A National Recreational Vehicle Inspection Association (NRVIA) inspection far surpasses the typical RV inspection. Instead of a cursory walk-around by a technician of unknown credentials, the NRVIA inspection consists of more than 100 points of inspection.
- Roof
- Rate the overall roof condition
- Evaluate the condition of the various sealant and joints around the roofing components
- Rate the condition of the vents, air conditioners, antenna, skylights, solar panels, and other components that are mounted on the roof
- Sidewall and End Caps
- Evaluate the appearance and functional condition of the end caps, sidewalls, entrance doors, windows, and cargo access doors
- Evaluate any damage, discoloration, or delamination of the sidewall and end caps
- Slideout Rooms
- Perform operation of slide
- Rate the roof condition
- Evaluate the condition of the seals, sweeps, and gaskets
- Evaluate the attached wiring and utility harness underneath the slideout room
- Evaluate slide rail gear rack
- Awnings and Slideout Toppers
- Operate and rate condition of the awning frames and latching mechanisms
- Evaluate the condition of fabric material of the awnings
- Electrical System (120 Volt AC)
- Rate the condition of the power cord and its connection ends
- Remove the cover panel of the 120 volt circuit breaker box to visually inspect the condition of the wiring, circuit breakers and grounding connections
- Test and verify the output operation of the 120 VAC to 12 VDC converter for charging of the deep cycle batteries
- Coach Battery System (12 volt DC)
- Evaluate the condition, age, and matched sizing of the battery stack
- Access and visually inspect the wiring, fuse panel and fuses of the 12 volt DC electrical system
- Evaluate the fresh water /waste water/battery monitor panel for correct readings
- Chassis Battery System (12 volt DC)
- Confirm the operation of turn signals and running lights
- Visually inspect the chassis batteries, battery compartment, and electrical connections
8. Generator- Engine
- Identify the run hours
- Check oil level
- Start and operate the generator
- Measure hertz and voltage
- Generator – Radiator
- Visually inspect the coolant reservoir, radiator, and hoses
- Inverter
- Visually inspect the wiring and electrical connections
- Fresh Water System
- Verify that the city water connection is operational
- Verify the onboard fresh water tank and pressure pump system will operate and maintain pressure
- Test all fresh water fixtures inside and outside of the RV
- Waste Water Systems – Gray and Black Water
- Operationally test and inspect both waste plumbing systems for leaks under the sinks, shower, around the toilet and discharge lines
- Test drain valves for ease of operation
- Verify the drain cap is in place
13. Life Safety Items
- Perform and document LP gas timed leak test at cooktop 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 stray voltage (hot skin) that will cause electrical shock
- Emergency Exit Windows – Verify all safety windows are operational
- Fire Extinguisher – Verify unit is secure in bracket, dial indicates full charge, appropriate size, and recall status
- Smoke/Fire Detector -Test and verify operation of unit and document expiration date of detector
- Carbon Monoxide Detector – Test and verify operation of unit and document expiration date of detector
- LP Gas Detector – Verify audio alarm and document expiration date of detector
- Verify the rubber grommet is properly sealed around LP gas line of water heater
- Propane System (LP)
- Visually inspect all hoses and pressure regulators for damage and age deterioration
- Verify the plastic cover has been installed over the regulator
- ASME & DOT Propane Tanks
- Conduct a visual inspection of tank for rust or physical damage if tank is accessible
- Refrigerator
- Assess general condition of refrigerator door panels, interior shelves and drawers
- 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
- Test for interior temperature of refrigerator and freezer
- Confirm interior light is operational
- Assess condition of coils on backside of refrigerator
- Water Heater
- Visually inspect burner assembly and gas exhaust system for blockages and insect infestation
- Verify operation on all heat sources – LP gas and 120 volt AC if applicable
- 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
- Cooktop/Stove
- Evaluate and rate the condition of the cooktop or stove
- 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
- Cooktop Exhaust Fan
- Operate and verify condition of the exhaust function and fan speeds
- Evaluate the exterior condition of the exhaust vent
- Air Conditioner(s)
- Perform cooling efficiency test (Delta T) on each unit
- Inspect air filter(s)
- Inspect coils and shroud
- Washer/ Dryer
- Visually inspect for leaks
- Verify a wash and spin cycle of the washer
- Verify dry operation
- Evaluate the exterior condition of the dryer exhaust vent
- Microwave/Convection Oven
- Operate the microwave for 60 seconds to document water temperature in cup of water
- Operate convection oven on preheat
- Dishwasher
- Verify operation of unit and inspect for leaks
- Evaluate rotating arm and racks
- In House Vacuum System
- Verify the operation and visually inspect the various components of the hose assembly, access doors, and dirt bag
- Electric Fireplace
- Operate and verify the various heat settings, fan speed levels, and the back lighting
- 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
- 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
- Operate all interior, exterior, and décor lighting – 12 volt and 120 volt
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Raise and lower roof mounted antenna
33. Chassis and Undercarriage
- Visually inspect for rust, damage, and excessive oil on the underside of the RV
- Steering
- Visually inspect for bent or damaged components and hydraulic leaks
- Leveling System
- Extend and retract leveling system
- Visually inspect for hydraulic leaks or mechanical issues
- Engine
- Verify oil level on the dipstick
- Document vehicle mileage
- Evaluate the oil pressure reading on the dash gauges
- Radiator
- Visually inspect the radiator, coolant reservoir, and hoses
- Transmission
- Fluid level on dipstick
- Indications of discolored transmission fluid
- Running Gear
- Inspect the frame, axles, springs, shocks, and other components for rust, oil stains, and visible damage
- Assess tire tread
- Document tire age
- Check tire pressure