Before you hand over a deposit or sign any paperwork, run through this checklist. And then call a certified inspector to do the rest.
Buying an RV is exciting — and it's easy to let excitement override caution. Whether you're at a dealership or buying privately in Northwest Arkansas, doing a preliminary walk-through before committing to a purchase can help you identify obvious red flags and ask better questions. But remember: a buyer's visual checklist is not a substitute for a professional inspection by a certified RV inspector.
Exterior Checklist
Start your evaluation outside. Walk slowly around the entire RV looking for the following:
- Any waves, bubbling, or discoloration in the sidewall panels (delamination)
- Rust staining on any exterior surface
- Cracks or crazing in the fiberglass
- Obvious damage to corners, trim, or awning arms
- Tire condition: look for sidewall cracking regardless of tread depth
- Missing or cracked sealant around any exterior opening
- Soft spots on the roof membrane (walk it carefully if it's accessible)
- Condition of slide-out wiper seals visible from outside
Interior Checklist
Inside, use your nose as much as your eyes. Musty odors are a major red flag for water damage or mold. Walk the entire floor pressing down firmly with your foot to feel for soft spots — especially around the toilet, kitchen, and along the sides where slide-outs extend.
- Musty or mildew smell anywhere in the RV
- Discoloration or staining on ceiling, walls, or around windows
- Soft, spongy, or bouncy floor areas
- Cabinet doors and drawers that don't close properly (can indicate structural flex)
- Evidence of mold — black spots in corners, around vents, or under mattresses
- Operation of all faucets, shower, and toilet
- Function of all slide-out switches
Systems Checklist
For a thorough evaluation, the RV should be connected to shore power and water. Test every switch, appliance, and system you can:
- All lights (interior and exterior)
- Air conditioner and furnace operation
- Water heater (both LP and electric modes)
- Refrigerator cooling on both LP and electric
- All burners on the stovetop
- Microwave function
- LP detector (press the test button)
- Smoke alarm test button
- CO detector test button
- Water pump pressure and flow
- All outlets with a small device or outlet tester
Why Your Checklist Isn't Enough
A buyer's visual inspection can catch obvious problems, but it misses everything that requires equipment, technical knowledge, or going beyond what's visible. A certified RV inspector uses moisture meters to detect water intrusion behind walls before it becomes visible. They pressure-test the LP system to find leaks. They evaluate the electrical system with specialized testing equipment. They go on the roof and underneath the RV. They know what every component should look and sound like when functioning correctly.
For any significant RV purchase — especially used RVs in Northwest Arkansas and the surrounding region — scheduling a professional inspection before finalizing your purchase is the single best investment you can make. Precision RV Inspections provides comprehensive reports within 24 hours of the inspection, giving you the information you need to negotiate confidently or walk away from a bad deal.