This is the printable viewing worksheet. For the fuller condition guide, use the Canadian used-RV inspection article. Bring both the seller’s records and this question list to an independent inspector.
Use this worksheet to organize a viewing and decide what needs professional investigation. Tick a box only after completing the check, not because the seller says it is fine. Print the page to take notes. The checkboxes are not saved when you leave or reload the page.
Before travelling to the viewing
Request the VIN, ownership details, recent photographs, maintenance records and a list of known defects. Ask whether you may hire an independent RV inspector and whether working systems can be demonstrated. If the RV is winterized, agree which systems can be tested without damaging it and who will restore winter protection afterwards.
Bring a flashlight, a notepad and a phone for photographs. Do not climb onto a roof, work beneath an unsupported RV, open energized panels or test propane connections yourself. A clean interior and fresh sealant are reasons to inspect carefully, not proof that hidden components are sound.
Documents and seller questions
Canadian history: inspect the exposure, not the postal code
Ask where the RV was actually used and stored each winter. A Saskatchewan seller may have wintered it in Arizona, and a Vancouver Island listing may have spent years inland. Record locations, dates and storage conditions before deciding which damage risks deserve extra investigation.
| History to establish | What to ask an independent inspector |
|---|---|
| Lower Mainland / Vancouver Island wet storage | Investigate roof and window entry, damp compartments and persistent moisture. Ask how the unit was ventilated and checked during extended rain. |
| Prairie or interior cold storage | Review winterization records and assess water-system components that could have retained water. Ask whether plumbing was reopened after winterization. |
| Ontario / Quebec winter road use | Assess frame, brake lines, electrical connections and accessible running gear for corrosion; distinguish a cosmetic coating from evidence of completed repairs. |
| Atlantic coastal exposure or storm history | Investigate seals, fasteners, water-entry evidence and any storm or flood repairs. Confirm actual exposure rather than assuming every coastal RV is damaged. |
| Northern or remote-road use | Review running-gear service, tire damage, stone impacts and repairs; establish whether parts or structural modifications match manufacturer requirements. |
These are inspection prompts, not climate-based diagnoses. Moisture, freeze damage, corrosion and hard road use can occur in any province. Ask the inspector to document findings, limitations and systems that could not be tested.
Water damage and exterior condition
Water damage can extend beyond the visible stain. Examine floor edges, corners, window surrounds, storage compartments and the area around roof penetrations from a safe position. Note musty odours, soft flooring, discolouration, swollen cabinetry and wall surfaces that appear separated. Ask an inspector to investigate causes and scope before accepting a repair estimate.
System demonstrations
Ask the seller or inspector to demonstrate equipment using safe connections and manufacturer procedures. Record “not tested” when a system cannot be operated. Do not treat an untested furnace, water heater or air conditioner as working when negotiating the price.
Turn the viewing into a decision
| Finding | Record before proceeding |
|---|---|
| Suspected water or structural damage | Location, photographs, independent assessment and repair scope. |
| System cannot be demonstrated | Reason, cost to test and whether the sale depends on a satisfactory result. |
| Missing ownership or unclear lien status | Required documents and independent confirmation before payment. |
| Repairs promised by seller | Written repair list, responsible party, completion date and reinspection. |
Compare the total of purchase, immediate work and first-year ownership with an alternative RV in better condition. A discount is only useful when you understand the defect and can absorb the repair risk. If the seller refuses reasonable checks, pause the purchase.
Viewing notes
RV / VIN: _________________________ Date: ______________
Not tested: __________________________________________________
Inspector’s findings: ____________________________________________
Written conditions required: _____________________________________