RV’s or recreational vehicles include trailers, motorhomes and fifth wheels. RV campsites are popular for guests, temporary housing, Seasonal housing, camping business and more. This article concerns Recreational Vehicles or RV’s. Manufactured Homes are discussed here. We do not inspect RV’s but can inspect the utilities upon request– keep in mind that recreational vehicles do not appraise in a real estate transaction and may or may not convey, however there may be some appraised value in the campsite, utilities or the permanent improvements. An appraiser or real estate lending institution can be consulted for more information.
Mobile Homes– Mobile homes generally refer to a structure built on a metal chassis or trailer and built before June 1976 (not constructed according to HUD regulations). Mobile homes are considered personal property like a Recreational Vehicle. Mobile homes do not appraise in real estate transactions and are not mortgageable.
Trailers- Trailers are considered recreational vehicles. They do not appraise and are not mortgageable.
Single Wide Trailers — built before 1976 are generally considered Mobile homes. They do not appraise and are not mortgageable.
Tiny Homes— These are generally considered RV’s. They do not appraise and are not mortgageable. See Tiny Homes.
Park Model RV— These are generally considered RV’s. They do not appraise in real estate transactions and are not mortgageable.
Manufactured Homes (Not an RV) — Manufactured homes are regulated by HUD, are appraised differently than other homes, and are mortgageable.
Modular Homes— (Not an RV) Modular Homes are appraised and built to the same requirements as traditional site-built homes and are mortgageable.
RV’s and County Regulations
Check with your county for more information about RV’s
- Parking an RV on your property
- Renting an RV on your property
- Living in an RV on your property
- Allowing guests or family to stay in an RV on your property
Buncombe County Regulations on Tiny Homes or RV’s
Here in Buncombe County these regulations apply to RV’s:
- Short Term Vacation Rentals are not permitted
- Allowed in Zoning districts R3, PS, CR and OU
- Can be lived in for 180 days or less per calendar year
RV Utilities or ‘Full Hookups’
Water, Sewage and Electrical set-ups for RV’s are commonly referred to as ‘Full Hookups’. What do full hookups look like? Anyone who has experience with RV camping knows that full hookups could be as simple as a 30 amp plug fastened to a 4×4 post for power, a 4 inch PVC drain pipe for septic, and a frost resistant hydrant with hose connection for water service– we will discuss these utilities more below. When we discuss inspecting the utilities for RV’s they are considered separately from the electrical and plumbing systems inside the RV.
RV Temporary Power (Sub-panel)
Most RV’s will typically have their own 30 or 50 amp sub-panel located somewhere inside and a power or extension cord that can connect to a Temporary Power source or an exterior sub-panel. The exterior panel that provides temporary power to the RV is typically fastened to a post, detached building, or the main house. All electrical sub-panels located outside should be labeled Type 3 and corrosion resistant.
A note on the Ampacity or ‘Amp’ rating
Ampacity refers to the maximum load a system can safely handle. The ampacity of a sub-panel is typically limited by the thickness of the wires, the rating of the panel, and the distance of the service wires. These calculations are best performed by a licensed electrician.
Typical Amp Requirements:
Modern homes — 200 amp
Townhomes/Condos/ Smaller homes — 150 amp
Older Single Family Homes from the 60s/70s — 100 amp
Older Single Family Homes 50s/60s — 60 amp
Larger RV or Tiny Home– 50 amp
Smaller RV or Tiny Home – 30 amp
Dryer/Range – 30 amp
Typical extension cord or smaller electrical circuit for home (8 typical outlets) – 15 amp
Inspecting RV Temporary Power Sub-Panels:
Best Practice Power Installations:
- Minimum of 30 amp. A Sub-panel that has a 30 and a 50 amp plug with GFCI outlet would be even better.
- Breakers, panel and wiring should be properly labeled, sized and rated
- Modern sub-panels require a 4 wire cable — 2 hots, 1 neutral, and 1 ground (rather than 3 wires)
- Neutral and ground wires should be isolated or not connected to the same bus bar or panel
- Conduit, or protective tubes, should be used to protect the service wire from damage (below panels and underground).
Common Temporary Power sub-panel defects:
- No sub panel present– wire or extension cord only. (This is an electrical and safety hazard and can damage wiring, appliances and other components) — full upgrade/replacement may be needed
- 3 wire service only – recommend an additional driven grounding rod at exterior sub-panel to provide an equipment ground
- Neutrals and grounds not isolated – generally an easy fix
- Breakers not compatible with panel – generally an easy fix
- Corroded panel due to high humidity – this is unsafe and the panel and breakers should be replaced
- Missing conduits – selective repairs or a full upgrade may be needed
- Service line not buried deep enough to prevent possible damage – full upgrade/replacement will be needed
- Under-sized service wires – full upgrade/replacement will be needed
RV Water Service and Septic/Sewer Systems
Inspecting RV Septic/Sewer Systems
The seller should be asked for the Operations Permit of any on-site wastewater or septic system. A septic inspection company or sewer scope inspection company can be consulted to learn more about the septic/sewer systems.
Best Practice Water Service and Septic/Sewer Installation:
- Permitted and professionally installed
- Water service line should be buried below the frost line with 14 gauge trace wire to help with location
- 3″ or 4″ Schedule 40 PVC waste lines with adequate slope to septic/sewer
- Frost resistant self-draining Hydrant for water service
Common Water Service and Septic/Sewer Defects:
- Un-permitted — check with city/county planning
- Water service line that is not buried below the frost line and subject to freezing/bursting – full replacement needed
- Waste line exits to yard not the sewer/septic system – full replacement needed
- Septic system is not designed to accommodate additional septic load of detached building – check with city/county planning
- Issues with the septic/sewer system– inadequate, undersized, deteriorating, damaged pipes, backing up, etc…
RV Parking Area or Campsite
Best Practice Parking or Campground Accommodations
- Well-draining compacted soil, gravel or hard-surface parking and lounge area
- Covered areas and other structures should be well constructed and well-maintained
- Good access and turn-around areas
- Driveway should not be too steep
- Full hookups (water, septic/sewer, and 30/50 amp electrical service)
Asheville RV Campground Inspectors
Builder Buddy is your resource for RV Campground Inspections in the Asheville area. We also provide RV Campground Septic Inspections, RV Campground Water Testing, and RV Campground Well Inspections. Schedule online or call with questions.
