RV Inspection Checklist: Everything You Need to Know

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Are you getting ready to purchase a motorhome or RV? This is an extremely exciting process that can shape the next few years of your life. Because of this, it’s important to have a trusty RV inspection checklist that guides you through the process.

At Kirkland RV, we help families track down the perfect rig every single day. Below, we’ve put together a “buying a used RV” checklist that will help you get the best RV for you.

 

How to Approach Your RV Purchase

Having a motorhome checklist is a great starting point, but it’s important to determine how you want to approach your RV purchase before you start researching rigs.

First off, you should decide whether you want to purchase a new or used RV. While both can become the preferred vessel for family adventures, it’s important to note that the purchase process varies greatly.

When buying a new RV, you should focus on things like the capacity, basic features, and costs for any additional upgrades. When analyzing a used rig, you should consider all of the above as well as mileage, the condition of the condition, mechanical history, and other factors we will cover shortly.

 

1. Details You Should Note Before Buying a New RV

Here’s a summarized motorhome inspection checklist for new rigs.

  • Interior: Inspect the electrical system, appliances, roof, door seals, and any interior drawers and slideouts.
  • Exterior: Check the overall appearance and condition, and see if there are visible scratches, rust, strains, or dents that may have occurred during transporting.
  • Capacity: It’s always a good idea to familiarize yourself with the capacity (number of people that can be accommodated, weight rating, and various tank sizes) of the rig you’re considering.

 

2. Additional Features

If you’re purchasing a fully-equipped model, your new RV inspection checklist should also include all the extras you’re adding, like:

  • Awnings
  • External lights
  • External slideouts
  • Racks and all other additional upgrades

 

3. Additional Things to Check for Used RVs

If you’re looking at used models, your RV pre-purchase inspection checklist should also include:

  • Mileage
  • Water damage
  • Dent and scratches
  • Appliances and plumbing
  • Tire thread
  • If possible, test-drive the rig to get a feel for its mechanical state

 

buying a used rv checklist

Get Help Finding the Perfect RV

There are countless RVs out there and more deals flood the internet every single day. Taking the time to assess the state of the rig you want to purchase is essential if you want to get a motorhome that will take you and your family on all the wild adventures you envision.

As long as you take the time to inspect the interior, exterior, and the capacity of your new rig, you should be able to make the best choice. Moreover, if you’re looking at used RVs, your checklist should be expanded to include things like checking the mileage, inspecting for any water damage, and noting any dent or scratches.

But, all in all, you should be able to track down the perfect rig for your family, especially if you find the right dealership. Preparing your checklist is a great first step, now it’s time to contact Kirkland RV sales and see what rigs you have available.