Gear & Device Recommendations
The right hardware makes a noticeable difference on a full-day inspection.
Use a Tablet When You Can
RVi works on any modern smartphone, but a tablet is the better tool for a professional inspection. An inspection involves a lot of information on screen simultaneously—item lists, statuses, photos, and notes—and a larger display lets you see more at a glance, tap more accurately while wearing gloves or working in tight spaces, and review photos without squinting.
A tablet also makes the post-inspection pass significantly faster. Reviewing photos and entering serial numbers, dates, and model numbers on a full-size screen is much less tedious than hunting through thumbnail-sized images on a phone.
Your phone works fine and is always the right choice when it's what you have. But if you're investing in your setup, a tablet is worth it.
Plan Your Internet Access
RVi is cloud-native, so reliable internet access is part of your kit just like your flashlight and ladder. The good news: you have several easy options and most inspection scenarios already have one covered.
- Phone hotspot — The simplest option. Turn your phone into a hotspot and connect your tablet. Works well wherever you have a decent cell signal.
- Cellular-capable tablet — If you invest in a tablet, consider one with built-in cellular. No separate hotspot needed, and one less device to manage on-site.
- Site WiFi — Many dealerships, RV lots, and campgrounds have WiFi available. Worth asking before the inspection day.
- Personal Starlink or mobile router — For inspectors who work in remote locations regularly, a portable Starlink or dedicated mobile hotspot device is a worthwhile investment.
Check your connectivity plan before arriving at the site—not after. A few minutes of preparation eliminates the most common day-of headache.
Bring a Way to Charge
A thorough RV inspection can mean capturing several hundred photos—sometimes approaching a thousand—while staying connected to the cloud for the duration of the job. That's a significant battery load, especially on a warm day when your display is on continuously.
We recommend:
- A high-capacity portable battery pack (20,000 mAh or more) for all-day coverage
- A short charging cable that stays out of the way while you work
- Charged and ready before you leave—don't rely on the inspection site for power
Running out of battery mid-inspection is avoidable. A $30 battery pack eliminates that risk entirely.