Use this list three ways: at the dealer walk-through of a new RV, on a used RV before you buy it, and on your own camper before the season or a long trip. Every item comes from the owner's manuals of four builders: Keystone, Jayco, Forest River and Winnebago. Tick items on your phone or print the list.
RV inspection checklist
Ticks stay on this device. Where your RV's own manual gives a different interval or method, follow it.
Roof and exterior
Tires, wheels and axles
Hitch, brakes and lights
Propane and safety alarms
Electrical and batteries
Water, tanks and water heater
Slide-outs and awning
Inside, labels and paperwork
How often: where the builders differ
| Check | What the manuals say |
|---|---|
| Roof and sealant | Keystone: every 90 days. Forest River: at least twice a year. Jayco: at least every six months, and reseal at least once a year. |
| Lug nuts on a new RV | Keystone and Winnebago: at 10, 25 and 50 miles on the first trip. Jayco: after the first 200 miles. Torque figures differ by wheel, so use your wheel maker's. |
| Propane leak test | Keystone and Forest River: at least once a year. Jayco: every 5,000 miles or at least once a year, and after purchase. |
| Alarms | Keystone: after storage, before each trip and at least weekly in the camping season. Forest River: each week in use and before a trip. |
| GFCI outlets | Keystone: at least monthly or before every trip. Jayco: monthly. Forest River: when purchased, then at least monthly. |
| Cargo Carrying Capacity | Jayco's figure leaves out a full fresh water tank; Winnebago's definition counts fresh water and propane as cargo. |
What this list does not cover
None of the four manuals gives a buyer's checklist for a used RV beyond looking for water damage, so soft floors, wall delamination and frame damage are not on this list. Check those with a hands-on look or a paid inspection. Recalls are tied to the VIN: look one up on NHTSA's recall search.
Sources: Keystone 2027 owner's manual, Jayco 2027 towable owner's manual, Forest River travel trailer and fifth wheel owner's manual, Winnebago 2026 towables owner's manual.