New 5th wheel coming: Topics to cover during PDI?

[breeno]

So we're picking up our new 5th wheel Friday. I've been thinking through getting the most out of the PDI session (recording video, taking notes, etc) time and thought I'd post ask:

Do you have any "oh yeah, don't forget to ask about !" topics we should bring up during PDI?

Thanks!

[thomasmnile]

Like others posted, look up, down, over, under, inside, and out, at everything. Make sure you are shown and check the operation of every system, every appliance in the rig. Ideally, the dealer will have the unit prepared for your inspection as if you were at a full hookup campsite and the refrigerator will be in operation, with thermometers in both freezer and fridge sections (our trailer was even hooked up to sewer for the PDI). And most of all, take your time, even if the dealer tries to rush you. When we bought our new TT, I told the tech while I was familiar with RV's (we had a fifth wheel), I wasn't familiar with THIS RV! Our total time at the dealer for PDI: Just under 4 hours, plus another hour and a half for hitch install and adjustment. The dealer's staff did a great job and we left satisfied customers.

And, if the weather permits in your area, take it out to a nearby campground if open, for weekend shakedown cruise, in case anything did escape your attention at the PDI. Most important, enjoy! 🙂

[ol_Bombero-JC]

breeno wrote:
So we're picking up our new 5th wheel Friday. I've been thinking through getting the most out of the PDI session (recording video, taking notes, etc) time and thought I'd post ask:

Do you have any "oh yeah, don't forget to ask about !" topics we should bring up during PDI?

Thanks!

Thread was started on Wednesday, October 16.....so "Friday" is long gone. By now you should be enjoying your new RV.

However - a thought for others about to meet their new RVs....
*If* there's a mobile RV service in the area, ask what they would charge for an extra pair of eyes for the PDI.

Do a face-to-face with the "inspector" and decide if you want to hire him/her.

If it's under $100. for say an hour - it *may* be $ well spent.;)

BTW - that doesn't mean you totally rely on him/her, it's just a method to find "stuff" you might miss.

~

[breeno]

mblackburn17 wrote:
Breeno,
Thanks so much for your input and advice. I want the rear sofa also. I am gonna look up where you got yall's from and take a ride. I am in Baton Rouge Louisiana, However my husband is working in Texas and not to far from where you are. I travel back and forth almost every weekend and look forward to checking out this place. If you think of anything else please feel free to pm me!
Once Again, Thanks

FWIW, the rear sofa model is tougher to find, we had to have ours shipped in.
Also, the larger king sized master bed is nice, but we absolutely love the night stands that come with the queen sized bed.

I'll PM if I remember anything else 🙂

[mblackburn17]

Breeno,
Thanks so much for your input and advice. I want the rear sofa also. I am gonna look up where you got yall's from and take a ride. I am in Baton Rouge Louisiana, However my husband is working in Texas and not to far from where you are. I travel back and forth almost every weekend and look forward to checking out this place. If you think of anything else please feel free to pm me!
Once Again, Thanks

[breeno]

mblackburn17 wrote:
Breeno,
I am looking at the same camper. The drive to where you purchased your is not that far from where my hubby is working. Did you like the service and sale? Did you get the sofa in the back or all bunks? How was the sale price vs asking price. My local dealer has it listed for 68,000 and acts like thats a great deal. NOT I know there is a 30% mark up. Anything about this unit you found you did not like? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

If it would be helpful, I'd be happy to let your husband drop by and tour the rig (we are in North West Austin) - send me a PM for contact details.

To answer your questions:

I haven't taken it back yet for my initial punch list, so can't comment directly on service quality, but the PDI was good and the tech was very competent.

We went with the rear sofa as we only have 1 kiddo. It looks nicer to us as well and is more functional for our lifestyle. We also went with the u-shaped dinette.

You should be strive for as close to 30% off as possible! that was not difficult to achieve for us. We did have a solid experience with Explore USA in Kyle TX and would recommend them.

We really like this rig and the only things I would mention are fairly small and nitpicky like the reading lamps in the master bedroom are not LEDs (the only non-LEDs in the coaches interior!). Stuff like that. The attention to detail and build quality is excellent. Every day we find ourselves saying "man, I love this rig!"

[ependydad]

Check the DVD player and surround sound system if so equipped. My camper's center channel speakers weren't hooked up.

And use the PDI Checklist above.

[mblackburn17]

Breeno,
I am looking at the same camper. The drive to where you purchased your is not that far from where my hubby is working. Did you like the service and sale? Did you get the sofa in the back or all bunks? How was the sale price vs asking price. My local dealer has it listed for 68,000 and acts like thats a great deal. NOT I know there is a 30% mark up. Anything about this unit you found you did not like? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

[TOOBOLD]

We video taped our PDI and made it easier when we had questions.

[Water-Bug]

If you didn't get a second air conditioner, ask if your unit is prewired and what it will cost. We refused delivery of a 34' 5er because it was cooking on an asphalt parking lot on a 95 degree day. Got the second air at cost with no installation fee.

[sdetweil]

breeno wrote:
So we're picking up our new 5th wheel Friday. I've been thinking through getting the most out of the PDI session (recording video, taking notes, etc) time and thought I'd post ask:

Do you have any "oh yeah, don't forget to ask about !" topics we should bring up during PDI?

Thanks!

also from Austin area, up near Georgetown. Picked up our 1st FW in Michigan last month. (Alpine 3720fb) the PDI was really helpful.

Afterward, I didn't remember the setting for water from city vs tank.
(setting says tank, city, NORMAL?!)..
couldn't remember all the light switches, dealer and Keystone couldn't help either.. went out at night, figured it out, and used labelmaker to label switches.

will do the oven lighter mod (see the DIY section here) so I don't have to get down on my hands & knees.

we camped at the dealer overnight to test it out and figure out what we forgot. took stuff to test over, microwave, dvd player, ...

enjoy!

Sam

[breeno]

Old-Biscuit wrote:
If you click on 'RVing FAQ' link at top of page then under Item #2 (Checklists & Procedures) click on 'Checklist for New 5'vr'
Scroll down to 'LLeopold' post on 02/27/02 you can copy/paste that complete entry for a PDI

Take you time...don't let them rush you.
And enjoy your new 5vr


Lots of really good info under 'RVing FAQ'

This is just PERFECT -- thanks!

[breeno]

djbakernaustx wrote:
you didn't say what brand, model, or dealer. Make certain you go through ALL the appliances, learn exactly how they operate, how to adjust settings, including the TV's and Stereo systems. Pay special attention to thermostat operation on air conditioners. Do a thorough walk-around and operate ALL systems outside - front jacks, rear jacks, stabilizers, propane system. Check ALL lights, both inside & outside, especially running lights for road travel. I live in Austin, TX.

Howdy, Neighbor 😉

Heartland Gateway 3650 BH, ExploreUSA in Kyle just south of Austin.
Thanks for the responses, much appreciated.

[Old-Biscuit]

If you click on 'RVing FAQ' link at top of page then under Item #2 (Checklists & Procedures) click on 'Checklist for New 5'vr'
Scroll down to 'LLeopold' post on 02/27/02 you can copy/paste that complete entry for a PDI

Take you time...don't let them rush you.
And enjoy your new 5vr


Lots of really good info under 'RVing FAQ'

[The_Works]

I have them charge the water system, FIRST thing. Then while going through the PDI, if there are any leaks they will show up. Flush the toilet, run the shower and bathroom sink then check under the floor for leaks, you might have to remove some paneling in the storage compartment to check for leaks but these panels should come off by removing a couple of screws. I have run the water in the shower then put a piece of cardboard in the shower, walked on the cardboard and then check underneath for leaks. Water will destroy a camper and normally by the time you see it, its to late and there's serious damage. Check under kitchen sink and hot water heater for leaks. Run the onboard water pump also. Remember if you have problems after PDI, you have to take the camper back for repair. Check out every operation of the unit, take your time and don't let them rush you through it. Plan on taking up most of the day checking things out. Good Luck!!