What is an rv report? Ultimate Beginner Guide
rv report

Rv Report | What is it?

An rv report is much like a car report. It tells you how the car was driven, what it's like being inside with all of the features running and turned on, and a description of your first impressions. These report will give a full, in depth view of all that you need to know about the rv before choosing whether or not you want to buy it.

An rv report will give you objective and subjective information on things like how it drives, how well the a/c system works, what state of repair it is in, whether or not any leaks have been found, and many other things that you would want to know before making a purchase.

An rv report is different from an inspection when you are buying a used car. An inspection will tell you about your specific vehicle's condition in great detail, while an rv report will give general information on all rvs of a certain make and model. The inspection itself might cost hundreds of dollars depending on the type of mechanical systems being inspected and may even include taking samples to be analyzed in a lab for further testing. With an rv report, you can get more than one for less than what one inspection costs.

Where do I get an rv report?

The best place to get an rv report is when buying a new or used recreational vehicle from a dealer. That way you can make sure that everything works as advertised! However, many dealers do not provide detailed reports in writing, so "mystery shoppers" are needed to fill this void. A good number of retailers will sell through RV shows where you are approached by sales people who want to know what you think about their rigs (yes, some are very pushy). Some sites even ask for volunteers that have already purchased that product, the rv report will be available when you receive it.

An rv report is a review of an RV vehicle, similar to an automobile or motorcycle inspection, but for recreational vehicles such as travel trailers and motorhomes. Most reports are completed by prior customers who are solicited to participate in the survey after purchasing from a dealer.

An rv report is a valuable tool for the consumer to use when making an informed buying decision, and it rates in importance with that of price and product comparisons. Many fellow RV buyers have asked new buyers about their transaction, as well as other things they should know before making such a large investment.

Many people do not understand the full extent of what an rv report is until they purchase their camper or travel trailer and then get an rv report to review. In simple terms, an rv report is a document created by someone who has purchased the vehicle prior to you and rates the condition of the product on several levels.

Rating systems vary from company to company, but the most popular ones are:
  • 1 to 5 Stars – Poor to Excellent Condition
  • Poor, Fair, Good, Very Good and Excellent Condition
  • Dents, deep scratches/gouges or other cosmetic damage (damaged storage compartments would be included in this category too)
  • Cosmetic defects that do not affect the functionality of the camper or travel trailer.
  • Functional defects that do not make it unsafe to drive, such as a faulty light or non-functional generator (generator does not start)
  • Structural damage like rust, water leaks and roof damage.
  • Significant structural damage like frame damage, popped seams or damaged sidewalls.
  • Any other damage that is not included in the first six categories.
Some rv dealers will use their own scale in addition to, or instead of, Good Sam's scale. Here are some common ones:
  • Excellent: Newer models with little use and everything working perfectly.
  • Very Good: A few years old, some wear and tear but all systems working perfectly.
  • Good: Some wear and some minor problems with systems or components, but overall it's in good shape and everything is functional.
  • Fair: Older models that have been used a lot so there may be some damage that is noticeable. Electrical and plumbing may not work perfect, but everything is usable.
  • Poor: It's ready for the salvage yard or just part it out. The aluminum is pretty twisted, the flooring is falling apart, the cabinets are all broken and there are holes in all sorts of places. If you have your heart set on buying an rv, it's better to keep looking.

How do I check RV history?

To check an rv's history, you have to locate its VIN which is a combination of 17 numbers. The VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) can usually located on the driver's side of the windshield on the lower-left corner of a dashboard, and on some title paperwork. You can have a dealer or private party lead you to where it is located. Once you find the VIN, use a website such as CarFax.com to find out all you need to know about the history of the rv you are about to buy, and its current condition.

Once I find the VIN, what do I do with it?

To check an rv's history, go online and visit CarFax.com or any other similar site that will provide valuable information on an rv's history. For a fee (usually around $40), these sites can tell you whether there is a salvage title or any liens against the rv that you might be looking at buying. These sites also show accidents in which an rv was involved and if mechanical problems have been present since it was sold new. Some people think they won't run into trouble when checking out the history of their prospective purchase, but many dealerships use these sites to check buyers and may refuse to sell the rv if there are too many negative reports.

You can also call your local police department or visit the local DMV. They will have records on who has owned each individual car, truck, van or rv in their area. The downside of this is that it takes time for these offices to do the search for you and they usually charge a fee (around $50) to perform such a service.

How do you find out if an RV has been in an accident?

An rv report is used to obtain information on vehicles. The report may contain odometer history, accidents the vehicle has been in, thefts, lemon reports and repair records. Dealers usually require an rv report before selling a motorhome or other large rv.

Conclusion

The rv report is a vital document for any buyer to read before making their final purchase. It will tell you everything about the history of the vehicle, like how it's been driven and what features work best when they are turned on or off. You'll also be able to find out if there have been any accidents that could impact your decision as well as an idea of how much power can be drawn from the inverter at one time without slowing down appliances like microwaves and refrigerators due to heavy use. If you're still unsure whether this type of RV is right for you, please don't hesitate to contact me with all your concerns; I am happy to help.


60 Amps

Read this post to know all you need to know about using 60 amps.

VIEW POST

About Author:

image of Kevin Pommells

Hi, I'm Kevin Pommells, a lover of camping and the great outdoors as everyone says nowadays. I'm also a passionate soccer fan and the proud owner of CamperRules.com, a website dedicated to helping campers and outdoor enthusiasts make the most of their adventures. With years of experience exploring the wilderness and a deep love for the sport of soccer, I'm always looking for new ways to combine my two passions and share my knowledge with others. Follow me for tips, tricks, and insights on all things camping and outdoor recreation.

Follow Me @ Twitter | Facebook | KevinPommells.com

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.