Prevent Problems. Protect Your Investment. Keep Your RV Road-Ready.
Your RV is exposed to road vibration, changing weather conditions, temperature extremes, moisture, and normal wear throughout the year. Even when an RV is not being used regularly, certain components and systems can deteriorate over time.
At California RV Specialists in Lodi, California, we offer professional RV Annual Inspections to help owners identify potential maintenance concerns, developing problems, and safety-related issues before they become more expensive repairs.
Whether you own a motorhome, fifth wheel, travel trailer, or toy hauler, an annual inspection is an important part of responsible RV ownership.
Our goal is simple: help you better understand the condition of your RV and what may need attention.
RV ANNUAL INSPECTION $800
Why Schedule an Annual RV Inspection?
Many RV problems develop gradually and may go unnoticed until something stops working or visible damage occurs.
Roof sealants can deteriorate, water leaks can develop, electrical connections can become problematic, and appliances may experience operational issues.
Regular inspections help identify visible concerns and maintenance needs before they lead to unexpected breakdowns or extensive repairs.
Benefits of an annual RV inspection include:
- Identifying potential water intrusion and exterior sealant concerns
- Checking operation of important RV electrical and plumbing systems
- Evaluating LP propane system components and safety devices
- Checking RV appliances for basic operation
- Observing slide-out and leveling system performance
- Identifying visible maintenance and safety concerns
- Helping prioritize recommended maintenance and repairs
- Establishing a regular preventative maintenance routine
An annual inspection does not guarantee that future problems will not occur, but it provides an opportunity to identify concerns that might otherwise go unnoticed.
What Does Our RV Annual Inspection Include?
Our annual inspection focuses on a visual assessment and basic operational checks of major RV house systems.
1. RV Roof & Exterior Inspection
The roof and exterior of your RV are constantly exposed to sunlight, rain, temperature changes, and road vibration.
Our technicians visually examine accessible exterior areas for signs of deterioration, damage, or potential water intrusion.
Areas reviewed may include:
- Roof membrane and visible roof condition
- Roof sealants and penetrations
- Exterior body seams and sealants
- Windows, doors, and compartment seals
- Visible signs of water intrusion
- Exterior components showing damage or deterioration
Roof access and inspection coverage depend on the RV’s design, condition, and safe accessibility.
2. RV Electrical System Inspection
RVs use both 120-volt AC and 12-volt DC electrical systems to operate many essential components.
Our inspection includes basic operational checks of applicable electrical systems, which may include:
- Shore power operation
- Selected 120-volt AC electrical functions
- Selected 12-volt DC electrical functions
- Interior and exterior lighting
- Battery-related observations
- Basic converter operation
- Visible electrical concerns
This inspection is intended to identify observable or operational concerns. Detailed electrical troubleshooting and diagnostic testing are separate services.
3. RV LP Propane & Safety Systems
Propane systems supply fuel to many RV appliances and require proper maintenance and attention.
Our annual inspection includes basic checks of applicable propane-related equipment and safety devices.
These may include:
- Visible LP gas system components
- Basic propane appliance operation
- LP gas detector operation
- Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
- Safety device condition and replacement-date recommendations where applicable
Important: A basic annual inspection is not a substitute for a dedicated LP gas leak, pressure, or system integrity test. These services can be scheduled separately.
4. RV Plumbing & Water Systems
Plumbing problems can cause inconvenience, water damage, and expensive repairs.
Our technicians perform basic operational observations of accessible plumbing components.
These may include:
- Freshwater system operation
- Water pump operation
- Visible plumbing leaks
- Faucets and fixtures
- Toilet operation
- Water heater operation
- Accessible plumbing connections
Concealed plumbing, enclosed underbelly components, and hidden water damage are not included in a basic visual inspection.
5. RV Appliance Operation
RV appliances operate in environments that experience road vibration, changing temperatures, and seasonal use.
Our inspection includes basic function checks of applicable installed appliances, such as:
- Roof air conditioners
- RV refrigerators
- Water heaters
- Furnaces
- Other applicable RV appliances
These checks help identify obvious operational concerns.
Appliance cleaning, tune-ups, component removal, performance diagnostics, and repairs are available as separate services.
6. RV Slide-Out Inspection
Slide-out rooms are among the more complicated operating systems installed in modern RVs.
Our annual inspection includes basic operation of applicable slide-out rooms and observations for:
- Unusual operating noises
- Irregular movement
- Visible seal concerns
- Obvious alignment concerns
- Operational problems
- Visible damage or wear
Detailed slide-out adjustments, lubrication, maintenance, and troubleshooting are separate services.
7. RV Leveling & Stabilizer Systems
Leveling and stabilizer systems are important for proper RV setup and operation.
Depending on the RV’s equipment, we may check:
- Basic leveling system operation
- Stabilizer operation
- Obvious operational irregularities
- Visible hydraulic or electrical concerns
- Accessible components showing wear or damage
Additional testing, calibration, maintenance, or repairs are not included in the basic inspection.
8. RV Suspension, Tires & Running Gear
For applicable towable RVs, our technicians may perform a ground-level visual assessment of accessible running gear components.
Areas of concern may include:
- Visible tire condition and unusual wear
- Suspension components
- Leaf springs and equalizers
- Shackles and accessible hardware
- Visible frame or mounting concerns
- Accessible brake-related components
- Hitch and towing-related observations
Please note: This is a visual assessment only. Wheel removal, brake disassembly, bearing inspection or repacking, brake adjustment, and detailed suspension or frame evaluations require separate services.
What Types of RVs Do We Inspect?
California RV Specialists provides annual inspection services for many types of recreational vehicles, including:
- Class A Motorhomes
- Class C Motorhomes
- Super C Motorhomes
- Diesel Pusher Motorhomes
- Fifth Wheels
- Travel Trailers
- Toy Haulers
- Truck Campers
- Destination Trailers
- Select Specialty RVs
Inspection coverage varies by RV type, equipment, age, and condition.
Our inspections focus on RV house systems and applicable visible components. We do not provide engine, transmission, or drivetrain inspections.
When Should You Schedule an RV Annual Inspection?
We generally recommend having your RV inspected at least once a year as part of your preventative maintenance routine.
An inspection may be especially beneficial:
- Before the beginning of camping season
- After extended periods of storage
- Following a busy travel season
- Before extended RV travel
- When maintenance history is unknown
- If the RV has experienced significant weather exposure
- When you want to establish a regular maintenance schedule
RVs that are used frequently, stored outdoors, or exposed to harsh environmental conditions may require more frequent attention to certain components.
Annual Inspection vs. Pre-Trip Inspection
Although these services share some inspection areas, they serve different purposes.
RV Annual Inspection: Focuses on the overall condition, basic operation, and preventative maintenance needs of the RV as part of an ongoing ownership and maintenance routine.
RV Pre-Trip Inspection: Focuses on identifying concerns before an upcoming trip, with particular attention to travel readiness and components that may affect the journey.
If you are purchasing a used RV, we recommend discussing our separate Pre-Purchase RV Inspection service.
What Is Not Included?
Our Annual RV Inspection is an assessment service, not a complete diagnostic or maintenance package.
Unless separately authorized, the inspection does not include:
- Diagnostic troubleshooting or repairs
- Component disassembly or removal
- Appliance cleaning or tune-ups
- Wheel bearing service or brake maintenance
- Detailed frame or structural evaluations
- Dedicated LP gas pressure or leak testing
- Concealed water damage investigation
- Slide-out adjustments or lubrication
- Engine, transmission, or drivetrain inspections
If we identify concerns that require additional attention, our team can discuss recommended services and the next steps.
Why Choose California RV Specialists?
California RV Specialists is an independent, family-owned RV repair and service facility serving Northern California since 2003.
Unlike an RV dealership, we are not focused on selling you a new RV. Our business is built around helping you maintain, repair, and improve the RV you already own.
With more than 26 years of RV industry experience, Dustin Simpson and the California RV Specialists team bring real-world repair knowledge to RV inspections and maintenance recommendations.
We believe in educating RV owners, explaining concerns, and helping customers make informed decisions about their RVs.
Serving RV Owners Throughout Northern California
Our RV service facility is located in Lodi, California, and serves customers throughout:
Lodi, Stockton, Galt, Elk Grove, Sacramento, Manteca, Tracy, Modesto, Lathrop, Fairfield, Vacaville, Napa, Davis, Woodland, Roseville, and surrounding Northern California communities.
All annual inspections are performed at our Lodi service facility. We do not provide mobile RV inspection services.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I have my RV inspected?
We generally recommend an annual inspection, along with manufacturer-recommended maintenance and additional checks based on usage, storage conditions, and travel frequency.
Is an annual RV inspection the same as an RV maintenance service?
No. An inspection evaluates visible conditions and basic system operation. Maintenance involves performing services such as cleaning, lubrication, adjustments, component replacement, or other preventative work.
Does an annual inspection include RV roof resealing?
No. We visually inspect accessible roof and exterior areas for concerns. Roof resealing and other repairs are separate services.
Will you repair problems found during the inspection?
Repairs are not included in the annual inspection. If we identify concerns, we can discuss recommendations and provide information about scheduling additional service.
Can an annual inspection prevent water damage?
An inspection can help identify visible sealant deterioration, exterior concerns, or signs of water intrusion. However, hidden leaks and concealed damage may not be detectable during a basic inspection.
Do you inspect motorhomes and fifth wheels?
Yes. We inspect applicable RV house systems on many Class A, Class C, Super C, diesel pusher, fifth wheel, travel trailer, and toy hauler models. Motorized chassis and drivetrain inspections are excluded.
Can I schedule an annual inspection before a long trip?
Yes. If your primary concern is an upcoming trip, ask our team whether an Annual RV Inspection or a Pre-Trip RV Inspection is the better choice.
Schedule Your RV Annual Inspection
Protecting your RV starts with understanding its condition.
Whether your RV is used every weekend, a few times a year, or primarily during vacation season, regular inspections can help you stay ahead of developing maintenance concerns.
Contact California RV Specialists to discuss your RV and schedule an annual inspection.
California RV Specialists, LLC
200 S. Cherokee Lane
Lodi, CA 95240
Phone: (209) 263-7040
Email: service@calrvspecialists.com
Website: www.calrvspecialists.com
Independent RV Service, Repair, Maintenance & Inspections Since 2003.