Fifth Wheel RV Inspection & PDI (Mobile Service)
Buying or taking delivery of a fifth wheel? A thorough pre-delivery inspection (PDI) or pre-purchase inspection catches leaks, bad wiring, frame/suspension issues, and slide problems before they cost you time and money.
Traveling RV Technicians (TRVT) delivers on-site fifth-wheel inspections for new and used rigs. We verify 120-volt/12-volt electrical, plumbing, LP gas, HVAC and appliances, roof and slides, axles/brakes/bearings, and—unique to fifth wheels—pin box, king pin, landing gear, and hitch geometry. You get a photo-rich report with red/yellow/green priorities you can use for warranty or negotiations.
Tow Readiness: Pin Weight, Clearances & Hitch Setup
Fifth wheels live or die by the match to the truck. We check:
Pin weight vs truck payload/RAWR and hitch rating; GCWR math and gear assumptions.
Bed rail & cab clearance (target ~6–8″ bed, safe cab turn radius), tailgate and tonneau clearances.
Hitch height set so the rig tows level; measure axle split and tire load.
Short-bed solutions: sliding hitches, Sidewinder/rotating turret notes, or Reese Goosebox/Gen-Y gooseneck conversions (where applicable).
Breakaway switch, 7-way wiring, and brake controller function.
Pin Box, Front Cap & Frame Interface
We focus on the front structure that takes every bump:
Pin box bolts/torque, cracks at mounting plate, and king pin wear patterns.
Flex at the front cap/upper deck, stress cracks, sealant gaps.
Aftermarket boxes (MORryde Rubber, Rota-Flex, Trailair/Air-Ride, Gen-Y) inspected for bushing/airbag condition and fasteners.
Check front closet/bed deck for movement and squeaks that hint at frame issues.
Landing Gear, Leveling & Stabilization
Parking should be simple and solid:
Hydraulic (Level Up) or electric landing gear: motor/ram sync, leak checks, foot pads, and pin holes.
Ground Control 3.0 / auto-level diagnostics; controller codes and battery voltage under load.
Rear stabilizers, JT-style braces, and frame tie-ins to kill shake.
Verify spare-tire carrier, crank/hoist function, and safe access.
Slides & Seals (Schwintek, Rack-and-Pinion, Hydraulic)
We test every room under load:
Track/ram timing, roller paths, floor drag, and slide reveal.
Wiper/bulb seals, sweeps, toppers; water-hose test if needed.
Schwintek motor sync and amp draw; rack-and-pinion gear/stop checks; hydraulic manifold and hose routing.
Slide floors for edge swelling or soft spots; adjust facings that rub cabinets or walls.
Electrical Systems: 120V / 12V / Inverter & EMS
Power proven the right way:
Pedestal test (30/50 amp), polarity/ground, GFCI operation, breaker panel labeling.
Converter charger output, inverter transfer/charging (Victron, Xantrex, Magnum), EMS/surge (Progressive Industries/Hughes) status.
Battery bank (lead-acid/AGM/LiFePO₄): state of charge/health, BMS flags, and voltage drop under load.
Solar controllers/monitors (if installed): actual charge rate and wiring quality.
Plumbing, Tanks & Valves (Leak-Free & Odor-Free)
Quiet water, clean dumps:
City water pressure/regulator (45–60 PSI), pump hold test, leaks at PEX joints, accumulator sizing.
Water heater (Suburban/Atwood) function; Truma/Girard tankless minimum flow and mix-valve stability.
Black/gray tank valves (cable routing, seal), black tank flush and venting; odor tracing (AAVs, roof stacks).
Fixtures: faucets, RV toilets (seal/valve), shower pan and surround sealing.
LP Gas, HVAC & Appliances (Real-World Temps)
Comfort systems verified:
LP regulator pressure and lock-up, leak-down test; cooktop/oven, furnace, and water-heater ignition quality.
Air conditioners (Coleman-Mach, Dometic, Furrion): delta-T 18–22°F, duct balance, return sealing.
Refrigerators: 12V compressor—pull-down time/amp draw; absorption—LP/120V stack temps.
Microwaves/convection, fireplaces, washer/dryer—functional and amp checks.
Roof, Walls & Underbelly: Keep Weather Out
Water is the #1 value killer:
Roof field (TPO/EPDM/FRP), skylights, fans, antennas; correct sealants and Eternabond use.
Window frames, sidewall delamination, trim/rail sealant, cargo doors, ramp doors (toy haulers).
Enclosed underbelly/coroplast: wet insulation, tank straps, heat pads, and penetrations.
Dual-pane window fogging flagged for replacement (we don’t “defog”).