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By Debbie Bruening, Certified RV Inspector & Owner of Deb’s RV Services
“If a dealership discourages or blocks you from getting an independent RV inspection, it’s a red flag and you should proceed with caution.”
Why Dealerships Push Back on Inspections
A professional RV inspection gives you something priceless: an unbiased assessment of the RV’s condition before you sign the papers. Unfortunately, not every dealership makes the process easy. Some will try to steer you away from hiring your own inspector and in some cases, they’ll put up outright roadblocks.
Knowing these tactics ahead of time can help you spot red flags early and protect yourself from making a costly mistake.
5 Common Tactics Dealers Use
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“We already do a PDI you don’t need an inspection.”
A PDI (Pre-Delivery Inspection) is done by the dealership to prep an RV for handoff. But it’s not independent, and it’s not meant to uncover every potential issue. Only a certified, third-party inspection provides a full, unbiased report.
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“You’ll have to pay a fee for our tech to walk with your inspector.”
Some dealers charge an extra “escort fee” just to have their technician present. It’s often a tactic to make inspections more expensive and inconvenient, hoping you’ll back out.
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“You must buy our inspection package.”
Dealers may push you into buying their own “inspection” service, which usually bundles in repairs. The problem? It’s not independent. The dealership controls the process, and the results are rarely in your best interest.
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“We don’t allow outside inspections.”
This is the biggest red flag. A dealer that won’t allow an independent inspection is not prioritizing your best interests. A trustworthy seller should welcome transparency.
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“The RV isn’t prepped for inspection.”
Sometimes dealers won’t even prepare the RV, leaving it without power, water, propane, or a working battery. Without these basics, many systems can’t be tested and major issues could slip by unnoticed.
For an inspection to be complete, the RV should have:
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A charged battery
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Hookups to electricity and water
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Propane connected and ready
If a dealer refuses to set this up, that’s another sign to proceed with caution.
How to Respond to Dealer Pushback
If you run into resistance, stay calm and professional. A good response might be:
“My independent inspection will be performed by a certified RV inspector who carries their own insurance. I can have that information sent directly to you.”
This shows the dealer you’re serious and prepared.
And if they still refuse? Walk away. There are plenty of dealerships that respect transparency.
Don’t Sign Without Protection
Some dealers will try to get your signature on a contract immediately. Instead, make it clear:
“This deal is pending an independent certified RV inspection.”
If you want to secure the RV while waiting, offer a refundable deposit. That way, the RV is held for you without locking you into a purchase you might regret.
Case Study: Why My Client Walked Away
In one inspection I filmed, a dealership used multiple pushback tactics. Instead of accepting the pressure, my client made the smart choice: they walked away. By avoiding a deal without transparency, they saved themselves from a future of costly surprises.
👉 Watch the full video here: Dealership Tactics During RV Inspection! Why My Client Walked Away
Final Thoughts
If a dealership makes it difficult to get an independent inspection, consider it a major warning sign. A reputable seller has nothing to hide and should welcome a thorough, unbiased review.
At the end of the day, an inspection is your best defense against expensive mistakes and the right dealership will support you in protecting your investment.
