Buying an RV is a big decision. Whether it’s your first motorhome or your fifth, the excitement of hitting the open road can sometimes cloud your judgment — especially when a rig looks spotless on the surface. But underneath the paint and polish, serious issues could be hiding in plain sight. That’s where a certified RV inspection comes in.
As someone who’s inspected RVs for over 20 years, I can tell you this: the real problems are usually the ones you don’t see.
In this article, I’ll break down some real-life examples (with names and locations removed) of costly issues caught before the purchase — and explain how a proper inspection saved buyers thousands of dollars and major headaches.
Why You Should Never Skip a Pre-Purchase RV Inspection
A walkthrough with the seller is not an inspection. Dealers and private sellers often clean up and stage RVs to make them look their best. But looks can be deceiving. What feels like a solid investment could be a ticking time bomb — especially true for used RVs.
Certified inspectors are trained to examine every system in the RV: structural integrity, water intrusion, propane safety, electrical function, roof condition, tires, and more. They undergo rigorous training and testing to identify potential issues and ensure they meet industry standards for thoroughness and expertise. We don’t work for the seller; we work for you, the buyer.
Real-World RV Inspection Finds (And What They Saved)
Take a look at this table. These are all real examples from inspections I or trusted colleagues performed. Each issue was caught during a routine pre-purchase inspection, and every single one could cost the buyer dearly — either in money, safety, or both.
Common Issues Caught During RV Inspections
| Issue Found | Estimated Repair Cost | Caught During | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water damage under bedroom slide | $3,200 | Full Pre-Purchase Inspection | Buyer negotiated $3,000 off purchase price |
| Propane leak at refrigerator connection | $250 (but major safety risk) | LP System Pressure Test | Seller fixed it before delivery; no extra cost to buyer |
| Soft flooring in rear bathroom | $1,800 | Moisture Intrusion Check | Buyer walked away and avoided a big future expense |
| Roof sealant failure around skylight | $1,200 | Exterior Roof Inspection | Dealer repaired prior to sale |
| Delamination behind kitchen wall | $3,500 – $5,000 | Wall Tap Test & Visual Panel Check | Buyer used findings to lower offer by $4,000 |
Export to Sheets
Let’s Break Down a Few of These Examples
- Water Damage Under a Bedroom Slide: The seller had cleaned and polished everything — even used air fresheners to make it feel cozy inside. But during the inspection, I tested the subfloor under the slide with a moisture meter. It spiked. Pulling back the carpet revealed soft wood and mold. Estimated repair cost? Over $3,000. Because of the inspection, the buyer negotiated the price down before signing anything. Without that, they would’ve been stuck footing the bill a few months down the road.
- Propane Leak at the Fridge: This one’s not just about money — it’s about safety. During the LP gas system test, I found a small leak where the fridge connected to the propane line. You couldn’t smell it right away, but the pressure drop during the leak-down test told the truth. The seller had no idea. They were glad it was caught and got it fixed before delivery. The buyer didn’t have to pay for the repair, and they avoided a serious risk while driving or camping.
- Soft Flooring in the Rear Bathroom: Walking through the RV felt fine at first, but stepping into the back corner of the bathroom, I felt just enough give in the floor to raise concern. Moisture testing confirmed it — water had leaked from the shower pan, rotting out the subfloor underneath. That $1,800 repair would’ve required removing the toilet, linoleum, and cabinetry. The buyer walked away. And that was the right move.
- Roof Sealant Failure Around Skylight: It’s easy to overlook the roof — after all, most buyers never climb up there during a walk-through. But it’s one of the most important areas to check. In this case, sealant around the skylight was cracked and pulling away, leaving gaps where water could creep in. Catch it early, and it’s a $1,200 fix. Miss it, and it could lead to ceiling damage, insulation rot, and interior mold. The dealer agreed to fix it on their dime before the sale was finalized.
- Delamination Behind the Kitchen Wall: This one took a little detective work. I noticed some subtle bubbling near the kitchen wall paneling — not enough to jump out at a glance. But tapping on the wall produced a hollow sound in a few areas. Peeling back the panel confirmed it: water had seeped in behind the siding and the glue had failed. This kind of repair isn’t cheap — you’re looking at a $3,500 to $5,000 job, depending on how far the damage goes. Thanks to the inspection, the buyer used this information to negotiate $4,000 off the asking price.
Inspections Pay for Themselves
Let’s do some basic math. A certified inspection may cost anywhere from $500 to $1,000 depending on the RV’s size and complexity. An inspection can take anywhere from 3-8 hours to complete, depending on the size of the rig.
Even in the cheapest of these five examples, the inspection caught an issue worth more than double the inspection cost. In most cases, the savings were in the thousands. That’s a return on investment you don’t see often — and the peace of mind is priceless.
I understand that adding another expense to the RV buying process might seem daunting. But think of it this way: an inspection is an investment in protecting your much larger investment in the RV itself. It’s like insurance – you hope you don’t need it, but you’re incredibly grateful you have it when something goes wrong.
Addressing Common Concerns
- Seller Resistance: If a seller is hesitant about an inspection, that’s often a red flag in itself. A reputable seller who’s confident in their RV’s condition should welcome an inspection. You can explain that it’s standard practice for a major purchase like this, and it protects both parties by ensuring transparency.
- “I Can Do It Myself”: While being mechanically inclined is helpful, certified RV inspectors have specialized training and tools (like moisture meters, thermal cameras, and propane leak detectors) that go far beyond a typical DIY inspection. We’re trained to spot subtle signs of trouble that can be easily missed.
What Happens If You Skip the Inspection?
Here’s the truth: most of the time, if something is seriously wrong with an RV, it doesn’t show up immediately. It shows up after your first heavy rain. Or after towing it 1,000 miles. Or when camped in the middle of nowhere and the propane shuts off.
And at that point, you’re the owner. You’ve already signed. You’ve already paid. And you may have little to no legal protection.
An inspection protects you from:
- Hidden water intrusion
- Dangerous propane leaks
- Electrical shorts
- Roof and sealant failures
- Frame damage
- Appliance failures
- And more…
The Inspection Process: What to Expect Depending on your needs and the RV’s age and complexity, you can choose from different levels of inspection, ranging from a basic overview to a comprehensive examination. After the inspection, you’ll receive a detailed report outlining all findings, including photos and explanations, giving you a clear picture of the RV’s condition.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Gamble on the Unknown
I’ve seen too many buyers get burned by skipping this one step. An RV inspection isn’t just about checking boxes. It’s about giving you the truth about the rig’s condition before you spend your hard-earned money.
” ‘I almost skipped the inspection, but thankfully I didn’t! The inspector found a major water leak that would have cost me thousands. He saved me from a huge mistake!’ – John S., Happy RV Owner”
If you’re serious about buying the right RV — whether it’s from a dealership or a private party — don’t go it alone. In today’s competitive RV market, making a quick and informed decision is crucial. Don’t let a hidden problem derail your dream – hire a certified RV inspector and get the peace of mind you deserve.