🛠️ What to Expect During a Full RV Inspection: Timeline, Tools, and Test Checklist

A Complete Guide for First-Time RV Buyers and Owners in the Omaha Metro

When you're buying an RV — whether it’s your first rig or your fifth — you want to know exactly what kind of condition it’s in. A certified RV inspection is the only way to get a clear, unbiased picture of how well the RV’s systems are functioning, how safe it is, and whether it’s worth the price.

But most buyers (and many long-time RV owners) have no idea what actually happens during a professional RV inspection. They imagine something quick, like a mechanic checking fluids on a car.

In reality?

👉 A full RV inspection is a multi-hour, highly detailed, system-by-system evaluation.

👉 It uses professional tools, safety testing devices, and diagnostic steps that dealerships rarely — if ever — perform.

👉 It can reveal hidden issues that could cost thousands if missed.

This guide breaks down exactly what to expect during a full RV inspection, including:

• The timeline — how long it takes and why

• What tools inspectors use

• What tests are performed

• What gets documented

• Omaha-specific conditions inspectors watch for

• A real case study of how an inspection saved a buyer over $4,000

Whether you’re buying from a private seller, a dealership, or upgrading to a new rig, this guide gives you full clarity on what a professional RV inspection includes.

🕒 Inspection Timeline — How Long Does a Full RV Inspection Take?

A certified RV inspection typically takes:

• 4 - 7 hours for travel trailers

• 5 - 8 hours for fifth wheels

• 7 - 8+ hours for motorhomes

This surprises many buyers used to fast car inspections — but RVs are much more complex.

An RV is essentially:

• A tiny home

• With plumbing

• With wiring

• With propane

• With HVAC

• With appliances

• With mechanical systems

• All mounted to a moving chassis

Testing all of those components requires time, precision, and safety.

✔ Timeline Summary (7 Hours Total)

Stage	Time (hrs)	Description
Setup & Safety	0:00–0:30	Utilities, hazard check, tools
Exterior Structure	0:30–1:30	Roof, seals, siding, underbelly, tires
Electrical System	1:30–2:30	120V & 12V tests, converter, batteries
Propane Testing	2:30–3:30	Manometer, appliances, regulator
Water System	3:30–4:45	Pressure test, leaks, heater, lines
Interior + Appliances	4:45–5:45	A/C, furnace, refrigerator, slides
Chassis / Running Gear	5:45–6:30	Axles, suspension, or motorhome systems
Documentation	6:30–7:00	Photos, notes, report summary

🧰 Tools Used During a Professional RV Inspection

A certified RV inspector uses far more than a flashlight and a few screwdrivers.

Below is a breakdown of the most common tools — and why they matter.

🔎 Structural & Moisture Tools

• Moisture meter — detects hidden water damage

• Thermal imaging camera — shows temperature anomalies

• Inspection mirrors — beneath components and hidden spaces

• Extendable ladders — full roof access

Water intrusion is the single most expensive RV repair category,with many repairs costing $1,500–$6,000+.

🔌 Electrical Tools

• Multimeter

• Clamp meter (amp draw)

• Outlet polarity tester

• Surge protector for testing

• 12V testing tools

Electrical issues are among the top 3 safety risks in RVs.

🔥 Propane Tools

• Manometer

• Gas sniffer

• Regulator pressure gauge

LP leaks can be extremely dangerous — which is why certified inspectors always test propane system integrity.

💧 Water System Tools

• Water pressure gauge

• Flow rate tester

• Fitting leak detectors

Dealership PDIs do not perform pressure testing — which is why leaks go unnoticed until buyers get home.

🛞 Chassis & Running Gear Tools

• Tread depth gauge

• Torque wrench

• Hub temperature gun

• Grease fitting inspection tools

Tires alone are a major hidden cost — and the #1 cause of RV roadside emergencies.

🧰 General Tools

• Standard RV mechanic hand tools

• Flashlights

• Notepad/tablet for documentation

• Camera for photos and videos

• Safety PPE

  
  

A certified inspection is part technical evaluation, part safety assessment, part structural analysis.

🧪 Full Test Checklist — What Gets Inspected? (Copy-and-Save)

Below is a comprehensive checklist of what gets tested in a certified inspection.

Feel free to add this as a downloadable PDF later on your site.

✔ Exterior & Structural

• Roof material + membrane

• Sealant (all edges, vents, penetrations, skylights)

• Ladder + roof rack stability

• Sidewalls for delamination

• Windows + weep holes

• Entry door + screen door

• Storage bays

• Underbelly condition

• Frame & welds

• Rust or corrosion

• Awnings + arms

✔ Tires & Running Gear

• DOT manufacturing date

• Tread depth

• Sidewall cracking

• Uneven wear patterns

• Suspension condition

• Leaf springs

• Shackles & equalizers

• Brake wiring & condition

• Breakaway switch

• Stabilizer jacks

✔ Electrical System

120V Shore Power

• Voltage levels

• AC distribution panel

• Breaker operation

• GFCI outlets

• Polarity check

• Converter output

12V System

• Battery voltage

• Wiring condition

• Fuses

• Lights

• Fans

• 12V appliances

✔ Propane System

• Manometer leak test

• Regulator vent + condition

• Pigtails

• Stove/oven burn test

• Furnace burner & blower

• Water heater LP mode

• Refrigerator LP mode

✔ Water System

• Fresh water tank

• City water inlet

• Pump operation

• Hot/cold lines

• Faucets & shower

• Toilet seal & flush

• Waste tank valves

• Water heater (electric)

• Pressure test on lines

• Check for leaks under load

✔ Interior

• Flooring

• Cabinet stability

• Windows + locks

• Furniture condition

• Slide-out floors

• Slide seals + mechanisms

• Ceiling discoloration

• Vent fans

• Airflow and ducting

✔ Appliances

• Refrigerator (dual mode testing)

• Microwave / convection

• A/C temp drop & amp draw

• Furnace full cycle

• Water heater both modes

• Stabilizing jacks

• Entertainment systems

• Washer/dryer (if applicable)

✔ Motorhome-Specific Items

• Engine belts

• Hoses

• Fluid levels

• Air filter

• Exhaust condition

• Brake wear

• Steering

• Suspension

• Generator testing

📘 What the Final Inspection Report Includes

Most buyers are shocked at how thorough the final report is.

Expect:

• 70–140+ photos

• Videos (when necessary)

• Pass/fail/monitor statuses

• Safety issue highlights

• Moisture readings

• Thermal images

• Notes for negotiation

• Suggested repairs

• Severity labels (Urgent, Caution, Normal)

• Summary page

This report becomes your:

• Negotiation leverage

• Verification tool

• Maintenance guide

• Documentation for insurance

📖 Real Nebraska Case Study — Inspection Finds $4,000 in Hidden Damage

A buyer from Bennington planned to purchase a used 2020 travel trailer listed as “excellent condition.”

During the inspection, we found:

Hidden Issues:

• Moisture in slide corner framing

• Water damage under bedroom window

• Refrigerator not cooling on propane

• Battery failing load test

• Tire DOT dates from 2015

• A/C only dropping 12 degrees (should be 18–22)

• Water heater leaking from pressure relief valve

• Awnings stitched splitting

Estimated repair costs: $4,050

The buyer renegotiated:

• Seller reduced price by $2,850

• Buyer requested tire replacement

• Seller agreed to repair water heater & replace battery

Inspection cost? $750.

Savings? Thousands — and months of frustration avoided.

🌦️ Omaha Metro Considerations — What Inspectors See Most Often Here

The Midwest climate exposes RVs to:

1. Extreme Temperature Swings

Causes:

• Sealant cracking

• Gasket failure

• Delamination

2. Winterization Issues

Dealers often sell winterized units they won’t dewinterize for testing.

3. Hail Damage

Hail storms can create:

• Hidden roof punctures

• AC shroud cracks

• Vent damage

4. Rodent Intrusion

Units stored near fields or rural areas often show:

• Chewed wiring

• Insulation damage

5. Tire Dry Rot

Nebraska sun + sitting on lots = premature cracking.

Certified inspections catch these local issues early.

🧩 Why a Full RV Inspection Matters (The Big Picture)

A full RV inspection gives you:

✔ Safety

Propane leaks, wiring issues, and structural damage can be dangerous.

✔ Financial Protection

Most used RVs have $1,000–$4,500 in hidden issues.

✔ Negotiation Power

Your report = leverage.

✔ Peace of Mind

You know exactly what you’re buying.

✔ A Maintenance Roadmap

Use the report to plan repairs and upkeep.

📣 Ready for a Full RV Inspection in Omaha?

A certified RV inspection is the smartest way to protect your investment and ensure you're buying a safe, reliable RV.

Rolling Rabbit RV Repair offers:

• Full certified RV inspections

• Detailed system testing

• Propane pressure testing

• Complete water system evaluation

• Roof + sealant analysis

• Chassis & running gear checks

• 70–140+ photos

• 24 hour turnaround reporting

Whether you're buying from a dealership in Omaha or a private seller in Gretna, Papillion, Council Bluffs, Bellevue, or Elkhorn — you deserve transparency and safety.

👉 Request a Full RV Inspection: CLICK HERE

👉 Questions first? Contact Us

Protect your investment. Protect your safety. Camp with confidence.