Frequently Asked Questions

This is a great question to start with. If you are asking, then the answer is likely yes.

Purchasing a RV is likely the second largest purchase that you will ever make, closely following a home. If you ever purchased a home, it is very likely that the mortgage company required an inspection prior to finalizing the loan documents. The marine industry has similar standards when purchasing a boat. They require these inspections from an independent 3rd party to check it over for potential problems that would affect the value of the investment. 

The process of purchasing an RV takes some people months or even years to narrow their choices down. There are so many different options, floorplans, and type of vehicles. Do you go with a Class A and tow a car or buy a big truck and tow a luxury 5th wheel?  Do I want a front bedroom or a rear bedroom?  What type of creature comforts do you want or need? By the time you’ve made all these decisions and picked out a new or used RV you are so invested from the search that you may not be able to see the problems that can turn your dream into a nightmare.

Every Inch RV Inspection Services will examine the RV following industry guidelines and procedures and then provide you with a comprehensive report to inform and educate you in your decision.

In reality, RV Dealers and Private sellers are out to make money. They may inspect the RV prior to the sale or mention a small problem here or there but the reality is that they are looking out for themselves, not you. They are trying to make the largest profit possible, even at your expense.  With an independent RV inspection, the inspector is looking out for you.  The inspector provides accurate detailed information regarding the condition of the RV,  so that you can make an informed decision on purchasing the RV. Armed with the inspection report, you are in a much better position to negotiate a lower price, ensure broken items are repaired or replaced prior to accepting the delivery, and are aware of the additional investment that will be needed to address problems that were discovered during the inspection. The detailed inspection report can also be used as evidence of the condition of the RV when warranty repairs are required.

If you don't use Every Inch RV Inspection Services, PLEASE use an inspector that is certified by the NRVIA.  You can go to their website and find a certified inspector near you.

I’ve camped and RV’d my entire life. I’ve owned and camped in everything from a backpacking tent to a 45’ 5th Wheel toy hauler. I’ve traveled in Class As, Class Cs, and even a Skoolie. When we purchased our current RV, the Toy Hauler, I was overly anxious because this one had it all. Solar, extra large battery bank, inverter, huge water tank, and a second ½ bath in the garage. We fell in love with the floor plan, colors, and price, quickly looked it over and signed on the dotted line. After we had it for a little while the problems started showing up.  One thing that an inspection would have uncovered was that the Carbon Monoxide(CO) detector had been disabled by the previous owner. We didn't discover this until we were boondocking 70 miles from the nearest medical care.  The generator exhaust was under the front of the trailer by the king pin, the exhaust entered the living area, filling it with CO, I came down with CO poisoning and almost died because of it. If we would have had a dealer that stood behind their products or an independent RV inspection, I would have been spared from this situation. Secondly, an inspection would have uncovered the multiple soft spots on the roof that required replacement of plywood and the membrane.

Looking back, the inspection would have saved me thousands of dollars in repairs and medical bills. Yes, I believe that an inspection is important and that is why I became an inspector.

One of the largest topics of debate regarding propane safety is about traveling with your refrigerator turned on using propane. The answer I will give you is this: It is essential, no matter what you decide, to turn off the refrigerator while refueling. This means shutting it off at the refrigerator. It also means you need to make sure the stove, oven, water heater and furnace are off as well. Each of these devices have either a pilot light or use DSI (Direct Spark Ignition) to ignite the propane or the fumes at the gas pump.

Other than this, I advise you to read your owner manuals for the RV and for the refrigerator.   I used to travel with mine on and didn't think anything of it.  After going to the NRVTA and learning more about RV's and all the systems, I choose not to travel with the propane turned on.  Get your refrigerator cold, fill it with cold food and beverages and then make that the last thing you turn off before you shut the door for the drive.  Essentially an RV refrigerator is a cooler with a cooling unit and it will keep everything cold for the 6 or 8 hours that you drive to your destination.  You can add Ice Packs or Frozen bottles of water if traveling in  hot weather.  

There are other fears with using propane but in general propane is safe to use. The key thing to remember is that if you smell the telltale odor of a propane leak, exit the RV, and turn off the valve at the tank. 

Every Inch RV Inspection Services takes your safety and the condition of the propane system seriously. We visually inspect the system and perform a system leak test to ensure that your gas lines are not leaking gas. Contact Every Inch RV Inspection Services if you would like your RV Inspected. A professional 3rd party inspection will help to give you peace of mind.