RV Pre-Purchase Checklist: 7 Checks Before You Buy
Sometimes I know within five minutes of arriving at an RV inspection that the buyer is going to have a tough decision to make.
There may be obvious water damage, an appliance that won’t work, or a major problem the seller never mentioned. By that point, the buyer has already spent time finding the RV, making plans, and scheduling an inspection.
I’d like to help you catch some of those problems earlier.
I’m Mike, a certified RV inspector and certified RV technician with Cozy Camper Mobile RV Services. I inspect hundreds of RVs across Texas each year. While a quick walkthrough won’t replace a professional inspection, there are plenty of things you can check yourself.
We also have a free RV Pre-Check course with downloadable guides and checklists to help you work through the process.
Take the free course at cozycamperatx.com/free. No email address required.
Ask the Seller to Have the RV Ready
Before you drive out to see an RV, ask the seller to have it connected to power and water, with the slides extended and the RV properly leveled. Ask them to turn on the refrigerator well ahead of your visit so it has time to cool.
You need to see more than the floor plan.
If the RV has no power or water, you won’t be able to check many of its systems. A seller saying “everything worked last time we used it” doesn’t tell you what works today.
Have the owner or salesperson demonstrate any equipment you don’t know how to operate.
Start With a Walk Around
Before getting into the details, walk around the outside and then through the inside.
Does the RV look cared for? Are there broken parts, visible damage, or signs that it has been sitting untouched for a long time?
Ask how long it has been stored and what maintenance has been done. Maintenance records are more useful than a general promise that it’s been taken care of.
Inside, pay attention to the smell. A stored RV may smell a little stuffy. A strong musty smell deserves a closer look, especially if you also notice staining, swollen trim, or damaged surfaces.
Run the Water and Look for Leaks
With the seller’s permission, run the sinks and shower and flush the toilet. Look underneath the sinks and around the toilet for visible leaks.
Watch what happens while the water is running. Does it drain? Does water show up somewhere it shouldn’t?
If you want to check the black and gray tank valves, have the seller demonstrate them with a sewer hose properly connected to an approved disposal point. Don’t pull a valve just to see what happens.
Check the Appliances
An appliance can look nearly new and still have a problem. Have the seller demonstrate each air conditioner, the refrigerator, the furnace, and the cooking appliances. If there are three air conditioners, check all three.
Pay attention to whether each appliance actually does its job. A light coming on or a fan running doesn’t tell the whole story.
If something won’t operate, get an explanation and have the issue evaluated before you agree to buy. Don’t assume it’s a cheap fix.
Look at the Tires and Batteries
Check the tires for cracks, bulges, cuts, and uneven wear. Tire age matters, too. The last four digits of the DOT tire identification number show the week and year the tire was made. For example, 2322 means the 23rd week of 2022.
Don’t judge a tire by tread alone. Check the manufacturer’s age guidance and have questionable tires evaluated by a tire professional.
Look at the batteries without touching the terminals or opening anything. Swelling, leaking, and heavy corrosion deserve attention. A smoking battery is a reason to stop the walkthrough and move away.
Have the Seller Extend the Awning
Awnings are easy to overlook when they’re rolled up. Ask the seller to extend and retract each one while you watch. Look for torn fabric, damaged arms, and trouble moving in either direction. I’ve found awnings during inspections that wouldn’t open at all. You want to learn that before your first camping trip.
Pay Attention to Sealants and Water Damage
Walk around the RV and look at the visible sealant around windows, doors, and exterior openings. Look for cracks, gaps, and places where it has pulled away.
Inside, check around windows and along ceilings for staining or damaged materials. Leave roof access to someone qualified to inspect it safely. Roof condition matters, but climbing onto an unfamiliar RV—especially one that may have damage—isn’t a good first step.
Get the RV Pre-Purchase Checklist Before You Go Shopping
You don’t need to become an RV technician before buying an RV. But knowing what to look for can help you ask better questions and spot problems worth investigating.
That’s why we created the free One-Hour RV Pre-Check course. It goes into more detail and includes downloadable guides and checklists you can take with you when you look at an RV.
There’s no email signup required. If you’re ready to explore inspection options afterward, the form is there, and our team will give you a call.
We want you to know what you’re buying—and spend more time enjoying it.
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