I'm landing on a 2007 Winnebago Access 29 Class C V10 with only 8000 miles on it, original owner, stored inside with maintenance receipts and new tires (second set because first ones got too old). Price is $48K which seems about right compared to others. RV inspection will cost me $400 and from what I can tell, they just ensure all the systems are working, do a visual to spot any leaks, but they don't test drive it, or do much of anything on the mechanical side. I'm pretty sure I can see if the fridge, stove, etc., are working, and if it runs fine and have a look at the oil and the trans fluid (if there's a dipstick) and check brake discs. And so on.Am I missing something? I'm considering skipping the inspection and just spending an hour or two with the owner and checking all the systems. Or is this just too much money to skip an inspection?

It depends on how versed you are at doing the insp. yourself.Frankly, with only 8K and stored inside, I would not worry about brakes (easy to fix) but I would budget for new tires and check all hoses, fuel lines, belts and other rubber parts on the chassis for dry rot.Then just make sure all systems work esp the fridge and fill with water and make sure there are no leaks.Sounds like a great find!!

Only you can answer that for sure. For many people, the inspection is a good idea, but it's not as though there's something magical about inspectors (besides experience) that enables them to see things you couldn't see for yourself if you looked.800 miles a year is not very many miles. I would suggest going in with the expectation that the chassis will have problems, if any, more typical of a ten year old vehicle rather than an 8000 mile vehicle. In particular, I would not be at all surprised if the brake calipers tend to be sticky from lack of use, and need to be rebuilt or replaced. Similarly, the belts and hoses and so forth are also all ten years old (unless they've been replaced).Good luck whatever you decide!

YOU have the expertise, YOU can inspect and buy. An inspector inspects what you pay him/her to inspect....no more, no less. Yes, you are missing an impartial opinion.

It sounds like you are doing an inspection so you must think there should be one. Someone has to look at it, if you can do it you'll save $400

Wasn't used much if it's only done 8000 miles in 11 years. Where did it go, and was it one long trip, or a bunch of short ones? Lack of use can be as damaging to engine and chassis components as too much mileage. If you think it runs well, and everything works, I'd only be concerned about the stuff you can't see easily, like caulking/sealants/rubber seals, and internal/external engine components.It would be your call at that point. This link talks about what to do with a vehicle that's been sitting for a long time. It might help you decide.https://forums.anandtech.com/threads/car-has-been-sitting-for-10-years.114743/

Are inspections essential or not? | Good Sam Community

Lwiddis
Explorer II
Mar 06, 2018
YOU have the expertise, YOU can inspect and buy. An inspector inspects what you pay him/her to inspect....no more, no less. Yes, you are missing an impartial opinion.
DrewE
Explorer II
Mar 06, 2018
Only you can answer that for sure. For many people, the inspection is a good idea, but it's not as though there's something magical about inspectors (besides experience) that enables them to see things you couldn't see for yourself if you looked.

800 miles a year is not very many miles. I would suggest going in with the expectation that the chassis will have problems, if any, more typical of a ten year old vehicle rather than an 8000 mile vehicle. In particular, I would not be at all surprised if the brake calipers tend to be sticky from lack of use, and need to be rebuilt or replaced. Similarly, the belts and hoses and so forth are also all ten years old (unless they've been replaced).

Good luck whatever you decide!
ScottG
Nomad
Mar 06, 2018
It depends on how versed you are at doing the insp. yourself.
Frankly, with only 8K and stored inside, I would not worry about brakes (easy to fix) but I would budget for new tires and check all hoses, fuel lines, belts and other rubber parts on the chassis for dry rot.
Then just make sure all systems work esp the fridge and fill with water and make sure there are no leaks.
Sounds like a great find!!

Forum Discussion

Are inspections essential or not?

About Motorhome Group

Related Content

Do Alabama RVs require state inspections

Furnace not working

Tire Rotation Not Needed?

Another Oldie Not Mine

Not charging from alternator