By Wayne K.
Pre-Delivery Inspection (performed by dealership personnel)
A Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) is typically performed on a new or used RV when purchasing from a dealer. Dealers pass on the charge for the PDI service via the sales department. Since it may be internally charged, the hourly rate that the service department gets may be significantly lower than warranty or customer repair work.
Most new RV’s arrive at the dealership with a few issues due to manufacturing oversites or damages that occur during transit from the manufacturer to the RV dealership. The new RV is really put to the test when it is transported from the RV manufacturer to the RV dealership.
The initial transport trip may bring out issues with cabinet doors, drawers, and trim moldings. These defects are easily seen upon inspection. Other issues like slideout seals, plumbing and wiring may not be evident without close inspection of the coach.
The PDI is performed by an employee at the participating dealership using a short checklist (50 to 130 items) to make sure systems are functioning properly. After the PDI and before that customer arrives to finalize the purchase of the RV, it is cleaned and cosmetic issues are repaired.
RV Dealership Service departments are too over booked on repairs to take RV’s from other dealerships. Due to many dealerships being short staffed it is critical if purchasing an RV from an out of state dealership to have the RV inspected before purchasing. The employee doing the inspection on your new RV only has a short window of time to complete the PDI.
The time that a dealer will spend on a PDI very much depends on the dealership and the employee given the task of inspecting a coach. A PDI at a dealership can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 90 minutes to complete. A more thorough inspection, such as one done by a certified RV inspector can take anywhere from 6-12 hours, depending on the age, make, and model of the RV. Issues may be identified that are beyond the scope of a typical dealer-provided pre-delivery inspection.
Some dealers are hesitant to facilitate a 3rd party RV inspection. Some questions that should be raised if the dealer takes this approach could be;
- If the manufacturer’s quality is 100% then why is a PDI needed? Ask to see the PDI inspection list. Does the dealer get on the roof and look at all of the sealant joints?
- If the RV manufacturer is making a quality product why is it that most RV manufacturers only provide a 1 year warranty?
Private party versus Dealership Purchase of a used RV
Similar to buying from a dealership, buying from a private party also presents risks. Private sellers may not be aware of issues or may not convey issues that are know. Many used private coaches do not have maintenance documentation available to understand the history of the coach and the problems that have occurred.
Be aware that all RV coaches will need constant maintenance, and that all RV’s will need repairs as they age.
Independent NRVIA Inspection (performed by a Certified Inspector)
A NRVIA Certified Inspector will use the same inspection software many home inspectors use. After completing an RV inspection, they will use this software to generate a professional report with photos.
As a NRVIA Certified Inspector and RVIA Certified Technician Level 2, I am trained to provide the most advanced and thorough inspections in the industry.
NRVIA inspections have 600 to 750 items depending on the type of coach being inspected, from travel trailers, 5th wheels to large Class A diesel pusher Motorhomes. The inspection report will provide you with a list of issues that should be addressed before you sign on the dotted line along with photos to help identify the problems.
An NRVIA Certified Inspection will take 6 to 12 hours on site testing and checking. It will take another 2 to 3 hours to complete the comprehensive 50 plus page report which is viewable online as well as downloadable.
| Dealership PDI | NRVIA Inspection | |
|---|---|---|
| Inspectable Items | 60 to 130 | 600 to 750 |
| Time spent on Inspection | < 4 hours | 6 – 12 hours |
| Report Available | Rarely | +50 page report with photos |
| Problems found shared with customer | No | Yes |
| Certified Inspector | No | Yes – NRVIA |
| Independent Inspection | No | Yes |