NRVIA Standards of Practice
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Last updated: 3/14/23
The National Recreational Vehicle Inspectors Association or NRVIA is a professional RV inspector membership organization. Membership in the NRVIA is voluntary and its members are RV Inspectors and industry affiliates whose purpose is to promote excellence in the profession and continued improvement of its members’ inspection services to the public.
Use of the NRVIA logo and name is limited to those members of good standing who may utilize this logo and name in their individual inspection business promotions and advertising.
The NRVIA designation of Certified RV Inspector is permitted only to be used by those individuals that have met the requirements and testing standards established by NRVIA and who have a current active status with the association.
2.1 – The purpose of the Standards of Practice is to establish a uniform standard for RV Inspectors to inspect and report in an objective manner the conditions of a Recreational Vehicle and its components.
2.2 – The Standards describe the components, and systems included in an RV Inspection.
2.3 – The Standards apply to motorized and towable types of RVs as defined by the RV Industry Association (RVIA).
2.4 – The Standards apply to a visual inspection of those areas, components and systems that are readily accessible to determine at the time of inspection that they are performing their intended function without regard to life expectancy.
2.5 – The purpose of the RV inspection is to identify visible and operational defects as permitted by the current conditions that in the judgment of the RV Inspector will adversely affect the function or integrity of the items, components and systems of the Recreational Vehicle.
2.6 – RV Inspections performed under the Standards of Practice are basically visual and rely upon the judgment, education and experience of the RV Inspector and are not intended to be technically exhaustive.
2.7 – RV Inspections shall be performed on a calendar day which will allow compliance with the provisions of the NRVIA Standards of Practice.
2.8 – RV Inspections performed under the Standards shall not be construed as being a compliance inspection of any code, governmental regulation or manufacturer’s installation instructions or procedures. In the event a law, statute or ordinance prohibits a procedure recommended in the Standards, the RV Inspector is relieved of the obligation to adhere to the prohibited part of the Standards.
2.9 – RV Inspections performed under the Standards are not an expressed, implied warranty or guarantee of adequacy, performance or useful life of any RV, any of its components or systems.
2.10 – Only those items specifically listed on the RV Inspection Report will be included in the RV Inspectors evaluation.
2.11 – The RV Inspector shall report any system or component included in the Standards of Practice which were present at the time of the RV Inspection but were NOT inspected and provide the reason they were not inspected.
3.1 – RV Inspections performed under the Standards of Practice exclude any items concealed or not readily accessible to the RV Inspector. The RV Inspector is not required to move furniture, personal or stored items. Lifting floor covering, accessing interior walls and ceilings in which could damage or destroy the components or systems being evaluated is not part of the RV Inspection.
3.2 – The determination of the presence of damage caused by insects or water is only to be evaluated by observation with a statement being rendered by RV Inspector that is to make the client aware of the issue.
3.3 – Excluded from the Standards of Practice is the determination of indoor air quality of the RV and it’s consequence of physical damage, toxicity, odors, waste products and noxiousness.
3.4 – The RV Inspection and report are based upon the visual observation of the existing conditions of the RV at the time of the RV Inspection. The inspection report is not intended to be construed as a guarantee, warranty, or any form of insurance. The RV Inspector will not be responsible for any repairs or replacement with regard to the RV or its contents.
3.5 – The RV Inspector is not required to enter any premises that visibly show a threat to the safety of the RV Inspector or others nor inspect any area or component that poses a danger to the RV Inspector or others.
3.6 – The NRVIA Certified RV Inspector will inspect and report on the following RV items and conditions during the RV Inspection. Any additional items of inspection will be dependent upon the agreement between the client and the RV Inspector.
4.0 – Roof
4.1 – Roof Type
4.2 – General condition of the roof
4.3 – Joints and Seals
4.4 – Vents
4.5 – Vent covers
4.6 – Plumbing vents
4.7 – Air Conditioning Covers and Exterior Coils
4.8 – Ladder
4.9 – Satellite Antenna
4.10 – Radio Antenna
4.11 – Refrigerator Vent
4.12 – Skylight(s)
4.13 – Storage Containers
4.14 – Spot lights
4.15 – Air Horns
4.16 – Solar Panels
4.17 – Signs of Equipment removed
5.0 – Walls - Front, Rear and Sides
5.1 – Type of Construction
5.2 – Front type of Construction and Condition
5.3 – Streetside Wall Construction and Condition
5.4 – Curbside Wall Construction and Condition
5.5 – Rear type of Construction and Condition
5.6 – Decals and Paint
5.7 – Corner Joints, Trim and Gutters
6.0 – Entrance Doors
6.1 – Condition of Door(s)
6.2 – Screens
6.3 – Decals and Trim
6.4 – Latch and Lock Systems
7.0 – Windows
7.1 – Type of Windows
7.2 – Condition of Windows
7.3 – Emergency Windows
7.4 – Seals and Gaskets
7.5 – Window Screens
8.0 – Storage Compartments
8.1 – Door and Interior Compartment Conditions
8.2 – Door lock types
8.3 – Seals and Waterproofing
8.4 – Area around Compartment Condition
8.5 – Operation of Doors and Locks
8.6 – Hinges and gas cylinders
8.7 – Slideout trays and Shelves
8.8 – Flooring and Interior Walls of Compartment
8.9 – Compartment Lights
9.0 – Awnings
9.1 – Type of Awnings
9.2 – Sizes of Awnings - Length of Awnings
9.3 – Fabric and its Condition
9.4 – Manual or Electric Operation
9.5 – Hardware and Locks Condition
10.0 – Slideout Topper Awnings
10.1 – Type of Awnings
10.2 – Sizes of Awnings - Length of Awnings
10.3 – Fabric and its Condition
10.4 – Manual or Electric Operation
10.5 – Hardware and Locks Condition
11.0 – Window Awnings
11.1 – Type of Awnings
11.2 – Sizes of Awnings - Length of Awnings
11.3 – Fabric and its Condition
11.4 –Manual or Electric Operation
11.5 – Hardware and Locks Condition
12.0 – Slideout
12.1 – Type of Drive – Hydraulic, Electric, Cable or Schwintek
12.2 – Mechanical Operation of Slide System
12.3 – Condition of Seals
12.4 – Tracking/Rack System Type and Condition
12.5 – Over Ride Operation Feature
12.6 – Misc. Trim and Decals of Slides
13.0 – Frame and Components
13.1 – Frame Type and Condition
13.2 – Axles, Springs, Shocks and Hanger Components
13.3 – Wheels/Tires and Rims – Type and Condition
13.4 – Brake Types
13.5 – Spare Tire and Mounting Rack
13.6 – Leveling/Stabilization System Type and Condition
13.7 – Operation of Leveling/Stabilization System
13.8 – Hitch and Pin Box Equipment
13.9 – Chains and Break Away Switch Operation
14.0 – Steps
14.1 – Type of Steps – Manual, Electric, Hydraulic
14.2 – Condition and Operation
14.3 – Non–Skid stripes and Grab Handles
15.0 – Chassis Lights and Markers
15.1 – Types of Light Bulbs
15.2 – Operation of Turn Signals, Marker Lights, Brake Lights and Other Lights
16.0 – Chassis Voltage System – 12 volt DC
16.1 – Visual Condition of Batteries
16.2 – Visual Condition of Cables and Connectors
16.3 – Disconnect Switch and Battery
17.0 – Cable TV Hook Up - Visual evaluation only
17.1 – Satellite TV Hook Up - Visual evaluation only
18.0 – 12 Volt DC House (Coach) Voltage – Deep Cycle
18.1 – Visual Condition of Batteries
18.2 – Visual Condition of Cables and Connectors
18.3 – Disconnect Switch and Battery
18.4 – Converter Operation
18.5 – Interior Lights and Fans
18.6 – Exterior Porch and Security Lights
18.7 – Antenna Signal Booster
19.0 – 120 Volt AC House/Pedestal Power
19.1 – Visual Inspection of Power Cord
19.2 – Verify Power from Pedestal
19.3 – Perform Hot Skin Test
19.4 – Inspect Interior of Breaker Panel Box – Breakers and Wiring
19.5 – Operation of GFCI Circuits
19.6 – Polarity of all Wall Receptacles
19.7 – Operation of Ceiling Fans and Lights
20.0 – Inverter System
20.1 – Type and General Condition and Operation of Inverter
20.2 – Cables, Wiring and Fuses
20.3 – Verify Operation of Inverter with Load
21.0 – Generator
21.1 – Type and Operation of Generator
21.2 – Oil and Filter
21.3 – Fuel/Prime Switch Operation
21.4 – Circuit Breaker Operation
21.5 – Verify Operation with Load
22.0 – Plumbing – City Fresh Water
22.1 – City Hook Up Condition
22.2 – Verify Inline Check Valve
22.3 – Inspect the Inline Water Filter
22.4 – Faucets and Shower Fixtures
22.5 – Shower Doors, Racks and Other Hardware
23.0 – Plumbing – On Demand Water System
23.1 – Verify Water Tank will hold Water
23.2 – Test Water Pump operation for pressure
23.3 – Does Water System hold pressure
23.4 – Do all water fixtures function
23.5 – Verify Operation of Exterior Shower
23.6 – Verify Seal Cap on Discharge Line
24.0 – Plumbing – Black Water Waste Systems
24.1 – Valve and Handle operation
24.2 – Check Sealing of Valve
24.3 – Tank Wash System Function - Present and Labeled
24.4 – Toilet Flapper Seal Holding Water
25.0 – Plumbing – Gray and Galley Waste System
25.1 – Valves and Handles operation
25.2 – Check Sealing of Valves
25.3 – Tank Wash System Function - Present and Labeled
26.0 – Propane System
26.1 – Inspect Condition of ASME Tank or DOT Cylinder(s)
26.2 – Date of DOT Cylinders
26.3 – High Pressure hose and fittings Condition
26.4 – Inspect Regulator, Cover and Positioning
26.5 – Verify Inline Regulator on Split DOT Cylinders
26.6 – Perform Leak Test – 8” W.C. for 5 min. – Document Test Procedure
27.0 – Refrigerator
27.1 – Make and Model of Refrigerator
27.2 – Operates on various Heat Sources
27.3 – Doors Latch and Seal correctly
27.4 – Can Refrigerator maintain its temperature range
27.5 – Recall Kit Installed
27.6 – Does Condensate Line Drain
27.7 – Interior Light Function
28.0 – Water Heater
28.1 – Make and Model of Water Heater
28.2 – General Condition of Unit
28.3 – Operates on various Heat Sources - Verify water heater output temperatures
28.4 – Drain Plug - Verify the presence of the manufacturer-approved drain plug.
28.5 – Dauber Screens Installed
29.0 – Furnace
29.1 – Make and Model of Furnace
29.2 – General Condition of Unit
29.3 – Operates Properly
29.4 – Does Furnace motor Function Properly
29.5 – Dauber Screens Installed
30.0 – Cooktop/Stove
30.1 – Make and Model of Cooktop/Stove
30.2 – General Condition of Unit
30.3 – Oven burner and Top Burners Light as Designed
30.3 – Exhaust Fan (vent a hood) Functions
31.0 – Air Conditioner(s)
31.1 – Make and Models of Air Conditioner(s)
31.2 – Ducted/Non Ducted/T-Stat/Manual Control
31.3 – Filter Clean
31.4 – Plenum Divided and Sealed
31.5 – # of Degrees Delta T for each Unit
32.0 – Microwave
32.1 – Make and Model of Microwave
32.2 – General Condition of Unit
32.3 – Heats Cup of Water
32.4 – Turn Table and Components in Microwave
33.0 – Washer/Dryer
33.1 – Make and Model of Each Unit
33.2 – General Condition of Units
33.3 – Operate Washer and Dryer
34.0 – Ceiling
34.1 – General Condition of Ceiling and Skylights
34.2 – Discoloration, Damage or Stain
34.3 – Operation of Roof Vents
34.4 – Light Switch and Fixtures
35.0 – Walls
35.1 – General Condition of Walls
35.2 – Damage, Discoloration or Stains
35.3 – Have Repairs Been Performed
35.4 – Window Coverings/Shades
36.0 – Floors
36.1 – General Condition of Floors
36.2 – Carpet/Vinyl
36.3 – Water Damage/Soft Spots
36.4 – Repairs Performed
37.0 – Cabinets/Trim Work
37.1 – Condition of Doors, Drawers and Bookshelves
37.2 – Countertop and Sink Condition
37.3 – Hardware and Latches
37.4 – Previous Repairs
38.0 – Furniture and Accessories
38.1 – General Condition of the Furniture/Accessories
38.2 – Damages/ Repairs/Replaced Units
38.3 – Matching Fabrics with Décor
39.0 – Entertainment Components
39.1 – Model and Serial Numbers of all pieces Entertainment Components
39.2 – Do all Components Function
39.3 – Antenna Signal Booster
40.0 - Vehicle Data Information
40.1 – Inspection Sticker/License Plate Current
40.2 – GVW and CCC information
41.0 – Motor Home Chassis
41.1 – General Condition of Cockpit/Navigation Area
41.2 – Mileage/Hours
41.3 – Dash Controls/Gauges
42.0 – Engine Compartment
42.1 – Clean Engine/Transmission
42.2 – Oil/Fluids
42.3 – Hoses/Belt/Radiator/Fans Condition
43.0 – Exhaust System
43.1 – General Condition of Exhaust System
43.2 – Exhaust Pipe/Converter/Muffler/Brackets in Place
44.0 – Accessories
44.1 – Back Up Camera
44.2 – Misc. Items