⏱️ How Long Does an RV Inspection Take?

A Realistic Breakdown for First-Time RV Buyers & Owners

For anyone planning to buy an RV — or preparing for a pre-trip or annual inspection — one of the first questions that comes up is:

“How long does an RV inspection actually take?”

It’s a completely fair question.Most people expect a short process, similar to a car inspection at a dealership.

But RVs aren’t cars.

They’re more like tiny houses on wheels — with:

• Electrical systems

• Propane systems

• Plumbing

• Appliances

• HVAC

• Slide-outs

• Running gear

• Roofs, seals, and structural components

Testing all of that takes time.

A good inspection takes more time than people expect.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• The average inspection length (based on RV type)

• What actually takes the most time

• Why inspectors don’t (and shouldn’t) rush

• What slows down the process

• What you can do to help the inspection go smoothly

• The difference between a PDI and a certified inspection

• How to decide which inspection level you need

Let’s break it down.

🕒 So… How Long Does an RV Inspection Take? (Short Answer)

Here are the industry-standard time ranges for a professional, certified RV inspection:

RV Type	Typical Inspection Length
Small Travel Trailer (20–26 ft)	4-5hours
Mid-Size Travel Trailer (27–32 ft)	5-6 hours
Large Travel Trailer (33+ ft)	7-8+ hours
Fifth Wheel	5–8 hours
Class C Motorhome	5–8 hours
Class A Gas Motorhome	7-8+ hours
Class A Diesel Pusher	7-8+ hours

If you’ve heard of 30-minute dealership PDIs, those are not inspections — they’re quick function checks.

A real RV inspection takes half a day, sometimes more.

🔍 Why Do RV Inspections Take So Long?

There are three main reasons:

1. RVs Have More Systems Than Houses — Packed Into a Smaller Space

Your home has:

• Electrical

• Plumbing

• HVAC

Your RV has:

• All three

• PLUS propane

• PLUS a rolling chassis

• PLUS appliances running on multiple power sources

• PLUS structural elements exposed to highway forces

Testing each system properly requires following manufacturer-safe procedures, pressure tests, and operational checks.

2. Every System Must Be Tested Under Real Conditions

A certified inspector doesn’t just “turn things on.”

They test systems under load, meaning:

• A/C on full power

• Furnace cycling under heat demand

• Water pump running under pressure

• Refrigerator tested on electric and propane

• Slide-outs under full voltage

• Converter charging batteries with appliances running

These tests take time — especially when appliances must warm up, cool down, cycle, or pressurize.

3. The Inspector Must Document Everything

A high-quality inspection includes:

• 70–140+ photos (plus another 800 we take of everything else we look at and inspect)

• Condition notes

• Safety warnings

• System descriptions

• Results from electrical tests and LP pressure tests

• Roof, sealant, frame, and underbelly documentation

Photography, note-taking, and digital documentation add 45–90 minutes on top of testing.

🛠️ What’s Included in That 5-8 Hours? A Quick Breakdown

Here’s a simplified version of the inspection workflow.

🧰 Setup & Safety Check (20–30 min)

• Connecting shore power

• Verifying propane is safe to test

• Checking for hazards

• Setting up ladders, meters, and tools

🏠 Exterior + Roof Inspection (45–60 min)

• Membrane condition

• Sealant

• Vents

• Skylights

• A/C shrouds

• Sidewall delamination

• Underbelly

• Frame

• Tire condition + DOT dates

This section alone is almost an hour due to its importance.

🔌 Electrical System Testing (45–60 min)

• 12V + 120V systems

• Converter output

• Polarity

• GFCI/AFCI

• Batteries

• Outlets

• Lights

• Motors

• A/C load tests

🔥 Propane System Testing (45–60 min)

• Manometer leak-down test

• Regulator pressure

• Furnace cycle

• Stove/oven flame pattern

• Refrigerator LP mode

• Water heater LP combustion

This step requires stabilization time and safety procedures.

💧 Water System Testing (60–75 min)

• Pump pressure

• Fresh/city water switching

• Hot/cold fixtures

• Toilet seal

• Leak detection

• Water heater electric mode

• Tank valves

Leaks often reveal themselves only under full pressure, which takes time.

🏡 Interior + Appliances (45–60 min)

• Refrigerator (cooling performance)

• Microwave/convection

• A/C & furnace

• Lights, fans, and outlets

• Slide-outs

• Vent fans

• Soft spot detection

🚛 Chassis / Running Gear (30–45 min)

Towables:

• Suspension

• Axles

• Brakes

• Hubs

• Tires

Motorhomes:

• Fluids

• Belts

• Hoses

• Steering

• Generator

📸 Documentation + Report Notes (60 min)

This includes:

• Photos

• Videos

• Condition notes

• Safety ratings

• Recommendations

• Summary page

This is essential for negotiation and repair planning.

🚐 Does the Seller Need to Be Present During the Inspection?

No.The inspector can work independently, and many prefer minimal interruptions so they can focus on testing.

If buying from a dealership:

• Ask them to hook up power

• Ask them to fill the freshwater tank

• Ask them to ensure propane is available

If buying from a private seller:

• They supply keys & access

• The inspector handles the rest

⚠️ What Can Make an Inspection Take Longer?

These situations commonly extend inspection time:

1. Poor roof access

If the RV is packed tightly next to others, roof time increases.

2. Winterized RVs

Dealers often refuse dewinterization → inspection of water systems becomes limited.

3. Propane tanks empty or valves locked

LP testing can’t begin until resolved.

4. Low battery voltage

Slides, leveling, and appliances may fail tests until batteries charge.

5. Repair needs or safety hazards discovered mid-inspection

If something looks dangerous or unstable, the inspector investigates thoroughly.

🎯 How to Make Your Inspection Go Faster (For Sellers or Buyers)

You can help streamline the inspector’s work:

• Ensure RV is accessible on all sides

• Provide keys for compartments

• Fill freshwater tank halfway

• Make sure propane tanks have fuel

• Allow access to power pedestal (or generator)

• Remove personal items blocking components

Even small preparations can shave off 20–40 minutes of unnecessary delay.

🆚 Is a Quick Dealership PDI the Same Thing? (Spoiler: No)

A dealership PDI is:

• Quick

• Surface-level

• Done for sales, not protection

• Often performed in 20–40 minutes

• Not documented with photos

• Not tested under load

• Not designed to protect the buyer

A certified RV inspection:

• Takes 5-8+ hours

• Tests every major RV system

• Includes safety tests

• Documents everything

• Provides a full condition report

• Helps you negotiate repairs or price

They are not comparable.

📣 Ready to Schedule Your RV Inspection?

If you’re buying an RV — or gearing up for the travel season — knowing how long your inspection takes helps you plan your day and set expectations.

Rolling Rabbit RV Repair offers:

• Full certified RV inspections (3–7 hours)

• Pre-trip inspections

• Post-winter inspections

• Towable chassis inspections

• Motorhome safety checks

• Personalized walk-throughs for new RV owners

Serving the Omaha metro, Council Bluffs, Bellevue, Papillion, Gretna, Elkhorn, and surrounding areas.

👉 Schedule Your RV Inspection Today. CLICK HERE

👉 Have questions? Contact Us First

Transparent. Thorough. Trusted.Your RV deserves nothing less.