First Annual Inspection - Question

I do not drop of my TT for the reason the OP mentioned. Around here the dealers are busy and I do not want to wait. Unless there is a problem that is under warrantee a busy dealer really does not have the time to mess with it. Nor do they want to pay their help to do a free inspection of any length.

The 31 items listed by Proxim above are good annual checks and if you do them yourself you will have a better feel for the condition of your TT than if some technician give them a once over look.

There is really no way to avoid the fact that owning a TT is like owning a summer cottage, you usually do the work yourself.

Or the dealer's "low cost" oil change, Ron.

Reminds me of the "free brake inspection"

The free inspections are usually very basic checks and really are designed to get you to come back and spend some more money with them. Most of the tasks they are performing can easily be performed by you.

Is it beneficial? It can be. Some people are at a point in their life where climbing up a ladder or crawling under a trailer just isn't a good idea. Some people are their own worse enemy when it comes to finding and fixing issues. At a minimum the inspections usually highlight points of failure and come with an offer to fix them. Take issues found with a grain of salt though, it is the dealer after all. Find out if the suggested work is truly necessary before agreeing to have it performed.

If you're capable of maintaining the trailer yourself then it's worth learning how to inspect and fix things. The owner's manual is a good starting point. You can find how to do essentially every maintenance task online, watching YouTube videos, or ask questions here. A dealer in this area does the free inspection thing and here's what they do.

1. Check Interior and Exterior for damage, delamination, oxidation, etc.
2. Check frame, axles and suspension for damage, cracks, loose fittings, and excessive.
3. Check age of tires and recommend replacement if 5-7 years old.
4. Check tire pressure and set pressure as needed.
5. Check lug nuts to see they are properly secured and at proper torque.
6. Check spare tire for proper size, inflation and condition.
7. Visually inspect roof, seams and sealant for damage, cracking, dry rot, wear, mold, mildew, or missing sealant (MOLD & MILDEW CAUSE RAPID DETERIORATION TO RUBBER ROOFS)
8. Inspect roof vents for damage, fit and sealant.
9. Inspect A/C shroud for damage, dry rot or improper fit.
10. Inspect underbelly for holes, cuts or damage due to road hazards and whether secure.
11. Inspect the slide-out rubber seals, wipers, and toppers for damage, dry rot, cracking or peeling. Check slide-out alignment.
12. Inspect awning for dry rot or tears; check hardware for damage and improper operation.
13. Check battery for proper charge, fluids and connections.
14. Check all exterior lights, lens, and mounts for proper operation.
15. Inspect Air Conditioner filters for proper operation.
16. Perform LP Gas pressure leak.
17. Inspect LP tanks, connections, gauges and mounts.
18. Inspect gate valves and dump connectors for damage or wear.
19. Inspect the 7-way and 4-way trailer connectors and cable for corrosion or damage.
20. Inspect hitch coupler components for wear or damage.
21. Inspect safety chains and connecting mechanisms for weakened, damaged or corroded condition.
22. Inspect propane gas detector for proper operation.
23. Inspect smoke detector for proper operation.
24. Inspect carbon monoxide detector for proper operation.
25. Check fire extinguisher for easy access and proper charging.
26. Check 30/50 amp power cord for damage or improper operation.
27. Check the exterior step hinges and brackets for corrosion or damage.
28. Inspect ladder for damage and for tight, proper attachment to RV
29. Check exterior compartment doors and access doors for proper operation or damage.
30. Inspect refrigerator and hot water exterior components for damage, corrosion and missing items
31. Check break-away switch for improper mounting or for damage.

Here's an idea, ask what 32 points they will be inspecting, then look at them. Chances are most of the items you are already aware of their status, such as tire wear, roof sealant, window sealant, HW heater operation, etc.

As others have said, this is purely a money making scheme. Don't waste your time.

I smell a money making scheme for the dealer here. Salesmanship 101.

As others have stated, learn to do the tasks you are comfortable with.

Then find a local mechanic or trailer shop for brakes, bearing etc.

Heck, for the distance you have to travel ( likely twice, because you'll almost certainly have to leave it ) your fuel costs alone would likely pay for a service visit from a mobile RV repair guy if you have one in the area.

PS. if you have a camping trip planned anywhere that snowbirds go ( south TX, AZ or FL ), there are plenty of choices for mobile repair guys. Ask at the registration desk who they have that frequents their park.

Just because its free doesn't mean its worth the money you paid for it. Lol. I know. If you are physically able to get on the roof and crawl underneath your rig then you need to do some of this stuff yourself. Utube has plenty of video on how to. Caulking is the biggest item to keep on top of because of potential leaks and water damage. For brake/bearing service, if you are not comfortable doing this, find a local mechanic or mobile RV mechanic. Bearings are bearings, brakes are brakes only RV brakes are electrically activated, still not complicated.

If you are not able to climb and crawl then find a shop close to you that has a good reputation.

Is there still time to get it in before the one year warranty expires? Delays pushing you past that will eliminate any chance that the manufacturer will be on the hook with most brands.
Otherwise I agree with Lynnmore, the dealer sees this as a selling opportunity from caulking the roof to adding new items like slide toppers, or maybe you have liked it so much that seeing a newer shinier one will make you want a bigger tt.

Your "free" inspection is an opportunity for the dealer to sell you stuff. Unless you have a problem, keep the trailer at home. You need to learn to do as much service as you can. Now maintenance would involve pulling the hubs, inspecting the brakes and servicing the wheel bearings, that would take some time. Be sure to inspect all caulking to prevent leaks.