RV Buyer Beware
When we learned about the new inspection facility that General RV built in Bristol, Indiana, a few things crossed our mind as third-party RV inspectors. The first and most obvious was the fact that these inspections are still not independent. If General RV owns and staffs the facility, they are still thinking about one thing: their bottom line.
Now I’m not saying that another layer of protection in the form of a pre-delivery inspection (PDI) isn’t warranted. It absolutely is. Especially with the way that the covid-19 pandemic has hit the RV industry. Sales are up – there’s no denying that.
When RV sales are up, what does that mean to the RV buyer? Well, RV manufacturers are churning out hundreds of thousands of motorhomes, fifth wheels and travel trailers. Whether you are looking to upgrade your RV or if you are a first-time RV newbie, common sense tells you that mistakes are bound to happen. Mishaps are inevitable when those RV assembly lines are moving so fast.
Human error happens all the time and the RV industry is no different. Realizing that with the numbers of new RVs being produced, you must do your best to minimize your personal risk. And that is exactly what hiring a certified RV inspector is all about. They are the only ones working for you, the RV buyer. And that’s who will look out for you and the safety of your family.
Partnership between RV Dealers and RV Manufacturers
The next thing that crossed our mind when reading the article was that General RV openly admitted that they “are cementing the partnership with our manufacturing partners.” Does this benefit the RV buyer in any way? We’ll have to address that later because I can’t think of one at the moment.
Being an independent RV professional and having inspected hundreds of brand new RVs, I have seen first-hand what can occur once an RV is transported. We tell our clients all the time – every RV is subjected to an earthquake with every mile traveled, evey turn and twist and bump in the road.
Most importantly, new lap sealant on the RV roof starts to settle and air bubbles form (and break). How often does the RV roof get inspected when a customer is looking for an RV? Most dealerships won’t allow it for liability reasons and I understand that.
But if the RV is driven or towed from the manufacturer to the dealership, RV roof inspections need to occur. Now add in an extra trip to the brand new RV inspection facility and there’s more earthquakes happening.
And since they are “moving PDI work to its Inspection Facility” that makes me suspect that probably won’t be completing pre-delivery inspections at their dealerships anymore. This is worrisome because most dealership locations are hundreds of miles from that inspection facility. So many things can occur from point A to point B to point C.
Brand New RV Prices
Finally, who is picking up the tab for all this? How will these costs factor into new RV pricing? I can’t speak to that because it remains to be seen.
What I can suggest, just like I always do, PLEASE don’t buy an RV without an independent inspection. No matter if the RV is used or brand-new, you must stand firm and insist on a certified RV inspector being your eyes and ears.
We can help you prior to purchase so that you don’t drive off the dealership lot with life safety issues, major issues and minor issues. If so, you may end up having to come back to the dealership and lose precious time.
Time that you should be enjoying with your family or fur babies. Camping! Or enjoying the full-time RV lifestyle!
If you drive off the lot having only looked at the RV floorplan, RV furniture and those pretty RV curtains, you may end up having to look for an “RV repair near me.”
If you need to find an RV service provider, we have over 5,000 listings for RV inspectors, mobile RV repair techs, RV repair shops, RV towing or transport companies and RV storage lots at My RV Resource.
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