TLDR
- Pro pre-purchase inspections catch $5,000+ in hidden issues
- Roof and slide-out water damage is the #1 deal-killer
- 12 systems to check before signing - this guide covers all of them
- We inspect at the seller's location anywhere in St. Lucie County
- Call 772-276-6465 to schedule before you sign anything
Buying a used RV in Port St. Lucie? Whether you found one for sale at PSL Village RV Resort, Sandpiper Bay, or on Facebook Marketplace from a snowbird heading north, there are 12 critical systems you need to check before writing a check. This is the field inspection checklist we use on every pre-purchase call across St. Lucie County. The order matters - we start outside and work in, ending with a road test if applicable.
1. Roof and Roof Penetrations
Climb up. Inspect every penetration: AC unit, vents, skylights, antenna mounts, refrigerator vent. Look for cracked Dicor sealant, soft spots in the rubber, and standing water around any seal. A roof reseal runs $1,200 to $2,000 - factor that into your offer if seals are aged.
Check inside ceiling for brown rings or bubbled paneling. That's water that already got past the seals.
2. Slide-Out Operation
Cycle every slide in and out twice. Listen for grinding, watch for slides going out of square, and inspect wiper seals for cracks or compression. Run your hand under the slide for soft floor - water collects there first.
A failed slide motor is $400 to $700, but a rotted slide floor is $3,000 to $6,000. The latter is a deal-killer at most price points.
3. Plumbing and Water Heater
Pressurize the fresh water system from the outside hookup. Inspect every joint, valve, and pump connection for drips. Run hot water for 5 minutes - both propane and electric. Test the toilet flush and tank flush. Our leak detection service can pressure-test the system if you want a deeper check.
Check the gray and black tank gauges. Stuck sensors are common but cheap to fix. Tank rot is rare but expensive.
4. Electrical: Shore Power, Batteries, Inverter
Plug into 30-amp or 50-amp shore power and verify voltage on every outlet. Test the converter is charging the house battery (should read 13.6V to 14.4V). If there's an inverter, run a small load and confirm AC output. Battery health: any flooded lead-acid over 4 years is on borrowed time.
Inspect the breaker panel for corrosion - common in coastal PSL rigs.
5-12: AC, Generator, Propane, Tires, Brakes, Hitch, Frame, Interior
Run the rooftop AC for 20 minutes and verify cold air at every vent. Start the generator and run a load test. Pressure-test the propane system per NFPA 1192. Inspect tire DOT dates - anything over 7 years is replacement time regardless of tread. Pull the brake drums or run an electric brake controller test on a tow rig. Inspect the hitch, frame, and welds for rust or stress cracks. Inside, look for soft spots in the floor (especially near the entry door and slide rooms) and water stains in storage compartments.
Total inspection time: 4 to 6 hours. We deliver a written report with photos and a prioritized list of issues. Book your inspection by calling 772-276-6465. We meet you at any seller location across PSL, Tradition, Stuart, or Jensen Beach.