Pre-Purchase RV Inspections 

Comprehensive

Covers every system on the RV: propane, electrical, structural, plumbing*, and interior. Depending on the RV, there are 450+ points of inspection. I spend 4-8 hours on site with the RV. The report is delivered within 24 hours, and breaks down any issues found into 1-Life Safety Issues, 2- Major Issues, 3- Minor Issues, and 4- Inspector observations/comments. *Ask about plumbing in winter.

Experience

As a Certified RV Inspector (NRVIA) AND a Certified RV Tech (RVTI Level 2), I have the training and experience to spot issues. I follow the standards and code of ethics of NRVIA. This code of ethics requires that I am an independent inspector, meaning I don’t work for dealerships. You will receive an unbiased inspection.

Why Choose At Ease RV?

Transparent and Fair– NO hidden pricing (just keep scrolling down!). Everyone sees the same price, and I don’t limit my inspections to the highest level. 

First Time Buyer Friendly– I have a particular passion for helping first time buyers and will take the time to ensure you understand the facts. 

Mobile RV Inspection

Pre-purchase inspections can be done on used or new units, at a dealership or for a private sale. Inspections are available in the Hampton Roads-Richmond areas, as well as southern MD.  Outside of these areas? Reach out and Katie will fit you in as she is able. Please note that a Total/Premier inspection location >120 miles from 23061 (Gloucester VA) will have a $100 travel fee added. 

Email [email protected] or text/call 804-625-4876

How much does an RV inspection cost?

Total Inspections

Total focuses on functionality and condition of the components (ie, does the A/C work at efficiency? Does the stove turn on?). On average, a total inspection takes 4-6 hours on site. Total inspection reports include around 50 pictures and are often around 50 pages in length.

  • Pop-Up: $250
  • Truck Camper: $350
  • Compact Travel Trailers (<17′ long): $400
  • Travel Trailers: $500
  • Toy Hauler Travel Trailer: $550
  • Class B/C: $650
  • 5th Wheel: $650
  • 5th Wheel Toy Hauler: $700
  • Class A: $750

Premier Level Inspections

Premier will also look at the style of those components (ie, model number of appliances, what style is the sink- double or single bowl, plastic or metal? what is the type of roof?). A Premier level inspection takes 7-10 hours on site.  Premier inspection reports include a VIN Check and Recall check, 80-100 pictures, and are often around 100 pages in length.

  • Compact Travel Trailers (<17′ long): $700
  • Travel Trailers: $900
  • Toy Hauler Travel Trailer: $950
  • Class B/C: $1000*
  • 5th Wheel: $1000
  • 5th Wheel Toy hauler: $1100
  • *Super C: $1200
  • Class A: $1300

It is Winter so please note that plumbing needs to be re-winterized after an inspection

Heads up: for motorhomes, inspections do not include an evaluation on the engine aside from turning the vehicle on and a visual inspection, as I am not an ASE Certified Mechanic. I also cannot drive the RV due to insurance. 

FAQ's

Dealership PDI vs Independent Inspector: You may hear the dealership say “We do our own inspection” and they do! It’s called a PDI, and it’s focused on life safety issues. Oftentimes, you will be charged for this as well (I’ve seen $500-$2500 for the cost!). There are many great dealerships out there, but would you trust a house seller to do their own inspection before selling to you? Getting an independent RV inspection is just like getting a home inspection before purchase. 

Value for pricing: Lemon Squad does RV inspections. Their pricing starts at $449….for an 8 page report with one picture generated from an hour or two on site. In their sample report they also incorrectly identify the type of RV! You can see my pricing and standards above- far superior to this option. 

NRVIA Code of Ethics: All of our Code of Ethics can be found here. But two of the important ones for you, the buyers are as follows: we won’t list anything as broken simply so we can offer to fix it; we are not allowed to repair or upgrade anything on the RV for a year post-inspection. Instead, we will refer you to a tech locator so you can make the best choice for yourself on who you would like to work on your RV. We are also not allowed to accept any sort of compensation, monetarily or otherwise, from dealerships, so we won’t “not find” something in order to protect the dealership or the sale. We work for you, not the dealership or seller.

Other Certified options: The RVTI Level 1 course also certifies an RV technician to “prepare an RV for customer delivery”. It’s a 20 hour, online course designed for techs who are likely to work at a shop or service center. Having personal experience with this course, it’s valuable information, but in my professional opinion, can’t compare to the 3 weeks of in person training and the standards of practice NRVIA requires. 

I attended the NRVTA inspector training in TX, as well as:

RV Technical Institute (RVTI), and have earned my Level 2 RV Technician Certification as well as my Level 3 Slideout Specialist Cert. 

I have attended multiple trainings from Lippert, Suburban, and AquaHot. I’ve also taken trainings from BAL/Norco, and Dometic’s “Go Power”. I make it a goal to attend at least one training a quarter to exceed the continuing education requirements from NRVIA and RVTI. 

PAYMENT POLICY: Payment is due 24 hours prior to the start of the  inspection.

CANCELLATION/REFUND POLICY: If inspection is cancelled by CLIENT or SELLER/BUYER outside of 24 hours of scheduled inspection, payment will be refunded less a $100 cancellation fee. If inspection is cancelled by CLIENT or SELLER/BUYER within 24 hours of scheduled inspection, payment will be refunded less a $200 fee and any travel charges incurred. Once the inspection has started, no refunds will be provided. In the event that the inspection is rescheduled within 24 hours of the inspection start time, to within a week of the original date, any travel charges incurred will require an additional payment. In the event that the inspector needs to cancel the inspection, and having exhausted all options with CLIENT to reschedule within 5 business days, a full refund will be provided.

Booking: To book your pre-purchase inspection. I will need the year, make, and model of the RV as well as the VIN. Please note that I do not hold available dates given without an actual appointment booking. I require 26 hours notice to book an inspection within 85 miles of 23061, and 72 hours notice beyond 85 miles of 23061. 

On your end, you’ll want to confirm that full hookups (water, electric, sewer) will be available and the date and start time work for the seller.

When the appointment is booked, the software will automatically send over the points of inspection, an agreement, and the invoice for you to review, sign, and pay. 

Day of inspection: I will perform the inspection of the RV. Upon arrival I will send you a time stamped picture. I take hundreds of pictures and videos, and spend 4-9 hours on site- depending on the type of RV and level of inspection. Every system is inspected, including water, propane, electrical, and the structure. I welcome sellers meeting me at the beginning and buyers meeting me at the end, though I appreciate time and space to do my best work during the inspection. I provide a verbal report to you as I am wrapping up the inspection.

Report: I upload the written report by noon the following day. Total inspections include around 40 pictures and are often around 50 pages in length. Premier level inspections include 80-100 pictures, and are often around 100 pages in length.

I will be available for a follow up call within a few days of receiving the report.

After: If you decide to buy- congrats! While I cannot work on your RV for a year following the inspection per the code of ethics, I’d love to stay updated on your adventures with your RV! If you do have any repair work needed, you can find an RV technician near you, nationwide, at RV Help

Motorhomes are naturally a bit more complex than towables. In both motorhomes and towables, size and complexity ranges widely. For example, just by nature of it’s size, a travel trailer with 2 axles and 1 slide out will take significantly less time than a Class A (the ones that look like a bus) with an engine and multiple axles and slide outs. 

No I don’t. The state requires that the inspection location be a stationary, physical location that primarily works on motor vehicles. My inspections are a completely voluntary/optional service. Feel free to call me if you need recommendations for a inspection location though! The good news is that these VA state annual inspections are very affordable at around $20. 

Same as above, for VA. My pre purchase inspection, while it covers life safety issues, does not fulfill the MD state standards for the registering of your RV. But you can use this link to find a station that does- call first to verify they inspect your class of RV! 

As of 1/2025, Katie has done inspections at Cruise America in Manassas VA, ACE RV Rentals in Herndon VA, Dodd RV in Yorktown VA, Coastal RV in Carrollton VA, NIRVC in Manassas VA, General RV Center in Ashland VA, Camping World in Newport News VA,  and Leo’s Vacation Center in Gambrills MD.

Her “local” RV dealers are Gloucester RV, Dodd RV in Yorktown, Scenic View RV in West Point VA, Coastal RV in Carrollton VA, General RV in Ashland VA, Airstream of VA in Ashland VA, and Camping World in Ashland VA.

She does not maintain any partnerships or collaborations with dealerships as the NRVIA code of ethics #5 prohibits this (RV Inspectors will not inspect any Recreational Vehicles under any type of compensation, contingent fee or future referrals that is dependent upon the reported findings or on the sale of the unit). 

Blog Posts for RV Buyers