Pre-Inspection

What is the best way to find a company to do a pre-purchase inspection? I am buying a motorhome that is in another state and want to be diligent.

Water leaks are the worst as hidden damage can be present. Any "soft spot" on the floor, obvious discoloration anywhere inside especially the roof, caulking that has gapped wide or looks very old(may need replacement) all could be indications of possible leaks now fixed out otherwise.

Check out all systems that you can - with Propane on try heater, stove and hot water tank(must have water in it), fridge, check to see if gauges appear to be working, run AC on 110volt , fans, lights, water pump, TVs including antenna booster, inverter if it has one, move slides in an out listening for unusual noises and watching for uneven pulling side to side. They should all close flush to the side of the RV. Jacks if they have them - test leveling and putting down an up. Look at upholstery and bed to see if wear seems within limits. Try all light fixtures and run all faucets.

Check tires not only for tread but for AGE!! Do an internet search on how to read age of the tires. Anything approaching or over 7 years likely means you will need new tires. Lots of tread does not mean the tires are safe to run on - rubber deteriorates and may be cracked inside the tire. Inspecting from the outside is not enough - check the AGE. Check battery for age and charge level.

Inspect to see ease of access to your services - ease of using dump handles, water inlet, electrical hookup cord access, hot water bypass if it has one.

Storage - where will you put stuff - Kitchen area - pot/pans, dishes, food stuff, paper products and.......... outside chairs, sewer hoses, extension cord, water hoses, and anything else that is essential to you. Beware overloading whatever RV you decide upon.

Try to imagine how any unit would actually function for you. Good luck with the search and keep reading for more ideas of essentials to check out!

Tony B wrote:
I know that maintenance and general care means a lot, but generally, at what age do they become more problematic than what they are worth?

There is no set time or duration. It's just like with the family car. Once they start nickle-and-diming you beyond your comfort level, you begin to think about selling or trading. Same is true with an RV. Everyone has a different threshold level. Sometimes folks are ready to sell after 3 days, others after 33 years.

The best you can do with a used unit is to inspect for everything. Crawl under the unit on your back and see what's under there, to crawling around on the roof to see what's "up" there. Then inside and outside, every nook and cranny, every appliance, all systems. Everything! Then make your decision when you detect a deficiency if you can fix it, live with it as is, or if it's too much for you, then leave it and move to a different unit.

Look for bent hangers and check the leaf springs. Also, check under the bedroom slide area at the corners to verify there are no cracks in the fiberglass or clear coat.

Open every cabinet, and look up with a flashlight for ceiling discoloration.

Check countertops and any attached furniture for separation from the walls.

I know that maintenance and general care means a lot, but generally, at what age do they become more problematic than what they are worth?

Ahhh! The slides.
Anything specific that I should be looking or listening for other than smooth action and no bizarre sounds?

Make sure everything works.

Water pump
Stove top
AC
Slides move in and out
etc.