What needs to be Inspected and Cared for

Water Heater

The water heater needs to be cleaned and inspected at least once a year. If a tank water heater, it needs the tank cleaned out with a brushing and flushed with water to remove the buildup from the hard water in most camp grounds. The Anode rod or plastic plug needs to be replaced each year. The burner and heating element needs to be inspected and maintained. The gas pressure needs to be checked along with the electrical system. This would include tankless water heater.

Heater

The heater needs to be removed and cleaned before it can be inspected for possible damaged components. There are several componects that need to be inspected. Because the heater draws air for inside the RV, the sails switch and fan wheels can accumulate debris and will need to be remove for the furnace to work correctly. Smoking can also cause damage to the fan wheels and motor. The burner, electrode and burn chamber needs to be inspected for damage due to the effects of the heat.

Refrigerator

There are two types of refrigerators used in most RVs. The absorption and the compressor type. Large RVs can also have residential refrigerators.

Absorption refrigerator have a heating element and a gas burner that needs to be inspected at least once a year. There are also electrical components that need to be inspected also. The gas needs to be inspected for leaks and proper pressure so the refrigerator will operate correctly.

Compressor and Residential refrigerators need the coils cleaned and the compressor checked for shorts.

Air conditioner

Air conditioners need to be cleaned and inspected for loose wires and clogged evaporators and condensers. These need to be throughly cleaned to avoid damage to the system. Proper air flow and duct condition needs to be inspected . Make sure drains are clear and system is functioning properly.

Wheel Bearing and Brakes

Wheel bearing need to re packed every 12 months or 12,000 miles per manufactures specification . The bearing need to be washed out completely of all old grease and inspected for damage. Then repacked a high quality bearing grease or replaced.

The brakes pads and magnets need to inspected at least yearly or if the brakes are not operating properly. The electric brake wiring needs to be checked for breaks or shorts.

The brakes adjustment needs to be inspected and adjusted to insure proper wear and operation.

Leaf Springs and Suspension

Leaf springs , hangers equalizer need to be inspected for wear. Due to bumps and road conditions . the suspension under your RV takes a beating. The Leafsprings crack and beak or flatten out. The hangers and bolts that hold the leaf springs to the RV wear and need replacing. The RV manufactures have installed the lightest suspension that they can get away with. This is why the suspension needs to be inspected one a year and in some cases completely replaced with a safer system. Axles are another component that needs inspection. Axles can bend and or get out of alignment. This leads to premature tire wear.

Loose Wiring

The wire connections in the breaker box should be torqued to the proper specifications at least once a year in order to insure wires do not create excessive heat and cause electrical disruption or a fire.

Roof Inspection

At least once a year, someone needs to wash the roof and inspect for loose screws, rips and tares of the roof material. Broken or cracked vent covers.

The caulking at all roof penetrations and roof seams must be inspected and repaired.

Slide Out Condition and Adjustment

At least once a year, the slides need to be inspected for soft spots in the floor and walls. The inside and outside seals need to be cleaned and inspected for damage. The Slide mechanisms should be inspected and and adjusted to insure proper operation.

Seam Caulking Condition

At least once a year, the seams where water can get in and damage the RV Need to be inspected and touched up or completely be removed and reapplied to insure no water can damage the walls, ceiling or floors.

This includes shower stalls, sinks and toilets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at richsrvcare@gmail.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

Why does rich's rv care and inspection charge a $75 diagnostic fee?

This fee covers the techs wages and wear and tear of the service vehicle. The labor charges do not start until the tech has evacuated the problem, has determine the parts needed and the labor to complete the repair. Then the tech will provide a verbal or written estimate. At that time the customer has the option to purchase the parts themself or have us provide the parts. If a appliance has to be removed to do the diagnostic, there will be additional labor charge for this service. The diagnostic fee is not charge for pre purchase or per delivery inspection.

Why should I have my RV inspected before i sign on the dotted line?

RVs travel thousands of miles just to get to the dealership. Thru hurricane winds and earthquake conditions every time they hit the road. Most dealers do not inspect the RV after it arrives or they put their least experienced technician to do the delivery check. Most RV technicians have not gone through the training to be certified. Pre owned don't get the maintenance they require. RV manufactures put out three to four RVs a day and many don't do a pre inspection before shipping.

Why do we let the customer purchase the parts to fix their RV?

We understand that costs are high enough and most RV parts are marked up even higher. The customer can shop for the best deal with the part lists that we provide. The customer only has to have us install the parts or install them themselves. We are trying to keep the cost to a minimum.

What is our warranty?

We stand behind our work and will replace or repair for 30 days any service we have provided that is our fault. If we find that repairs or parts we have installed are not our fault or have been tampered with. A service charge will be required to be paid to Rich's RV and Inspection llc of $150 per hour and $3 a mile both ways. If not paid, a small claims lawsuit will be filled and a lien placed on your RV.

What if issues are found during the inspection?

An email will be sent to the customer of all issues found along with the inspector reviewing the findings with the customer after the inspection. If purchasing from a dealership, the customer can have the dealership take care of the issues before they take delivery. This is why we suggest that no money changes hands or a condition in the sales contract, that purchase is based on a third party certified professional inspectors findings. If purchasing a pre owned RV from a private party, the customer can negotiate the price or have the owner do the repairs. Purchase the RV and have a certified technician do the repairs. The customer can also just walk away and find a RV with less issues.

How long does an inspection take?

It depends on the package that is selected. The basic inspection will take about two to three hours, where a full inspection can take a day or even two days depending on the size and options that are in the RV.