RoRo and T, Inc. 121 Westbrook Drive Hampton, VA 23666 US
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why should I pay for an inspection? Doesn't the dealer normally do this?
Why should I pay for an inspection? Doesn't the dealer normally do this?
Why should I pay for an inspection? Doesn't the dealer normally do this?
Yes, RV Dealers normally do what is called a Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) that you pay for among other things. At RoRo and T, Inc., we are a third party inspection service that takes an objective look at the RV. Having us represent you will provide an unbiased report of the RV. One that you may be able to take to the dealership to ensure certain items are corrected prior to taking possession of the unit. Even new RV's have issues and NRVIA inspectors have been trained to look for these issues.
Oh, and by the way, did you know there are more private RV sales than dealership sales? Whether you are positioning your RV for a better sale price or if you are buying one from a private owner, an inspection make sense on so many fronts. We love helping out of state buyers make better decisions on a rig that is in VA or NC.
How much does an inspection cost?
Why should I pay for an inspection? Doesn't the dealer normally do this?
Why should I pay for an inspection? Doesn't the dealer normally do this?
Depending on the options and type of RV being inspected, pricing can run between $350 to $1000. On some high end coaches, pricing could even go higher. Keep in mind, an RV might be the second largest purchase (behind your home) that a normal family might make. Just like a home inspection, there is a need to look at the systems.
Today's RV's are built better than ever before, but they still do go down the road at 70 mph and get subjected to hurricane force winds. Add in earthquake conditions on some poor roads, and things will shake loose. Most new RV's are being driven from Indiana or Alabama to the dealership here in VA or NC (wonder if they have been over some rough roads?). Having an inspection will ensure that all systems have been evaluated to meet your demanding requirements.
How much time does it take to do an inspection?
Why should I pay for an inspection? Doesn't the dealer normally do this?
Why should I contract with RoRo and T and not some other inspection service?
Essential Plus Level II Inspections are scheduled for the weekends as they take anywhere from 6 - 10 hours to perform. We like to do them at a campground or dealership that has full hook up of power, water and sewer. Once the inspection is complete, we have another 2-3 hours organizing our report that you will receive electronically.
Life Safety / Basic Inspections, though not as in depth as an Essential Plus inspection, still take us 3-5 hours to complete plus our report time. We still prefer to do these on the weekend at a campground. Allowing your inspector the time to do a correct inspection is important to your final report.
Fluid Analysis - These tests are done either during an Essential Plus Level II Inspection or scheduled separately. If scheduled separately, the sampling process for a full compliment (Oil, Transmission and Coolant) usually takes 30 minutes of field work and then a 5-6 business day turn around of the sample results from a certified lab.
Why should I contract with RoRo and T and not some other inspection service?
What is the difference between a Life Safety , an Essential Plus, and a Fluid Analysis Inspection?
Why should I contract with RoRo and T and not some other inspection service?
When you engage the services of RoRo and T., Inc to perform your inspections, you are getting two sets of eyes for the price of one. Both Rosanne and I are familiar with structured inspection processes and we rarely miss anything. Having both of us at the RV, provides two layers of assurance that any defect or issue will be noted. That is not to say that we are 100% accurate on all inspection points, but pretty darn close to it.
There are other inspection services out there. Some better than others. However, some inspection services will take only an hour (maybe two) to do an inspection that usually takes us 8 hours. Are you sure that a two hour inspection is going to catch the same detail as an NRVIA Level II Pre-Purchase inspection?
We suggest hiring a NRVIA certified inspector to perform your Level II Pre-Purchase inspections. In our region, there are other NRVIA certified inspectors available and we often assist each other to ensure our clients are taken care of when they need the inspection done. Sometimes we are booked for certain days and it is nice to refer them to other NRVIA inspectors (and vice versa). You can be assured that any two certified NRVIA inspectors are going to provide the same level of detail.
What should I expect from a Level II Pre-Purchase Inspection
What is the difference between a Life Safety , an Essential Plus, and a Fluid Analysis Inspection?
What is the difference between a Life Safety , an Essential Plus, and a Fluid Analysis Inspection?
A Phone Call at the conclusion of the inspection - When RoRo and T leave the RV site, we will call you to give you a short summary of our findings. These summary conversations never covers the entire results of the inspection, so we issue you a ........
Detailed Report - Usually within 24 - 36 hours after the inspection, you will receive a PDF report that details the content of the inspection. This usually equates to approximately 100 - 120 pages in length with an average of 60 -90 pictures (if not more) of the inspection. The first section of the report will highlight any findings and this will serve as your "Punch List" of items that need addressing. This is what you will bring to the owner or dealership for discussion. If you are an owner positioning your RV for better marketability, maybe you take this punch list and make corrections before you put it on the market..., or provide it to your purchasers to demonstrate your honest attempt to disclose / correct issues before hand. People purchase from people they trust. Raise the level of trust in selling your RV on the open market.
Peace of Mind - Having a third party inspector that does not have a financial interest in your purchase decision, will provide you detailed look at the condition the RV (at the time of inspection). We tell all of our clients, do not freak out if we find things wrong with the RV - every RV will have some findings, even new units off the factory floor. We find things, that is what we are trained to do. Use the information we provide you with, to make your decisions on what is acceptable to your budget both near term or long term. We give you the facts - you make the ultimate decision to proceed or not proceed.
What is the difference between a Life Safety , an Essential Plus, and a Fluid Analysis Inspection?
What is the difference between a Life Safety , an Essential Plus, and a Fluid Analysis Inspection?
What is the difference between a Life Safety , an Essential Plus, and a Fluid Analysis Inspection?
A Life Safety Inspection focuses on the systems that would place an RV owner in a dangerous condition. We look at the propane system, the electrical systems (you have three different types on an RV), the CO monitors, fire extinguishers, tire condition, etc. We also do an abbreviated review of the unit itself to see if there are any glaring issues that may impact future use. It is a basic inspection.
An Essential Plus Level II Inspection is one that covers all the components of an NRVIA Standards of Practice ( https://nrvia.org/standards-of-practice/ ) inspection. It is a detailed look at the RV (usually 6-12 man hours of time invested to complete).
Fluid Analysis Inspection looks at the condition of the critical drive train components. A sample of fluid is pulled and sent off to a certified lab to determine if there are any "wear" products that indicate premature failure. It is like a blood test for your engine or transmission. Results will tell you if your transmission or engine is going to have future problems. Do you have a generator on your 5th wheel or motor home? We can sample the oil (and sometimes coolant) on this component also. Same with hydraulic leveling systems - would you like to know the condition of that fluid in the reservoir?
Call us and we will explain in more detail what the different levels of inspection are. Hopefully a phone call can answer your question so that you can select the proper inspection for your needs, whether you are an owner, buyer or a seller of an RV.
Should I buy this RV?
Why do you require up front deposit 48 hours in advance?
Can I be there when you do the inspection?
Unfortunately, we cannot answer that question for you. We will report on the condition of the RV and discuss the report in detail with you. However, an NRVIA inspector will not render a buy / no buy opinion for you. We report the facts so that you can make an educated decision. Major issues will be highlighted in the report and Life Safety issues will be brought to your attention should they present a condition that is dangerous to an RV owner. We let you decide what is the acceptable value of the unit based on the findings of the inspection.
Can I be there when you do the inspection?
Why do you require up front deposit 48 hours in advance?
Can I be there when you do the inspection?
We encourage our clients to attend any inspection that we do. Feel free to bring a lawn chair, a book and watch as the inspection proceeds (but you might get bored after the first hour or two). One note, however, is that when the inspection starts, there is very little conversation going on back and forth between the inspector and the client, as we try to focus on the task at hand to give you the value you expect. In addition, we ask that the client not enter the RV. We do not want to be distracted by any actions that the client might be engaged in, that could damage the unit. Our insurance policy does not permit this practice as we cannot cover damage by any other parties other than Rosanne and Tom Howard. In summary, we need to respect the owners property and treat it as such until ownership has transferred to the client.
Why do you require up front deposit 48 hours in advance?
Why do you require up front deposit 48 hours in advance?
Why do I see NRVIA Level 1 and Level 2 inspectors on the NRVIA search site?
Rosanne and I are still employed in the private sector. Our business service only provides an opportunity to serve our clients on the weekends. Due to the limited window we have to work with, we must ensure that our weekends are accurately planned. We cannot afford to double book a certain day by having multiple clients looking to book the same date. To mitigate that possibility, we instituted a policy of a deposit , 48 hours in advance of an inspection date (to secure this inspection date). If an invoice that has been submitted, is not satisfied 48 hours in advance with a deposit, it will be cancelled to ensure that inspection dates are confirmed in advance. This policy is non negotiable.
Why do I see NRVIA Level 1 and Level 2 inspectors on the NRVIA search site?
Why do I see NRVIA Level 1 and Level 2 inspectors on the NRVIA search site?
Why do I see NRVIA Level 1 and Level 2 inspectors on the NRVIA search site?
A Level 1 inspector has been through the training to understand RV Systems and how they interact with each other. Usually, these inspectors are doing finance and warranty inspections as they are doing the inspections per the Warranty or Finance Companies directives (they supply the inspection sheet). Often times, these inspectors are cross qualified RVIA Registered (or NRVTA certified) service technicians.
A Level 2 Inspector has had additional training on what specifics are to be reviewed in pursuit of a detailed Level II Pre-Purchase Inspection. They also have access to a specialized software program to organize the content of the inspection so the client can utilize this information for a sound buying or selling decision.
Why does RoRo and T., Inc. offer Fleet and Industrial Services?
Why do I see NRVIA Level 1 and Level 2 inspectors on the NRVIA search site?
Why does RoRo and T., Inc. have LeakStopper Inspection in their name?
That is a great question. Both Rosanne and I (Tom) have extensive experience with quality control / auditing processes. It makes sense to apply our experiences to various markets. This minimizes costs on our part to both sets of clientele, thus saving our customers money on our services offered.
Rosanne has over 35 years of experience in manufacturing quality control working with ISO quality standards. She has an eye for detail in identification of quality issues - she can spot a defect that most would miss. Tom has thirty years in technical writing, medical gas inspection, ASME Air Auditing and Leak Surveys.
This combined experience translates into a positive experience for our clients. If you are a first time RV purchaser, a fleet manager or an energy manager at an industrial facility, RoRo and T, Inc., can help with your inspection needs.
Why does RoRo and T., Inc. have LeakStopper Inspection in their name?
Why do I see NRVIA Level 1 and Level 2 inspectors on the NRVIA search site?
Why does RoRo and T., Inc. have LeakStopper Inspection in their name?
Part of that has to do with the experience that we had on our first RV. We did not know that water is the number one contributor to long term damage to an RV and we wanted to draw attention to this fact in our company name. We also spend a considerable amount of time paying attention to evidence of water damage and if we suspect that water damage is present, we will highlight it in our report findings. Sometimes we will recommend having a Sealtech Leak Check done at a dealership or via mobile service. Most selling dealerships have the equipment to perform these types of inspections.