First time RV'er information needed.

[Christopherhead]

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.

[neal10a]

Remember when you take delivery people are generally on an emotional high and the dealers take advantage of that emotion in many ways. So stay calm cool and collected like playing poker.

[sbergherr]

What a great list, thanks for posting. Need to print that off as we are to pick up our new 5er sometime in the next month or so.

[ChuckV1]

If your PDI is less than 4 hours you have not done a sufficient PDI,

Here is a list I put together for a users group, I know I more than likely there is more but this covers the basic's

Safe Travels

--------------------------------------
(On the outside)

1. look at the trailer skin really close to make sure there is no bubbles an the decals are not peeling...

2. look directly at the wheels kneeing about 4ft away an looking toward the rear (thus if an axle is bent
you will see the tires out of line)

2. Look at date on tires an make sure they are current within the year or past year you are buying the
trailer (When I say current I mean within 5 or 6 months)

3. open an close door latches to the storage area's to make sure they close, when doing such check to
make sure the seals around the storage doors are not falling off or down or missing ...

4. Make sure your battery or batteries are up to date an connections/terminals are clean ...

5. When looking at the water panel make them explain how it functions an do not let them move on to
anything else until you are sure you know how your water system functions (take notes) ...

6. Make sure tech shows you how to operate the hot water system works, including the black switch
on the hot water tank ...

7. Make sure that the Tech explains all the pull functions of the fresh water an black water tanks
( If two or three pull handles make them explain which is which an do not move on till you are sure
you know of each)

8. When the tech is explaining the leveling system in detail, do not let them operate the system ask
them to let you do it (sort of a hands on). Both you an your husband operate the leveling system
till you are happy you know how it works, Do not let them rush you on the leveling system !!!!!

9. If you have the One touch control by LCI open an close an open the slides multiple before going
into the trailer an make sure they are opening an closing all the way ...

Note: If your trailer has a APP
Make sure they show you the APP if there is one for your trailer to operate the leveling system
an let them load it on your phone an make sure it works if there is one !!!!

10. Makes sure all the lights in the storage area, tail an marker lights work an are there, make them
turn them on an show you they work (Storage light can be done on your walk around, marker an tail
light can be done at hook up)...

11. make the tech show you how to extend an retract all awnings, make sure there is cut's, holes etc
in the awnings while extended. (make sure they show you an let you operate all the switches for the
awnings)

12. Ask for a creeper an make sure that all the panels under the trailer a sucure an not hanging down ..
Note: you will need the creeping later on when checking under trailer while water is running to see
if the is any water leaks ...

13. Bring a level, check the level of the trailer once setup an the LCI auto level states the trailer is level
using the auto leveling. If trailer is not level the ask the Tech to zero the leveling system using the LCI
manual

14. Do not let them winterize your trailer before you get there to do you PDI, if at the end of
the camping season in your area have them winterize your trailer after you do your PDI ...
Note: they should not charge you to winterize your trailer after a PDI, this should be an automatic
function as a perk for buying such used or new either one...

15. If winterized before leaving the dealer make sure fresh water an hot water tanks are empty ! !


Inside the trailer (slides open)

1. Check all walls for any bubbles or loose or water damage along with ceilings (brown spots may
mean water damage)...

2. Check all trim that it not loose or falling off or screws hanging out

3. Check all lights to make they are working including awning lights an again were all switchs are...
Note: if tech dozen't know what a switch is or it fubction have him or her find someone who knows
what that switchs function is, (Do not take I do not know but I'll call you later with the answer,
say I'll wait till you find someone now while we are hear !! )

4. Check chair for rips, holes an that there is all the cushions for all furniture

5. check floor for softness or loose

6. Check the seals on the slides that they are against the wall an fulling open

7. have the tech slightly close each slide an inspect the inside slide seal for rips, holes etc

8. check all cabinet doors that they will open, close, an are straight an not have loose hinges

9. check all cabinet's that if shelf's are suppose to be there that in fact they are ...

10. Have tech show you how to operate dinning table an if it has a leaf or can be pulled away
from wall an then turned to seat four people ...

11. Make sure if there as sink covers for the kitchen sink they are there.

12. Make sure all water pipes are connected under all sinks an tight, have tech pull on them
while you look on.

13. Have tech turn on the hot water an make sure you get hot on electric an propane, don't take
no for an answer if he or she states we can do that right now because there is no water, tell
them to put water in the unit so you can test it.

14. Turn on all fossets an keep water run while you check under sinks for leaks an let it run for
4 or 5 minutes then check under trailer for water leaks ...

15. Have tech show you the slide assembly in the bed an how to get to the motor an slides.

16. Have tech show multiple times how to operate the Tv or Tv's if you have two both on cable
an on the trailer antenna an where the amplifier switch is for the TV's, if they do not know
tell them to find someone who tell you ...

17. check closest shelf's an make sure it is tight against wall's if there are such...

18. check all draw slide to make sure they are tight in the bedroom an also kitchen an living
area...

19. Make sure that the air conditioner or conditioners if two both work an blow cold air ...

20. make sure heater heats trailer to a comfortable room temperature, check heater will work
on propane as well as electric...

21. If you have solar charge port ask tech to show you the wiring locations an ask to have a
panel hooked up to see that the panel will work !

22. Check all emergency exit windows, that they are correctly fasened will not fall off when
opned. Open an close them a number of times to make sure !

22. make sure your trailer is level when hooked up to your truck, average height for a 5th
wheel should be 6 to 7 inches from bed rail to bottom of the trailer when hooked. For TT
the trailer should be level as much as possible but your tow vehicle may have a slit sag
in the rear but not very much an should be as close level with your TT as possible ...

23. Take your time, the shortest your PDI should take is 4 hours, do not let them rush you.
Remember when you pull off the lot it's yours ! ! !. So make them fix any an everything before
you sign or give them any major money, if they say they cann't till you have sign the paperwork
tell them then you will just have to look elsewhere for a trailer ...

Believe me they won't let you get far, maybe past the door to see if you are really going to
walk. If they do not track you down before you get to you car then they really didn't want to sell you a trailer anyway 🙂

[one_strange_tex]

agesilaus wrote:
Oh yes gas stations, BEFORE you pull in take a careful look at how much room there is to get in and out. If it isn't easy in-and out, then stay out of that station. I only use the outside pumps, never the inside ones. I've seen folks get trapped in those inside pump islands. People will park in front or behind you and your rv, blocking you in.

Good advice. I usually plan my fuel stops ahead of time. I often stick to truck stops since I have a diesel truck and you can usually be sure it will be easier getting in and out. Often I check out my stop on Google Maps' satellite pictures, including the ground level perspective, to verify my entrance and exit.

Walmarts are usually good for restroom, shopping or just leg-stretching breaks. The parking lots usually have room to place your trailer and generally move it around, but the same advice goes about scoping it out with Google Maps. Especially look for a stop light to help you pull out and get back on the road when you leave.

[theoldwizard1]

Christopherhead229 wrote:
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.

Great idea by the dealer and by you accepting the offer.

Make sure they spend time with you showing you how to fill the water tank, hook up to city water and dump the gray and black tanks. How important are TV and internet hook ups ?

Many small items (water pressure regulator, surge protector, etc.) can be bought online for much less money.

[laknox]

All good advice, but one thing I didn't see was DO NOT LET YOURSELF GET DISTRACTED! This means hitching, unhitching and setting up. You start yakking with the guy next to you and you'll sure as heck forget something. I failed on this not long ago, when I helped my old FW's new owner hook up. Forgot to check the d@mn =lights= before he headed off down the road...because I was yakking. This is why I really =should= have a written checklist. :B

Another thing is DO NOT SIGN THE PAPERWORK UNTIL ALL IS DONE TO YOUR SATISFACTION! If the dealer starts hedging around about how/when things will get fixed, then you hedge right back about when you might get around to signing the check/paperwork. The other guys are right, this is when you have the most leverage during the rig's lifetime; don't squander it by being a nice guy. Be a total a-hole if that's what it takes, jut be professional about it. Sorta like a good attorney. :B

Lyle

[fj12ryder]

justme wrote:
DO NOT take delivery until you are COMPLETLY satisfied after your PDI regardless what the dealer tells you. The PDI is the time you have the most leverage as well as being very important.

I was thinking that too, but the OP says the RV has been purchased so I assumed that the deal was done, and most leverage is gone.

[jarata1]

agesilaus wrote:
I hope your statement that you have two days to find any problem isn't what it sounds like. That after two days you are on your own. Because as Two Hands points out problems will pop up after you've used the rv for awhile.

Do you want them to camp out only at the dealer then

[md_procouple]

Our Thoughts... Take your time, your not going to learn everything in a few outings, everybody here started out in the same position as you. It takes time and patience, and if others care to admit it, they still make mistakes, I know we do on occasions, and we have over 25 yrs. of camping, from pop ups to our 5'er. The main thing is remember that is suppose to be FUN, mistakes will be made, learn from them. Good Luck and Happy Camping !!!

[justme]

DO NOT take delivery until you are COMPLETLY satisfied after your PDI regardless what the dealer tells you. The PDI is the time you have the most leverage as well as being very important.

[ACZL]

Record your walk-thru upon pick up of coach (if dealer will allow it--as they should) and play it back later to watch as you'll forget something. Once to leave the dealers lot, find an empty vacant parking lot to practice turning/ backing. Good idea as well to have the Mrs do the same thing just in case she has to drive/ back into a site or spot along the road. OP didn't mention if you owned a short or long bed truck, but watch your turns (especially if a short bed w/o a sliding hitch ) and no cut/radius corners on the RV as they will hit the back window of the truck. If all else fails, pull forward and try again.

[Campinfan]

Have a checlklist for hitching and unhitching. If you cannot find one, send me a private message and I will send you one. I sent one via email to another member last week or so. I printed mine off, laminated it and keep it in the console of my truck. I pull it out EVERYTIME I hitch and unhitch. I don't want to miss a step...that could be costly.

[Christopherhead]

All of this is great advice and truly much appreciated. I will take this advice and we will do our best. It's good to know that if I do run into any minor problems I have all you great people to turn to. Thanks again guys.

[agesilaus]

midnightsadie wrote:
#1 stay calm ,cool and things are gonna happen, never get in a rush, thats when you,ll forget something, copy all the advice given and you,ll be just fine.

Double ditto on that. I've learned to take it slow, check and double check before any maneuvers. Be over cautious when you are starting out, going around corners in towns is a learning experience. You will come to appreciate the problems semi truck drivers have.

Oh yes gas stations, BEFORE you pull in take a careful look at how much room there is to get in and out. If it isn't easy in-and out, then stay out of that station. I only use the outside pumps, never the inside ones. I've seen folks get trapped in those inside pump islands. People will park in front or behind you and your rv, blocking you in. Also learn to be paranoid about any over any overhangs, tree limbs included. Forget about drive thrus in fast food joints, park in the back and walk in. I feel like Polonius, heh.

I also get the wife out to walk me into tight spaces like campground slots. Having someone watching the back of that mobile barn you are hauling around is priceless. Don't be concerned if you have to pull out and try again, much better that, than crushed sheet metal. Some get a pair of walkie talkies to reduce the shouting when doing this tho I guess modern smartphones can replace those.

If you seem to be having a problem helpers will congregate around you from neighboring sites. We are a helpful bunch.