RV Inspections! Are They Worth The Extra Expense?
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Once you find your dream RV, now it is time to enjoy taking it out! Is there a way to ensure that you know everything that is going on with your new purchase? Yes! You can purchase an RV inspection from a third party! We will look at why an inspection is important and what it includes!
What Does The RV Dealer Offer?
When you go into an RV dealer to purchase an RV and you begin to look at what the dealer offers you, you learn about the PDI. The PDI is the pre-delivery inspection. This inspection can be done by the dealer or even by the manufacturer before delivery to the dealer. It is a quick look over the RV to ensure that everything looks good visually. The techs at the dealer generally take about 2 hours to complete the PDI. Most of the time you will not get a list of what they have looked over.
Another option often offered is an extended warranty to help you feel more confident about your upcoming purchase. Most RVs come with a 1-year bumper-to-bumper warranty. If your RV has a chassis then there is a separate warranty for that. An extended warranty can be a good purchase, but always read the small print and understand the terms.
Why Should I Get An RV Inspection?
An RV inspection is done by someone you choose who is not affiliated with the dealer or the seller. You are about to spend your hard-earned money and you want to make sure that you are getting what you expect; a great RV! The dealer may try to convince you that you do not need an inspection by a third-party inspector. They will say things like, “We did the PDI” or “You can get the extended warranty” and may even discourage you from looking for an inspector. It's important to remember that the PDI is conducted by the same people who are trying to sell you the RV. They may overlook certain issues or downplay their severity in order to make a sale. Just stop and think about why they would try to talk you out of this choice!
When you purchase a home you get an inspection! You want to know what is going on with the home you are about to purchase, so why not learn what is going on with that RV you are about to buy? An RV is an investment, and it's important to make sure that you are making a wise decision. This is where a third-party inspection comes in. They are trained and certified to inspect RVs and can provide you with an unbiased report on the current condition of the vehicle. This report will give you peace of mind knowing exactly what you are getting into before finalizing your purchase.
By hiring a third-party inspector, you are getting a fresh set of eyes on the RV. They will thoroughly check all major components, as well as the overall structure and exterior of the vehicle.
This will help identify any potential problems or maintenance issues that may not have been disclosed by the dealer.
RV inspections are important if you are looking to purchase an RV that is not near you. You can hire an inspector in the area of the RV you are interested in and feel confident that they have your best interest in mind. Your RV inspector works for you!
The RV inspection can help eliminate the need to bring your RV back in for warranty work. The inspector can find these items and you can request to have them repaired before your RV leaves the dealer or you can negotiate a lower price based on what was discovered. Bringing your RV in for warranty work can take months. Most RV dealership repair shops are backlogged for months and your RV will sit while you miss out on great camping opportunities. You will be first in line if you request the items discovered in the inspection be repaired before you take the RV home.
Now you may be asking yourself, does a brand new RV need an inspection? The answer is yes! RVs are made by humans and well, we know that humans make mistakes. The inspector that you choose will help you understand what is really important and what needs to be addressed right away.
What Is Included In An RV Inspection?
It is important to note that not all inspectors are the same. You will want to find a Certified RV Inspector. Certified inspectors have been trained to look at around 300 items in each RV. Their inspections take 6-8 hours depending on the size of the rig. You will then also receive up to 100 pictures of all of the various areas of the RV. Also included is a detailed report showing you all of their findings that you can now use to negotiate with the dealer or seller.
An RV inspection is a thorough examination of all aspects of the vehicle, including mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and structural components. It is conducted by a certified inspector who has been trained specifically for this type of inspection. The goal of an RV inspection is to provide buyers with a comprehensive report on the overall condition of the vehicle so they can make an informed decision before purchasing.
Where Can I Find An RV Inspector?
Locating a Certified RV inspector has been made easy with technology! You can find RV inspectors all across the county through a couple of locators. The NRVIA locator can assist you in finding certified inspectors. It is the organization where inspectors are trained and receive support. You can also use My RV Resources to locate inspectors near you. My RV Resources is a great resource for all of your RV needs!