Why Would You Need An RV Inspector?
Reasons for Hiring an RV Inspection Company
According to a recent survey from the National RV Inspectors Association (NRVIA), the amount of monthly searches for “RV inspector” is astonishing. Over 10,000 individuals searched for inspectors in their region on the organization’s website each month in August and September, according to the organization’s website traffic data.
According to Stephanie Henson, NRVIA director of administration, “When we built the search tool on our website, we believed it would be a means for inspectors to receive an occasional recommendation from folks who needed an RV examined, but I think 10,000 searches a month is amazing.”
In today’s market, the majority of RV purchasers locate an NRVIA Certified RV Inspector using a locating map. The fact that more individuals are becoming aware of the service’s availability is a testament to its increasing demand.”
According to Terry Cooper, president of the National RV Inspection Association, “With more than 1,500 new RVs being constructed every day and 2,000 older RVs being sold every day, the need for inspectors continues to be very strong.”
Housing inspectors and even car inspectors are reportedly joining on the bandwagon to review recreational vehicles (RVs),” Henson said.
What is the difference between inspectors, and how can you tell? Given that an RV is basically a “home on wheels,” wouldn’t housing and automobile inspectors be eligible? If this is the case, should you settle for anything less than an RV inspector with certification? Is it really necessary to spend money on an inspection when you can do it yourself for a fraction of the cost.
In what capacity does an RV inspector do their duties?
RV inspectors are professionals who are trained to perform thorough inspections of big Class A motorhomes, Class B campers, travel trailers, and other recreational vehicles. They are also known as recreational vehicle technicians (or RV technicians).
When compared to an examination done by a dealership (see our article on three kinds of pre-delivery RV inspections), the certified RV inspector referred to in this article is an objective third party. In the event that the inspection is purchased or sold, the person has no financial interest.
The services of RV inspectors are either engaged directly by prospective purchasers or requested as a part of an extended warranty policy. An RV inspection may assist sellers in determining a fair price for their recreational vehicle and showing potential buyers the vehicle’s thorough condition.
To be a successful RV inspector, according to HomeGauge, a firm that develops home inspection software, you must fundamentally understand both house and automobile components, including the following:
Including RV interiors such as restrooms, upholstery, furniture, and cupboards
the outside of the vehicle and the underside of the vehicle (looking for things like rust and dents)
Furnaces, air conditioning, and heating systems
Systems that run on propane
Electrical systems with direct current and alternating current.
The systems for supplying water and drainage
Other RV amenities such as a refrigerator and generator
Vehicle inspections include checking the tire and wheel condition, as well as all-wheel and 4-wheel drive systems
In order to determine the condition of the windows, doors, and roof,
Damage caused by a collision or flooding
Fire safety in recreational vehicles (RVs).
RV weight control is a must-have for every RV enthusiast.
Engine, gearbox, and exhaust are all examples of mechanical components.
Braking, steering, and suspension systems are all important.
An RV inspection is recommended for many reasons.
Why wouldn’t you want a certified RV inspector going over your possible unit with a fine-tooth comb, knowing how much knowledge is necessary to become one? Regarding allegations of inexperienced rivals, such as house and auto inspectors, also providing the services, Henson said unequivocally, “…we remind people that recreational vehicles are intricate pieces of machinery.” Every component in them must be reviewed and tested to verify that they function correctly.” They are an assembled collection of various components.
The expert said, “It is hard to adequately assess all of those components and evaluate the life-safety risks of an RV in a 30-45-minute evaluation.” The training of RV inspectors is essential since they must be aware of what to check for in an RV and how to record their findings in a comprehensive report.
A variety of benefits accrue to RV inspectors, the most significant of which are as follows:
- Assist in making well-informed purchase choices.
The fundamental components and structural characteristics of an RV are well-understood by qualified RV inspectors, as previously noted. The buyer is informed of the condition of the RV by the inspection. If you have the information offered by your inspector, it will assist you in making numerous judgments about your purchase, including whether or not to even sign on the dotted line at all.
On their inspections, “wolfie10” and “arcaguy” from the iRV2 forum joined in the fun as observers. “I was in attendance at the inspection, so it served as a learning experience for me,” Arcaguy wrote in response. Whenever possible, I would advise being there. “…be present for the examination,” Wolfie10 stated. “… (with old clothes on). What a great opportunity to learn.”
Every RV inspector has their own style, so be careful to inquire ahead of time if it is okay with them if you accompany them during the inspection.. While some may agree, others will prefer to focus on the work at hand and share their observations in more depth when the inspection is over.
Make any repairs or damage that has to be handled a top priority
There will almost always be troubles with an RV, no matter whether it is new or old, no matter how large or minor the problem is. As a result of the thoroughness of RV inspections, these flaws are often discovered, providing the prospective buyer with an option to have them corrected before to closing or to negotiate a lower price in lieu of repair work.
“When we picked up our beautiful new RV, we discovered outlets that didn’t work, a dead battery, and numerous other minor issues,” stated iRV2 forum user “Firebean,” recalling his encounter with an RV inspector. They rectified all of them, but if we hadn’t double-checked everything, they would have sent us on our way without changing anything. In addition, it’s much simpler to have anything addressed before pick up than having to get warranty work done thereafter.”
- Provide justification for a reasonable price for the unit in question.
Having knowledge of the RV’s true condition offers you the benefit of being able to negotiate the price down even more, particularly if the RV being sold is outrageously overvalued.
Find an inspector by following these steps:
Companies like as RV Inspection Connection and Premier RV Inspections are available to assist RV purchasers in finding an RV inspector in addition to the NRVIA. In every state in the country, there are dozens of RV inspection services.
Prepare ahead of time by doing research and contacting companies to find one that fulfills your requirements while also being within your financial means.
In the event that someone is in a bind and needs an RV inspection as soon as possible, Henson suggests that they send an email to info@nrvia.org, which will be sent to the appropriate inspectors.
In exchange for a client’s information on the RV’s location and characteristics such as its year of manufacture and model, we may include it in an alert sent to inspectors virtually every day, enabling clients to connect with certified mobile inspectors traveling through their area.”
A career as an RV inspector may be for you.
With increased awareness of what an RV inspection can do to assist customers in making educated choices about acquiring an RV, the demand for inspections continues to outpace the supply of qualified RV inspectors accessible to undertake assessments, says Cooper.
A certified RV inspector is someone who has received formal training in this field. We are in desperate need of assistance. As reported in the article, RV Tech Schools May Play A Significant Role In Post-Pandemic Recovery, the RV Technical Institute (RVTI), which was established to assist people desiring to become RV inspectors, has partnered with Authorized Learning Partners all around the country to provide training.
According to the paper, “They boast 100 percent job placement, a solid career ladder, and lifelong learning, to mention a few of their promises.” There are many other organizations that provide training in addition to RVTI, including the National RV Training Academy (NRVTA), the Recreational Vehicle Service Academy (RVSA), and others. The RVSA has even formed a partnership with the RVTI in order to assist maintain curriculum uniforms and provide training to a wider range of students.
