There is NOTHING more terrifying than seeing flames inside an RV, even if it’s just a small piece of paper that is easily stamped out. A fire in an RV moves and builds fast. I always keep my fire extinguishers RIGHT HERE, front and center. Not behind or under anything. Nothing needs to be moved to grab it. Voice of experience.
The Inspector was very well spoken and knowledgeable. I have a newer Motorhome but as it ages I have a better idea of what to look for other than the obvious. Thank you so much Bob for another great video!
Hey Bob, have you ever thought to do a "where are they now" segment, you are still here but are the individuals that you have featured in your videos??? It would be interesting, I have been doing this for 9 yrs and I have seen many giving it up.
Wish I would have seen this a month ago. I bought a 1981 class c, Chevy 20 ft'r. The seller is a neighbor and a mechanic and the original owner. 51,000 miles with no furnace or water heater. It runs great but had issues in the overhead cab. I ended up rebuilding that section. I've updated the interior taking all the original stuff out. The seller (76 years old) was not helpful in showing us much of anything or on how things work. I'm a newbie at RV's, but have figured out most stuff on my own. I paid $7,500.
I bought a van several years ago. I was in a hurry abd though seeing rust along bottom of sliding doors bought it any way. All kinds of electrical issues with power doors, interior lights, speakers and accessories. Had power handicapped ramp but motor was burned out and had to operate manually. My own personal money pit. Lesson learned, don't hurry and never settle for things not working.
I would suggest installing a carbon monoxide detector closer to the floor (as that gas is heavier) and a smoke detector can go higher (as smoke tends to rise).
@@debsrvservices I have 2 fire extinguishers and just noticed that 1 has no pressure. It’s never been used and fairly new so that was strange. Make sure the arrow is in the green section.
Getting any used vehicle inspected is important because it means the difference between a fun journey and a living expensive nightmare I guess custom building a van or a school bus might be cheaper and easier since you become better acquainted with everything and know how everything worked.
It's a good idea to have nonflammable blankets and sheets. I think felted wool was recommended but check that. Just make sure your linen isn't flammable, melty polyester. Then risk is reduced but also you can use those blankets to smother any fires.
If there are overhead cabinets always check them for discoloration as the water will travel inside the ceiling. I have bought several older rv's and these areas are always the places that show leaks along the caps on the roof.
Over the years, purchased 2 RVs. Both older Class A's. They were checked inside and out and on the roof. Both of them ended up having engine issues. Very expensive to get worked on. Never again. I would buy a van with a cargo trailer or a high top. Thank you Bob, Deb and Brian for the videos!
I went to a local RV lot to check out an A Class years ago. I walked around it, climbed on it, looked in it, and weird as it sounds I used my nose. I noticed a "new" white paint on the roof that was supposed to be sealant. They already had it running in the back of the dealership. She was smoking the blues. I figured it was old. I knew it had been on the lot for a while. I asked the salesman to take me for a ride. Well it was doi g great until the trip back. It started chugging. He barely got it back in the lot. I said I was going to pass. The next day he called me and told me it was running a little better after their guys put some sea foam in the engine. Yeah I walked away. My exhusband bought one A Class that was a pos. He just looked at it taking his friend's word it was great for what we had planned. It arrived at out place on the back of a tow truck. He shelled out $1800 (an A Class mind you). The steering tires were seized up and wouldn't turn. After we got that dealt with, she blew her top going to a camp ground on a highway to a music and art festival we were attending. From what I hear it's still there. My takeaway from both of these experiences is never blindly trust anyone on their knowledge of a rig even if you're married to him. And even if the dealership is squeaky clean and looks reputable they want their commissions and to move inventory.
I used to work in title and escrow. One of the most important services that you can get before buying a piece of land is to get title insurance to protect yourself. There are horror stories of people buying land and not having an access easement so they actually didn't have a legal way to access their property across land. And you aren't a government agency that can force private citizens or companies to give you an access easement. I see this in a similar light. Yes, it is extra cost, but it is a huge protection against a lot of potential problems. Of course life is both weird and wonderful so there will be some problems, but these steps offer a lot of protection. Especially if you are inexperienced in these areas.
Looks like your batteries are hooked up correctly. The positive and negative shouldn't be running off the same battery. It should have one on either end. I learned that and saw it in action from Will Prowse on RUclips.
Wonderful! Please do a session on how to check the basic mechanical components of a rig. I will always take an RV to my mechanic, but all of us should know some basic things to check. Thanks
I crawled under a motorhome and discovered that both rear leaf springs looked like spaghetti. They should be nice neat stacks of curved metal bars; these were not stacked up straight anymore and definitely not curved the way they were from the factory. I'd say that motorhome had been overloaded and/or driven on bumpy unpaved roads. I turned that one down.
Morning, I know I'm late to the party but what I want to add is this, if you're buying a used RV you can figure you're going to spend at least a third of the s=asking price to fix everything to make it trip worthy. I know a lot of times with Craigslist deals very few of the sellers are going to wait for an inspection. Mainly because the next guy in line will buy it, on average my used RV purchases I was able to talk the price down 3K but even then there were nondisclosed issues the seller obviously knew about, that's why he's selling it, and the number one reason the late 1990's and early 2000's Fords with the V10 engine is that the spark plugs need to be replaced and due to the design of the cylinder heads the removal of the spark plugs damages the threads that hold the plug into place, we called them "Poppers" because after the plug has been replaced they usually pop out of the cylinder head and take the threads with them, you can figure about $400 to $500 per plug to repair. so beware of the Ford V10 engine that needs a "Tune up".
I have a rv the same year has Brians, I had to buy it I was losing my house in 2009 ,The mortgage crisis, when I bought it ,the owner never gave me a run down on how to operate it, I new nothing about rvs I'll I knew I had to leave Las vegas ,where my house was, and head Back to San Diego and find a new job where I had a better chance I offed 700,00 bucks and he said take it away!, I ve done alot of work to it , I owned my for 12yrs ,there easy to work on the older one's, its been good to me but ive done the work
Oh man that tip on NEW RVs. Im new to this and am still about a year out from buying. Still Ive joined groups and forums for the models Im interested in - and the number of people who take home new RVs and then post long lists of woes is pretty nuts. Glaringly obvious things and overlooked by "experienced" RV people! Its bad enough that I wonder if these people actually looked at the unit or did they just sign off on multiple tens of thousands of dollars sight unseen? A couple of RV shows under my belt reinforced that close inspection of a new unit is a must.
You need to check around the bottom part of the chassis the brakes and the body and inside the floorboard on any vehicle to see if it is a flood vehicle.
Propane is heavier than air and lays low. The propane detector in Brian's rig seems way too high to me. I think it should be placed no more than a few inches from the floor.
The other thing that I’ve run into… softspots and “liquid” damage around the toilet. Sit on the toilet. Is it firm? The toilet to the black tank connection is very different from residential plumbing. I’m on my third toilet in five years… I’ve finally installed a porcelain one from a 1960’s rig… but the damage to the flooring from the previous two failures has left it “squishy”. Depending on the flooring it might not be obvious initially.
Soft floor by the front door, rusted propane tank that seller said couldn’t be replaced locally, owner unable or unwilling to open all of the keyed cargo boxes. Needless to say, I did not buy this RV.
Brian got a great deal back then and he has maintained it so well that it will last many more years..
There is NOTHING more terrifying than seeing flames inside an RV, even if it’s just a small piece of paper that is easily stamped out. A fire in an RV moves and builds fast. I always keep my fire extinguishers RIGHT HERE, front and center. Not behind or under anything. Nothing needs to be moved to grab it. Voice of experience.
The Inspector was very well spoken and knowledgeable. I have a newer Motorhome but as it ages I have a better idea of what to look for other than the obvious. Thank you so much Bob for another great video!
Hey Bob, have you ever thought to do a "where are they now" segment, you are still here but are the individuals that you have featured in your videos??? It would be interesting, I have been doing this for 9 yrs and I have seen many giving it up.
I watched both Part 1 and Part 2 and both were extremely informative. Great job!
Wish I would have seen this a month ago. I bought a 1981 class c, Chevy 20 ft'r. The seller is a neighbor and a mechanic and the original owner. 51,000 miles with no furnace or water heater. It runs great but had issues in the overhead cab. I ended up rebuilding that section. I've updated the interior taking all the original stuff out.
The seller (76 years old) was not helpful in showing us much of anything or on how things work. I'm a newbie at RV's, but have figured out most stuff on my own. I paid $7,500.
I bought a van several years ago. I was in a hurry abd though seeing rust along bottom of sliding doors bought it any way. All kinds of electrical issues with power doors, interior lights, speakers and accessories. Had power handicapped ramp but motor was burned out and had to operate manually. My own personal money pit. Lesson learned, don't hurry and never settle for things not working.
This was a very helpful video. I never knew this service existed. Thank you for sharing this information.
I would suggest installing a carbon monoxide detector closer to the floor (as that gas is heavier) and a smoke detector can go higher (as smoke tends to rise).
That is true! Typically the CO and propane detector are combined and near the floor. I missed saying that in the video.😊
@@debsrvservices I have 2 fire extinguishers and just noticed that 1 has no pressure. It’s never been used and fairly new so that was strange. Make sure the arrow is in the green section.
@@AnasAdventures111 Yes, that needs to be changed. Good tip!
@@Chris-ut6eq especially if it has a metal handle.
Don't forget the Kidd recall.
Mine is on the ceiling, its how I know when dinner is done.
Getting any used vehicle inspected is important because it means the difference between a fun journey and a living expensive nightmare
I guess custom building a van or a school bus might be cheaper and easier since you become better acquainted with everything and know how everything worked.
It's a good idea to have nonflammable blankets and sheets. I think felted wool was recommended but check that. Just make sure your linen isn't flammable, melty polyester. Then risk is reduced but also you can use those blankets to smother any fires.
Great information 👍👌. Thank you for sharing.
The smell inside an RV can instantly tell you if mold is present.
I'm going to start looking in to the inspection service here in Canada. I found this extremely interesting. Very informative.
Lol what's so informative? There's nothing here you couldn't do yourself
Don't forget to check inside the cupboards for water leaks, as well.
My husband is an RV Inspector. I always check these types of indoor things for him. We have (pre COVID), traveled around the country, to do them.❤️😊❤️
If there are overhead cabinets always check them for discoloration as the water will travel inside the ceiling. I have bought several older rv's and these areas are always the places that show leaks along the caps on the roof.
Over the years, purchased 2 RVs. Both older Class A's. They were checked inside and out and on the roof. Both of them ended up having engine issues. Very expensive to get worked on. Never again. I would buy a van with a cargo trailer or a high top. Thank you Bob, Deb and Brian for the videos!
What Tannis Power said. Thank you for tis helpful vid. Happy and safe trails 🐾🎶
I went to a local RV lot to check out an A Class years ago. I walked around it, climbed on it, looked in it, and weird as it sounds I used my nose. I noticed a "new" white paint on the roof that was supposed to be sealant. They already had it running in the back of the dealership. She was smoking the blues. I figured it was old. I knew it had been on the lot for a while. I asked the salesman to take me for a ride. Well it was doi g great until the trip back. It started chugging. He barely got it back in the lot. I said I was going to pass. The next day he called me and told me it was running a little better after their guys put some sea foam in the engine. Yeah I walked away.
My exhusband bought one A Class that was a pos. He just looked at it taking his friend's word it was great for what we had planned. It arrived at out place on the back of a tow truck. He shelled out $1800 (an A Class mind you). The steering tires were seized up and wouldn't turn. After we got that dealt with, she blew her top going to a camp ground on a highway to a music and art festival we were attending. From what I hear it's still there. My takeaway from both of these experiences is never blindly trust anyone on their knowledge of a rig even if you're married to him. And even if the dealership is squeaky clean and looks reputable they want their commissions and to move inventory.
Great practice advice, way to go Deb!
Thanks Brian!❤️
Brian had sweet vintage home on wheels
Check the status of the fire extinguishers? I'm sure you would have a checklist that would help out.
Great info, thanks for posting this.
Watched both episodes. What I learned is the big tickets items to look for: water damage, plumbing, electrical, mechanical.
I used to work in title and escrow. One of the most important services that you can get before buying a piece of land is to get title insurance to protect yourself. There are horror stories of people buying land and not having an access easement so they actually didn't have a legal way to access their property across land. And you aren't a government agency that can force private citizens or companies to give you an access easement.
I see this in a similar light. Yes, it is extra cost, but it is a huge protection against a lot of potential problems. Of course life is both weird and wonderful so there will be some problems, but these steps offer a lot of protection. Especially if you are inexperienced in these areas.
This was great information. I do not own a n RV yet, but this information will help me in selecting a used camper. Thank you.
Smells and sights ,best tools to check water damage, delaminent is a real problem with older rigs
Thumbs up, of course!
Looks like your batteries are hooked up correctly. The positive and negative shouldn't be running off the same battery. It should have one on either end. I learned that and saw it in action from Will Prowse on RUclips.
I know that t used deb's services, all very impressed with her acknowledge and attention to detail, recommend her utube channel lots of good advice
Very helpful. Thank you Deb and gentlemen.
Wonderful! Please do a session on how to check the basic mechanical components of a rig. I will always take an RV to my mechanic, but all of us should know some basic things to check. Thanks
I crawled under a motorhome and discovered that both rear leaf springs looked like spaghetti. They should be nice neat stacks of curved metal bars; these were not stacked up straight anymore and definitely not curved the way they were from the factory. I'd say that motorhome had been overloaded and/or driven on bumpy unpaved roads. I turned that one down.
Morning, I know I'm late to the party but what I want to add is this, if you're buying a used RV you can figure you're going to spend at least a third of the s=asking price to fix everything to make it trip worthy.
I know a lot of times with Craigslist deals very few of the sellers are going to wait for an inspection.
Mainly because the next guy in line will buy it, on average my used RV purchases I was able to talk the price down 3K but even then there were nondisclosed issues the seller obviously knew about, that's why he's selling it, and the number one reason the late 1990's and early 2000's Fords with the V10 engine is that the spark plugs need to be replaced and due to the design of the cylinder heads the removal of the spark plugs damages the threads that hold the plug into place, we called them "Poppers" because after the plug has been replaced they usually pop out of the cylinder head and take the threads with them, you can figure about $400 to $500 per plug to repair. so beware of the Ford V10 engine that needs a "Tune up".
At wolf creek #2 no intrernet there. Going back tomorrow.got a camper shell now 200 wats soler on top 1000 wat inverter.got a tear drop trailer now.
Do the rv inspectors carry insurance of some sort in case they miss something that they have signed off on?
Yes, we carry liability insurance.
She convinced me. I wont be buying anything until it is inspected!!
I have a rv the same year has Brians, I had to buy it I was losing my house in 2009 ,The mortgage crisis, when I bought it ,the owner never gave me a run down on how to operate it, I new nothing about rvs I'll I knew I had to leave Las vegas ,where my house was, and head Back to San Diego and find a new job where I had a better chance I offed 700,00 bucks and he said take it away!, I ve done alot of work to it , I owned my for 12yrs ,there easy to work on the older one's, its been good to me but ive done the work
I've heard that carbon is heavy and will sink...If so, shouldn't the detector be placed lower than shown?
Yes, typically CO and prop a detectors are near the floor.
Oh man that tip on NEW RVs. Im new to this and am still about a year out from buying. Still Ive joined groups and forums for the models Im interested in - and the number of people who take home new RVs and then post long lists of woes is pretty nuts. Glaringly obvious things and overlooked by "experienced" RV people! Its bad enough that I wonder if these people actually looked at the unit or did they just sign off on multiple tens of thousands of dollars sight unseen? A couple of RV shows under my belt reinforced that close inspection of a new unit is a must.
You need to check around the bottom part of the chassis the brakes and the body and inside the floorboard on any vehicle to see if it is a flood vehicle.
The mattress. 🤠🐂🐎😺
Propane is heavier than air and lays low. The propane detector in Brian's rig seems way too high to me. I think it should be placed no more than a few inches from the floor.
Excellent video
I have found out the carbon monoxide detectors should be low .FYI.
The other thing that I’ve run into… softspots and “liquid” damage around the toilet. Sit on the toilet. Is it firm? The toilet to the black tank connection is very different from residential plumbing. I’m on my third toilet in five years… I’ve finally installed a porcelain one from a 1960’s rig… but the damage to the flooring from the previous two failures has left it “squishy”. Depending on the flooring it might not be obvious initially.
That is a good tip!
👍👍👍👍👍👍
Soft floor by the front door, rusted propane tank that seller said couldn’t be replaced locally, owner unable or unwilling to open all of the keyed cargo boxes. Needless to say, I did not buy this RV.
I live in the woods going to find me a hot Bigfoot woma
Am I the only one who thinks she is JULIA ROBERTS????