Motorhome inspection and pre-trip check bay

Run a small covered bay where owners bring motorhomes for full condition checks before buying, selling or a big trip.

Startup costA$15k to A$60k
Monthly revenueA$4k to A$15k
Time needed25+ h/week
First incomeMonths
  • A$15k-60k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
  • Licence or permit needed

Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.

What it is

A rented shed or workshop unit set up for inspecting larger vehicles, with space, lighting and a pit or hoist if possible. You offer pre-purchase reports, pre-trip safety checks and condition reports for owners selling or insuring.

Your first three steps

  1. Look at units with high roller doors and enough length and height for motorhomes, and check zoning and council approval for the use
  2. Price up the equipment you need, such as lighting, moisture meter, brake and tyre tools, and a diagnostic scanner, and get insurance quotes
  3. Offer dealers and RV hire companies a trial batch of inspections at a lower price to build regular work
Who pays

Motorhome buyers and sellers, owners heading off on long trips, small dealers and RV hire operators.

How it makes money

Fixed fees for each inspection type, with repeat work from dealers and hire fleets, and referrals to repairers for any faults you find.

Skills that help
  • RV or heavy vehicle mechanical knowledge
  • Detailed written reports
  • Dealing with dealers and hire operators
  • Running a small premises
Watch out for
  • Council or planning approval for the premises and the type of work
  • Check whether your state needs a motor vehicle repairer licence if you start doing repairs, not just inspections
  • Public liability, professional indemnity and insurance for vehicles in your care
  • Rent and fixed costs, so make sure bookings can cover them before signing a lease
  • Workers compensation insurance once you hire staff

Deep research report · Australia

Everything you need to start: motorhome inspection and pre-trip check bay

Researched with live web search for Australia: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.

  • Startup costs with real prices
  • Licences, registration and rules
  • Pricing: what others charge
  • Break-even example
  • Finding your first customers
  • 30-day launch plan
  • Risks and how to reduce them
Ready in about 2 minutes · one-off payment, tax included

See a full sample report

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to open a motorhome inspection bay?

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on the premises, equipment such as lighting or a hoist, and insurance. Make sure bookings can cover rent and fixed costs before you sign a lease.

How much can a motorhome inspection workshop earn?

Estimates suggest monthly revenue typically around $4,000 to $15,000, depending on how many pre-purchase reports and pre-trip checks you complete and what you charge. These estimates assume at least about 25 hours a week.

What approvals should I check before opening a motorhome inspection workshop?

Check council or planning approval for the premises and type of work. Check whether your state needs a motor vehicle repairer licence if you start doing repairs, not just inspections. Also check public liability, professional indemnity, insurance for vehicles in your care, and workers compensation once you hire staff.

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