DIY RV Inspection : The Ultimate RV Inspection Checklist
- Tim Eagle
- Oct 7
- 4 min read
Welcome to RV There Yet Tuesday, where I discuss everything, RV and Full Time RV life related, whether it's some DIY, our beginnings of the journey or just random tidbits on this wild ride. This category is everything RV related. I hope I've helped you join the fold of the RV life, or have inspired you to chase your dreams. Please read on, and leave comments below if you have some additional experiences to share we'd love to hear them...
I'm interrupting the normal blog sequence of our life on the journey because before we decided to look for the new Mothership in Florida, I had to consider what to buy, when to buy and how to inspect. This post will give you a DIY RV Inspection and The Ultimate RV Inspection Checklist (at the end of the post). So please read on, and stay tuned for the journey in Florida when we purchased our new to us Motorhome and began the full time life.
After making the decision as to what you're going to buy, getting a tow vehicle if that's your decision (fifth wheel / tow behind), or knowing what and how you need to tow a vehicle behind a Class A or DP. There are two options. One, to finance a brand new rig, or to buy a used rig. Two, use cash and cash's leveraging power of negotiating and buying something older.
A distinctive difference with a new rig is: shinier, everything inside is new. From the furniture, to the appliances, that new rig smell will give you that oh, so familiar dopamine rush. This is an option, yes, you should be wondering, shouldn't I save the years of interest payments, and more debt, and just pay cash? The fact that the rig you want is new, doesn't mean there are no problems. I've heard nightmare stories of these rigs being purchased during the "COVID" years and lack the quality that some older units have. Be very careful, and mindful of what you're getting into. Do a little digging, and understand what you're about to commit to. That commitment could very well be a waking nightmare.
The used model TT, Fifth Wheel, and Class A/DP, is not an easier path to take. You still have to mind dealers, listen to salesmen or deal with the shadier side of a private seller. This is where I, and so many other Full Time RV'ers have come to an an unspoken agreement, sometimes spoken, that there is a quality of an older build. The appliances have been time tested, and the creases and hiccups are most times, but not always, ironed out.
Maria and I chose older, a 2005 Newmar Mountain Aire Class A, (click the link for full tour). Here are just some of the problems that I expected and repaired with a smile and many profanities: seal and re-caulk the roof. The leveling jacks stopped working. My wind sensor awning works sometimes, and was an issue (trouble shot this, and resolved). The water heater took a shit ( I repaired it) and I had to clean out the propane line for my suburban furnace to get heat. I've also dealt with a cracked oil pan, an oil sensor went bonkers, and I perform all oil changes yearly on the rig and generator. (some of my lists of maintenance projects can be found here) All of these projects were DIY that a little YouTube search helped with. I saved money not forking over cash to the banks by financing and having a monthly bill, and by doing projects that are within my means and not paying a mobile technician. I've learned to budget for mechanical repairs I can't do, and vehicle maintenance that comes with owning a Class A. They are large motorized rigs, so you're going to sometimes have issues.
Anyway, so that I keep you focused, I constructed a list, link below, that helps you with a DIY inspection. This list is comprehensive and applies to our Class A, but can be tweaked for your TT, Fifth Wheel needs or whatever used model you need to go look at. So, feel free to grab a copy for free.
Stay tuned next Tuesday for more...the reveal of our new Mothership and the adventure truly beginning is a week away.
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Tim Eagle
Tim Eagle is an author of the novellas Stolen Seed, Life Ship, and the Vasectomus Collection. He lives full time, on the road, with his wife, Maria and their dog, Cocoa. He grew up in Michigan and is inspired by the dysfunction of America. His books are available on Amazon, godless and this site timeaglefiction.com
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