RV Trek’s Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Where did you earn your certifications?
I earned my certifications at the National RV Training Academy (“NRVTA”) in Athens, Texas. The NRVTA, is a licensed school by the Texas Workforce Commission. This school produces some of the nation’s finest certified RV technicians and inspectors. The school is recognized by two credentialing bodies, the National RV Inspectors Association (“NRVIA”) and the RV Technician Association of America (“RVTAA”).
What are the points of inspection?
Depending upon the RV, there can be up to 800 points of inspection (POI). Outdoor POI’s include, roof condition, seals, exterior walls and caps, cargo doors, outdoor kitchens, outdoor entertainment systems, awnings, chassis, tires, suspension, underbelly, tires, electrical system, propane systems, water panels, safety systems, fresh, gray and black tanks, leveling, stabilizers, onboard generator, batteries, converter, and inverter.
Indoor POI’s include appliances, interior condition, lighting, furniture condition, signs of water intrusion, vents, fans, windows, flooring, indoor plumbing, electrical panels, electrical outlets, control panels, slideouts, and a range of driver systems in motorized coaches.
Optional fluid analysis for motorhome engines, transmission, and coolant.
Optional generator fluid analysis including oil and coolant
For a complete listing of our standards of practice and points of inspection, please visit the NRVIA Website
Do I need to attend the inspection?
No, our clients are not required to attend the inspection, but you are welcome to stop by for an hour to see what we do and ask questions. We do not recommend staying for the entire day. Please keep in mind our inspectors need to focus on the inspection so you receive a thorough inspection and quality report.
Your time is valuable and many of our clients are a considerable distance from the inspection location or have busy schedules that must take priority. Your RV Trek inspector acts as your eyes and ears, so we call you at Noon and after the inspection to share our observations. You will never be left wondering about the progress of the inspection.
What action items do I have before the inspection?
We provide a detailed pre-inspection readiness checklist, so you can work with your seller to ensure the RV ready for inspection day.
Pre-inspection requirements require full connections to shore power, water, and sewer.
Some appliances, such as refrigerator and air conditioning need to be run at least twelve hours before the inspection
When can we schedule?
Scheduling is dependent upon availability of all parties. We ask for a minimum of 24 to 48 hours notice, but please be aware we can be booked two weeks out depending upon the season. To schedule an appointment please contact us at (770) 296-5325
How do we make payment?
For inspections, RV Trek invoices and payment is made online using our secure credit card payment system. Your invoice will include a link to complete your payment with a credit card of your choice.
For repairs we accept payment using tap to pay or swipe. Alternatively, payments may be made at https://www.rvtrek.biz/payments.
We also accept Venmo and Zelle.
What is your inspection cancellation and refund policy?
Written cancellation notifications must be received via email to aric@rvtrek.biz a minimum of twenty-four hours before the inspection start date and time. We refund the inspection fee less $100 cancellation fee within three business days. Please allow additional time for refunds to appear on your credit card statement.
We recognize extraordinary circumstances can occur less than twenty-four hours prior to an inspection. Examples include a purchase agreement falling through, your RV of interest being sold to another individual, or cancelled purchase due to the discovery of a major defect prior to inspection. In such cases, we work with our customers on a case by case basis.
How long do inspections take?
Plan on the inspection lasting a full day. The exact time depends upon the type of RV and the inspection package selected.
How long does it take to receive an inspection report?
Inspection reports are delivered through an online portal within twenty-four hours of completing the physical inspection.
What is contained in an inspection report?
An RV inspection report contains points of inspection, component condition, and your inspector’s notes, comments, observations, and recommendations.
Depending upon your chosen inspection package you will receive up to 100 photographs and videos with annotations when needed. Some inspection reports approach nearly 100 pages of quality content to assist you with your purchase decision.
The inspection report is delivered electronically via a secure portal. Your report is downloadable in PDF format.
Do I need a fluid analysis for a motorhome?
A fluid analysis is like a blood test to determine the condition of the engine oil, transmission fluid, coolant, and generator. We recommend this service particularly for used motorhomes and generators. On new RV’s, a fluid analysis is a great way to obtain a baseline for future fluid tests.
RV’s a fluid analysis can find hidden defects! Fluids are tested for contaminants, wear metals, and other fluid properties. We have seen instances where the lab information helps our customers to avoid a risky and expensive problem, or to simply know when to change their fluids when the maintenance history is not well known.
With the exception of a baseline fluid analysis, we recommend running your coach for a minimum of 3,000 miles and generator 300 hours prior to testing.
Please note some RV’s have sealed or obstructed oil and transmission fluid systems that prevent fluid sampling. We do not charge for unsuccessful fluid extraction attempts.
How long will take to receive fluid analysis lab results?
The fluid analysis report turnaround time averages three business days, however, it can take up to seven business days if the lab has an order backlog.
If your RV purchase is contingent upon fluid lab results, we recommend adding this contingency to the purchase agreement with the seller.
Do you provide inspections on new and used RV’s?
RV Trek offers inspections on both new and used RV’s. We perform pre-purchase inspections for buyers and pre-sale inspections for sellers. Regardless of whether you are purchasing a new or used RV, you receive the same points of inspection and an independent evaluation of the RV’s current condition.
Will you perform an inspection at a dealer?
Yes! Many dealerships are very accommodating to independent inspectors. On rare occasions when dealerships put up roadblocks to an independent inspection, a customer call often solves the issue. Remember, reputable dealerships want to earn your business, so if you want an independent inspection then please let them know your expectations.
Do you share the inspection report with a dealership, private seller, or broker?
RV Trek will not share the inspection report with a dealership, private seller, or broker without your written consent.
How far will you travel to perform an inspection?
Our service area includes all of the Southeast. We charge a mobile service fee for inspections greater than 50 miles from our location. With advance notice we offer VIP services where your inspector travels to any destination in the continental United States to view and inspect a selected RV.
What if a seller will not allow an independent inspection?
Reputable dealers and private sellers rarely have objections with an independent inspection.
If a seller has concerns about liability, RV Trek gladly provides electronic proof of commercial liability insurance upon request.
As a consumer, we believe you have a right to be confident in your purchase. If a seller throws out roadblocks to an inspection and pressures you to buy now, we recommend taking a break and carefully evaluate whether the seller is working in your interest.
We recommend protecting your purchase by insisting upon a sales agreement containing a contingency requiring an independent RV inspection and a 100% refundable hold deposit.
Remember, you are the customer and you have the right to purchase from any seller you choose.