The Ultimate Guide To Inspecting A Camper

Inspecting a camper is an important step in the buying process, and it's crucial to do it right to avoid costly repairs down the line. Whether you're buying from a dealership or a private seller, it's up to you to ensure you know what you're getting into. While it may be annoying to spend a significant amount of time on a thorough inspection, it could save you in the long run. So, grab your toolbox and get ready to spend some quality time with your potential new home on wheels!

Inspect the roof and awning for damage

Inspecting the roof and awning for damage is a crucial step in maintaining the longevity of your camper and ensuring it is safe to use. Here are some detailed instructions on how to do this:

Inspecting the Roof:

• Get on the roof: Carefully climb onto the roof of the camper and inspect it for any signs of damage. Look for punctures, tears, or cracks in the roof material. Check that the roof is white and not black with mould or dirt. If the roof is dirty, clean it so you can better identify any potential issues.
• Check the seals: Inspect the seals around vents, skylights, and other openings for any signs of damage. Look for cracks, holes, peeling, or wear. The sealant should be a little soft and squishy, and you should be able to push into it gently without it cracking. If the seals are hard and dry, they need to be replaced.
• Examine vent and fan covers: Plastic vent and fan covers can develop cracks over time, leading to leaks. Check for any cracks or punctures and replace if necessary.
• Look for signs of routine maintenance: A well-maintained roof will have signs of seal maintenance, such as retouched seals or newer vent covers. The older the camper, the more signs of maintenance you should see.
• Feel the roof for softness: Walk around on the roof and feel for any softness or squishiness. If the roof feels overly soft, it may have a leak and wood rot.

Inspecting the Awning:

• Inspect the awning fabric: Check for any holes, rips, thinning material, loose stitching, or frayed edges. Look for any discoloured areas that could indicate weakening of the fabric due to sun exposure or rain.
• Examine the awning arms: Ensure the arms are not bent or broken. Look for any structural damage or misalignment.
• Inspect the awning tube and rail: Check that the awning tube and rail are straight and securely attached. A bent or dented tube can lead to structural issues and further damage.
• Check the awning lock pins: Ensure the lock pins are in good shape and not bent.
• Test the awning: Extend and retract the awning to ensure it is functioning properly. This will also help you identify any issues with the fabric, such as sagging or misalignment.

Remember to perform regular inspections of your camper's roof and awning, and address any issues promptly to prevent further damage and ensure the safety of your camper.

Check the interior and exterior for water damage

Water damage can be extremely costly to repair, so it's important to thoroughly check the interior and exterior of a camper for any signs of it.

Exterior

When inspecting the exterior of the camper, you should pay close attention to the roof, especially the front and rear seams. Feel for soft spots and look for any cracked, peeling, or damaged panels and materials. Inspect the sealant at every opening or seam for any damage. Check for signs of delamination by looking down the front and rear sides of the camper for noticeable bubbles or ripples. Press the sidewall to check for buckling or signs that it has come loose.

You should also check for any outside shower, water heater, city water inlet, or potable water fill. Inspect these for cracks or loose seals on the outside and check the inside connection for any signs of leaks coming from the outside or water damage. Open and inspect outside storage compartments for any signs of water damage, such as discolouration, rust, odour, or mould/mildew.

Interior

Feel for soft spots in or around HVAC units and anywhere heating or air conditioning units or vents connect to walls or lead to the outside. Also, feel for soft spots in or around roofing and plumbing vents or other areas where holes are cut in the roof, as well as walls and sidewalls, especially around doors, windows, slide-outs, and vent openings. Pay special attention to cabinets and overhead compartments, looking for discolouration (especially where the top corner makes contact with the ceiling) and feeling for soft or loose spots anywhere inside.

If the camper you're inspecting is a class C motorhome, be sure to inspect the cab-over bed area. Check for water underneath the mattress, discolouration in the compartment and on the ceiling, and feel for soft spots. Look for any cracks or damage around the opening or on the ceiling and check for odours that indicate moulding in the compartment or mattress.

General

In addition to the above, there are a number of other things to look out for when checking a camper for water damage. These include:

• Watermarks, moisture, discolouration, or mould on carpet, upholstery, and ceiling fabric
• Pooling water, mud, and debris in corners and other nooks and crannies
• Rust inside and out, including on headlights and taillights
• Discolouration, rust, odour, mould, or mildew in interior walls that correspond to exterior compartments
• Rotten sub-flooring
• Extreme rust damage on the chassis and main axle

Test the engine and generator

Testing the engine and generator is a crucial aspect of inspecting a camper, and it involves several key steps to ensure optimal performance and safety. Here's a detailed guide to help you through the process:

Engine and Generator Inspection

• Check the engine battery: Ensure it is charged and in good condition.
• Inspect automotive fuses: Look for any burnt residue or popped fuses.
• Examine engine belts: Check for excessive wear and tear.
• Verify automotive fluid levels: This includes windshield wiper fluid, radiator/antifreeze coolant, and engine oil.
• Check the date of the last oil change.
• Inspect the generator: Ensure the generator oil is at the appropriate level, and confirm the date of its last oil change.
• Test the generator: Make sure it starts up without any issues.
• House batteries: Check that they are charged and in good working order.
• Coach breakers and fuses: Verify that they are functional.
• Electric converter and fuse: Ensure they are operational.
• Freshwater lines: Inspect for flexibility, cracks, and tight connections. Run water through the lines to test for leaks.
• Propane lines and connections: Check for leaks using soapy water. Ensure propane tanks are secure and valves function properly.
• The freshwater tank: Confirm that it doesn't leak and that all water lines are intact.
• Holding tanks and plumbing: Inspect for any signs of leakage.
• Sewer tank valves: Ensure they open and close smoothly.
• Black water flush system: Verify that it is not blocked or damaged.
• Exterior lights: Test the functionality of front and rear automotive lights, roof clearance lights, and sidewall clearance lights.
• Steps: Manual or motorized, ensure they deploy and set in place correctly.
• Awning: Test its opening and closing mechanism, and inspect the fabric for any tears or signs of mould/mildew.
• Storage bay doors: Check that they are in good condition, with tight seals and no evidence of water damage or pest infestation.
• Electric shore power cord: Inspect for exposed wiring and ensure prongs are not damaged.
• Roof and air conditioner: Look for gaps in seals and ensure vent covers and skylights are intact. Check the air conditioner's functionality by testing its ability to produce cold air.
• Hitch: For trailers, ensure it shows light rusting or better. Check safety chains and sway control parts.
• Jacks: Test their deployment and ensure they are secured tightly to the chassis.
• Auto-levelling feature: Confirm that it works accurately.
• Interior lights: Ensure they all function properly.
• Ceiling: Check for water damage, tears, or staining. Inspect A/C intakes, filters, and decorative moulding.
• Flooring: Look for loose sections, stains, or water damage.
• Heating ducts and window valances: Verify that they are intact and functional.
• Day and night shades: Ensure they are operational, and check for water damage around windows.
• Windows: Test their opening and closing, and inspect seals for shrinkage or damage.
• Driver's side utility door and window: Confirm they are functional.
• Dashboard: Ensure it is securely in place, and that instruments, gauges, and backup camera monitor work as intended.

These comprehensive checks will help ensure the engine and generator of the camper are in good condition and functioning optimally.

Inspect the plumbing and electrical systems

Inspecting the plumbing and electrical systems of a camper is a crucial aspect of the purchasing process, as it can help identify potential issues and ensure that everything is in proper working condition. Here are some detailed steps to guide you through the process:

Plumbing System Inspection:

• Check the toilet: Ensure that the closing hatch seals completely. Pour a small amount of water into the toilet and observe if it pools without draining. Come back in 5 minutes to make sure the water level hasn't changed.
• Inspect the shower: Assess the showerhead, lip, and seat. Look for any signs of mold or mildew.
• Check the sinks: Open and close the faucets to ensure smooth operation and check for any leaks.
• Inspect the water pump: Turn on the water pump and listen for any unusual noises. It should pressurize the plumbing system, and you should hear it growl and vibrate.
• Check the water heater: Locate the water bypass and ensure it's set to allow water into the water heater. If it has been winterized, turn off the bypass. Turn on the water pump to fill the water heater, and then turn on a hot water faucet to verify water flow.

Electrical System Inspection:

• Check the batteries: Ensure that batteries are installed and wired correctly in the battery compartment.
• Test interior lights and fans: Turn on all interior lights and ceiling fans using 12-volt battery power.
• Inspect the propane system: Open the exterior propane compartment and turn on one cylinder. Light the cooktop burners and oven, and then turn on the propane furnace.
• Check the refrigerator: Switch the refrigerator between propane and AC power to ensure it's functioning correctly.
• Inspect exterior lights: Connect the trailer to a power source or turn on the motorhome headlights, and check all exterior lights, including running lights, headlights, and accessory lights.
• Test the generator: If the camper has an onboard generator, check its size and ensure it's sufficient to power the air conditioning units and other essentials.
• Locate GFCI outlets: Identify the GFCI outlets, typically found in the bathroom and kitchen. Press the test button to ensure it pops out the reset button.

Check the appliances and electronics

When inspecting a camper, it is important to check the appliances and electronics to ensure they are in good working condition. Here are some detailed steps to guide you through the process:

Check the Interior Appliances and Electronics:

• Start by turning on all the interior lights and ceiling fans. Ensure they are functional and turn them off afterward.
• Inspect the propane-powered appliances. Open the exterior propane compartment and turn on one of the cylinders. Light one burner on the cooktop, then proceed to light the remaining burners. Once done, turn them off and light the oven.
• Test the propane furnace by turning it on at the thermostat. You should hear the furnace fan blowing as the heater warms up. Wait a few minutes to ensure heat is blowing from the vents before turning it off.
• Switch the refrigerator to propane mode and ensure it starts running. Then, for your 110-volt AC turn on the test, switch the refrigerator to AC mode and verify that it is operational.
• Check the water pump and plumbing system. Ensure there is water in the fresh water tank by checking the tank monitors. Turn on the water pump and listen for it to pressurize the plumbing system. Once pressurized, turn on the faucets in the kitchen and bathroom sinks, as well as the toilet and inside and outside showers, to ensure water is running properly.
• Inspect the water heater. After turning it on, you should hear it click and begin heating. Do not leave the water heater on for long if you are unsure about the water level in the tank.
• Locate the anode rod in the water heater and inspect its condition. It is recommended to replace it if necessary.
• Check for other systems such as the converter, fuse panel, detectors, battery disconnect, and holding tank system. Ensure they are in proper working order.

Check the Exterior Appliances and Electronics:

• Inspect the roof and seals for any punctures, tears, or cracks. Ensure the sealant is soft and pliable, not hard and dry.
• Check the vent and fan covers for any cracks or damage.
• Look for signs of routine roof maintenance, such as sealant application or replacement of vent covers.
• Examine the exterior walls and push on them to detect any soft spots, which could indicate water damage.
• Open all exterior compartments and inspect for signs of water intrusion, loose or missing screws, or rusted screws.
• Check the underbody of the camper for any punctures, cracks, or soft spots.
• If the camper has slide-outs or a pop-up roof, ensure they extend and retract smoothly without any binding or mechanical issues.
• Locate the manuals for the camper and appliances, as well as the original brochure if possible.
• Ensure that detectors, such as smoke detectors, LP detectors, and CO detectors, are present and up-to-date.

Additional Tips:

• It is highly recommended to have a certified RV technician assist with any tests involving 110-volt shore power, 12-volt battery power, and propane gas.
• Pay attention to your sense of smell during the inspection. Musty or sewer smells could indicate water damage or a sewer system leak.
• Check for signs of water damage, such as water stains, deformed material, or rippled wallpaper/cabinetry.
• Inspect electrical systems for loose wires or other signs of damage.
• Ensure that the camper is stable when placed on its corner jacks. Instability could indicate significant structural damage.

Frequently asked questions