travel trailer inspection checklist pdf

Some of the tests take time to perform. New issues may arise on the coach that theyre unaware of. Fresh water, gray water, black water tank level indicators. Why? As you inspect the RV, there are some common problems to look for. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. If you didnt check the windows from the inside while running through the exterior checks above, nows the time to ensure they open and close properly, the cranks work, and they are sealed when shut. Signs of water pooling (could lead to leaks). Moveable or convertible furniture operation. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\n<\/p><\/div>"}. Fromvan lifetoRV living, my goal is to help you live a more adventurous life. Make note of any documentation provided including motorhome title, vehicle or appliance manuals, service records, warranties, or receipts. Passenger Vehicle & Trailer Pre-Trip Inspection Checklist The Passenger Vehicle & Trailer Pre-Trip Inspection checklist is designed to ensure proper travel safety. Interested in RVing and the RV lifestyle? Tomorrow Im inspecting it and taking it for a test drive. Download this 17-point truck and trailer inspection form as PDF or use the digitized template on the SafetyCulture (iAuditor) mobile app and efficiently complete your inspections anytime, anywhere. RV Specifications and Notes o Model: o Year: o Asking price: o Mileage: o Owner contact information: o Date: o Wheelbase: o Height: o Width: o Dry weight: o Loaded weight: o Freshwater tank capacity: o Greywater tank capacity: o Blackwater tank capacity: o Fuel tank capacity: o Propane tank capacity: Exterior Inspection o Overall appearance Just because it looks clean and well-kept doesnt mean it was properly maintained or didnt encounter other issues. Trailer weight distribution is important. A leaking roof can cause all sorts of issues, including water damage, mold, rotting of the structure, etc. Jack Fluid (All-Purpose ATF Transmission fluid: Red, or hydraulic fluid: clear or honey-colored), Power steering fluid (Red and sweet smell), Windshield wiper fluid (Blue, Green, or Orange), Shroud: The protective cover is in good shape and secures well, Seals: There arent any openings in the caulking around the A/C unit, Wiring: There isnt any exposed wiring outside the shroud. Verify that the brakes and emergency brake are working. Send filled & signed travel trailer inspection checklist pdf or save What makes the rv inspection checklist legally valid? As a content specialist, he is interested in learning and sharing how technology can improve work processes and workplace safety. If the RV includes a generator, youll want to make sure the fluid levels are optimal and that it runs smoothly. Is there any warranty left on the trailer. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Also, great resource for those purchasing an RV from a private party. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Planning on RV living with kids? In an RV, youre dealing with both an AC (alternate current) and a DC (direct current) system. Rust lines or dirt lines that indicate leaks. Whether you're inspecting a 5th wheel, motorhome, or travel trailer, this RV inspection checklist covers all the necessary points that you should be looking at in your potential purchase. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. All rights reserved. Bubbles in covering, lifting edges or corners, tears, gouges, or soft spots. If youre looking to buy a new or used RV, we invite you to print this checklist out and take it with you to guide you through your RV inspection. Extend the awnings to ensure they work properly. Inspect for any missing screws or components. You can download our Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) document by clicking on the PDF icon below. So a trailer thats perfect for one person may be all wrong for another. Storage doors should be opened and closed to make sure they function properly, stay open, and lock properly. Many who live the RV lifestyle will make needed repairs themselves. Don't neglect your trailer. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. The private seller or RV dealership will know how serious of a buyer you are when you request to complete an inspection and shouldnt have a problem with it. Follow our recommended maintenance schedule, below, to help ensure that your trailer is safe and ready to go when you are. Either way, we recommend a professional technician perform the propane system inspection. Subscribe to our FREE digital magazine, RV Camping Magazine, to learn all that and more. Doors hang and swing properly. Sign it in a few clicks Draw your signature, type it, upload its image, or use your mobile device as a signature pad. Our RV Warranty plans allow you to change your mind! Based on your skills and real free time, have an idea of what you are willing to fix yourself and what youll need a professional RV service technician to fix if you do decide to buy the coach. There are colored dyes you can buy that do the same thing. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Make sure all the air conditioners are exiting cold air. Should I Buy an Extended Warranty for My RV? Walk around the RVs exterior and inspect for any damage, including tears, holes, cracks, delamination, etc. This post was updated on August 6th, 2020, Why Its Important to Do Your Own Inspection. Should You Rent an RV Instead of Buying One? Conclusion: Getting A Professional RV Inspection, 12 Best Questions to Ask When Buying a New Camper, 10 Best Questions to Ask When Buying a Used Camper, Should I Buy an RV or Camper? Whether youre inspecting a 5th wheel, motorhome, or travel trailer, this RV inspection checklist covers all the necessary points that you should be looking at in your potential purchase. The closest example to the truth resides in the state of Florida. Crucial to maintaining the good working condition of trailers, a good trailer inspection form guides the driver on what to check and what to look out for during trailer inspections in compliance with regulations. Pickup trucks typically can handle a GTW of at least 6,000lb (2,700kg) and a TW of at least 600lb (270kg). You can do hours of research on proper inspections, but when it comes to the day of, its so easy to forget your plan. A trailer inspection is the act of conducting a thorough inspection of a trailer to promote road safety and help ensure that it is fit to contain its intended cargo. If it doesnt spin, something may be blocking it or the motor may have burnt out), (Motorhome) Receiver is in fair shape and electronic connector is 7 pin (modern), Hitch on trailer only shows light rusting or better, All safety chains are provided and are in working condition, All sway control parts are present and look good, Tongue jack cranks/moves up and down smoothly, All slideouts deploy smoothly on their tracks, Slideout awnings deploy tight and without any tears, Slideout seals dont show dry rot and arent loose, Slideout side windows arent cracked, sealed well, and open/close, Rims arent bent to compromise the seal of the tire, Brake mechanisms are in good working order, (Pop-ups)Wheel bearings are properly greased and have been maintained yearly, The suspension is secure and in working order, Automotive lights and electronics work when plugged into a tow vehicle, Underbelly seal isnt ripped or loose (if a factory feature or installed aftermarket), (Motorhome) Other automotive parts are in good working order, Jacks are secured tightly to the chassis of the RV, The auto-leveling feature works and is accurate, (Motorhome)When jacks are left down for 20-30 minutes, they stay down and dont leak fluid (interior rubber gasket issue), Cloth ceiling doesnt have staining from water damage or tears, All A/C intakes are secure against the ceiling and have filters, All air conditioner ducting vent panels are in place and functional, The vinyl flooring/carpet doesnt have loose sections, There isnt any stains, mold growth, or water damage, The flooring doesnt have inconsistent pieces to it, Heating ducts panels are in place and functional, Window valances are secure and arent torn, There isnt any water damage around any windows, None of the outer rubber seals are shrinking around the windows, You dont feel any air coming through closed windows or the edges, The seals around frameless windows are pliable and make a tight seal, (Motorhome) The windshield isnt cracked or has spider cracks in it (RV insurance doesnt fully cover this like auto insurance covers car windshields), The doors and screen doors are not loose on their hinges, All the doors close securely without slamming them, All seals are secured to the sidewalls and in good condition, The drivers side utility door and window work properly, The interior walls dont show water damage, holes, cracks, or wallpaper peeling, Cabinet doors and cabinets uniformly match each other, The caulking between the cabinetry and walls are in good condition, Privacy doors and accordion walls move on their tracks and fold away well, There isnt any evidence of rot, growth, or pest issues inside, (Motorhome) The dashboard is secure in place, (Motorhome) The instruments and gauges work correctly, (Motorhome) The instrument panel lights up with the headlights, (Motorhome) You understand the function of every control in the pilot section, The furniture has all pieces accounted for, There arent any tears, stains, or peeling on any of the furniture, All mechanisms and electronics work correctly, The dinette(s) and sofa(s) fold-down/out well, The master bed platform lifts up and the hydraulics keep it up, Its easy to access the bottom bunk storage area, The stove igniter lights the pilot light (these usually stop working within 6 months on older models), The microwave works and its display work properly, Every electric outlet and USB charging station are hot, The refrigerator gets cold after 20 minutes, The air conditioner gets cold after 10 minutes, The RVs control panel and levels indicator works properly (holding tank levels may not be accurate due to dirty sensors), Sink and shower water is hot after the water heater is on for 10-15 minutes, The fireplace LEDs all light up and produces heat, All safety equipment and alarms test successfully, The RV paperwork folder is available to you, All owners manuals for the RV and amenities are within the folder, Updated feature manuals are in the folder (a replaced TV, new microwave, etc. RV Model:Year:Asking price:Mileage:Owner name:Owner contact info:Date inspected:External length:Wheelbase (motor home):External width:Height:Weight empty (no tanks, luggage, etc):Weight loaded (ready to travel and full tanks):Fresh water capacity:Gray water capacity:Black water capacity:Fuel tank capacity:Propane tank capacity:Provided documentation? Remember, you can renovate the visual appearance, but a solid foundation is key! A hired inspector is more likely to provide an unbiased report. How many people previously owned the trailer? Whats next? The electric outlet testers will identify if there are any weaknesses in the electric system. If you dont have a lot of time or are looking at an expensive luxury RV, hiring a professional RV inspector may be worth it. And when this happens inside the walls, it can be hard to catch in a timely manner, requiring expensive repairs. Notate any oxidation (green colored corrosion) or other corrosion on the wiring that can hamper the electrical flow. Check inside for squishy floors and signs of water damage. Check the roof for cracks and damage, especially along seams. Check the operation of any TVs, satellite dishes, audio systems, wifi routers, etc., and any remotes that operate these components. Water heater works on all intended power supplies. There are few things that you need to do to keep it in good shape. For plumbing, check for items like sinks that drip and/or drain slowly, a toilet that doesnt flush well, or repair work that looks sloppy. It can be both an exciting and stressful time when making any significant acquisition, and shopping for an RV is no exception. Look for any gaps, cracking, or any of it not adhering. Make sure there's no rust on seams. Turn on the air conditioning unit and ensure cold air blows out of all the vents. Water stains from a leak, either from the plumbing or outside, can be an issue. Its better to solve these problems at home than at the campground with limited services. Furnace and air conditioner air flow through all intended vents. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Check around the AC unit (if applicable), vent covers, solar panels, roof racks, etc., for cracks in the seals or the units themselves. You can also see how we travel on our Instagram page. A trailer inspection is the act of conducting a thorough inspection of a trailer to promote road safety and help ensure that it is fit to contain its intended cargo. Now, lets inspect the RV itself, starting with the exterior of the recreational vehicle. The trailer should look square and straight. Check vi sibi lit y in tow ve hicle mirr ors. Inspect the awning material for any tears or rips. This RV checklist covers three areas: the exterior, the interior, and the RVs systems. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. So, for Mike and Susan, remember to leave your campsite better than you found it, thanks for reading, and well see you next time! To start your search for your perfect coach, learn the best RV shopping strategies and more through our RVBlogger Website and take a virtual tour through our weekly YouTube walk-throughs. One of the most neglected inspection checkpoints is the roof, but its one of the most important! If allowed, another spray test with your hose or pressure sprayer while the slideout is extended will help identify any water leaks. Age, wear, stains, damage. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\n<\/p><\/div>"}. You will check a variety of vehicle safety equipment and vehicle components. If the RV has a battery bank, ensure the batteries are corrosion-free, have the proper voltage (around 12.6 volts), and check their age. Reply. Should you rent an RV or buy one? We are purchasing tomorrow and want to make sure we know what to be checking. Other red flags that are easily spotted visually include rotting wood or signs of bugs or rodents. When they complete their task, they write up a report for you. Check the floor with a knife for rot. Signs of dry rot include brittleness, cracking, and faded color. Cabinetry. Lastly, make sure the awning closes smoothly and securely locks in place. Finding a well-kept RV at a good price ( more information in our article: Buying an RV: 10 Ways to Get a Good Deal ) isnt that difficult if you know what to look for. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This dry rot can be restored or replaced. Use this tractor trailer inspection form to ensure that your truck and trailer are both clean and dry. Buying a travel trailer that you can hitch to the back of your existing vehicle is a great way to get into RV living. Purchasing a used trailer can save you a good bit of money in the processso long as its in good condition. Drawer size, operation, condition of cabinet behind drawers. RV Solar Panels and Beyond: A Simple Guide to RV Solar Power, RV Living With Kids: How To Make Traveling as a Family a Breeze, RV Leveling Made Easy: Tips, Tricks, and Equipment Recommendations. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\n<\/p><\/div>"}. We recommend at least two pens of different colors. Mats should be in good shape, with nothing to catch feet on. Condition behind any access panels in bathroom. For example, the model youre buying may have won awards from media authorities like RV Magazine, Trailer Life, or others, but that doesnt mean someone didnt tighten a screw correctly. Using a digital inspection tool that is readily available and easy to use can solve these issues and more. To give you peace of mind, check out this complete used RV inspection checklist. Since you probably sat in the drivers seat to start the engine,the cockpit is a good place to start your interior inspection. Make sure all windows and doors open and close without issue. DC (12 volt) power available on shore hookup, generator, and inverter. The seller can of course refuse to allow a third-party inspection, but that might be a sign that theres something wrong with the trailer that they hope you wont notice. Rubber seals and the roof can become dry and flaky. Next, we want to check all the connections on the RVs exterior, including the hitch, power connections, water tank hookups, and drains. Erick Brent Francisco is a content writer and researcher for SafetyCulture since 2018. The lemon laws may apply if a motorhome has the same recurring problem to its AUTOMOTIVE components. Youll want two or three different color pens for your notes. Test storage cabinets, cupboards, and drawers, look for evidence of rodents, etc. Required fields are marked *, Hi, I'm Kate! Write down the current levels of each. What you might not see is the structural damage or mold growth that may have been caused by this seemingly minor gap. Check the axles, suspension, and other components for rust and corrosion. You may even agree to split the cost. I ve been researching RVs for the past four to five years and made my move. None of the wires inside the unit is loose or lost parts of its coating, Intake: The intake is clean of dirt and other contaminants, Coils: The coils are intact and straight. Similarly, some small rust spots above or along a window, door, or vent opening may not look like a big deal, but they can indicate that water has been seeping into the structure for a long period of time. A missing refrigerator shelf isnt as important of an issue as a window that wont open. Heavier infestations can involve severe damage to the structure of the coach itself. When checking the electrical systems, look for things like damaged receptacles, loose or exposed wires, or flickering lights (that arent just caused by a bad bulb). Pay attention to any smells you encounter that may be red flags, such as mildew or smoke. Stove exhaust fan and/or vent cover condition and operation. Sink size, condition, seals/caulking, leaks from drain or faucet under cabinet. Note: Re view ANR Safety Note #90, Dr iving Safely While Towing a Tra iler for mor e inf ormatio n. Download.