RV survey

Foot for foot a boat costs much more than a RV so a professional survey is more the norm for something valued at hundreds of thousands. RVs are much simpler, & cheaper, beasts so unless you have zero knowledge about them a self survey should be enough. Getting that knowledge takes time & previous ownership along with doing your own repairs. The best teacher of what to look for.

The best way to address this issue would be to educate yourself by looking at a lot of different RV's, private and at Dealer lots. Ask questions, learn all about the systems, chassis, electrical, everything. The more you look, the more it will open your eyes to any problems. I believe that if your a Boat or RV owner, you should know your rig front to back. Sure, long distance buyers may not have that choice. With these forums, the internet, and local knowledge available, you would think the average buyer would do OK. Of course after the sale, you will be the main person taking care of it. Dealers are OK, but not all are good. Just read the forums. Good luck and happy camping.

Look at their guaranty and then decide what it is worth

https://nrvia.org/ They have the skills and TOOLS necessary to do a full inspection. I spoke with a couple inspectors near one rig I was contemplating, and it was surprisingly affordable, especially as it would have been an out-of-state purchase for me. I wasn't willing to spend the money on plane tix, rental car, hotel and meals, not to mention lost income, just to find there was an issue. Now, if it's a local buy, and you feel that you have the skills/knowledge/tools to do the job, and risk the money you'd spend on an inspector if you miss something, then go for it. These guys are pros and are putting their reputations and jobs on the line to give an accurate report. Also, they can actually help a =seller= either catch a problem that they might not know about or tell the seller that what they =think= is a problem, actually isn't. If you'd hire a home inspector, why not for an RV? I have no connection to NRVIA, nor have I had a chance to use one...yet, but I certainly will, if/when that time comes.

Lyle

X2 good info.

If you know much about what you're considering, I'd say do it yourself. The guy you're hiring has no vested interest in your purchase, he's just doing his job. And he may not be that good at it.

Do a little research, and get a good PDI checklist. Then don't pay for anything until all the questionable points on your checklist have been corrected. You have very little leverage after money has changed hands.

Colo Native wrote:
If you have a lot of knowledge about all the components in a RV, then I say save your money but if you have any doubts then hire someone.

X2!

If you have a lot of knowledge about all the components in a RV, then I say save your money but if you have any doubts then hire someone.