Premier Inspection Points for Towable RVs (Travel Trailers or 5th Wheels)

Roof

• Inspect and rate the overall Roof Condition.

• Identify the Roof material type and the sealants that have been applied to the roof.

• Evaluate the condition of the various sealant and joints around the roofing components.

• Rate the condition of the roof vents, air conditioners, antenna, other components that are mounted on the roof.

• Identify areas of concern and potential water intrusion points.

 

Sidewall and End Caps

• Inspect and evaluate the appearance and functional condition of the sidewalls, entrance doors, windows and cargo access doors.

 

Slide Out Rooms

• Identify the types of slideout room drive systems.

• Identify the type of roof material for the slideout room.

• Inspect and rate the roof condition.

• Inspect and evaluate the condition of the seals, sweeps and gaskets for possible damage.

• Evaluate the attached wiring and utility harness that feed underneath the slideout room.

 

Awnings and Slide Out Toppers

• Inspect and identify operational type (manual vs electric) of the awnings, slideout toppers and
  window awnings.

• Operate and rate condition of the awning frames and latching mechanisms.

• Evaluate and rate the condition of fabric material of the awnings.

 

Chassis Turn Signal and Running Lights (12-volt DC)

• Inspect the condition of the 7-pin connector cord.

• Operate and evaluate the emergency break away switch.

• Activate and evaluate the operation of the DOT lights mounted on the RV.

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120 Volt AC Electrical System (house type power)

• Inspect and rate the condition of the power cord and its connection ends.

• Identify any damage or repair of the power cord.

• Remove cover panel of 120-volt circuit breaker box to visually inspect the condition of the wiring, circuit breakers and grounding connections.

• List any heat discoloration to the wiring and connections.

• Verify the separation of all the wiring types.

• Test and verify the output operation of the 120 VAC to 12 VDC converter for charging of the deep cycle batteries.

 

Generator- Engine – if installed *strongly recommend performing oil analysis to determine internal combustion engine component condition.

• Identify and note the model, serial number and run hours of the generator.

• Check oil level.

• Start, operate and test the onboard generator under load.

• Test the voltage output and frequency (60 cycles).

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Inverter – if installed

• Identify and note the model and serial number of the inverter.

• Visually inspect the wiring and electrical connections and fuses/circuit breakers.

• Test voltage and frequency output of the inverter under load.

 

Coach Battery System – (12-volt DC deep cycle Battery Electrical System)

• Locate and note the location of the battery stack.

• Evaluate the condition, age and matched sizing of the battery stack.

• Evaluate and determine if positive and negative cables are correctly matched for balanced load.

• Access and visually inspect the wiring, fuse panel and fuses of the 12-volt DC electrical system.

• Evaluate the operation of the fresh water /waste water monitor panel for incorrect tank readings.

 

Fresh Water System

• Verify the fresh water connections for the City Water hookup are operational.

• Verify the onboard fresh water tank and pressure pump system will operate and maintain pressure.

• Operationally test all fresh water fixtures inside and outside of the RV.

• Visually inspect the water filtration system (if installed) for leaks and filter placement.

 

Waste Water Systems – (Gray and Black Water)

• Operationally test and inspect both waste (gray and black) plumbing systems for leaks under the sinks, shower, around the toilet and discharge lines.

• Identify the type drain valve controls.

•  Verify the drain valves for both systems will maintain water in their tanks.

• Operate both drain valves and test for ease of operation.

• Verify the drain cap is in place and will hold waste water.

 

Life Safety Items

• Perform and document LP gas timed leak test at cook top burner spud for 5 minutes at 8 inches of water column gas pressure.

• Test the Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) circuits in the 6 foot range of the water areas of the bathroom, kitchen and exterior receptacles.

• Test all wall receptacles for correct polarity and ground fault.

• Test the exterior skin for Hot Skin that would cause electrical shock.

• Emergency Exit Windows – Verify all safety windows are operational.

• Fire Extinguisher – Verify unit is secure in bracket and dial indicates extinguisher is fully charged.

• Smoke/Fire Detector –Test and verify operation of units.

• Carbon Monoxide Detector (if applicable) – Test and verify operation of unit.

• LP Gas Detector – Verify gas detection and audio alarm. Document expiration date of detector.

• Verify the rubber grommet is properly sealed around LP gas line of water heater.

 

LP Gas System

• Visually inspect all hoses and pressure regulators for damage and age deterioration.

• Verify plastic cover has been installed over regulator.

• On Split tank system verify the red colored single stage regulator is installed.

 

DOT Cylinders – if equipped

• Document the manufacturer dates of DOT cylinders.

• List the location(s) of the DOT cylinders.

• List the tank sizes that have been installed.

• Conduct visual inspection of exterior of cylinder for rust and other damage.

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ASME tank – if equipped

• If tank is visible, conduct a visual inspection of tank for rust or physical damage.

• List the location of the tank.

• Document the manufacture date of the ASME tank if accessible.

• List the gallon capacity of the tank.

 

Refrigerator

• Identify the brand, model and type of refrigerator.

• Note the location of the vent panels used by refrigerator.

• Operate on all heat sources – 120-volt AC, LP gas and for 3-way refrigerators, 12-volt DC.

• Collect serial and model number and verify with manufacturer if recall notice has been issued and completed for this unit.

• Visually verify if baffle system on back of refrigerator area is correct and directing heat away from gas coils.

• Test for interior temperature of upper and lower refrigerator compartments and ice maker (if installed) *if refrigerator has been operating for minimum of 12 hours.

• Check condition of door frame, shelving, crisper drawers, door shelves and interior light.

• Evaluate and rate the door gasket seals of freezer and refrigerator box areas.

 

Water Heater

• Identify the brand, model and type of water heater.

• Visually inspect burner assembly and gas exhaust system for blockages and insect infestation.

• Fill tank with water (if necessary) and verify operation on all heat sources – LP gas and 120-volt AC if equipped with heating element.

• If installed, operate and verify positioning of bypass valves on back of water heater.

• Determine if proper drain plug has been installed in water heater tank.

• If installed, inspect and evaluate if the correct type of dauber screen has been is being used.

 

Furnace

• If accessible, identify the brand, model and type of furnace(s) that have been installed.

• Identify the type of thermostat controls being used to operate furnace(s).

• Visually inspect air intake and exhaust assemblies for blockages and insect infestation.

• Operate and verify warm air discharge out of vents and proper return air flow to unit.

• Monitor for unusual noise or vibration of blower motor.

• If installed, inspect and evaluate if the correct type of dauber screen is being used.

 

Cook Top/ Stove

• Evaluate and rate the condition of the cook top or stove.

• List presence and condition of stove top covers.

• Verify the ignition and operation of all top burners and the oven flame (if equipped).

• Inspect and rate the condition of the metal grill top and rubber grommets of top burner area.

• Evaluate the presence of the control knobs, door handles and oven racks of the unit.

 

Air Conditioner(s)

• Identify and list the type of cooling unit/heat pump.

• Perform cooling efficiency test (Delta T) on each unit.

• Inspect the air filter(s) debris and cleanliness.

 

Washer/ Dryer

• Visually inspect and verify a wash and rinse cycle of the washer and dryer.

• Visually inspect for leaks or damaged hoses.

• Evaluate and rate the exterior condition of the dryer exhaust vent.

 

Microwave/Convection Oven

• Identify and list the brand, model, type and output wattage of the unit.

• Verify the rack and turn tables are installed.

• Operate unit for 30 seconds.

 

Dishwasher – if installed

• Identify and list the brand, model and type of unit.

• Verify operation of unit and inspect for leaks and non-functioning rotating racks and wash bars.

 

In House Vacuum System – if installed

• Identify and list the brand, model and type of unit.

• Verify the operation and visually inspect the various components of the hose assembly, access doors and dirt bag.

 

Electric Fireplace – if installed

• Identify and list the brand, model and type of unit.

• Operate and verify the various heat settings, fan speed levels and the back lighting.

 

Cook Top Exhaust Fan

• Operate and verify condition of the exhaust function and fan speeds.

• Visually inspect the filter and lighting.

• Evaluate and rate the exterior condition of the exhaust vent.

 

Ceiling Mounted Fans and Ceiling Exhaust Vents

• Visually inspect the condition of the blades and motor.

• Operate and verify condition of the blade direction and fan speeds.

• Verify lighting if equipped.

 

Interior Conditions and Appearance

• Visually inspect all ceilings, walls, interior doors and flooring for signs of water intrusion, surface damage and/or staining.

• Operate all windows and doors noting any deficiencies or missing components.

• Evaluate the window coverings.

• Operate all interior, exterior and décor lighting – 12-volt and 120-volts.

 

Cabinets and Closet Condition

• Inspect and evaluate all cabinet doors, drawers and pull out operation.

• Visually inspect all counter tops and flat surface areas of the kitchen, living room, bathroom, bedroom and storage areas for scratches and damage.

• Identify and list all broken and loose cabinet and closet hardware.

• Note if appearance of previous damage repairs have been performed.

 

Furniture

• Visually inspect the condition of the dinette table/booth, chairs, recliners and sofa.

• Inspect and note furniture fabric tears, discoloration and signs of excessive wear.

• Visually inspect and note signs of mattress damage or staining.

 

Entertainment System

• Visually inspect and operate all TV and stereo equipment.

• Verify DVD/disc players and radios are operational.

• Verify local channels antenna and 12-volt DC power signal booster is operational.

• Raise and lower roof mounted antenna if equipped.

• Verify remotes are operational.

 

Shower/Tub Enclosure

• Visually inspect the glass panels, curtains and soap dish areas.

• Evaluate and rate the seals around the frame work and doors for water leaks.

• Operate the door and latch system to verify its operation.

• Inspect and evaluate the stains and chemical/mineral buildup.

 

Running Gear (Towable)

• Type and number of axles.

• Inspect the frame, axles, springs, rims and other components for rust, oil stains and visible damage.

• Document the information on the tires as to their age and weight capacities.

• Check tire pressure.

• Inspect and rate tire tread condition.

• Note any valve extensions and pressure monitors.

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Hitch System/Hook Up

• Inspect and identify the type of system used to tow vehicle.

• Evaluate and list modifications to hitch system.

 

Leveling System

• Identify and note the brand and type of system.

• Operate by extending and retracting leveling system.

• Check for hydraulic leaks or mechanical issues.

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Weight Labels and Data Plates

• Identify and document the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

• Document the License plate info.

• List the Inspection sticker information – if applicable.

• List the RVIA inspection seal number.

• List the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.

• List date of manufacturer.

• List the Manufacturer’s Build Sheet (if available).

• List Owner Stated Comments (if present).

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Deb’s RV Services