NRVIA Standards of Practice

1. Introduction

The National Recreational Vehicle Inspectors Association or NRVIA is a not for profit professional association. Membership in the NRVIA is voluntary and its members are RV Inspectors and industry affiliates whose purpose is to promote excellence in the profession and continued improvement of its members’ inspection services to the public.

Use of the NRVIA logo and name is limited to those members of good standing who may utilize this logo and name in their professional promotions and advertising.

The NRVIA designation of Certified RV Inspector is permitted only to be use by those individuals that have met the requirements and testing standards established by NRVIA.

2. Purpose, Scope and General Statements

2.1 – The purpose of the Standards of Practice is to establish a uniform standard for RV Inspectors to inspect and report in an objective manner the conditions of a Recreational Vehicle and its components.
2.2 – The Standards describe the components, and systems included in a RV Inspection.

2.3 – The Standards apply to motorized and towable types of RVs as defined by the RV Industry.

2.4 – The Standards apply to a visual inspection of those areas, components and systems that are readily accessible to determine at the time of inspection that they are performing their intended function without regard to life expectancy.

2.5 – The purpose of the RV inspection is to identify visible and operational defects as permitted by the current conditions that in the judgment of the RV Inspector will adversely affect the function or integrity of the items, components and systems of the Recreational Vehicle.

2.6 – RV Inspections performed under the Standards of Practice are basically visual and rely upon the opinion, judgment, education and experience of the RV Inspector and are not intended to be technically exhaustive.

2.7 – RV Inspections shall be performed in a time period sufficient to allow compliance with the provisions of the NRVIA Standards of Practice.

2.8 – RV Inspections performed under the Standards shall not be construed as being a compliance inspection of any code, governmental regulation or manufacturer’s installation instructions or procedures. In the event a law, statue or ordinance prohibits a procedure recommended in the Standards, the RV Inspector is relieved of the obligation to adhere to the prohibited part of the Standards.

2.9 – RV Inspections performed under the Standards are not an expressed, implied warranty or guarantee of adequacy, performance or useful life of any RV, any of its components or systems.

2.10 – Only those items specifically listed on the RV Inspection Report will be included in the RV Inspectors evaluation.

2.11 – The RV Inspector shall report any system or component included in the Standards of Practice which were present at the time of the RV Inspection but were NOT inspected and provide the reason they were not inspected.

3. General Limitations and Exclusions

3.1 – RV Inspections performed under the Standards of Practice exclude any items concealed or not ready accessible to the RV Inspector. The RV Inspector is not required to move furniture, personal or stored items. Lifting floor covering, accessing interior walls and ceilings in which could damage or destroy the components or systems being evaluated is not part of the RV Inspection.

3.2 – The determination of the presence of damage caused by insects or water is only to be evaluated by observation with an opinion being rendered by RV Inspector that is to make the client aware of the issue.

3.3 – Excluded from the Standards of Practice is the determination of indoor air quality of the RV and it’s consequence of physical damage, toxicity, odors, waste products and noxiousness.

3.4 – The RV Inspection and report are opinions only that are based upon the visual observation of the existing conditions of the RV at the time of the RV Inspection. The report is not intended to be or construed as a guarantee, warranty or any form of insurance. The RV Inspector will not be responsible for any repairs or replacement with regard to the RV or its contents.

3.5 – The RV Inspector is not required to enter any premises that visibly show a threat to the safety of the RV Inspector or others nor inspect any area or component that poses a danger to the RV Inspector or others.

3.6 – The NRVIA Certified RV Inspector will inspect and report on the following RV items and conditions during the RV Inspection. Any additional items of inspection will be dependent upon the agreement between the client and the RV Inspector.

4. Exterior Components

4.0 – Roof
4.1 – Roof Type
4.2 – General condition of the roof 

4.3 – Joints and Seals
4.4 – Vents
4.5 – Vent covers

4.6 – Plumbing vents
4.7 – Air Conditioning Covers and Exterior Coils 

4.8 – Ladder
4.9 – Satellite Antenna
4.10 – Radio Antenna
4.11 – Refrigerator Vent
4.12 – Skylight(s)
4.13 – Storage Containers
4.14 – Spot lights
4.15 – Air Horns
4.16 – Solar Panels
4.17 – Signs of Equipment removed

5. Side Walls
5.0 – Walls – Front, Rear and Sides
5.1 – Type of Construction
5.2 – Front type of Construction and Condition 

5.3 – Street Side Wall Construction and Condition 

5.4 – Curb Side Wall Construction and Condition 

5.5 – Rear type of Construction and Condition
5.6 – Decals and Paint
5.7 – Corner Joints, Trim and Gutters

6. Doors
6.0 – Entrance Doors
6.1 – Condition of Door(s)

6.2 – Screens
6.3 – Decals and Trim
6.4 – Latch and Lock Systems

7. Windows
7.0 – Windows
7.1 – Type of Windows
7.2 – Condition of Windows
7.3 – Emergency Windows
7.4 – Seals and Gaskets
7.5 – Window Screens

8. Storage
8.0 – Storage Compartments
8.1 – Door and Interior Compartment Conditions 

8.2 – Door lock types
8.3 – Seals and Waterproofing
8.4 – Area around Compartment Condition
8.5 – Operation of Doors and Locks
8.6 – Hinges and gas cylinders
8.7 – Slide Out trays and Shelves
8.8 – Flooring and Interior Walls of Compartment 

8.9 – Compartment Lights

9. Awnings
9.0 – Awnings
9.1 – Type of Awnings

9.2 – Sizes of Awning

9.3 – Fabric and its Condition

9.4 – Manual or Electric Operation

9.5 – Hardware and Locks Condition

10. Slide-Out Topper Awnings

10.0 – Slide-Out Topper Awnings 

10.1 – Type of Awnings

10.2 – Sizes of Awning

10.3 – Fabric and its Condition

10.4 – Manual or Electric Operation

10.5 – Hardware and Locks Condition

11. Window Awnings

11.0 – Window Awnings 

11.1 – Type of Awnings

11.2 – Sizes of Awning

11.3 – Fabric and its Condition

11.4 –Manual or Electric Operation

11.5 – Hardware and Locks Condition

12. Slide Out

12.0 – Slide Out
12.1 – Type of Drive – Hydraulic, Electric, Cable or Schwintek

12.2 – Mechanical Operation of Slide System 

12.3 – Condition of Seals
12.4 – Tracking/Rack System Type and Condition 

12.5 – Over Ride Operation Feature

12.6 – Misc. Trim and Decals of Slides

13. Exterior – Chassis/Frame

13.0 – Frame and Components 

13.1 – Frame Type and Condition

13.2 – Axles, Springs, Shocks and Hanger Components 

13.3 – Wheels/Tires and Rims – Type and Condition 

13.4 – Brake Types and Condition
13.5 – Spare Tire and Mounting Rack

13.6 – Leveling/Stabilization System Type and Condition 

13.7 – Operation of Leveling/Stabilization System
13.8 – Hitch and Pin Box Equipment
13.9 – Chains and Break Away Switch Operation

14. Steps

14.0 – Steps
14.1 – Type of Steps – Manual/Electric

14.2 – Condition and Operation

14.3 – Non –Skid stripes and Grab Handles

15. Chassis Lights

15.0 – Chassis Lights and Markers 

15.1 – Types of Light Bulbs

15.2 – Operation of Turn Signals, Marker Lights, Brake Lights and Other Lights

16. Chassis Voltage System

16.0 – Chassis Voltage System – 12 volt DC 

16.1 – Visual Condition of Batteries

16.2 – Visual Condition of Cables and Connectors
16.3 – Disconnect Switch and Battery Watering System 

17. Misc. Electrical System

17.0 – Cable TV Hook Up 

17.1 – Satellite TV Hook Up

18. Utilities

18.0 – 12 Volt DC House (Coach) Voltage – Deep Cycle 

18.1 – Visual Condition of Batteries

18.2 – Visual Condition of Cables and Connectors

18.3 – Disconnect Switch and Battery Watering System

18.4 – Converter Operation

18.5 – Interior Lights and Fans

18.6 – Exterior Porch and Security Lights

18.7 – Antenna Signal Booster

19. Electrical

19.0 – 120 Volt AC House/Pedestal Power 

19.1 – Visual Inspection of Power Cord

19.2 – Verify Power from Pedestal

19.3 – Perform Hot Skin Test

19.4 – Inspect Interior of Breaker Panel Box – Breakers and Wiring

19.5 – Operation of GFCI Circuits

19.6 – Polarity of all Wall Receptacles

19.7 – Operation of Ceiling Fans and Lights

20. Inverter

20.0 – Inverter System
20.1 – Type and General Condition and Operation of Inverter

20.2 – Cables, Wiring and Fuses
20.3 – Verify Operation of Inverter with Load 

21. Generator

21.0 – Generator
21.1 – Type and Operation of Generator

21.2 – Oil and Filter

21.3 – Fuel/Prime Switch Operation

21.4 – Circuit Breaker Operation

21.5 – Verify Operation with Load

22. Plumbing – City Fresh Water

22.0 – Plumbing – City Fresh Water 

22.1 – City Hook Up Condition

22.2 – Verify Inline Check Valve

22.3 – Inspect the Inline Water Filter

22.4 – Faucets and Shower Fixtures

22.5 – Shower Doors, Racks and Other Hardware

23. Plumbing – On Demand Water System

23.0 – Plumbing – On Demand Water System 

23.1 – Verify Water Tank will hold Water

23.2 – Test Water Pump operation for pressure 

23.3 – Does Water System hold pressure
23.4 – Do all water fixtures function
23.5 – Verify Operation of Exterior Shower 

23.6 – Verify Seal Cap on Discharge Line

24. Plumbing – Black Water Waste Systems

24.0 – Plumbing – Black Water Waste Systems 

24.1 – Valve and Handle operation

24.2 – Check Sealing of Valve
24.3 – Tank Wash System Function

24.5 – Toilet Flapper Seal Holding Water

25. Plumbing – Gray Water Waste Systems

25.0 – Plumbing – Gray and Galley Waste System 

25.1 – Valves and Handles operation

25.2 – Check Sealing of Valves

26. Propane System

26.0 – Propane System
26.1 – Inspect Condition of ASME Tank or DOT Cylinder(s)

26.2 – Date of DOT Cylinders

26.3 – High Pressure hose and fittings Condition

26.4 – Inspect Regulator, Cover and Positioning

26.5 – Verify Inline Regulator on Split DOT Cylinders

26.6 – Perform Leak Test – 8” W.C. for 3 to 5 min. – Document Test Procedure

27. Refrigerator

27.0 – Refrigerator
27.1 – Make and Model of Refrigerator

27.2 – Operates on various Heat Sources

27.3 – Doors Latch and Seal correctly

27.4 – Can Refrigerator maintain its temperature range

27.5 – Recall Kit Installed

27.6 – Does Condensate Line Drain

27.7 – Interior Light Function

28. Water Heater

28.0 – Water Heater
28.1 – Make and Model of Water Heater

28.2 – General Condition of Unit

28.2 – Operates on various Heat Sources 

28.3 – By Pass Valve Operates
28.4 – Anode Rod (Suburban required) 

28.5 – Tank Sludge

28.6 – Dauber Screens Installed

29. Furnace

29.0 – Furnace
29.1 – Make and Model of Furnace

29.2 – General Condition of Unit

29.3 – Operates Properly

29.4 – Does Furnace motor Function Properly

29.5 – Dauber Screens Installed

30. Cook Top/Stove

30.0 – Cook Top/Stove
30.1 – Make and Model of Cook Top/Stove

30.2 – General Condition of Unit

30.3 – Oven burner and Top Burners Light as Designed

30.3 – Exhaust Fan (vent a hood) Functions

31. Air Conditioner(s)

31.0 – Air Conditioner(s)
31.1 – Make and Models of Air Conditioner(s)

31.2 – Ducted/Non Ducted/T-Stat/Manual Control 

31.3 – Filter Clean
31.4 – Plenum Divided and Sealed
31.5 – # of Degrees Delta T for each Unit

32. Microwave

32.0 – Microwave
32.1 – Make and Model of Microwave

32.2 – General Condition of Unit

32.3 – Heats Cup of Water

32.3 – Turn Table and Components in Microwave

33. Washer/Dryer

33.0 – Washer/Dryer
33.1 – Make and Model of Each Unit

33.2 – General Condition of Units

33.3 – Operate Washer and Dryer

34. Ceiling Condition and Appearance

34.0 – Ceiling
34.1 – General Condition of Ceiling and Skylights

34.2 – Discoloration, Damage or Stain 

34.3 – Operation of Roof Vents
34.4 – Light Switch and Fixtures

35. Walls Condition and Appearance 

35.0 – Walls

35.1 – General Condition of Walls
35.2 – Damage, Discoloration or Stains 

35.3 – Have Repairs Been Performed 

35.4 – Window Coverings/Shades

36. Floors Condition and Appearance

36.0 – Floors
36.1 – General Condition of Floors

36.2 – Carpet/Vinyl

36.3 – Water Damage/Soft Spots

36.4 – Repairs Performed

37. Cabinets Condition and Appearance

37.0 – Cabinets/Trim Work
37.1 – Condition of Doors, Drawers and Bookshelves

37.2 – Countertop and Sink Condition
37.3 – Hardware and Latches
37.4 – Previous Repairs

38. Furniture Condition and Appearance 

38.0 – Furniture and Accessories

38.1 – General Condition of the Furniture/Accessories 

38.2 – Damages/ Repairs/Replaced Units
38.3 – Matching Fabrics with Décor

39. Entertainment Components

39.0 – Entertainment Components
39.1 – Model and Serial Numbers of all pieces Entertainment Components

39.2 – Do all Components Function

40. Vehicle Data Information

40.0 – Vehicle Data Information
40.1 – Inspection Sticker/License Plate Current

40.2 – GVW and CCC information

41. Motor Home Chassis

41.0 – Motor Home Chassis
41.1 – General Condition of Cockpit/Navigation Area

41.2 – Mileage/Hours

41.3 – Dash Controls/Gauges

42. Engine Compartment

42.0 – Engine Compartment
42.1 – Clean Engine/Transmission

42.2 – Oil/Fluids

42.3 – Hoses/Belt/Radiator/Fans Condition

43. Exhaust System

43.0 – Exhaust System
43.1 – General Condition of Exhaust System

43.2 – Exhaust Pipe/Converter/Muffler/Brackets in Place

44. Accessories & Misc

44.0 – Accessories 

44.1 – Back Up Camera

44.2 – Misc. Items