Full Time

Jean S wrote:
...Have it checked out by a good mechanic and technician...

This is advice we often received during our search. It sounds reasonable, however, it proved to be very problematic. We struggled finding anyone that we trusted to perform a comprehensive inspection on a Class A coach. This may be less problematic on a simpler RV, however, finding a qualified independent "Good Mechanic" or "RV Technician" virtually impossible. Also consider that the coach is often remote from our location, perhaps the other side of the country, you really have no idea what might be the motivation of the "inspector", particularly if you don't spend the time and money to perform the inspection with them.

Here is what we ultimately decided and why. After a couple years of searching we found ourselves in the final steps of purchasing a used motorhome. After contacting several “RV Inspectors” and receiving quotes of $400 - $1300 to perform an inspection. Our thought process is: OK, so they come and look at the rig, they basically do a functional check of a number (between 40-160) items. Let’s assume he/she checks everything and it functions as best he/she can determine. And we buy the coach. If I go directly behind him a day later after the money for the inspection and the coach has been spent and the item doesn’t work, what is my recourse? Nothing. I’ve spent $1300 for “a moment in time” functional check and I have no real lasting value from that expenditure other than the “RV Inspector” had said it worked. That is to say - the previous owner isn’t going to make good on the defective item, nor the “RV Inspector”. Neither has any skin in the game.

So here is what we decided. I researched a number of exclusionary extended warranties/service contracts. In that research I learned, that for used motorhomes, they require an inspection before they will concluded the extended warranty/service contract. And that inspection can be done prior to you committing to the purchase of the service contract. They only require that you prepay for the inspection. In our case that was $250 (which is credited to the cost of the contract, if you go forward with the deal). Now perhaps the same inspector will inspect the motorhome, although at a much better price, he is to perform a test drive, and a full photo documentation of the condition and functionality of the systems and components covered in the service contract, which is extensive. If at the conclusion the service contract company concludes the coach has no pre-existing defects, we can purchase the service contract if we like or forego the $250 and walk away. If however, we spend the money on the service contract, the inspector and the company he represents has some “skin in the game”, so to me they have every reason to do a proper inspection and identify real problems. And at the same time I have only spent $250 and have the option to proceed or not with the service contract. For us, it is the best solution we have found to the “have someone you trust inspect the RV” suggestion. YMMV

Tim
2009 American Coach Tradition 42P