Habitation and moisture
- Roof, walls, floor, seals and moisture mapping
- Plumbing, tanks, pumps and drainage
- Gas, 230V, 12V, solar and battery systems
- Heating, hot water, fridge, toilet and appliances
- Furniture, windows, vents and body integrity
You are buying a house on wheels. Inspect the house.
The habitation body is often more complex and costly than the familiar vehicle underneath it. A standard automotive inspection cannot answer the most important motorhome questions.
The discount must pay for the transferred risk
Private asking prices can sit close to dealer prices—sometimes with no meaningful discount. Compare like with like and value the dealer's preparation, consumer-law obligations, warranty pathway and post-sale accountability before accepting private-sale risk.
Add the cost of specialist inspection, immediate maintenance, unsupported parts and resolving faults yourself. If the adjusted private price is not materially better, the apparent saving may be zero.
Commission two complementary assessments
Use a qualified, independent motorhome inspector for the habitation side and an appropriate automotive specialist for the chassis. Independence means the assessor is working for you, not selling the vehicle or repair.
Chassis and drivetrain
- Engine, transmission, brakes and steering
- Suspension, tyres and corrosion
- Diagnostic faults and service history
- Roadworthiness evidence
- Actual weight and axle loading
Why not an AA check alone? AA's published pre-purchase inspection is an automotive check and has a stated vehicle-weight limit. It is not a motorhome habitation or moisture assessment.
Ask for written disclosure
A private motor-vehicle seller does not operate under the same disclosure and consumer-law framework as a licensed real-estate professional selling a house. Make the questions explicit and retain the answers.
- Any current or previous water ingress, moisture readings or structural repair
- Non-standard or non-compliant electrical, gas, plumbing or body work
- Accidents, insurance claims, rental use or overseas history
- Appliances or systems that do not operate correctly
- Weight upgrades, modifications and the vehicle's actual loaded weight
- Parts currently required, ordered, substituted or unavailable
Conditions before money becomes unconditional
- Independent assessments satisfactory to the buyer
- Finance and insurance confirmed
- Ownership, security-interest and identity checks
- Written inclusions, faults and agreed repairs
- Certification and roadworthiness documents verified
- Test drive and every habitation system demonstrated