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inspection for purchase?
Hello wonderful LD group!

I may have a line on a purchase in Southern California.  I believe from what I've read that I should have it inspected by someone certified by NRVIA, separate from a mechanic just checking the engine.  I found two online, but don't know them.  Do any of you have experience with either of these inspectors? Both are "level 2" certified. I'm looking for a referral.  If you know someone to share, please do.  Thank you very much!

Therese Hunt or Ted Emil

Kat
LD WannaBe - on waitlist

Re: inspection for purchase?
Reply #1
That is a very smart idea! Sometimes resellers, or sellers in general may not be away of the problems that they are passing onto the buyer.   ::)


Re: inspection for purchase?
Reply #3
I have no knowledge of either of the listed inspectors - and no experience with what a "Level 2" certification actually means in terms of evaluating the competence of the inspector - but if I were contracting with one of these services, I'd make sure that I understood the specific inspection points covered, exactly how the inspection will be done, if there is a written report (and photos) provided of condition, trouble spots, and recommendations for repair or replacement, and what protection/recourse, if any, a buyer might have if a "wart" (present at the time of inspection) that should have been noted in a thorough inspection might appear shortly after the buyer takes possession.

This checklist should provide specifics of what an inspector should look for/evaluate:

RV Inspection Checklist

Good luck.

2003 TK has a new home

Re: inspection for purchase?
Reply #4
I have no knowledge of either of the listed inspectors - and no experience with what a "Level 2" certification actually means in terms of evaluating the competence of the inspector - but if I were contracting with one of these services, I'd make sure that I understood the specific inspection points covered, exactly how the inspection will be done, if there is a written report (and photos) provided of condition, trouble spots, and recommendations for repair or replacement, and what protection/recourse, if any, a buyer might have if a "wart" (present at the time of inspection) that should have been noted in a thorough inspection might appear shortly after the buyer takes possession.

This checklist should provide specifics of what an inspector should look for/evaluate:

RV Inspection Checklist

Good luck.


Thank you Joan!
LD WannaBe - on waitlist

Re: inspection for purchase?
Reply #5
I agree with Joan - inspectors vary. You want one that can see things you can’t. 
I would ask if they check for leaks (some don’t), if they throughly check out the chassis (I expect they don’t and you would need to run it by a mechanic for that), same with generator, as well as checking out all systems and confirming the age of any relaxed parts. 
Asking to talk to the places they get work done can also give you helpful info (eg find out about the maintenance and repairs done over time). The
Jane
Jane & Scott
Currently have a 1989 TK  LD we did a lot of upgrades on.
Bigfoot 25RQ Twin on order with early summer 2024 ETA

Our smartphone autocorrects into very poor English.
 We disclaim the illusion of ignorance this creates as we have enough ignorance we rightly claim.

Re: inspection for purchase?
Reply #6
NRVIA Inspectors use specific software for their inspections which only varies based on the level of inspection you request.

I am an NRVIA Level 1 Inspector (really just classroom training) while Level 2 Inspectors have had hands-on training with various RVs.

I chose to have a Level 2 Inspector check out my 2003 MB before purchase. The inspection took 8 hours and included:

Detailed RV Inspection
• 150+ point inspection (135 page report with photos)
• 75+ photos (236 actual photos)

I paid a bit over $1000 with my NRVIA discount but it also included paying for the inspectors 4 hour RT travel time.

Attached are images of what the inspection covered.



My wheels:
2003 MB
2012 Jeep Liberty

Re: inspection for purchase?
Reply #7
Good information; thanks, Deb!
2003 TK has a new home

Re: inspection for purchase?
Reply #8
Thank you Deb and Jane!
LD WannaBe - on waitlist

Re: inspection for purchase?
Reply #9
I am in the process of turning the list that Kent and other have posted here in the past into a checklist in MS Word format (cuz I'm a checklist kinda guy!).  If I ever get it done, I'll post it on the forum for feedback.
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264

Re: inspection for purchase?
Reply #10
Thank you Greg.

Good luck with your purchase!
LD WannaBe - on waitlist

Re: inspection for purchase?
Reply #11
OK, here is my first attempt at a checklist for those looking to buy used. It's based on previous inspection lists presented here on the forum.  It's three pages long in MS Word format.

I welcome your feedback, good and bad, and suggestions for improvement.  If I put something down that's just stupid, let me know . . . I can take it and will change or delete it.  If I missed something, let me know and I'll add it. Thanks,
Greg
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264

 
Re: inspection for purchase?
Reply #12
Kay, I just saw replies to this also, I would suggest also looking the person up on Yelp/google (I trust reviews better when they are written with details, not just nice guy or great job) and from reviewers that have done a number of reviews (at least 10, more preferred).

House inspectors - they all get the same schooling but even in the same company I have seen one’s do a great job and others who had no clue at all of what they were doing.  Maybe the inspector could share a past review and a reference where you could talk to that RV owner, to see show they really write up their reviews.
Jane
Jane & Scott
Currently have a 1989 TK  LD we did a lot of upgrades on.
Bigfoot 25RQ Twin on order with early summer 2024 ETA

Our smartphone autocorrects into very poor English.
 We disclaim the illusion of ignorance this creates as we have enough ignorance we rightly claim.