Pre purchase van inspection guide

Why a pre purchase van inspection matters

Buying a used van without a structured inspection is like starting a long trip with a fogged windshield. You might make it a few miles, but you will miss the signs that tell you what the road really looks like. A pre purchase van inspection brings clarity by examining mechanical health, structural integrity, and any camper systems added by previous owners or upfitters. The goal is simple: avoid surprises and confirm the van fits your intended use.

An inspection should combine a road test, a mechanical scan, and a detailed visual review. You want to learn how the engine idles, shifts, stops, and cools. You want to document corrosion, leaks, misaligned panels, poor repairs, and improper wiring. If the van is converted, evaluate electrical, plumbing, heating, and ventilation with the same rigor you apply to the drivetrain. A strong report helps you negotiate price and plan future work.

What to check mechanically and structurally

Engine and drivetrain essentials

Start cold if possible. A smooth cold start reveals a lot about compression and sensors. Listen for ticking, knocking, belt squeal, or intake leaks. Watch idle quality, warm up, and cooling fan behavior. Pull diagnostic codes even if the dash is clear since stored codes can hint at intermittent issues. Inspect fluids for contamination or burnt smells. On the road, note transmission shift points, slipping under load, and vibration during acceleration. For all wheel drive or four wheel drive models, test engagement and turning behavior in a safe area. A compression or leak down test can be worthwhile on higher mileage engines.

Brakes and suspension confidence

Brakes should bite evenly and track straight. Pulsation underfoot often means warped rotors. Spongy feel can indicate air or a failing master cylinder. Inspect pad life, rotor condition, caliper operation, and flexible lines. Suspension checks start with bushings, ball joints, and tie rods. Look for torn boots, leaking shocks or struts, and uneven tire wear that points to worn components or poor alignment. On the test drive, listen for clunks over bumps and feel for wandering at highway speed. A laser alignment report post purchase is smart if you see edge wear.

Body, frame, and rust

Rust tells the van’s story. Surface rust is common and manageable. Blistering at wheel arches, rocker panels, rear doors, and under door seals suggests deeper corrosion. Crawl underneath with a light. Examine the frame, spring mounts, pinch welds, and brake line runs. Check for undercoating that hides more than it protects. Look for signs of collision repair like overspray, mismatched fasteners, or waves in long panels. Doors should close with consistent gaps and latches should not stick. Water intrusion is a major concern in vans; lift floor mats and inspect seams for staining, mold smell, or swollen insulation.

Electrical, plumbing, and camper systems audit

House electrical and charging

If the van has a house system, map every circuit. Verify battery age and chemistry, bus bars, fusing, and wire gauge. Confirm proper charging via alternator, shore power, and solar. Test the inverter under real loads such as induction cooktops or heaters. Loose grounds, mixed metal lugs, and unfused battery leads are red flags. A tidy, labeled system is often a sign of careful work, while tangled runs or household extension cords signal risk.

Water, heat, and gas

Pressurize the water system and watch for leaks at fittings and pumps. Test the water heater and confirm temperature controls. Inspect tanks for secure mounting and venting. For propane, check regulator age, hose condition, and appliance flame quality. Ensure gas lines are protected from abrasion and have shutoff valves accessible. Diesel heaters should be mounted correctly with clean combustion air paths and sealed exhausts. Any fuel smell inside the van is a stop sign until resolved.

Interior build quality and safety

Open every cabinet and drawer. Hardware should close securely and not rattle on rough roads. Seek solid anchoring for furniture, beds, and bulkheads. Fasteners must land in metal structure or through proper inserts, not thin paneling alone. Confirm ventilation for cooking and sleeping, and that smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are present and within date. Seat and belt modifications require careful verification. Loose swivels, untested jump seats, or poorly mounted child seats are unacceptable risks.

Paperwork, codes, and test drive strategy

Ask for service records, parts receipts, and any build documentation. A van with regular fluid changes and documented repairs will usually outlive a low mileage van with unknown history. Scan for codes before and after the test drive. Plan your route to include city streets, highway merges, long steady climbs, and braking from speed. Park on a clean surface and look for leaks after the drive. Finish with a list of defects, estimated costs, and a decision point where price reflects condition.

When to walk away

Multiple safety issues, severe rust, or hacked wiring can turn a bargain into a burden. If the core platform is compromised, it is better to keep shopping than to sink funds into a weak foundation.

Smart negotiating

Use your inspection report to request repairs or reduce price. Bring quotes for major items like timing components, tires, or brake overhauls to keep the conversation grounded in facts.

Plan for upgrades

Even a solid van may need tires, suspension refresh, or power system updates. Budget for these items so your first trip feels confident, not compromised.

Looking for expert eyes before you commit? OZK Customs performs comprehensive evaluations and then helps you map the next steps. Explore our Recreational adventure vans, see our Custom van builds, or consider Mainstream vans that finance if you want a vetted platform.

What we do: complete custom builds, partial upfits, and platform sourcing for adventure travel and daily utility. Tell us how you roll, and we will align the platform, inspection, and build plan to fit your routes and your gear.

Ready to buy with confidence? Start with an OZK pre purchase evaluation, then decide to build, upfit, or select a platform from our lineup. Share a few details and our team will follow up with a clear, step by step plan to get you on the road.