RV Pre-Purchase Inspection
What is an RV Pre-Purchase Inspection?
The best way to describe what an RV Pre-Purchase Inspection is, is to think of a pre-purchase home inspection. Before a loan will be made to buy a home the lender/bank requires a home inspection to determine if the home is structurally solid and meets code.
An RV Pre-Purchase Inspection is based on the same premise. You are getting ready to spend a considerable amount of money on a unit that will need to endure hurricane force winds (travelling 55-65mph) going down the road and then throw in a few earthquakes (road conditions). You want the assurance that the unit you are buying is in its best condition.
FREEDOM RV Inspections & Services is a third party inspection team that will perform an inspection on the unit you are contemplating buying. This inspection is done PRIOR to you signing paperwork for the unit. The FREEDOM RV Inspections and Services Premier Level inspection will conduct a 200+ point check of the unit and submit a 40-50 page report with 80-100 pictures for you to consider as you make your purchase choice. For a new unit, it can show warranty issues before you take your first trip.
What are the benefits of an RV Pre-Purchase Inspection?
In the report you receive it will show the items that may need to be repaired/replaced. It will show life threatening issues and issues of concern. The inspection is so thorough it may show issues that the dealer has missed or overlooked.
With this report you will be in a position to go to the dealer and request these items to be corrected or be able to negotiate a better purchasing price. You will have documented proof of these issues by an NRVIA certified Inspector.
If you are buying a used unit from a private seller, this inspection could find hidden damage that may not be readily apparent then again saving you money down the road.
Our inspectors are trained and certified by the National RV Inspectors Academy, NRVIA, and possess the knowledge of what to look for that the everyday purchaser may not. Finding these issues before you buy could potentially save you THOUSANDS of dollars and save you the inconvenience of finding this out on your first outing.
Are there different levels of an RV Pre-Purchase Inspection?
Yes. FREEDOM RV Inspections & Services provides two levels of inspections for you to choose from.
Prices are determined by the type of unit being inspected. i.e. Travel Trailer, 5th Wheel, Class A, B or C, Toy Hauler.
Essential Level – $500 – $900. This inspection would check appliances such as stove, oven, microwave, refrigerator, A/C, hot water heater, furnace, television, radio, water system & toilets. The roof and all accessories on the roof. All exterior accessories, under carriage, landing gear, slide outs discharge gates, steps and attachment points. Report includes 20-40 pictures.
Premier Level – $990 – $1390. If it is in or on the unit, it will be inspected. The report comes with 80-100 pictures and Two Fluid Samples.
We will provide you with a Point of Inspection (POI) sheet that describes the items being checked.
RV Pre-Purchase Inspection
**THIS IS NOT A STATE INSPECTION**
You will want to have the inspection done BEFORE you sign the purchase agreement. Once you sign the agreement, you own it and all of its problems. An inspection can give you the ability to have items fixed before you take possession.
Price is determined on the type of unit that’s being inspected. e.g. Travel Trailer, 5th Wheel, Class A, B, or C, Toy Hauler
The Inspection Process
Once you have contacted the Inspector, a Customer Questionnaire will be sent for you to fill out and send back to us. An inspection date will be set at this time also.
When the information is received, a contract will be drawn up for your signature.
Afterwards, an invoice will be sent for payment. Payment is required 48 hours prior to the inspection.
On the day of the inspection, you will be notified when the team is on site and beginning the process. Depending on the inspection level and unit type, it will take between 2.5 – 4 hours to complete. (This is using a 3-person inspection team).
When the inspection has been completed, you will receive a call from the Inspector to highlight the major items discovered. This is not your report.
The final report, in most cases, will be sent to you the same evening of the inspection. The report will include all the findings and be supported by photo evidence.
Our findings will not be shared with anyone other than the client.
On rare occasions, we have stopped the inspection and called the client to report severe structural or frame damage and to see if they wanted us to continue. If not, a partial refund will be returned.
Pre-Purchase RED Flags
Things you may hear from the dealer or private seller.
Those inspections aren’t worth the expense: To date, we have not performed an inspection that hasn’t discovered issues that left undetected, would have cost the client more than the cost of the inspection.
You don’t need an inspection: If you’re told this, you need an Inspection.
We’ve already conducted an inspection and the unit is fine: The dealership is required to perform a Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) on every unit before it goes to the customer. This is their opportunity to correct any deficiencies within the unit. Because of the issues we find, it seems they aren’t doing a very thorough inspection.
We recommend ABC Inspections or Inspector John Doe: You’ve done your research and you want to use an inspector you found but the dealership says no and offers one they recommend. Keep in mind, the inspector is your representative and has your best interest in mind. Don’t allow that to be taken away from you.
It’s brand new: All the more reason to have an inspection done. Don’t let your first planned trip be the time to find out a water connection wasn’t completed, or the AC doesn’t run, or the slide won’t come back in. These, plus many more are items that have been found during an inspection of a new unit.
What you may hear from an Inspector:
It should only take an hour or so: If you are being told this, look for another inspector. There is no way a thorough, indepth inspection can be conducted in this amount of time. Remember, you want an inspector who has your best interest in mind, not the dealership.
Will an inspection prevent everything from going wrong with your RV? Absolutely not. Can it give you the bargaining power to settle on a lower sales price or have the items found fixed? Yes.
Our Pricing
Hourly Rate
Begins when we arrive on site.
$120 /hr or partial hour
We offer a 10% discount for military customers.
10% discount for cash payments.
(One discount per invoice.)
After Hours
$150 /hr or partial hour
Service charge will double
Service Charge
$100 and up depending on location.
Service Hours
Monday-Saturday 8am-6pm. Emergency only after 6pm.
Sunday Emergency only.
Payment
Cash, Credit Card or PayPal
A fee of 4% will be applied when using Credit/Debit Cards for payment. You are welcome to avoid this fee by using either a check or cash. Please deduct this amount if you choose not to use a credit card.
Full RV Services and Repairs
Satisfaction Guaranteed
