Just like any other vehicle, RVs need to be inspected on a yearly basis. What most people don't realize is that there are numerous inspections that can (and need to) be done on an RV at least twice a year.
There is, of course, the mandatory yearly state inspection. During this inspection the brakes (including the emergency brake), tires, drums, wheel bearings and outside lights (marker lights, brake lights, turn lights, etc.) are checked to ensure they are all operational. If any of these things are not working as they should be, they will need to be repaired before an inspection sticker can be issued.
In addition to the state inspection, there is the sealant inspection which is, perhaps, one of the most important inspections done on an RV. Water damage to an RV is one of the number one service issues faced by RV owners and it is not usually an easy nor cheap repair. Manufacturers recommend that you perform a sealant inspection every 90 days to ensure that there are no water leaks. Silicone products should not be used at all - they do not bond with the material on the camper and will peel right off. With rubber roofs, self-leveling lap sealants are recommended.
A third inspection that is done on RVs is the appliance inspection. This inspection is done to ensure that your refrigerator and water heater are functioning on both gas and electric. The furnace and air conditioning units are also checked to confirm they are working properly.
The best time of year to do this is mid-autumn to early spring, when your unit is not being used. If you decide to wait until early spring to do your inspection, MAKE SURE YOU DO SO AT LEAST A FEW WEEKS BEFORE YOU PLAN TO START CAMPING again for the year. That way, if there are any issues that need to be taken care of, they can be fixed before you take your camper on the road and before they interfere with your plans!
If you have questions regarding what type of inspections you should have done on your camper, or to schedule an inspection, give us a call! We're always happy to help you keep your camper in tip-top condition!
