Advise re 2017 Winnebago Spirit 26A I'm Buying Monday 5/7/18

[dnta11]

I'm trading my current RV in (2017 Thor Vegas 24.1) for a new 2017 (yes, new 2017 haha) Winnebago Spirit 26A. The trade occurs tomorrow (Mon, 5/7, though late responses could be helpful too). I'm wondering if anyone has advise about particular things to check out during the Walk Thru for this specific RV, or if there are KNOWN issues with this coach that I could address before handing them the check?

I will travel in it for a week to 'shake it out' a little, and then go back by the dealer's on my way home (8 hours away) as they said they would deal with any issues that come up during that week at that time.

My last RV was a NIGHTMARE of quality control, warranty work (issues with both dealer and Thor) and I want to attempt to start out better this time. I've only had my current RV for 7 months but the issues NEVER ENDED. It was constant. This time I started by interviewing SERVICE DEPTS first, and deciding who to buy from via that.

Any help would be appreciated. THANKS!!

[dnta11]

Mich F wrote:

“So far the OPs one and only post on this forum was on 5/6 about a MH he was picking up on 5/7. I guess it's safe to assume we will never hear from him again. :h

”
———————/—////
Well Mich, took a long time but ‘OP’ is back, and a woman, BTW.

The day I posted (5/6/18) my mom took a bad turn and I rushed to VA & she passed 5/19/18.

I didn’t return to my post until later, yet DID read and was grateful & used some of the advice. Was overwhelmed with so much to do I did not thank y’all so I do so, belatedly.

I bought the 26A and LOVE it, LOVE it. I went full time in May of this year. Love that too.

So thanks again. to all who responded.

[Mich_F]

If anybody is interested or cares, the OP has posted once on this website on 5/6, about a MH he was picking up on 5/7. According to what I've seen on another website, where he posted more than once, he already has the MH. I'm not sure why people are still advising him as to what he should do ?:h

[Bordercollie]

Ask dealer to run fridge overnight before PDI on propane so you can verify that it is properly cold. Run generator and switch fridge to electric mode to make sure that works. Run furnace to make sure that works, run roof AC and dash AC to make sure they both work properly. Open and shut all faucets and flush toilet to make sure fresh water pump works and shuts down normally. Have them demonstrate the awning deploy stow and lock. Make sure all interior lights, including cargo bay, as well as external headlights, signals and running lights.
Verify that slide deploys and stows easily looking for daylight around seals.
Verify that windows slide open and shut properly and that shades work properly.
Have any needed/promised fixes added to sales contract/purchase order with a specific finish time and add phrase "time is of the essence" before you commit.
Check dealer rep for quick and acceptable warranty fixes if you can by calling previous customers.

PS: Put some miles on rig around town and on highway listening for odd sounds, brake problems, power steering or suspension problems. Park rig on driveway and simulate camping in it for a night and a day before a shakedown cruise. Any new or used rig can have problems.

[S1njin]

I had a Minnie Winnie awhile back. My advice is to see if you can get one w/ the Premier package and levelers installed by the factory. Otherwise the rig is decidedly rental grade and it might grate on you after awhile once you start using it.

[Harvard]

What about a highway test drive before handing over the cheque. Watch for road wander at highway speeds. It can be fixed with a proper caster alignment but who will pay the cost? Just saying.

[Mich_F]

tjfogelberg wrote:
Spend an hour at the dealer (by yourself) BEFORE signing papers going through the RV. Bring a flashlight and look inside all cabinets, drawers, storage bays etc. Test all appliances, switches, slides etc. Once you pass this initial inspection to your satisfaction, proceed with signing the deal. Then your 1 week "shake down" sounds like a good plan. Our MW 31D had issues revealed during step 1 and then we had follow up issues during the first trip. All has been resolved and life is good.

So far the OPs one and only post on this forum was on 5/6 about a MH he was picking up on 5/7. I guess it's safe to assume we will never hear from him again. :h

[tjfogelberg]

Spend an hour at the dealer (by yourself) BEFORE signing papers going through the RV. Bring a flashlight and look inside all cabinets, drawers, storage bays etc. Test all appliances, switches, slides etc. Once you pass this initial inspection to your satisfaction, proceed with signing the deal. Then your 1 week "shake down" sounds like a good plan. Our MW 31D had issues revealed during step 1 and then we had follow up issues during the first trip. All has been resolved and life is good.

[kerrlakeRoo]

Several in here have posted walkthrough checklist, that are far and away better than what the dealer will use for walking you through it. Hopefully someone in here will come by and drop one to you.

Congrats on the new unit, Winne has a reputation of far surpassing your prior rig so wishing you well.

[Lwiddis]

A one week shakeout should reveal all the issues. Good plan.

[pnichols]

Congrats! That "should" be an excellent choice. After all these years we still love our 2005 (bought new in 2006) Spirit 24V.

It's too late now, but:

1. Make sure the slides work well.
2. Make sure the generator is quiet enough for you so you don't have a generator in it year after year that you can't tolerate to use.

Enjoy!

[2oldman]

I would second the advice given above.

[midnightsadie]

X2 get on there site ,before you sign do a walk threw any ,any sign of water stains ? RUN. curious why it never sold?

[gbopp]

The best advice I can give you is, check on a Winnebago forum.
They can probably advise you of any known problems.

Congrats on your new rig.