Used RV PDI & Pre-Purchase Inspection (Mobile Service)
Buying a used RV is exciting—and risky. Hidden roof leaks, soft floors, weak brakes/bearings, miswired 30/50 amp power, or a tired converter charger can turn the dream into a repair list.
Traveling RV Technicians (TRVT) performs on-site used RV PDI & pre-purchase inspections for motorhomes (Class A/B/C), fifth wheels, travel trailers, truck campers, and park models. We test 120-volt/12-volt electrical, plumbing & tanks, LP gas, HVAC/appliances, roof/slides, chassis/running gear, and safety systems—then hand you a photo-rich report with red/yellow/green priorities you can use to negotiate, budget, or walk away.
What We Inspect (Full, Structured Checklist)
We don’t guess—we measure.
Electrical 120V: pedestal test (30 amp/50 amp), EMS/surge protector status, polarity/ground, GFCI/AFCI function, transfer switch.
Electrical 12V: battery test (SOC/SOH), converter output, alternator/solar charging, voltage drop under load, fuse mapping.
Plumbing: city water pressure, pump hold test, leaks at PEX fittings, water heater function (tank & tankless), black/gray tank valves.
LP gas: regulator set at 11″ water column, lock-up & leak-down tests, appliance flame quality.
HVAC/appliances: A/C delta-T, furnace, fridge (12V compressor or absorption), microwave/convection, generator load.
Roof/exterior: sealants, skylights, vents, windows, delamination, awnings.
Slides/jacks/leveling: timing, seals, toppers, landing gear.
Chassis/running gear: tires (DOT date codes), bearings, brakes, suspension; motorhomes include engine/transmission checks.
You get numbers, photos, and clear next steps.
Moisture Mapping, Roof Leaks & Soft Floors
Water is the #1 value killer in used rigs. We:
Scan ceilings, slide corners, caps, and bath walls with a moisture meter and IR camera.
Inspect roof membranes (TPO/EPDM/FRP), seams, skylights, fans, and antennas; note proper sealants and Eternabond use.
Probe floor edges around kitchens, showers, and slide openings for softness.
Flag fogged dual-pane windows for glass replacement (we don’t “defog”).
Result: you know if the coach is dry—or what it’ll take to make it dry.
Plumbing, PEX, Water Heaters & Tank Systems
Quiet water and clean drains make life easy. We:
Set a water pressure regulator (45–60 PSI), confirm hose gaskets, and test city-water check valves.
Run a pump hold test to expose slow leaks; check accumulator tank sizing and water pump priming.
Service water heaters—Suburban anode/flush, Atwood/Dometic checks, and Truma/Girard tankless ignition/min-flow tuning.
Inspect PEX plumbing joints/manifolds, P-traps or HepvO waterless traps, and AAV vents for odor/gurgle fixes.
Exercise black/gray tank valves, verify black tank flush, and recommend SeeLevel sensors for accurate readings.
LP Gas System (11″ w.c.) & Safety Devices
LP safety is non-negotiable. We:
Set and test the two-stage LP regulator at 11″ water column, perform lock-up and leak-down tests.
Bubble-test appliance connections and exterior quick-connects; check routing and heat clearance.
Verify CO/LP detectors and smoke alarms (date codes and functional tests); confirm correct fire extinguisher rating.
Peace of mind before you tow or drive home.
HVAC, Refrigeration & Generator (Real-World Performance)
Comfort systems proven—not assumed.
Air conditioner (Coleman-Mach, Dometic/Furrion) delta-T 18–22°F, duct sealing, and return airflow.
Furnace ignition, flame quality, and duct balance; note short-cycling or sail-switch issues.
Refrigerators: 12V compressor—pull-down time and amp draw; absorption (Dometic/Norcold)—LP/120V stack temps and door seals.
Generator (Cummins Onan): start/charge, load test, frequency/voltage stability, hours and service interval.
Slides, Leveling & Doors (Move Smooth, Seal Tight)
We test every moving piece:
Schwintek motor sync/amp draw, rack-and-pinion end-stops, and hydraulic manifold operation.
Wiper/bulb slide seals, topper condition, roller paths, and floor edge swelling.
Tongue jacks, landing gear, stabilizers, and auto-level calibration.
Door strikes, latches, and deadbolts; window weeps and frame torque.
Chassis, Running Gear & Towing (Trailers) / Powertrain (Motorhomes)
Safety on the road starts here.
Towables (travel trailer/fifth wheel):
Axles (Dexter/Lippert), springs, equalizers (MORryde CRE/3000, Road Armor), shackles/wet-bolts.
Electric brakes: magnet current and adjustment; wheel bearings endplay/service evidence.
Tires: size/load range, DOT date, pressure, wear pattern.
Hitching: tongue weight or pin weight, weight-distribution hitch, sway control, brake controller, breakaway switch.
Motorhomes (Class A/B/C):
Engine/transmission fluids and leaks; scan data, temps, charging strategy.
Steering/suspension (bushings, shocks, ride height), exhaust brake/Tow-Haul, brake condition.
Guidance on GVWR/GAWR/GCWR, dinghy tow set-up, and TPMS.
Documentation, Recalls & Negotiation Power
You’ll leave with proof you can use.
Photo-rich PDF report (VIN, serials, readings, thermal images).
Red/Yellow/Green priority list with parts and likely labor—ideal for price negotiation or warranty punch lists.
Recall/TSB notes, maintenance due list (anode, bearings, sealant cycle, tire age).
Clear ownership map: valve/shutoff labels, breaker panel diagram, power distribution centers, winterize/de-winterize steps.