General Inspection Checklist

[Colorado__5]

When I take my car in to the shop they run it through a 20 some point inspection and tell me everything that needs to be addressed or repaired. I'm new to RVing but would assume they do the same for a MH when it's brought in.

When a dealership takes in a used MH they claim they run it through a x number of points inspection before reselling it.

Does anyone have or know of a checklist or inspection list that the pro's use to evaluate any issues with a MH?

I will be taking possession of a 2004 Winnebago in a few weeks and I want to run it through the paces when I get it home to see where I'm at.

Any thoughts or ideas would be greatly appreciated.

[Colorado__5]

toedtoes wrote:

Colorado #5 wrote:
Update.

Found a diesel shop on the way back to my AO that will do an oil change for me. If I decide not to do it myself. I'm fully capable I just don't like changing the oil in cold weather.

Will checking the temps on the tires truly give me a since of how they are holding up? I have a laser temp gauge. And that would really give me a good peace of mind if I'm able to monitor the state of the tires.

It's not "oh, I checked the temps and there won't be any problems" kind of fix. But, if you are just trying to get the RV home so you can have the time to really go through everything, etc., then it can help you get through that one trip. If one or more tires show excessive heat, then you need to stop driving and get them replaced immediately. If they are all within a good temp range, then you can check for new cracking, separation, etc., and make a judgment call about finishing the drive home before getting new tires.

Yep... That is exactly how I interpreted that idea. Just a tool to get me home or help me realize I need new tires before going any further.

[toedtoes]

Colorado #5 wrote:
Update.

Found a diesel shop on the way back to my AO that will do an oil change for me. If I decide not to do it myself. I'm fully capable I just don't like changing the oil in cold weather.

Will checking the temps on the tires truly give me a since of how they are holding up? I have a laser temp gauge. And that would really give me a good peace of mind if I'm able to monitor the state of the tires.

It's not "oh, I checked the temps and there won't be any problems" kind of fix. But, if you are just trying to get the RV home so you can have the time to really go through everything, etc., then it can help you get through that one trip. If one or more tires show excessive heat, then you need to stop driving and get them replaced immediately. If they are all within a good temp range, then you can check for new cracking, separation, etc., and make a judgment call about finishing the drive home before getting new tires.

[Colorado__5]

This diesel shop deals in heavy duty trucks. Do you think they would be able to do a good tire inspection?

[D_E_Bishop]

I would either have a tire shop do an inspection or read up on what to look for as far as age damage is concernedor check and see if there is a youutube video on the subject.

You seem to have a handle on the oil but remember to have the shop do a test on the coolant and drain the old windshield washer fluid.

As far as a comprehensive PDI type of check list, there are several PDIs available on line. For the most part the inspections are easy to do and a mobile or shop tech is not needed.

Keep checking back here for anything you have questions on.

[Colorado__5]

Update.

Found a diesel shop on the way back to my AO that will do an oil change for me. If I decide not to do it myself. I'm fully capable I just don't like changing the oil in cold weather.

Will checking the temps on the tires truly give me a since of how they are holding up? I have a laser temp gauge. And that would really give me a good peace of mind if I'm able to monitor the state of the tires.

[kerrlakeRoo]

One last thought since your up in Snow country, and it's winter.
You could check the area where it's located for a Loves or other travel stop type location in the area. I know loves will do your oil in most cases and does offer a quick safety inspection service.
It may be available and give you some peace of mind.
Happy motorin

[toedtoes]

You should be able to get a shop to do a "vehicle" inspection like you do with a car. I had mine do it with my class c when I bought it. They checked brakes, fluids, lights, and so on.

The house stuff you can deal with once you get it home - unless you'll be sleeping in it during the trip (in that case at least get the propane system checked).

For tires, get a laser thermometer. Make regular stops and just check the tire temps each time. If one is significantly hotter than the others then you've got immediate trouble.

[Colorado__5]

kerrlakeRoo wrote:
Most Class A gasser units are not that hard to do an oil change on. Try to at least get that done if it's 3 years old oil.
Everyone has tire stories, and most are for good reason, if you really cant tell, I would keep speeds low and use secondary roads not interstates to allow less stress on the tires.

It's actually a Class C Ford Tritan I think. I'll have to check. But I'd agree that shouldn't be too tough to change the oil in.

[kerrlakeRoo]

Most Class A gasser units are not that hard to do an oil change on. Try to at least get that done if it's 3 years old oil.
Everyone has tire stories, and most are for good reason, if you really cant tell, I would keep speeds low and use secondary roads not interstates to allow less stress on the tires.

[Colorado__5]

This is all good stuff guys thanks a ton. I do not however think I'm going to be able to change the oil prior to my 256 mile trek back home. This concerns me. The tires are pushing their 5 year mark if that is the life limit for RV tires. It has gotten used once a year since 2006. And I believe but am not sure was serviced at the end of each trip up until about 3 years ago. When it's caretaker changed and has been neglecting it. Barely winterized it and so on. I'm sure he hasn't changed the oil in it for the last 3 years. He also mentioned the word mice which concerns me. I'm really going to have to think of way to get that oil changed before the trek home. If I check the air pressure in the tires should I be relatively safe with those?

[PawPaw_n_Gram]

RV's and Motorhomes are not sold, serviced or warrantied like vehicles. Nothing in your experience with vehicles is directly comparable to how RV's are managed and serviced.

It is much closer to how a home is warrantied and serviced.

A motorhome has two separate systems warranty wise.

The chassis, motor, transmission and running gear are usually warrantied and serviced by the company which built them and sold a bare chassis to the motorhome manufacturer. You see a lot of motorhomes at Freightliner dealerships, service outlets. The motorized mechanical aspects of the motorhome are usually dealt with quicker, easier and more efficently and more cost effectively by a big truck dealer/ repair shop. They have mechanics trained to deal with those systems, and many do a good bit of RV business. Diesel pushers seem to have less issues dealing with the truck companies than gasoline powered Class A units which often have to find a Ford dealer who also works with heavy Ford trucks.

I've been to several dealerships which sell a lot of Class A units, both gas and diesel powered, who do not service any motor/ chassis related part of the rig beyond an oil change. And overpriced at that.

The 'coach' is warrantied by the company which build the coach - Monaco, Thor, Winnabago. However only the 'shell' of the body is warrantied by the manufacturer.

The fridge, the furnace, the water pump, the sink facuets, the AC's, the TV, the stove, the microwave, etc, - are all under their individual warranty from the company which built them and sold them to the coach manufacturer.

This is like a home where the home builder does not warranty the 'appliances'.

A good RV service facility does have people familiar with most of the major RV appliances and has relationships with the companies so that they can get parts and warranty work done if applicable.

A special note on tires - as mentioned above.

RV tires almost never need to be replaced due to tread wear. Forget everything you learned about tires for vehicles.

The vast majority of RV tires 'age out' not 'wear out'.

The main reason to watch tread wear on an RV is for overloading, under inflation, etc patterns of damage.

It is important to know when each of the tires was manufactured. I would not consider any RV tire over five years old 'safe' on the road.

[fj12ryder]

You might be able to find a dealer that will do an inspection for you...at a price. Personally I would do it myself, which you should be able to do. As was mentioned a lot can depend on how long it's been sitting unused.

The roof is one thing that needs to be checked thoroughly for any leaks, holes, tears, etc. Then things like the house water pump, and associated water lines. Then check for working water heater, refrigerator, stove/oven, shower and shower enclosure, furnace. Then check the condition of sewer lines, holding tanks, and hoses. And of course all the mechanical functions of the motor/chassis/transmission and associated parts, i.e. water pump, alternator, battery, brakes, etc.

Good luck, and come back and let us know how it has all worked out.

[kerrlakeRoo]

OK different set of issues.
How long has it been sitting? If a year or more, immediately have the oil and possibly other fluids changed. Check the date codes on the tires,
if 5 years old or older, if possible change them, if not go slow on your way home.
These items I would try to do before leaving.
Basic safety items as for any vehicle, lights, horn, wipers etc should all be checked.
All of this is in addition to the PDI type list covering the house areas of the unit.

[Colorado__5]

sorry... I guess I should have mentioned that this MH is gifted to me. So I will take it however I can get it. I do know it runs. I do know there a lower miles on the tires and for the most part in pretty good shape. Its the stuff I don't know that I need to inspect. If that makes any since.