The lost art of PDI and test drives...
I've read several threads lately on this and other RV Forums where {usually} new owners are bemoaning various issues with their RV. Certain manufacturers get routinely trashed because the new rig wasn't what they ordered or had a host of obvious problems from day one. One complaineer was mad because they ordered all stainless steel appliances and did not get them. I understand being mad, frustrated, irritated etc you should be if you do not get exactly the rig you wanted. But why I have to ask, did they accept delivery of coach that clearly was not what they purchased?
The PDI is probably your most valuable tool in "preparing" to close the deal and go home a happy camper. Often we read a list of things that don't work properly {the bedroom TV, Microwave, generator, electrical outlets, water heater etc.} that, had they been tested during the PDI, the problems would have been disclosed before their hard earned money was handed over to the seller.
Every system in the rig should be run and tested for performance during the PDI. This can and probably should take hours. Video everything they show you which will be invaluable when you are trying to use these systems and to show the dealer/manufacturer should problems arise down the line.
Manufacturers warranties, often handled by the selling dealer have a long history of being problematic so why go there? If the rig is not right and the dealer cannot/will not make it right "Run Forrest Run!"
Others complain about the ride and handling, wind noise, rattles etc., the list is endless. This got me to wondering... doesn't anyone do a thorough test ride anymore? Why would anyone consider anything less than hour on a variety of roads a valid test drive? Did you get out on the Interstate where big rig trucks can pass to see what effect {if any} they have? Try merging onto a highway with a short on ramp? Try pulling into and out of a tight gas station, how does it handle the driveways, what are your sight lines like etc?
If a motorhome or any trailer for that matter, does not ride, handle or tow well on the test drive it will not get one bit better on its own. Folks then become obsessed with adding aftermarket, big buck accessories to "cure" these perceived problems. Often the solution is to simply weigh the rig, air up the tires to the proper PSI for the load they are expected to carry and perhaps throw in an alignment {which the dealer should pay for...but I digress}.
I think most manufactureres do a decent job but I have never heard of a coach, any coach, that came off the showroom floor perfect and ready to roll. There will ALWAYS be issues that need to be addressed.
Unfortunately for the first time buyers who come here to rant and complain no one was out there to impress upon them the importance of quality time spent during the PDI and the need for a thorough test drive. I've never had the thrill of buying new {always bought used but the same lessons still apply} it must be quite a rush as so many do it but to have that experience ruined due to issues with the rig must be maddening.
So what say you folks? How long was your PDI/Test drive? What issues did you discover and how helpful was the dealer/manufacturer in addressing them? What {if anything} would you do differently?
:h
The PDI is probably your most valuable tool in "preparing" to close the deal and go home a happy camper. Often we read a list of things that don't work properly {the bedroom TV, Microwave, generator, electrical outlets, water heater etc.} that, had they been tested during the PDI, the problems would have been disclosed before their hard earned money was handed over to the seller.
Every system in the rig should be run and tested for performance during the PDI. This can and probably should take hours. Video everything they show you which will be invaluable when you are trying to use these systems and to show the dealer/manufacturer should problems arise down the line.
Manufacturers warranties, often handled by the selling dealer have a long history of being problematic so why go there? If the rig is not right and the dealer cannot/will not make it right "Run Forrest Run!"
Others complain about the ride and handling, wind noise, rattles etc., the list is endless. This got me to wondering... doesn't anyone do a thorough test ride anymore? Why would anyone consider anything less than hour on a variety of roads a valid test drive? Did you get out on the Interstate where big rig trucks can pass to see what effect {if any} they have? Try merging onto a highway with a short on ramp? Try pulling into and out of a tight gas station, how does it handle the driveways, what are your sight lines like etc?
If a motorhome or any trailer for that matter, does not ride, handle or tow well on the test drive it will not get one bit better on its own. Folks then become obsessed with adding aftermarket, big buck accessories to "cure" these perceived problems. Often the solution is to simply weigh the rig, air up the tires to the proper PSI for the load they are expected to carry and perhaps throw in an alignment {which the dealer should pay for...but I digress}.
I think most manufactureres do a decent job but I have never heard of a coach, any coach, that came off the showroom floor perfect and ready to roll. There will ALWAYS be issues that need to be addressed.
Unfortunately for the first time buyers who come here to rant and complain no one was out there to impress upon them the importance of quality time spent during the PDI and the need for a thorough test drive. I've never had the thrill of buying new {always bought used but the same lessons still apply} it must be quite a rush as so many do it but to have that experience ruined due to issues with the rig must be maddening.
So what say you folks? How long was your PDI/Test drive? What issues did you discover and how helpful was the dealer/manufacturer in addressing them? What {if anything} would you do differently?
:h
