Van Conversion PDI & Pre-Purchase Inspection (Campervans)
Buying or getting a van conversion (campervan) is exciting, but hidden leaks, unsafe wiring, or overweight builds are not. We inspect Sprinter, Transit, and ProMaster vans—factory Class B coaches and custom builds.
We verify weights & fitment, 12V/120V electrical, lithium systems, charging paths, plumbing/LP, HVAC/ventilation, structure & cabinetry, roof/windows, and safety devices. Traveling RV Technicians (TRVT) provides a full report with photos. With red/yellow/green priorities, you can negotiate, budget fixes, or buy with confidence .1) Chassis Match, Weight & Road Test
What We Inspect (Full, Structured Checklist)
A great house needs a safe platform. We:
Confirm GVWR/GAWR/RAWR, payload, and real-world axle weights; review wheel/tire load ratings and pressures.
Check center of gravity (water tanks, batteries, roof gear) and note lift kits, tire upsizes, and alignment clues (cupping/feathering).
Road-test: wander, crosswind stability, brake pull, ABS/advance-trac lights, Tow/Haul/exhaust brake where present.
Inspect hitches, recovery points, and wiring for trailers or bike racks.
Result: a van that drives straight, stops true, and isn’t overweight before you pack.
Electrical Overview: 12V/24V/48V House & 120V AC
Power has to be safe under load:
Shore power inlet (15/30A), transfer switch, EMS/surge protection, GFCI circuits, and hot-skin safety check.
Inverter/charger function (Victron MultiPlus/Quattro, Xantrex, Magnum, Renogy): transfer time, charger output, AC neutral/ground bonding.
DC distribution: fuse panel labeling, wire gauge, ring-lug quality, strain relief, and chafe protection through bulkheads.
Load test: microwave/induction + A/C or heater to verify branch circuits and voltage drop.
120V Outlets, Grounding & Isolation
Household power should act like… household power:
AFCI/GFCI placement in galley/bath, correct receptacle polarity and grounding.
Metal cabinet/equipment bonding, generator or inverter neutral-ground switching, and galvanic isolation where shore anomalies are common.
Label the breaker panel and map outlets, then document safe operating limits for users.
Plumbing, Tanks & Water Heating
Quiet water, no odors:
City water test with pressure regulator (45–60 PSI); pump hold test to detect slow leaks.
Fresh/gray tank size, placement, and strain relief on fittings; vent routing that won’t slosh into cabinets.
PEX workmanship (crimp/clamp/expansion), service loops, and grommets through metal ribs.
Water heaters: Truma Combi, Girard/Truma tankless, or small electric tanks—verify ignition, temps, and mixing-valve stability.
Cassette/composting toilets: vent fans, seals, and service access; trap solutions (P-trap/HepvO®) and AAV function in tight cabinetry.
HVAC, Ventilation & Insulation
Comfort without rattles:
Roof A/C (Coleman-Mach, Dometic, Nomadic) delta-T 18–22°F, startup draw vs inverter size/soft-start modules.
Diesel/LP heaters (Webasto, Espar/Espar/Eberspächer, Propex): intake/exhaust routing, fuel taps, clearances, and CO safety.
Truma Combi hydronic systems: glycol levels, pump noise, duct balance.
Vent fans (Maxxair/Fan-Tastic): airflow, backdraft dampers, and rain covers.
Insulation details: thermal bridges at ribs, door seals, window coverings, and condensation control plan.
Roof, Windows, Doors & Sealing
Water is the #1 value killer:
Roof racks, solar rails, awnings, and ladder mounts—look for crushed cores, missing butyl, wrong fasteners.
Skylights, roof glands, antennae; correct sealant types (polyurethane vs self-leveling) and clean drip edges.
Window installs (CRL, AMA, Motion): cut quality, pinch weld treatment, frame torque, and signs of dual-pane fogging.
Door strikers/hinges aligned; slider/ rear-door seals uncut by cabinetry.
Structure, Cabinets & Safety Mounting
Unibody vans need thoughtful mounting:
Through-bolts with spreader plates to ribs/floor; no sheet-metal screws holding heavy galleys or beds.
Bed platforms, upper cabinets, and L-track/Unistrut systems checked for torque and backing.
Bulkhead/partition attachments, swivel seats (torque & airbag harness routing), and flooring that doesn’t trap moisture against steel.
Verify nothing sharp abrades wiring or PEX during travel.
LP Gas, Propane Lockers & Detectors
Fuel safely or don’t fuel at all:
Propane lockers sealed with drop vents to exterior; regulator 11″ water column set/lock-up and bubble tests at appliances.
Quick-connects away from exhausts and tire spray; hose dates and heat clearances.
CO/LP/smoke detectors date codes and tests; fire extinguisher rating and mount.
Document shutoffs and post a simple “LP on/off + leak response” placard.