New RV Inspection Checklist
What to test before you buy a new or used RV.
What to test before you buy a new or used RV. Free, private, and it shows its working.
How to use this tool
Problems are cheapest to fix before you sign. Test every system with water and power connected, and look closely for water damage.
For a used RV, consider an independent certified inspector as well.
This tool is for planning and education only. It does not store your entries. Read our disclaimer.
What the checklist covers
31 items in 6 groups:
- Exterior + roof: 5 items
- Chassis + tires: 5 items
- Water + plumbing: 6 items
- Electrical + appliances: 6 items
- Interior: 4 items
- Paperwork: 5 items
Tick items as you go, print the page, or clear it and start again. Nothing is saved to our servers.
Tips for more accurate results
- Test every system with water and power connected, and look for water damage around roof seams, slides, and windows.
- For a used RV, consider an independent inspector, and check for open recalls by VIN with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Related guides
When this tool helps most
Use it before you sign for any new or used RV. Problems are easiest to fix, or negotiate, before the sale.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Inspecting without water and power connected.
- Skipping the roof, slide seals and window frames, where water damage hides.
- Not checking tire date codes on an RV that has sat for years.
Step-by-step guides that use this tool
These guides explain the decisions behind the numbers, so you can act on your result with confidence.
Understanding your results
- Systems tested: water, power, gas and appliances, each checked while connected.
- Red flags: soft floors, stains and delamination point to water damage.
- Paperwork: recalls, warranty and service records complete the picture.
Two quick scenarios
New RV at a dealer
Even new RVs can arrive with faults, so a full walkthrough before signing gives you leverage to have them fixed.
Private used sale
Older RVs hide water damage in walls and floors, which is why an independent inspection is often worth the fee.
Before you rely on the numbers
- Inspect in daylight with water and power connected.
- Check open recalls by VIN.
- Read tire date codes.
- Photograph anything you need fixed.
Keep planning with RV Purchase Affordability Calculator and RV loans explained.