Forum Discussion

Winnipeg's avatar
Winnipeg
Explorer
Apr 24, 2017

Used DP Pre-purchase Inspection

We are looking at getting a used DP in the next year, likely between 2001 and 2008, 36' to 40'. Budget is $45k to $70k. We also have a list of preferences including: side radiator, Cummuns ISC or ISL (not Cat or ISB), and a few other wants. We live in Southern California and would travel up to 500 miles to purchase (maybe a little further if it checked all the boxes).

The challenge we see is: how to do a pre-purchase inspection? Consider that a) we will likely purchase several hours from home, b) it is not likely convenient for the seller (or us) to simply run it over to the local service center, and c) what to look for in something with 1000 moving parts?

Pictures & service records (or lack off) can be useful for making a short list, and a good look may tell you something.

Would an extended warranty be worth while? Seems like a useful one would cost a lot. Maybe it is best to just bank $10k of the budget in case.

Any suggestions?
  • Effy's avatar
    Effy
    Explorer II
    Depending on how you will purchase the loan may require a certified inspector. The person that bought our last MH went through GS financing (great bank of the west). They had an inspector come to the house and take care of it. When the buyers fist came to look at it, I took them though every detail for about 2 hours. The seller should be familiar with their rig and be able to spend a few hours going over it, soup to nuts. If you don't feel comfortable doing it yourself, there are inspectors around if you feel it's worth the price.
  • I did it myself. Takes several hours. Need to have power and water available. All before final monies changed hands.
  • Last two diesels I purchased did not have ANY service records & I never had a problem. I as well did my own inspections. Back then I was living in New Hampshire. 1st purchase was in Upstate NY and 2nd purchase was in southern TX. just to give you an example of the distance I traveled.
  • I spent two years trying to find a RV I wanted and each time, I'd use RVServiceReviews.com to try and find an 'independent', qualified, inspector with the appropriate license. No inspector in the area of the ad, I would scratch it from my list. A qualified inspector for a large DP can cost $300-$500 for a through exam.

    Problem was I seldom found such an inspector nearby the rigs I was interested in. Ended up happening by a consignment dealers place with just the RV I was looking for. So I did the inspection myself because that dealer had deep pockets in the event I missed something big. A year on...I didn't miss anything big.