The lists are great, BUT it can often lead someone not familiar with machinery into a false sense of security.
As one who does mechanical inspections on motorhomes, there is a lot that is “see, touch, listen”. It takes me around two hours under a coach (Yes, I mean UNDER a coach) for just that part of the inspection. Where do you look for cracked hydraulic pump brackets? leaking hydraulic pump and fan seals, do you know to put a torque wrench on the bulkhead bolts on unihome/unicoaches? Do you know about checking coolant for pH as well as freeze point (and SCA if standard coolant)?
I don’t think there is a single motorhome owner who would not know better what to check if buying another of the same model. Brett Wolfe 1993 U240
STARTING POINT – A flashlight with a strong beam is a very useful tool to have. A Screwdriver with a straight, Philips and square bits will come in handy as well. Pictures from the glossy brochure will also help in your inspection. Are propane tanks full, shore power is available, city water and a hose are located close by and sewer connections, a drain or a dump station is available. A fully charged battery must be connected as well.
OPERATION TEST OF ALL HOUSE SYSTEMS –
Air Conditioners – Some air conditioners also have a heat strip or heat pump feature so now is the time to verify these functions. Turn on the air conditioner. After a couple of minutes, cool air, 20 degrees cooler than ambient, should be coming out of the registers. If your unit has to duct in the ceiling, make sure a good airflow comes out of each register. Learn how to clean the filters at this time.
Air Vents – Test the operation of kitchen and bathroom air vents making sure they open and turn on properly (if powered). Verify that they retract and close tightly. Check any other vents for proper operation.
Awnings – Extend and retract each awning paying particular attention to how the awning is locked in the retracted position. Make sure all springs, locks, and supports work well and are properly aligned. Wiggle the mounting points for the support arms to get a feeling for how solidly they are mounted to the body.
Baggage Compartments – open and close each door checking for alignment and gasketing. Confirm that each key works in the appropriate lock All hinges should be tight and secure and the latches should hold the door tightly closed and still be easy to open. Feel the floor or carpeting and look for any signs of moisture that might indicate rain leakage. Verify that compartment lighting (if fitted) works properly. Any gas cylinders used for keeping the door open should be properly installed so as not to interfere with items stored in the compartment. If clamp-type door hold-opens are used, make sure they are present and hold the door correctly.
Battery – Check the battery box to verify that it is ventilated and that any compartment slide mechanisms work properly. Verify that no battery cables are rubbing on any part of the frame because that will eventually end up with a short circuit and possible fire. Understand the battery type provided and how to maintain them.
Chassis Inspection – Put on some old clothes or coveralls and get a good-sized piece of cardboard or carpet to make it easier to lie on you back while checking around under the trailer. If it’s possible to do so without jacking up the rig, it’s a lot easier, but do what makes sense to you. You want to be able to Inspect all air and / or hydraulic lines, wiring, shock absorber attachments, and in general every place that a wire or pipe could rub against something that could cause a problem later. All wiring and piping should be properly fastened.
City Water System – Turn off the pump, connect up to city water (use a regulator if overly high pressure is suspected) and confirm that the connection works correctly. Look for leaks under sinks and confirm the operation of all fixtures.
Converter – Confirm the operation of the converter/charger that is installed. Turn on several interior lights to create a load for the converter and confirm no excessive converter noise or vibration. Have the PDI person explain the operation of the converter, the AC circuit breakers, and the DC fuses. Make sure that there is a written list of the loads connected to each fuse or breaker.
Inside the unit, check any 110V lighting and switches. (If you have a 110V receptacle tester, check all outlets for proper wiring/polarity.) Find the GFI-protected outlet and test using the push button. Understand which receptacles “downstream” from the GFI are protected. Any electrical problems here should be corrected immediately.
Furnace – Now its time to understand the operation of the thermostat that controls heating and sometimes the air conditioning. Turn the furnace on and set a temperature demand that is at least 10 degrees hotter than ambient temperature. In about 30 seconds, you should hear the furnace fans come on. Shortly thereafter you should hear the click of the igniter and the sound of the burner. If not then there is a problem. It could also be taking a while for propane to get to the heater, so don’t despair. Let the furnace blow and you should get hot air at about 110 degrees coming out of all vents. Check each one. Now turn the furnace down and the hot air will gradually turn cooler and the fans will eventually stop after the furnace has cooled sufficiently. During this process have someone with a good nose checking for any smell of material getting too hot, or exhaust coming out.
Propane and Carbon Monoxide Alarms & Smoke Detector- now is a good time to check the function of these alarms. The PDI person should have a small canister of gas that can be sprayed at the alarm to test its operation. Have them perform this test while you watch and learn how the alarms work. Confirm that there is a new battery in the Smoke Detector (write the date on it for reference) Activate the test button to check the operation of the smoke detector. Understand how to turn it off.
Refrigerator – Most modern refrigerators work on propane or AC and have an automatic mode that gives preference to AC and then will switch to propane if AC power is not available. Understand the controls and the status lights and set the unit on propane. The RV may need to be unplugged for this to happen. Go outside to the refrigerator vent grill and make sure that the propane heating column is lit and heating. While the refrigerator grill is open, check to make sure the drain line is positioned for proper drainage. Set the temperature at the highest cooling setting, because setting it to lowest will typically cause the coils to collect moisture and ice up. Come back in about 10 minutes to feel that the coil/fins are actually starting to cool.
TV VCR Antenna and Switching -For the most thorough the test, bring a small AC/DC TV with you for the initial test. Review and understand the switching system that allows the selection of a viewing channels on the front and rear TV. Raise the TV UHF/VHF antenna and learn how to turn on the amplifier and the DC outlet. Find out the power rating of the DC outlet and compare it to the load of the equipment you will connect to it. Activate the control on the front TV that scans for local stations. Learn how to rotate the antenna to maximize the quality of the picture.
Microwave – Put a cup of cold water in the microwave and set the timer for 5 minutes. The water in the cup should boil in less than 5 minutes.
Propane Stove – Turn on one burner of the stovetop while the AC’s and Microwave are running and the automatic igniters should cause a strong spark to light the burner. Turn on the other burners to verify that there is enough propane flow to operate the refrigerator, water heater, and all the burners. If everything is OK, turn off the burners on the stove. If your unit has an oven, then understand how the pilot is lit and verify its operation now. Note: Sometimes the burner igniters interfere with the operation of the thermostats for the roof AC. This is the time to find this problem.
Entry Doors – Confirm that each key works in the appropriate lock. Check the gasket used on all doors for proper adhesive and coverage. Look closely at the door from the inside and confirm that it sits flush against the inside of the doorjamb. The main door should open & close smoothly and lock without undue effort. Check that the screen door opens smoothly alone and locks to the main door without any extra effort.
Paint & Siding- Carefully check the paint finish on the RV. Any problems can be verified and corrected at this point with a lot less hassle. Site down the side of the unit to check for bumps or depressions in the siding. Divide each side of the unit into 2, 3 or 4 sections and inspect for siding issues: color variations, dents or irregularities. Do the same for the ends of the unit Look at places where the vinyl film is used for graphics to make sure it is free of any air bubbles. Check ends of any decals for uniformity or “mistakes” that may have gouged the siding. Look closely where masking tape was used for paint graphics to make sure there is no overspray. Carefully check for surface smoothness and any place when paint coverage is marginal or where there are bubbles.
Propane -If the tank(s) are contained in a compartment, there should be no possible way for propane to enter into the RV or any other compartment. Understand how the regulator works and how it switches between cylinders. Confirm that a leak test has been performed on both pigtails between the tanks and regulator and the rest of the system. Locate and understand the operation of the main shut off valve (if any).
Roof Sealing & Fixtures- Check that all the mounting points are solidly attached to the body and the rungs are firmly fixed to the frame. Climb on the roof and inspect all seams, gaskets and any other place that the roof material has been cut or holes drilled. Check that all shrouds & covers are intact, unbroken and properly seated on the roof. Proper polyurethane caulking should have been used to seal all places where the roof has been penetrated. Check closely around air conditioners, vents, antennas, sewer vents, and side seams. Look for any signs of bubbles (large and small), delamination, foreign objects or protruding screw or nail heads under the membrane (if a rubber roof).
Sewer & Fresh Water Connections – Inspect this area on the trailer to make sure that nothing is broken or deformed. If appropriate at this time, make certain you understand how each valve or fitting works. Understand the proper function of the black and gray water valves. If tank flushing is installed, understand how it operates. Understand where the low point drains are for the freshwater system.
Shore Power System-Now is the time to connect up to shore power. Pull out all of the AC cord, confirm the length and inspect the plug for proper attachment.
Slide Out Operation – If your RV includes a slide-out or slide-outs then spend the time it takes to understand its operation. Start by checking the seals while the slide is retracted. You should not be able to find any places where you can see light or detect airflow. Use a flashlight to look into dark corners. Understand the mechanism that extends and retracts the slide. Operate it several times and understand any restrictions on operation. Understand the manual retraction process and actually perform the retraction as if the automatic mechanism had failed. Look for proper alignment of any wheels that may ride on carpet or another flooring, to ensure proper clearance. Understand any locking mechanisms that are used to hold the top of the slide-out tight against the top of the RV. Do your best to make sure the seals are properly installed and operational when the slide is retracted and also when it is extended. Check the under-slide area for proper routing of wires or cables. Confirm that nothing rubs on the tires (parts of the slide, wiring, insulation, Etc.) when the slide is retracted.
Spare Tire – Check the condition & pressure of the spare tire. Understand how the carrier works if it is the fold-down type.
Tankage – Re-fill the fresh water tank if necessary and run water into the gray tank to verify the gauge reading and that there are no leaks. Filling the gray tank until water comes up in the shower will make it easier to find leaks inside & out. Do the same thing to the black water tank, including filling so that water comes up inside the toilet. Check for leaks (if the toilet is installed correctly, there will be no leaks!) You can fill the black water tank by using the tank flushing system (if fitted), by using a garden hose adapter for the sewer connection (through a backflow preventer) or by bringing the water hose inside and filling the tank through the toilet. This last method can be a little cumbersome, and I don’t recommend it unless you’ve done it before. Check the gauges for accuracy while you are filling Now is the time you want to find leaks if there are any. Drain the gray and black water tanks using the sewer hose or the garden hose adapter.
Telephone & Cable TV Connections- Find and understand the telephone and cable connections. Make sure a weather cap is present for each connector and that connectors are properly identified & mounting plates are properly sealed.
Tires and Wheels – Closely inspect the tires and wheels and understand the proper inflation pressure. Verify the torque of the lug nuts or have the PDI person do it while you watch. Find out the proper jacking point for the trailer and what kind of jack to use. Determine if your tow vehicle lug nut wrench will fit the lug nuts on the trailer or if another size is necessary.
Water Heater – Try the water heater on propane first. A few seconds after you turn it on, you should hear the click of the igniter and the small pop when the burner lights. The red light should stay on until that process happens. If it does not ignite, then there is a problem. Turn the AC element in the water heater (if connected) and confirm the operation. Make sure you know the location of the electrical switch at the water heater and the correct operation of the interior switch. If your unit is so equipped, understand the operation of the bypass valves for winterizing. Confirm that hot (or warm water depending on how long the water heater has been on) comes out of the hot tap at the various sinks.
Water Pump – Test the function of the water pump. After turning it on, you should hear it pump for several seconds, even up to a minute to create enough pressure in the system. If the pump does not shut off, there is a problem. Run water in the kitchen and bathroom sink and notice that the pump will come back on until proper water pressure is restored. Now is the time to fix a noisy pump if it is vibrating or making any irritating sounds.
Windows – check closely around each window to make sure it has been properly aligned and sealed.
INSIDE FIT AND FINISH – Now its time to go inside. In general, you are looking for things that are not finished correctly since it is really too late to inspect the design of anything.
Blinds – Operate each blind and check for alignment. Look at all valances and trim to be sure they are secured.
Cabinets – Inspect & open all of the cabinets to ensure that all the hinges and latches work well. Pull each drawer out to its stop, return it closed and then try to open it as road vibration might do. Makes sure that there have been no water leaks and that all the wiring and pipes are well fastened. Inspect the linings (if any), to ensure they are fastened securely. Run your hand along all edges, front & back to check for and delamination or loose edges on molding or vinyl wraps (you may want to wear gloves for this part)
Closets -open and close all closet doors checking for free operation and proper alignment. Hanger rods should be properly fastened and secure. Check out any lighting that is provided and any switches that are used.
Counter Tops – Inspect all countertops for alignment and fastening. Make sure that any trim pieces that should be there are in fact tight. Check for caulking quality everywhere there may be water, especially edges near a sink. Check the installation of sinks and faucets.
Floor Coverings – Inspect carpet and other floor coverings in all corners to ensure that they have been properly fastened down. Check areas that slide-outs may roll over for pulled threads, cuts or other problems. Check closely for gouges or cuts in linoleum tile.
Furniture – Examine every piece of furniture to check for construction, upholstery, pattern and cloth matching. Check out the dinette by making it a bed with the appropriate cushions. Do the same with the couch or sofa.
Lighting – Operate every light switch and observe its function. Use the monitor panel to check battery levels. Understand and verify any battery disconnect switches. (at this point, only 12V lighting can be tested, as the unit is NOT connected to shore power yet)
Molding & trim – Go over all the trim on walls, doors & furniture. Make sure that everything is fastened on well and not loose or ready to come off. Check that no nail or staples are protruding.
Windows – Open and close every window and operate the latches. Pay particular attention to the two safety egress windows or emergency windows and make sure they operate smoothly & easily.
Wall Coverings – Check to make sure that all the wall coverings actually cover and join properly. Look for any discoloration or patch jobs that may cover hidden problems. Try to find any places where it is not perfect since now is the time to get it fixed while matching patterns are in stock.