Dealer walk through, what would you do the second time?

I would open/close/try EVERYTHING in the trailer. We bought our HTT used, through a dealer. Found some deficiencies at signing that were suppose to be resolved by the pick up date. Didn't check closely enough and there was a problem with one of the repairs. Wouldn't have been a huge deal, but the dealer is about 3 hours away from us. Also found we had questions about some of the 'how to's' after, but I suppose that part is unavoidable.

Take your time! We just did our PDI on our second new camper since '06. Thought we pretty much knew what was what...not even close. Times have changed, systems have changed, everything is located somewhere different than you're used to. DH and I had pretty much made a plan on what each of us was going to focus on, but that changed once we got started. The tech was very helpful and didn't rush us at all. If you feel rushed, just remind them that this is a big ticket item and you want to be sure you know what's what. Make sure that there is water in the water heater - found that out from our first, which didn't have water already filled. New element from the dealer with apologies. Slide, awning, stove, refrig, oven. Ask that they have some water in the fresh tank and check all the faucets and underneath in cabinets for leaks.

I don't know about overnighting at the dealer's lot, but if there is a CG very, very close, that's where I would plan the first night. We were only about 3 miles away and found a couple of minor things, so we called that afternoon, made a quick stop in the morning and they took care of them right away. You certainly could ask about overnighting. If you have kids, though they may be excited, if you can leave them home, all the better. You'll have enough to deal with signing a zillion papers and then towing a new trailer + figuring out what the heck you've just bought. Plan a Camp Driveway ASAP for them. It's an exciting and fun time....once you get a couple of Tylenol for that headache and maybe a glass or two and a few minutes to relax. Enjoy, the rest is easy(ier).

Thanks for all the great suggestions. We set up four hours with tech and i started an excel list for shakedown. I assume all appliances will also be demonstrated, do they hook up power or just show you where to push, ignite etc...? We have a local state park planned for the weekend (within 10 miles) last question, is there a need to use a seam sealer on tent stitching?

Thanks!

2012 Tacoma DCLB
225T Surveyor

I agree with the video thing. Or at least note EVERYTHING they tell you. The most important info they give you is for the just in case stuff that you probably won't run into until a year or two later. Then you have forgotten the instructions. Like the manual slide operation and such.

phenrichs wrote:
I agree with the video thing. Or at least note EVERYTHING they tell you. The most important info they give you is for the just in case stuff that you probably won't run into until a year or two later. Then you have forgotten the instructions.

Like the manual slide operation

and such.

X2.
I can't keep count on how MANY campers I have helped put their slide in when something mechanical/electrical went wrong, because they did NOT know HOW to put the slide in manually!

Nothing needed for the seams other than some water. The thread that's used swells when it gets wet the first time and fills in any little needle holes. If it's not a rainy day (Yea!!), just take the water hose and give them a quick rinse off and let air dry. If you see a drip or two inside not to panic.

I would actually do one. We had ours delivered and did not have an opportunity to walk through. It wasn't even offered to us...they delivered it filthy with bird droppings all over the tents. We love the Aerolite, but this is the last unit I'll ever buy from Best RV in Turlock. I will gladly pay extra elsewhere given the lack of response from the dealer post-sale.

I reccomend setting a time so as to give the dealer time to have all appliances working and do a check for water and hoank leaks. Ask for a soak down and interior pressure test to search out leaks. You will find a few. Be sure you get all the hoses, cords adaptors etc you paid for. I have done this on my last purchase and was glad I did.

Have the water System pressurized and make sure it all works, especially the outside shower.
And spend the first nite nearby, in case other issues pop up.

It's home! My wife took pictures and notes the entire review, we saved video on the ipad of each componet and towing set up. Towing with WDH and Sway control was calm but not too fast, raining heavy on way home. One question that we have is running the hot water heater on Gas vs. electric, my guess is quicker recovery on gas but using the CG's electric would have some upside on saving LP. Anyone notice a difference between the 2 systems in performance?

BTW- the tech was awesome and spent over 4 hours no concern or question left by the time we were ready to leave.