Thermostat : You ’ ll likely test this as you use the furnace and air conditioner . If the RV you ’ re inspecting comes with some form of temperature control , you want to be sure the thermostat kicks the heat and AC on and off at the correct times .
Stove / oven : Turn on all the burners , and light the oven to ensure that the propane system is in good working order . While you ’ re at it , walk around the outside of the RV and make sure you don ’ t smell any propane . ( Of course , you shouldn ’ t smell propane inside , either !)
Microwave : A fun way to do this is to bring a bag of popcorn . It only takes a couple of minutes to pop , and it ’ s a great way to make sure the microwave works and have a snack .
Slideouts : Work them yourself to ensure they come in and out smoothly . Don ’ t take the owner ’ s word for it that they work great — a broken slide can be a costly fix .
Refrigerator : Turn it on and make sure it gets cold . Then , open the door to warm it up before testing it on an alternate setting ( if it operates on both electric and propane ).
TV / cable hookups : Turn the TV on to make sure it works , and test the cable if you ’ ll be tuning in to local channels from the road .
Self-leveling system : Some RVs come with an automated self-leveling system . Use this yourself , ideally on a somewhat unlevel site , to make sure it ’ s functioning correctly .
Automatic jacks : If you have any electric jacks or stabilizers , check those as well .
Awning : Put the awning out and set it up as if you were camping . Some manual awnings can be tricky to operate , so this is an excellent way to confirm that you ’ ll know how to use it on your maiden voyage .
Onboard generator : Turn on any onboard generators and use your ears and nose to confirm that it ’ s running properly . You should hear or smell something off if it isn ’ t . While it ’ s running , check your systems to be sure they operate correctly on generator power .
Battery : Unplug from shore power and test all 12-volt systems to ensure they operate on the battery .
If you ’ re doing it right , your self-inspection will take at least a couple of hours to complete . Out of respect for the seller ’ s time , complete this step just before papers are signed , and money changes hands . You should be ready to write a check as soon as you ’ ve verified that the RV holds no unwelcome surprises .
NO .
2 CHECK for leaks or water damage
Water pumps work on-demand once your system is initially pressurized . This makes them a fantastic diagnostic tool when checking for leaks in the plumbing .
Here ’ s how it works : fill the fresh water tank at least ⅓ full , then turn on the water pump . You should hear a vibrating , humming sound for several seconds as it brings the system up to pressure . After that , it should turn off . Open a faucet or two , and you ’ ll hear the water pump run again to maintain system pressure .
If the water pump doesn ’ t shut off after all the valves are closed , or if it kicks back on without anyone having opened a tap , it means you ’ ve got a leak somewhere in the system . All you need to do is listen .
E3CAMPING . COM 83