What to Look for When Inspecting a Used DP/Gas Class A

I know in my area there is an RV dealer that will do a complete inspection for $400.00 and provide a written report reference all the systems and their condition. They will also list all the problems and needed repairs. The list will be triaged to indicate what is critical to repair and what can wait until you get the time and/or money. The sales side of the house doesn't do anything for me as they are hard to negotiate with, but the service department seems top notch based on several opinions from friends with rigs. Look for an RV shop and ask if they would do an inspection. Much like a financial adviser....look for one that will charge a fee for their service, they have no allegiance to anyone other than the one writing the check.

Hook wrote:
We get about 10 mpg with normal driving and conditions with our 2014 V10 Winnebago Vista 32'. I have always favored the 5th wheel but broke down and bought the DW the class A, she absolutely loves it and I do not see a 5th wheel in our future ever again.

I would not consider anything over 10 years old and the newer the better. The rubber seals, some roofs and caulking only lasts so long.

Good luck on your search.

Miss Alaska much?

Hook

We do miss Alaska at times, especially the summers. Probably would have stayed after I retired from the Air Force if they were just a little longer.

We get about 10 mpg with normal driving and conditions with our 2014 V10 Winnebago Vista 32'. I have always favored the 5th wheel but broke down and bought the DW the class A, she absolutely loves it and I do not see a 5th wheel in our future ever again.

I would not consider anything over 10 years old and the newer the better. The rubber seals, some roofs and caulking only lasts so long.

Good luck on your search.

Miss Alaska much?

Hook

The five year service on a DP runs about $2500. As mentioned, check the tires.

Thanks everyone for replies. Great information.

Just as with a pre-buy inspection on an airplane, you want someone to look at it that has never seen it before. Taking to the RV shop that has maintained it will not expose all the warts. That shop may have a vested interest in the sale, especially if the current owner is buying another coach and will have it maintained there.

Find a local truck repair place that is familiar with the type/make of engine in the coach, and have them check it out. They may or may not be able to check the chassis as well, they're frequently a different sort of animal that may need a completely different expert opinion. Same for the coach itself.

It may help to simply think of the RV as a house. An electrical inspector may not be qualified for the plumbing, or the heater. And the problem with inspection services is just as darsben noted, they may not be qualified, and may not stand behind their report. If you decide to go that way, be SURE to check their credentials too, and ask to see a sample report. It's way too easy to have business cards printed and set yourself an expert without any foundation.

hanzfranz60 wrote:
Why not let the professionals inspect it for you? Contract a professional RV inspector to help you out. usedrvinspection.com

Why would I want to pay someone with dubious credentials, issued by a non-binding entity, that seems to offer no warranty if they miss something?
Seems to me you are just trading the uncertainty of you missing something to the uncertainty that the person you hired is competent, will not miss something and is as interested in your rig as you are.

Why not let the professionals inspect it for you? Contract a professional RV inspector to help you out. usedrvinspection.com

Look out for water/leak damage. Tires more than 7years old. Play in front end, slop in suspension.
Fuel mileage on my old workhorse and my new ford 7 mpg loaded, unloaded, pulling toad all the same. Less on uphill climbs and driving into wind.

Hope this helps