What should I check before buying an RV repair shop?

An RV repair shop earns from labour, parts and sometimes storage. It does not carry unit inventory or a floor plan, so the review looks different from a dealership’s. Your job is to find out whether the shop keeps working after the owner leaves, whether the building suits the work, and whether the income arrives all year or in a rush. Start with the people.

Technicians and their tickets

Ask for a list of technicians, how long each has been there and what certifications each holds. Find out who does the diagnostic work and who is only in the shop for the busy months. If one technician carries the hard jobs and may leave, ask what happens to the hard jobs if that technician leaves. Talk to the staff when the seller agrees, and ask what they expect after a sale.

Bays, lifts and premises

Large units need height, width and floor strength. Walk the shop with a tape and check door openings, lifts, hoists and any outside work area. Ask whether the lease allows the work and how long it runs. Ask who owns the equipment, and whether any of it is financed or leased.

Warranty work and authorizations

Many shops do paid warranty work for manufacturers and dealers. Ask which authorizations the shop holds, whether they stay with the shop after a sale, and how quickly claims are paid. A shop that relies on one dealer for most of its work has a different risk from one with a broad customer base.

Seasons, storage and parts

Look at bookings and invoices month by month, including the spring backlog and any quiet winter. If the shop stores units, check the agreements and the insurance. Count the parts stock yourself and ask how much is old or special-order only.

For the equipment side, see how to assess equipment condition.