115 Point RV Inspection Checklist (New or Used)

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Article updated April 8, 2026

Buying an RV is exciting… but it’s also where a lot of people make expensive mistakes.

I’ve walked through hundreds of RVs over the years, and I can tell you this — the issues that cost you the most money are almost never obvious at first glance.

Loose wiring. Small leaks. Weak seals.

They don’t look like much… until they turn into major repairs.

That’s why I put together this 115-point RV inspection checklist — but not just a list.

I’m also going to show you what to actually look for and why it matters, so you don’t miss the stuff most buyers overlook.

Quick Answer: What Should You Check When Inspecting an RV?

You should inspect every major system, including electrical, plumbing, propane, structure, appliances, and paperwork — using a detailed checklist like this one to catch hidden issues before you buy.

How to Use This Checklist (Don’t Skip This)

Before you jump in:

• Plan for 2–3 hours minimum
• Start appliances early (A/C + fridge need time)
• Bring basic tools (multimeter, flashlight, outlet tester)
• Use a color-coded system:
  • 🔴 Major issue
  • 🔵 Needs attention
  • ⚫ Good

This alone will make you look like a serious buyer.

The 115-Point RV Inspection Checklist (With Pro Tips)

I. RV “Nervous System” (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing)

A. Engine & Generator (Motorhomes Only)

1. Check engine battery
   Pro Tip: Low voltage here can cause a ton of weird electrical issues.
2. Inspect automotive fuses
3. Inspect belts and rubber components
   👉 Pro Tip: Cracking = replacement soon. Don’t ignore this.
4. Check engine oil
5. Check brake fluid
6. Check transmission fluid
7. Check hydraulic fluid
8. Check power steering fluid
9. Check coolant
10. Check washer fluid
11. Check generator oil
12. Inspect generator spark plug
13. Inspect generator condition
    👉 Pro Tip: Look for insulation breakdown — that’s a red flag.
14. Start engine and listen
    👉 Pro Tip: Hesitation or knocking = walk away or negotiate hard.
15. Run generator under load
    👉 Pro Tip: Turn on A/C and appliances — weak generators show up fast.

B. Electrical System

16. Check house batteries
    👉 Pro Tip: Weak batteries = everything else suffers.
17. Inspect breakers/fuses
18. Inspect converter
    👉 Pro Tip: Listen for fan — silence can mean it’s dead.
19. Inspect inverter
20. Test solar system
21. Test all outlets
22. Test USB/DC ports
23. Test GFCI reset
    👉 Pro Tip: If this fails, you’ve got safety issues.
24. Check DOT lighting
25. Test interior lights
26. Test exterior lights
27. Test backup camera
28. Test refrigerator cooling
    👉 Pro Tip: Give it 20–30 minutes — don’t rush this.
29. Test A/C performance
    👉 Pro Tip: You should feel a noticeable drop in temp.
30. Test furnace
31. Test central vacuum
32. Inspect shore power cord
    👉 Pro Tip: Burn marks = big warning sign.

C. Water System

33. Inspect water lines
    👉 Pro Tip: Dry or brittle PEX = future leaks.
34. Test water pump
35. Check kitchen sink
36. Check bathroom sink
37. Check shower
38. Check exterior shower
39. Check toilet seal
    👉 Pro Tip: Leaks here are more common than you think.
40. Check washer/dryer hookups
41. Check dishwasher

D. Propane System

42. Check propane lines
    👉 Pro Tip: Use soapy water — bubbles = leak.
43. Inspect tank mounts
44. Inspect propane tanks
45. Inspect built-in tank
46. Test propane gauge

E. Holding Tanks

47. Inspect freshwater tank
48. Inspect grey tank
49. Inspect black tank
    👉 Pro Tip: Make sure valves open/close smoothly.
50. Test black tank flush
51. Inspect city water connection

II. Exterior Inspection

F. Exterior Shell

52. Inspect sidewalls
    👉 Pro Tip: Discoloration = possible water damage.
53. Inspect front cap
54. Inspect hood/generator bay
55. Inspect windshield
    👉 Pro Tip: Replacement can cost thousands.
56. Inspect rear cap
57. Inspect ladder
58. Test entry steps
59. Test motorized steps
60. Inspect awning
    👉 Pro Tip: Mold + tears = expensive fix.

G. Storage & Utility Bays

61. Check all compartment doors
62. Test alignment
63. Test struts
64. Inspect locks
65. Inspect seals
    👉 Pro Tip: Dry seals = water intrusion risk.
66. Check lighting
67. Inspect for damage

H. Roof & A/C

68. Check roof for soft spots
    👉 Pro Tip: Soft = potential rot (big problem).
69. Inspect roof seals
70. Inspect vents
71. Inspect antennas
72. Inspect A/C shroud
73. Check A/C seals
74. Inspect wiring
75. Inspect intake
76. Inspect coils
77. Check insulation
78. Inspect filter
79. Check compressor
    👉 Pro Tip: If this fails, replacement isn’t cheap.
80. Test fan

I. Hitch & Towing

81. Inspect receiver
82. Inspect kingpin/hitch
83. Check safety chains
84. Inspect sway control
85. Test tongue jack
86. Inspect umbilical cord
87. Test brake lights
88. Test turn signals
89. Test hazard lights
90. Test reverse lights
91. Test clearance lights

J. Slideouts

92. Test slide operation
    👉 Pro Tip: Listen for grinding — not normal.
93. Locate manual override
94. Inspect slide awnings
95. Inspect slide windows
96. Inspect seals
    👉 Pro Tip: Dry seals = leaks coming soon.

K. Wheels & Underbelly

97. Inspect tires
    👉 Pro Tip: Check date code — not just tread.
98. Inspect rims
99. Check brakes
100. Inspect suspension
101. Inspect axles
     👉 Pro Tip: Bent axle = overloaded RV.
102. Inspect underbelly

L. Stabilizer Jacks

103. Test stabilizers
104. Test auto-level
105. Check hydraulic leaks
     👉 Pro Tip: Fluid leaks = expensive repair.

III. Interior Inspection

M. Ceiling

106. Inspect ceiling
     👉 Pro Tip: Stains = past or current leaks.
107. Inspect molding
108. Inspect vents/fans
109. Check A/C vents

N. Flooring

110. Inspect flooring
     👉 Pro Tip: Soft spots = water damage underneath.
111. Inspect heat ducts

O. Windows

112. Inspect treatments
113. Check seals
     👉 Pro Tip: Feel for drafts.
114. Test window operation

P. Walls, Cabinets, Furniture & Appliances

115. Inspect walls, cabinets, furniture, appliances, and safety equipment
     👉 Pro Tip: Look for loose cabinetry, water damage, and worn components.

What Most RV Buyers Don’t Know

The small stuff is the big stuff.

Most major RV problems start as tiny leaks, loose seals, or minor electrical issues.

Catch them early… or pay for them later.

My Honest Take

If you’re serious about buying an RV:

Don’t rush.
Don’t trust the dealer blindly.
Don’t skip this checklist.

And if you’re spending big money, hiring a professional inspector is worth every penny.

Should I Buy an Extended Warranty for My RV?

Yes – but not from a dealership! Unfortunately, your odds of suffering a major mechanical breakdown go up with every passing year. Based on RV Warranty claims records, more than 3 out of every 10 RVs will need major repairs in only their second year on the road.

This skyrockets to 8 out of 10 in their fifth year, and virtually ALL of them in their eighth year! Today’s RVs are increasingly more complex, and with more things to go wrong, the need to protect your investment is more important than ever.

We found an RV warranty that we can even transfer to another private party if we decide to sell our RV. Or, if we trade in our RV or decide to get out of RVing altogether, we can cancel our policy for a pro-rated refund.

We bought our warranty through Wholesale Warranties for several reasons:

• We can cancel the warranty at any time and get a pro-rated refund
• We can transfer the warranty to the new owner if we decide to sell our RV
• There are no mileage caps on our policy
• We can use repair shops all across the country
• We can use a mobile repair company right at our campsite (this is key)
• The price is way better than most dealerships
• We could finance the cost of the warranty
• With parts and labor prices increasing all the time, we have peace of mind

You owe it to yourself to at least check out a warranty and get a free quote to see if it is right for you. It just takes a few minutes and you will learn a ton about protecting your investment. We only recommend products we use ourselves and we highly recommend you get a free quote from Wholesale Warranties.

We have literally saved thousands more than we paid for our RV warranty! It’s one of the best investments we’ve ever made.

When You Should Get A Professional RV Inspection

If you have little to no experience with RVs, or if you are spending a lot of money on your RV, then I highly recommend getting a professional inspection.

This applies if you are buying new or used. Many people think that since they are buying new, they don’t need an inspection. Or they think the dealer will inspect the rig.

WRONG! We bought our rig, and it was brand new. The dealer did a useless inspection. I hired an inspector, and he found over 60 items the dealer didn’t see (or chose not to see).

And if you are spending $100,000 or more, a few grand for an inspection is totally worth it to be sure you should buy the unit in the first place. Or to be sure everything is in good working order before you drive it off the lot.

By the way, if you are buying a motorhome and need an inspector, check out our great friends at Blue Ox RV Inspections. Susan and I have known Pierre and Laurel for years, and we compare notes about RVs every time we get together. Pierre know more about RVs than anyone I know.

Final Thoughts

This checklist isn’t just about checking boxes.

It’s about buying with confidence, avoiding costly mistakes, and actually enjoying your RV instead of constantly fixing it.

Take your time, go through each item, and you’ll be way ahead of most buyers.

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Related Reading:

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? Here’s How to Decide…

Best RVs and Campers for Beginners

How to Find Cheap RV Rentals Under $100 a Night

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