it after it’s already yours.’”
What Does an RV Inspection Cost?
Inspection pricing varies depending on size, location, and type of RV. Smaller trailers often start around $500, while large fifth wheels and Class A motorhomes can run $1,200–$1,500. Add-on services like fluid analysis — which tests engine oil, transmission fluid, and coolant for hidden contamination — can raise the total to about $2,000 for complex rigs.
It may sound like a lot, but when you compare it to the cost of replacing a roof or repairing electrical damage, that inspection can easily pay for itself many times over.
What Inspectors Find Most Often
The most common issues aren’t always obvious. A tiny gap in roof sealant can cause thousands in water damage. Loose neutrals or reversed polarity in electrical systems can melt power cords or create dangerous “hot skin” conditions — where the entire RV frame becomes electrified.
Other frequent discoveries include LP gas leaks, expired fire extinguishers, and tires that look brand new but are well past their safe age limit. Even a “perfect” RV on the outside can hide small problems waiting to become big ones.
Why Timing Matters
If you remember only one thing, remember this:
Get your inspection before you buy.
Once you reach the PDI stage, the RV is already yours. Any problems discovered afterward become warranty claims or out-of-pocket expenses. Smart buyers write one simple line into their agreement:
“Purchase contingent upon a third-party inspection.”
That sentence gives you the right to walk away if major issues appear — or to have them fixed before you take possession.
Final Thoughts
An RV should be a source of freedom and adventure, not frustration. The National RV Inspectors Association (NRVIA) exists to help buyers make confident, informed decisions. Certified inspectors are trained to check every square inch of your rig — roof to frame, inside and out — so you don’t end up with a lemon.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned traveler upgrading your setup, an inspection isn’t an expense; it’s insurance for your next adventure.
Before you buy, find a certified NRVIA inspector near you and make your offer contingent on inspection. You’ll save time, money, and possibly your sanity down the road.