Use this checklist to organize a viewing and discuss questions with a qualified RV inspector. It does not replace a professional inspection or certify the trailer’s condition. Follow the trailer and equipment manuals; have a qualified professional handle roof access, propane, electrical testing, and anything you cannot safely assess.
Section 0 — Document Check (Before You Touch Anything)
Do this first. A trailer with title issues, an active lien, or open NHTSA recalls is a problem you inherit the moment you sign. Check these before you drive anywhere.
- Title and registrationThe seller's name must match the title; confirm it's a clean title, not a salvage or rebuilt title; ask directly, and get the answer in writing if possible
- VIN verificationLocate the VIN on the trailer's A-frame or doorframe; confirm it matches the title exactly; one transposed digit = title problem
- Lien checkRun the VIN through NICB (nicb.org) to check for theft history; many states let you check for open liens through the DMV website; a trailer sold with an active loan the seller hasn't paid off can be repossessed from you
- NHTSA recall checkGo to nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter the VIN; open safety recalls are the seller's problem if they haven't been repaired; know about them before you buy
- GVWR vs. your tow vehicle capacityFind the GVWR on the trailer's yellow certification sticker (usually door frame or A-frame); cross-reference it against your tow vehicle's published max tow rating, hitch rating, and tongue weight rating; all three must be in spec for your combination to be legal and safe
- Service recordsAsk for any paperwork; even a receipt for a tire replacement tells you something about how the trailer was maintained; no records is common for older trailers but worth knowing
- Wheel bearing service historyAsk specifically when the wheel bearings were last inspected or repacked; this is the most commonly neglected maintenance item on travel trailers; if the answer is "never" or "I don't know," factor that into your offer
- Flashlight or headlampinspect under beds, in bays, inside cabinets
- Flathead screwdriverleave any probing or removal of fittings to the inspector with the seller’s permission; do not press tools into surfaces
- Digital tire pressure gaugeBuy ↗
- Propane leak-test suppliesask the qualified inspector to bring the appropriate equipment; do not perform a DIY gas leak test
- Phone cameradocument everything, especially anything that needs negotiating
- Multimeterfor a qualified inspector’s measurements, not for probing live outlets yourselfBuy ↗
- Moisture meterask the inspector to select and interpret a meter appropriate to the material; do not puncture surfaces yourself
- Garden hoseask the inspector whether a controlled water assessment is appropriate; do not climb up or direct water into seals yourself
Schedule on a sunny day
Natural light makes water stains, delamination, and roof cracks dramatically easier to spot.
Section 1 — First Impressions & Exterior
Walk the entire rig slowly before touching anything. You're looking for the story the trailer tells before anyone starts selling it to you.
- Overall levelnessdoes the trailer sit flat, or does it list to one side? (frame, axle, or spring issue)
- Paint and decal conditionfading is cosmetic, but crazing or bubbling over fiberglass = delamination
- Sidewall delamination: press gentlyfiberglass should feel solid, not spongy or wavy
- Windows and doorsopen and close every one; check seals for cracking or gaps
- Entry stepstest for stability; bent or wobbly steps indicate rough use
- Storage bay doorsopen all of them; check latches and look for signs of moisture inside
- Exterior caulk and sealant: anywhere two surfaces meet is a potential leak pointlook for cracks, gaps, or missing sections
- Corner caps and trimcracked or loose corners let water in and are surprisingly expensive to replace
⚠ Dealbreaker Watch
Bubbling or rippled sidewalls are delamination — water has already gotten between the skin and the frame. Small patches can be repaired; large sections across a whole wall cannot be economically fixed.
Section 2 — Frame, Axle & Running Gear
Get low. This is where the most expensive surprises hide.
- Frame railslook for rust (surface rust is normal; pitting, flaking, or holes are not)
- Frame weldscheck for cracks at stress points near the hitch and axle mounts
- Leaf springsrecord damage visible from a safe position; do not push or move suspension components
- Spring hangers and U-boltsshould be tight with no cracks or bends
- Axlelook for bends or obvious damage (a bent axle causes uneven tire wear and handling issues)
- Equalizer bars (tandem axles)wear here is normal but excessive slop means replacement time
- Wheel bearingsrequest service records and qualified bearing assessment; do not lift the trailer to spin wheels yourself
- Brakes (electric)request a qualified demonstration using the installed brake and controller manuals; do not manipulate wheels during activation
- Lug nutsvisual check for missing or cross-threaded nuts
- Underbelly wraptorn or sagging = water or rodent damage inside the underbelly
Structural damage needs assessment. Record visible bends or cracked welds and obtain a qualified assessment of repairability and safety before deciding.
Section 3 — Tires & Wheels
Trailer tires fail more often than people expect — and almost always at highway speed.
- Tire pressurecheck with gauge; note the correct spec from the door jamb sticker, not the tire sidewall
- Tire agerecord the DOT manufacture date; ask a tire professional to assess condition against the tire manufacturer’s replacement guidance
- Tread depthrecord visible wear and request measured findings; adequate tread alone does not establish that a tire is safe
- Sidewall conditionweb-like cracking = dry rot; bulges or bubbles = replace immediately
- Rim conditionlook for cracks, bends, or excessive rust at the bead seat
Why Age Beats Looks
A trailer tire can look nearly new and still fail from UV and ozone degradation. Age is the real number — always check the DOT date. Sellers often don't know it and buyers almost never ask.
Section 4 — Roof & Seams
Roof access depends on the particular trailer. Stay on the ground for your viewing; ask a qualified inspector to assess areas you cannot see safely.
- Roof accessask the inspector to verify the manufacturer’s roof and ladder requirements; do not climb onto an unfamiliar roof
- Roof membranerecord damage visible from the ground or in inspection photos; ask the inspector to assess the roof material and condition
- Seams and sealsask for inspection findings around vents, skylights, A/C, and the roof perimeter; do not climb up to reach them
- Roof soft spotsask the inspector to assess suspected damage without you walking on the roof
- A/C mounting and gasketask the inspector to assess condition; do not lift the unit or remove covers yourself
- Roof ventsobserve accessible interior controls during a seller or inspector demonstration; leave roof seal inspection to the inspector
- Antenna or solar panel mountsrequest inspection findings for mounts and penetration seals; do not climb up or disturb wiring
Roof damage needs assessment. Record suspected soft spots or leaks and ask the inspector about cause, extent, and repair needs. A viewing alone cannot establish the damage.
Section 5 — Interior: Floor, Walls & Ceiling
Water damage is the most expensive thing you can inherit. Every soft spot or stain has a history.
- Walk the entire floor slowlyfeel for soft spots, flex, or spongy areas (especially near doors, windows, and the bathroom)
- Suspicious soft floor spotsnote the location and ask the inspector to assess them; do not press tools into the floor
- Pull back any rugs or matslook at the subfloor for staining or discoloration underneath
- Inside corners and window frames: look for staining, soft drywall, or bubbled wallpaperfirst places water damage shows up
- Ceilingrecord yellowing, staining, or bulging; ask the inspector to assess the cause rather than assuming a roof leak
- Cabinet interiorsopen accessible doors and drawers; record visible staining, pest evidence, or odors noticed incidentally; seek qualified assessment without deliberately inhaling
- Moisture meter assessmentask the inspector to record the material, meter settings, findings, and limitations; do not treat one reading threshold as universal
Unusual odors
Note odors you encounter during the viewing; do not deliberately inhale or stay inside to investigate. Ask for assessment of the cause, and leave the area if you suspect gas or another unsafe condition.
Section 5b — Slide-Out Leak Test (If Equipped)
Discuss testing before operating the slide. Ask the inspector to follow the installed slide-out manual, confirm clearance and setup, and determine whether any water assessment is appropriate. Keep people and pets clear of moving parts.
- Slide extensionobserve a seller or inspector demonstration following the installed manual; keep clear of the moving room
- Slide water testask the inspector whether a manufacturer-appropriate controlled assessment is needed and record findings; do not hose the seals yourself
- Slide topper (if equipped)record damage visible from the ground and request inspector findings; do not climb up to inspect it
- Slide sealsnote accessible visible cracks or gaps without pressing or moving seals; ask the inspector about inaccessible areas
- Interior slide perimeterrecord visible dampness or staining; ask the inspector to determine the source and extent
- Slide retractionobserve a seller or inspector demonstration following its manual, then record visible water tracks without entering the moving room’s path
Section 6 — Plumbing & Water System
- Fresh water tankask for sanitation records; record unusual odors noticed incidentally during a qualified demonstration, without opening the drain to smell or tasting the water; odor alone does not establish its cause or safety; seek qualified assessment and appropriate water testing
- Fill the fresh tank and run every faucetcheck hot and cold pressure, look under sinks for drips while the water runs
- Water heaterrequest a qualified demonstration following its manual and preparation requirements; record visible staining without operating the relief valve
- Shower/tubrun the water and check for soft floor or wall panels around the surround
- Toiletflush it; it should seal fully and the pedal mechanism should feel solid
- Under-sink and under-bath plumbinglook for active drips, staining, or corroded fittings
- Holding tanksask for the last dump date; if they're full, that's a red flag
- Black and gray tank valvesask for a suitable controlled demonstration at an approved disposal connection; do not open waste valves during the viewing
Winter Bypass Confirmation
Ask the seller if the trailer was properly winterized each year. A single season of burst pipes can mean hidden plumbing damage throughout the rig. Signs: water stains with no obvious source, low pressure at specific fixtures.
Section 7 — Electrical System
- Shore power and outletsask the inspector to verify the supply and demonstrate the system using the equipment manuals; do not probe live outlets with a multimeterBuy ↗
- Battery conditionrecord battery type, age, and service history; ask the inspector to assess it using its manufacturer’s guidance
- 12V DC systemobserve a seller or inspector demonstration of lights, fans, pump, and slide-outs; keep clear of moving parts
- Converter/chargerask the inspector to verify charging for the installed battery and charger; do not diagnose it from a universal voltage range
- Breaker panelrecord tripped breakers visible at the normal user-access door; do not remove protective covers or repeatedly reset a fault
- 7-pin connectorinspect pins for corrosion or bent contacts
- Brake controller plug-in (if equipped)request a qualified demonstration of trailer brake operation using the tow vehicle and controller manuals
Electrical concerns need professional assessment. Record visible damage or undocumented changes without touching wiring. Have a qualified electrician or RV service professional assess faults before use.
Section 8 — Propane & Appliances
- Propane tanks, regulator, and hosesrecord visible damage and service history without opening valves or adjusting fittings; ask the inspector to assess condition
- Propane leak checkrequest a qualified propane-system test and its findings; do not turn on tanks or test fittings yourself
- Furnacerequest a qualified demonstration following its manual after propane-system assessment; record anything not tested
- Water heater (propane mode)request a qualified demonstration following its manual, including water-system preparation; do not switch it on yourself
- Stoverequest a qualified demonstration following its manual after propane-system assessment; do not light burners yourself
- Ovenrequest a qualified demonstration following its manual after propane-system assessment; record operation or why it was not tested
- Refrigeratorask the inspector to assess the modes actually fitted, using its manual; record cooling measurements and any untested mode
- Microwave (if present)observe a seller or inspector demonstration following its manual; record operation or why it was not tested
- A/C unitrequest an inspector demonstration using the unit’s manual and suitable power; record findings and test limitations
Why Test Both Modes on the Fridge
RV absorption refrigerators can fail in one mode while working fine in the other. A fridge that runs on electric but won't light on propane — or vice versa — is a repair job. Replacement absorption fridges are expensive.
Section 9 — Hitch & Tow Connection
- Couplerrecord visible damage and request a qualified latch demonstration on a safely secured trailer; do not release a loaded connection
- Coupler sizeconfirm it matches your tow vehicle's ball (1-7/8", 2", or 2-5/16")
- Safety chain loopslook for cracks, deep rust, or bent links
- Breakaway cable and switchrequest a qualified test following the installed manuals; do not pull the pin or probe terminals yourself
- Tongue jackrequest a qualified demonstration with the trailer secured and the jack used within its manual; record operation without changing support yourself
- Weight distribution receiver (if present)inspect for cracks at the mounting plate
Section 10 — Test Drive (If Possible)
A road demonstration requires a verified safe towing setup. Have an appropriately qualified driver and inspector determine whether it is suitable, using the trailer, tow vehicle, hitch, and brake manuals. Record an omitted test; do not use a drive to discover unresolved safety faults.
- Trailer trackingrequest the inspector’s findings from an appropriate road demonstration; do not use highway speed as a diagnostic test
- Brake responserequest a qualified demonstration following the controller and brake manuals; record findings or why the test was omitted
- Unusual soundsrecord noises observed during an appropriate demonstration and request diagnosis; do not infer a specific fault from sound alone
- Sway behaviorask the inspector to assess towing stability and required hitch equipment; do not provoke sway or disconnect required weight-distribution equipment
- Hub temperaturerequest qualified assessment using appropriate equipment and manufacturer guidance; do not touch hubs or diagnose bearings by hand
Final Walk — Dealbreaker Summary
- Structural delaminationlarge sections of wavy, bubbled sidewall
- Soft floorsuspected damage requiring qualified assessment without tool probing
- Roof soft spotsespecially combined with ceiling staining below
- Bent or cracked frameat welds, hitch area, or axle mounts
- Suspected or confirmed propane leakstop the viewing and leave the area; have a qualified propane professional resolve it before any appliance demonstration
- Electrical damage or undocumented workobtain qualified assessment before powering the affected system
- Mold smellespecially in the bathroom, under beds, or in slide-out seals
- Tire age and condition concernsobtain manufacturer-specific assessment and a replacement quote if needed
- Non-functional appliancesprice parts and labor before agreeing to buy as-is
- Title, lien, or NHTSA recall issuesresolve before signing anything
Before deciding
Get written inspection findings and repair estimates. Unresolved safety concerns need qualified assessment and correction; a lower price does not make a trailer safe to use.