Forum Discussion

Christopherhead's avatar
Oct 22, 2017

First time RV'er information needed.

Hello all, my wife and just purchased a brand new 5th wheel rv. We are first timers, we have not taken delivery of our rv yet. I have heard so many horror stories about ppl buying an rv and they have nothing but problems once they use it. Being a first timer, I was wondering if you guys could help me out with I formation on what all I should check before taking it off the lot. What extra steps should I take to make sure everything is good to go before we actually take delivery of our RV? The dealership has a rv lot in the back of the property where they will let ppl stay for 2 days so they can teach you everything you need to know about the rv and if you find any flaws you will have that two days to get it looked at and fixed. So that two days will be crucial for us to look for any defects. We will be staying at the RV next weekend 10-27 and 10-28.

Thank you in advance for your time and help in this matter for it is greatly appreciated.
  • Following agesilaus' advice and using a PDI checklist will really help in getting your fiver delivered to you in great condition. However, don't worry yourself sick that you will miss something during the PDI, because you will. And after you make a couple trips you will find other things wrong. No rv is delivered in perfect condition and no rv continues problem free. That's why you have a warranty.
  • First: use every single appliance, operate every switch, and check everything else in or outside the RV. Make sure they show you how to operate everything: awning, tv antenna, jacks, hook and unhook RV, steps, fill and drain tanks, hook up shore power, hot water heater and so on. I'd say take notes but in this age make a video using your phone of them doing all this stuff.

    There are PDI checklists:
    PDI 1


    PDI 2

    A list of lists