Where can I get a free RV history report?

By Elaine Knight
Page last updated: 08/09/2022 | Next review date: 08/09/2024
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Elaine Knight
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In this blog post, we will answer the following question: Where can I get a free RV history report? We will guide you through three simple ways of getting a history report on the RV you plan on acquiring. 

Where can I get a free RV history report?

There are a variety of services you can use to get a free and complete RV history report, but you will need the vehicle’s VIN first. 

Your RV VIN can be found in the following places:

  1. On the bottom right corner of each window;
  2. On the RV chassis, often on the A-frame;
  3. And in your RV’s logbook (if there is one). 

Obtaining a VIN report (history report) is especially important if you buy an RV through Craigslist or eBay, for example, and there are no dealerships that offer free access to payment sites like RVFAX, AutoCheck, or autoDNA.com.

Get a free RV history report from the NICB

The National Insurance Crimes Bureau (NICB.org) makes it easy for you with their VIN vehicle identification number verification tool. The site will tell you if your vehicle has been:

  • Reported as lost or stolen
  • Recovered
  • Declared a total loss after an accident

This is the most basic completely free vehicle identification number check you can get. This site is limited to five searches in a 24 hour period per IP address.

Get a free RV history report from VehicleHistory

For a more comprehensive VIN search, VehicleHistory is a free option that provides other data such as fuel economy, cost of ownership, and price analysis.

Other things you’ll get in this free VIN search include:

  • Sales history
  • Current withdrawal information
  • Detailed list of manufacturers’ warranties expiration
  • Price predictions on the best time to buy a particular make and model

Get a free RV history report with iSeeCars

iSeeCars offers an excellent vehicle identification number report. With the analysis of 200 different points. Includes the following:

  • Price analysis
  • Price history
  • Projected depreciation
  • The best times to buy and sell

How to decipher the VIN number of your RV

Vehicle identification numbers (VINs) come in two lengths: 17 characters or 11 characters. Every motor vehicle on the road today has a unique VIN.

Although the VIN may seem like a meaningless string of numbers, there are some keys to understanding it. Below you will find the meaning of each number:

  • The first character of your VIN indicates the country of origin.
  • The second and third characters indicate the manufacturer and division.
  • Characters from fourth to eighth indicate vehicle description, safety, and engine type.
  • The ninth character is the manufacturer’s security code.
  • The tenth character tells you the model year of the vehicle.
  • The eleventh character is the assembly plant identifier.
  • Characters 12-17 are the sequential plant number/vehicle serial number.

Important advice when buying a used RV

Now that we have explained three ways to get a free VIN report, it is likely that you are thinking about buying a used RV. According to personal finance experts, getting a used vehicle can be a smart move for your wallet. However, it is a path that can also bring complications.

Here’s what to do after getting a free vehicle history report and before purchasing:

  1. Have a trusted mechanic check the vehicle. It’s possible that a free Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) check can turn out clean, accident-free, even though the RV has had major repairs.

If the landlord pays for the repairs out of his pocket instead of making a report to the insurance, it is very likely that this information will not be reflected in the VIN report. So, we recommend that you use these reports as one more tool, but do not think that the information is 100% accurate.

To really have peace of mind when shopping for a used vehicle, the most important thing is to hire an independent mechanic to take a look at it before you go out of business.

The reality is that all second-hand RVs are sold “as is,” either by a private seller or a licensed dealer unless they come with a written warranty. Also, the seller is not required by law to be honest. on the state of the vehicle.

For that reason, one of the key rules to keep in mind when buying used RVs is getting an inspection from a certified diagnostic mechanic before finalizing the purchase. If you leave a deposit on the vehicle, be sure to put it in writing that the seller will return it to you if the RV is not serviced. Used RV sales experts say you’ll eliminate nine out of ten used RV buying disasters this way.

When looking for an independent mechanic, you should see the ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certification. Garages that participate in what is called the Blue Seal program typically have the most trained ASE certified mechanics. Visit the ASE.com portal to find one near you.

  1. Beware of hidden flood damage: After any major hurricane or widespread flood, you need to be very vigilant as many flooded vehicles enter the used RV market. After Hurricane Katrina, hundreds of thousands of vehicles were rebuilt and their records “washed,” experts say.

It is after these natural disasters that dishonest people take flooded vehicles to certain states where they can easily modify titles. This eliminates any evidence that a vehicle was ever in a flood. RVs with washed titles can be sold to dealers who don’t know or don’t mind buying flooded vehicles.

These RVs often end up in the hands of illegal salesmen who run advertisements in the newspaper. They pretend they are selling their sister’s or mother’s RV to hide the real condition of the RV. About 20% of these RVs go to unsuspecting people abroad. Experts indicate that the other 80% stay in the United States.

At first glance, there is no way of knowing what is wrong with these RVs. But you will know you have a flood RV when you come across faulty electrical systems throughout the vehicle.

Again, it all comes down to needing a good diagnostic mechanic to thoroughly inspect the RV before you buy it.

Get a free RV history report: conclusions

Getting a free RV history report from the sites we’ve recommended is a great first step when considering buying a used RV. In fact, you may want to check the VIN on all three providers and see what comes out.

All the data you get from the free VIN reports should match that of other providers. If there is no match, it is an important sign that the vehicle has been counterfeited, and before this, you should stop the process of buying the RV.

Please feel free to get in contact if you have any comments, tips or questions about the content. 

FAQ on Free RV history report

Where is the chassis number on a caravan?

The chassis number on a caravan is either printed on a window or underside of a caravan’s A-Frame. And, of course, this number must coincide with the one that appears on the papers or on the technical sheet.

Where can I find the VIN?

The VIN can be found by checking from the front on the panoramic glass or windshield, on the driver’s side. It is on a plate attached to the board or cluster. If you don’t find it legible there, then you can check for the driver’s side door sill.

Why is it important to know the VIN number of your caravan?

The first thing to know is that the serial number or chassis number is printed on the underside of a caravan. And, of course, this number must coincide with the one that appears on the papers or the technical sheet. Why is it important to keep this in mind? We are talking about caravans that do not exceed 1,650 lbs. 

What is the chassis number for?

The chassis number allows vehicles to be identified, with a unique number assigned to them. This is essential when buying or leasing a vehicle for a long period of time, and must be visible for any possible roadside checks by the police, or during a technical check.

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