Certified RV Inspections in
Des Moines & Ankeny

Trusted Journey RV Inspections | MilTech RV
Trusted Journey RV Inspections by MilTech RV

Know What You’re Buying Before You Buy the RV

Photo-documented pre-purchase RV inspections for travel trailers, fifth wheels, and motorhomes.

Buying across town or across the country? You don’t have to rely on a quick walk-through. We document what we can see, safely operate, and verify before you make the decision.

Schedule Inspection View Example Report Call 515-257-6021
Veteran-Owned • NRVTA-Trained RV Technician • NRVIA Certified RV Inspector • Mobile RV Inspection Service
Inspection Options

Three Levels. Three Different Depths of Inspection.

Choose the level that matches the RV, the purchase risk, and how much detail you want before making a decision.

Essential Safety Inspection

Focused risk screening • 1.5–2.5 hours

Best for budget-conscious buyers, local units, or owners who want a focused look at major safety and condition concerns.

  • Roof and exterior visual condition review
  • Basic interior condition inspection
  • Basic 12V and 120V checks
  • Plumbing function and visible leak checks
  • Appliance and HVAC power-on verification
  • Life-safety equipment review
  • Basic slide operation
  • Major red flags highlighted in the report

Travel Trailer $400 • Fifth Wheel $500 • Motorhome $600

Does not include an LP pressure-drop test or deeper diagnostic testing.

Recommended for Most Buyers

Advanced Buyer Inspection

Comprehensive pre-purchase inspection • 3–5 hours

Best for serious buyers who want a detailed evaluation of the RV before committing to the purchase.

  • Everything in Essential, plus deeper system testing
  • Detailed roof inspection and moisture intrusion scan
  • Full appliance and HVAC operational testing
  • Shore power, converter, and battery checks
  • Pressurized plumbing system leak testing
  • Accessible LP system leak evaluation
  • Detailed slide inspection
  • Leveling-system operational check where equipped
  • Undercarriage, awning, step, and exterior-component inspection
  • Basic motorhome drivetrain visual observations when applicable

Travel Trailer $700 • Fifth Wheel $800 • Motorhome $1,000

Elite Diagnostic Inspection

Advanced inspection + technician-level diagnostics • 5–8+ hours

Best for high-dollar RVs, remote purchases, complex motorhomes, or buyers who want the deepest inspection we offer.

  • Everything in Advanced
  • Thermal imaging and enhanced moisture evaluation
  • Electrical load and voltage-drop testing
  • Battery load testing
  • Detailed HVAC performance measurements
  • Water-system pressure and cycling evaluation
  • Slide controller and synchronization diagnostics
  • Leveling controls, sensors, and system-specific evaluation where applicable
  • Brand- and system-specific known failure-point review
  • Priority repair guidance and estimated costs when reasonably available

Travel Trailer $1,000 • Fifth Wheel $1,200 • Motorhome $1,500

Compare Inspection Levels

What Changes as You Move Up a Tier?

The difference is not just the number of things checked. It is the depth of testing, measurements, diagnostics, and documentation.

Inspection Area Essential Advanced Elite
Best fit Focused safety / condition review Most pre-purchase buyers High-value, complex, or higher-risk purchases
Estimated time 1.5–2.5 hours 3–5 hours 5–8+ hours
Roof & exterior Visual condition review Detailed inspection Detailed + diagnostic evaluation
Moisture / water intrusion Visible concerns only Moisture intrusion scan Enhanced moisture + thermal imaging
Electrical Basic 12V / 120V checks Shore power, converter & battery checks Load & voltage-drop testing
Plumbing Function & visible leaks Pressurized leak testing Pressure behavior & cycling evaluation
LP system Basic review — no pressure-drop test Accessible leak evaluation Detailed accessible evaluation
Appliances & HVAC Power-on / basic function Full operational testing Performance measurements & deeper diagnostics
Slides Basic operation Detailed operational inspection Controller / synchronization diagnostics
Leveling system Visible condition as applicable Operation, controls, jacks & visible leaks Advanced system-specific evaluation where applicable
Undercarriage Basic visible condition as applicable Frame, tanks, visible wiring & running gear observations Detailed condition + targeted diagnostics as applicable
Repair guidance Major red flags Repair recommendations Priority repair guidance + estimated costs when reasonably available
What You Receive

A Report You Can Actually Use

You receive a photo-documented inspection report showing what was inspected, what was observed, what needs attention, and which findings deserve priority.

  • Photos of significant findings
  • Inspector observations and notes
  • Safety concerns and items needing attention
  • Maintenance recommendations
  • General condition observations
  • More detailed measurements and diagnostics as the tier increases
View Example Inspection Report

Findings Are Organized So You Can Prioritize

A detailed RV report can contain a lot of information. The goal is to help you separate a significant safety or repair concern from something that simply needs routine maintenance.

Inspection findings can also give you useful information to discuss with the seller or dealership before the purchase is finalized.

How It Works

You Don’t Have to Be There for the Inspection

Many customers are purchasing from another city or state. When authorized, we can coordinate access with the seller or dealership.

1

Choose Your Tier

Select Essential, Advanced, or Elite based on the RV and the amount of detail you want.

2

Coordinate Access

We work with you, the seller, or the dealership so the RV can be prepared and accessed.

3

Inspect the RV

We inspect the visible, accessible, and safely operable systems included in your selected tier.

4

Review the Report

You receive photos, observations, and findings that help you make the next decision.

Why MilTech RV

Your Inspector Also Works on RVs in the Field

Aron is an NRVTA-trained RV Technician and NRVIA Certified RV Inspector. MilTech RV combines inspection work with real-world mobile RV repair experience.

That matters because problems often first show up as small warning signs — a stain, an unusual sound, inconsistent voltage, weak HVAC performance, abnormal slide movement, or a system that simply does not operate the way it should.

The inspection remains non-invasive, but technician experience helps identify when an observation deserves closer attention.

Motorhomes Add More Systems

Motorhomes may include chassis batteries, generator systems, more tires, engine-compartment observations, drivetrain-related visual checks, and additional motorized components.

An RV inspection is not a substitute for a specialized engine, transmission, or chassis inspection when one is needed.

Before the Inspection

The RV Needs to Be Ready to Operate

To inspect as many systems as possible, the RV should be accessible and prepared for normal operation.

Power & Batteries

Shore power should be available and batteries should be charged so electrical systems and appliances can be operated.

Water & Propane

Water and propane should be available when required by the selected tier so plumbing, appliances, and related systems can be checked.

Access & Controls

Keys, remotes, compartments, slides, awnings, and appliances should be accessible and ready to operate safely.

Important: Systems that are not powered, supplied, accessible, or safe to operate at the time of inspection may be documented as Not Inspected or Not Operational. A return visit may involve an additional charge.
Buyer FAQ

Questions RV Buyers Commonly Ask

Do I need to be present?

No. Many buyers are out of town. When arrangements allow, we can coordinate access with the seller or dealership.

Can you inspect an RV at a dealership?

Yes, when the dealership provides access and the RV can be safely operated for the inspection.

Do you inspect new RVs?

Yes. New RVs can still have missing components, adjustment issues, sealant concerns, appliance problems, or other defects that were not caught during dealer preparation.

Can the report help me negotiate?

The findings may give you information to discuss with the seller or dealership before you finalize the purchase.

Do you road-test motorhomes?

The inspection includes the visual and operational checks listed for the selected tier. A dedicated road test or specialized chassis inspection is not automatically included unless specifically agreed to in advance.

What if water, propane, or power is not available?

Systems that cannot be safely operated because required utilities or access are unavailable may be documented as Not Inspected or Not Operational.

How quickly will I receive the report?

Report delivery time depends on the RV, inspection tier, and complexity of the findings. We will provide an expected delivery time when the inspection is scheduled.

Important Inspection Information

What an RV Inspection Is — and What It Is Not

The inspection is visual, operational, and non-invasive. We inspect visible and accessible components that can be safely operated at the time of inspection.

Panels and major components are not removed or disassembled as part of a normal inspection. Some defects can be hidden, intermittent, inaccessible, or not present while the RV is being inspected.

An inspection is not a warranty, guarantee, appraisal, or prediction of future performance. Additional diagnostics or specialty evaluation may be recommended when appropriate.

Before You Buy the RV, Know What You’re Buying

Choose the inspection level that fits the RV and the decision you are making.

Schedule Inspection View Example Report Call 515-257-6021
Schedule Inspection