Do I Really Need an RV Inspection on a Brand New RV?

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard someone say, “It’s brand new, so I don’t need an inspection.” I get it—the idea of paying for an inspection on something that’s never been used seems unnecessary. But here’s the thing: a new RV is not the same as a new car.

RVs are built by hand, piece by piece. You’ve got plumbing, electrical, propane systems, appliances, slide-outs, roofs, seals, and more—all crammed into what is basically a rolling house. That’s a lot of moving parts, and it’s common for things to get overlooked at the factory or even damaged during transport. I’ve seen brand-new RVs with leaks, electrical issues, doors that don’t close properly, and slide-outs that don’t seal the way they should.

Now, dealers will reassure you that everything is covered under warranty. And while that’s technically true, the last thing you want is to spend your first months of RV ownership sitting in the service bay instead of camping. Warranty work often means long waits—sometimes weeks or even months—to get parts and repairs. That’s not the start to RV life most people are hoping for.

By getting a professional inspection before you take possession, you’re setting yourself up for success. You want those “bugs” identified and corrected by the dealer before you sign the final paperwork. That way, instead of discovering problems on your first trip and heading back for repairs, you’re hitting the road with confidence.

If you run into a dealer who is discouraging or prohibiting you from getting an independent third-party inspection, you may want to question whether they have your best interest in mind.

At the end of the day, an inspection on a brand-new RV isn’t about being picky—it’s about protecting your investment and making sure your adventures start off right.

Because nothing kills the joy of a new RV faster than finding out your fridge doesn’t work… after you’ve already loaded it full of food for your first trip.