Folks , I have been looking for a while and settled on a nice class A Winnebago Vista 27N. Its a 2013 with 4K miles. I am picking it up next week. I will probably purchase the extended warranty (not powertrain, which is covered) through Campingworld, where i am buying it. Future service will be at another Campingworld much closer to my home.I haven't been able to easily find an RV inspector for the inspection. My question are:1) Since Campingworld is doing the sale but also servicing it in the future, should i feel comfortable they will do a good pre-sale inspection and not worry about hiring someone?2) Should i feel comfortable buying a extended warranty (its about 4K for 4 years) from one location but have it serviced 10 hrs away at another location? I believe Campingworld is not franchised , so they own all the stores, so my assumption is it shouldn't matter much?3) Any other advice? I have read a few good pointers on this forum. I am mechanically inclined and have worked on cars before...Thanks in advance!!!! (my first of many posts)

be sure that you test drive it both on city streets and interstates...at least get it up to highway speeds for 10-15 minutes. operate every switch and button. turn everything on. be sure that the furnace works, the slides operate, jacks work, all of the gas appliances work, all of the lights, TV's, radio, etc. open every compartment and make sure the lifts support the doors. lock and unlock every lock...several times.if it has a ford engine have the engine/pwr train inspected at a ford truck dealer. if it is a workhorse call a chevy truck dealer.good luck.

It has to ne a Ford chassis. Workhorse didn't make any MH chassis in the past fee years.

Either do your own inspection or hire an independent inspector.

Get it in writing that the second Camping World will honor the warranty and / or Service contract.

IMHO extended warranties are worthless, especially if they do not cover the drive train. What possible repair could justify $4k if the power train is excluded? If you do make sure you read the fine print VERY carefully before you sign anything.Regarding question#2: you SHOULD be able to trust them, but I would not. If you are not comfortable I would recommend finding an independent inspector.Welcome aboard by the way.

First Time Buyer! > Need advice on inspections | Good Sam Community

rk911
Explorer
Dec 12, 2014
be sure that you test drive it both on city streets and interstates...at least get it up to highway speeds for 10-15 minutes.

operate every switch and button. turn everything on. be sure that the furnace works, the slides operate, jacks work, all of the gas appliances work, all of the lights, TV's, radio, etc.

open every compartment and make sure the lifts support the doors.

lock and unlock every lock...several times.

if it has a ford engine have the engine/pwr train inspected at a ford truck dealer. if it is a workhorse call a chevy truck dealer.

good luck.
bsinmich
Explorer
Dec 12, 2014
It has to ne a Ford chassis. Workhorse didn't make any MH chassis in the past fee years.
msturtz
Explorer
Dec 12, 2014
Either do your own inspection or hire an independent inspector.
DutchmenSport
Explorer
Dec 12, 2014
Get it in writing that the second Camping World will honor the warranty and / or Service contract.
Dennis_M_M
Explorer
Dec 12, 2014
IMHO extended warranties are worthless, especially if they do not cover the drive train. What possible repair could justify $4k if the power train is excluded? If you do make sure you read the fine print VERY carefully before you sign anything.

Regarding question#2: you SHOULD be able to trust them, but I would not. If you are not comfortable I would recommend finding an independent inspector.

Welcome aboard by the way.
rk911
Explorer
Dec 12, 2014
Dennis M M wrote:
IMHO extended warranties are worthless, especially if they do not cover the drive train. What possible repair could justify $4k if the power train is excluded? If you do make sure you read the fine print VERY carefully before you sign anything.

Regarding question#2: you SHOULD be able to trust them, but I would not. If you are not comfortable I would recommend finding an independent inspector.

Welcome aboard by the way.

and if you are determined to buy the extended warranty then negotiate the price. if CW wants the sale they will deal on the ext. warr.
JimM68
Explorer
Dec 12, 2014
http://rvtechcourse.com/ these guys might be able to point you to a certified inspector.

I would have camping world do a full PDI with you. That means Pre Delivery Inspection. It is their standard procedure, and they will have specific people supposedly trained and familiar with every system in the coach.
Every box, button and switch, they should show you, and you should see it work and remember how to work it again. If you need to, video it (or have your DW video while you pay attention...)

You need to see everything work, and understand how to repeat it.
we're talking a lot of stuff, these are complicated machines with many systems.

I agree with the poster above regarding the value (or lack of) of an extended warrantee. Odds are pretty good that everything that works today, will also work next month and next year.
msturtz
Explorer
Dec 12, 2014
I purchased a 7 year $100 deductible Good Sam extended warranty for a diesel pusher for $4400. I negotiated the cost before I showed up. I strongly recommend an independent inspector go over the unit. Get everything in writing so there is no question.
crasster
Explorer II
Dec 12, 2014
A LOT of people will say "get it inspected", but very few are out there who just "know" who to inspect the RV. We hear that so much, but often I wonder where people find all these mysterious inspectors floating around.

Here's the scoop. I would get a mechanic (yes a regular mechanic) that you may know to inspect the coach if you don't know an official RV inspector. A mechanic will be able to tell you a lot of any mechanical issues. If they have a moderate head on their shoulders, they'll also be able to tell you if the roof is leaking, etc.

Of course this depends on the coach you are buying. A used Class A, sure I think a regular mechanic would be fine (so long as it is not loaded with tons of features). A very complicated and expensive diesel pusher - get on the interenet and find you an official mysterious RV inspector.
10forty2
Explorer
Dec 12, 2014
Check the tires closely! Make sure the date codes are good. If it's a 2013 model, I would think that the date codes should be at least 2012. But even with that, you have at best 2, almost 3-year old tires. Believe me, you don't want to find out like I did that you have old tires......