How Much Does an RV Inspection Cost? What to Expect and Why It’s Worth It

There’s no getting around it: RV inspection cost can vary wildly, and for many first-time buyers, that price tag is a bit of a mystery. You might hear one person paid a few hundred dollars, while someone else shelled out over $2,000. And then there are those who skipped the inspection altogether–maybe just had a mechanically-minded family member look it over–and are now knee-deep in costly repairs.

This article is here to help you make sense of it all. We’ll break down the different types of inspections, what influences the price, and most importantly explain why investing in a certified RV inspection is one of the smartest moves you can make. And when you're ready to find a certified NRVIA inspector, RVHelp.com makes it simple to get started.

Why Get an RV Inspection Before Buying?

Buying a used RV without an inspection would be like buying a house without ever walking through it. There’s just too much you could miss, and those missed issues could cost you thousands.

Even experienced RVers have been caught off guard! RV Help founder Josiah Mann bought what he thought was a well-maintained Class A motorhome. Two years and over $10,000 later, he had repaired water damage, replaced faulty components, and experienced a breakdown that resulted in a costly towing bill.

If you think you can get away from that headache by buying new, unfortunately that’s not always true. Bryan Carbonnell, a certified NRVIA inspector and former instructor at the NRVTA National RV Training Academy, became an inspector after buying a brand-new RV…and finding himself back at the factory three times in the first two years for issues that a thorough inspection might have caught.

The bottom line is a professional inspection gives you peace of mind before making a big investment! We think that’s pretty invaluable.

Not All RV Inspections Are the Same

Let’s clear this up: Not every RV inspection is created equal. The $150 checkup at your local repair shop is not the same as a full-scale inspection by a certified RV inspector.

Here's a quick breakdown of the differences:

• An inspection by a mechanic might cover the basic functionality (engine, brakes, tires) but rarely dig deep into the RV-specific systems.

• Companies like LemonSquad offer inspections starting around $449. These are often done by ASE-certified mechanics who test basic mechanical function. However, they may skip RV-specific issues like sealant degradation, appliance wear, or water damage. In fact, LemonSquad notes on their website that their inspectors do not climb on top of RV roofs!  (The condition of an RV roof is often a major indicator of the likelihood of unseen water damage.)

These types of inspections can miss a lot, such as soft spots in the floor, mold inside cabinetry, slide-outs that sag, or appliances that work for now but are near failure.

Bryan Carbonnell explains it best: “An inspector looks at how all the different components are working together.  One of the key things we concentrate on is things like seals; roof seals, sidewall seals, places where we can have water intrusion. Water kills RVs. Technicians will look at more what they know and not the big picture of the unit. Inspectors tend to have a much more critical eye on things like sealant issues, for example.”

Certified inspectors are trained to spot early signs of damage and wear that could save you from buying someone else’s expensive mistake.

How Much Does an RV Inspection Cost?

How much does an RV inspection cost? The honest answer is - it depends! Certified NRVIA inspectors are independent business owners who set their own prices, often ranging between $700 and $1,500, but in some cases an inspection may cost $2,500 or more. That might sound steep, but here’s why the price can vary so much:

• RV type: Motorhome inspection cost is typically higher than for a travel trailer because there are more systems involved. It’s kind of like getting your car and house inspected at the same time!

• RV size: A 45-foot Class A requires more time and effort than a 22-foot Class B.

• Location: Inspectors may charge travel fees if the RV is located far from their home base.

• Level of inspection: Some inspectors offer scaled-down options like “safety inspections” or partial checks, but others (like Bryan) offer only full Premier-level inspections. “I don’t want to see something and not be able to say something because it wasn’t covered in the price paid,” he says.

• Time commitment: A full certified inspection typically takes 6–9 hours on-site, plus 3–6 more hours to compile the report. That’s a lot of time!

• Qualifications and overhead: Inspectors who run their own businesses must cover equipment, certification, training, and insurance costs. NRVIA certification requires a 3-week training program and 24+ hours of continuing education every year.

A higher cost often means more thorough work—and greater protection for your wallet.

What’s Included in a Professional RV Inspection?

RV inspection done by an NRVIA-certified professional is no quick glance. It’s a deep dive into the RV’s condition, inside and out. Expect them to check all of this:

• Roof and seals

• Sidewalls and exterior panels

• Tires and undercarriage

• Plumbing and water systems

• Propane system

• Electrical and battery systems

• All appliances (fridge, stove, microwave, A/C, heater)

• Slide-outs and awnings

• Interior features and structural components

Bryan puts it like this: “As an inspector, we’re gonna get down on our hands and knees and get our face up against that sealant, and we’re looking for tiny little pin holes, any place that water can get in.  We actually operate EVERYTHING…every appliance, every cabinet door, every drawer, every light...EVERYTHING.

The final product is a detailed, photo-documented report—like a home inspection, but tailored for RVs. Every item is classified as follows:

• Acceptable: Working properly with minimal wear

• Fair: Working, but with visible wear or deterioration

• Poor: Not working or close to failure

This report gives you a full picture of what you’re buying before you sign the paperwork.

It Worth the Cost?

Let's say your inspection costs $1,800. That might feel like a lot. But what if it saves you from a $4,000 roof replacement? Or helps you renegotiate the sale price based on a leaky slide-out or aging tires? Water damage alone can cost thousands to repair. And it’s not always visible until it’s too late. The point is, even a pricey inspection is usually a better deal than blindly buying an RV that turns into a money pit. Think of it as insurance on your investment.

The point is, even a pricey inspection is usually a better deal than blindly buying an RV that turns into a money pit. Think of it as insurance on your investment.

Where to find a Qualified RV Inspector

Want to find someone you can trust? NRVIA stands for the National RV Inspectors Association, and their certification means the inspector has passed rigorous training and maintains ongoing education.

At RVhelp.com, we make it easy to find certified NRVIA inspectors in your area. Simply head to RVHelp.com/rv-inspection and search by location. From there, you can request quotes, check availability, and get connected with professionals who take your RV purchase seriously.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Skip This Step

We get that an RV inspection isn’t cheap. However, skipping it could be far more costly in our experience. Whether you're buying from a private seller or a dealership, a certified inspection gives you clarity, confidence, and leverage. We think you deserve to know what you’re getting into.

Ready to protect your investment? Visit RVHelp.com/rv-inspection to find a certified NRVIA inspector near you and get started today.

Not ready to buy just yet? Download the free RV Help mobile app to make it easy to find an contact an RV inspector when you're ready.