Forum Discussion

DesertDwellers's avatar
DesertDwellers
Explorer
Feb 18, 2014

Predelivery Inspection/Phoenix area

We're in negotiations to purchase our very first RV and couldn't be more excited. This forum is going to be our "go to" reference site! Thanks for everyone who shares their knowledge.

My first question!
Can anyone recommend a mechanic or shop to do our pre-delivery inspection here in Phoenix? We're purchasing from LaMesa RV which has several locations around the state and we're not sure which location will do the delivery, we saw the coach at a show. I saw the post with recommendations in Tucson, (if they drive it back there) but haven't seen any for Phoenix. We'd like to be prepared.

We have a mechanic who works on our business trucks, but would feel more comfy having an RV expert give it the once over. If you have approximate pricing that would be helpful too!

Thanks in advance!
Jean
Class A
  • DesertDwellers's avatar
    DesertDwellers
    Explorer
    Feb 19, 2014
    Old-biscuit, thanks for the referral. Put a call in, waiting to hear back. Bob and Sharon, we're looking forward to the adventure! Richard, I'm not skeered...at least not much :) Your thoughts are exactly what I was hoping to get, thank you for sharing your sound advice.
  • Nutinelse2do's avatar
    Nutinelse2do
    Explorer
    Feb 19, 2014
    Congrats on the adventure.

    Going to state an opinion here so please take it for what it is worth. Been RV for 20 plus years and have had everything from Class C to DP and now fifth wheel.

    When you go see the coach again, request that it be staged. Meaning, that all appliances etc turned on, and go look. Do it without someone hovering over you, take your time. What ever YOU find wrong, they will fix. Open doors, open cabinets, get up on the roof, spend some time and get to know her. Write your list down and give it to your friendly salesman who will do whatever it takes and get these things fixed.

    Now the tricky part, you know that they will fix anything of RV nature with coach, but what about drivetrain? Does the differential make noise, is the trans fluid slightly burnt, ujoints, belts hoses, what about ball joints, shocks, tie rod bushings..

    Is this gas or DP, if its diesel, that's a whole other conversation regarding oil testing etc.

    This is not a purchase to take lightly in any respect. There will be costs involved for you to make sure you are buying quality RV, but better to spend a few hundred now, than thousands later

    In short, I would find the best Mechanic in town, and have the dealer deliver it to him for your inspection. Please do not let the excitement cloud your judgement. It's much cheaper to walk away rather than regret a decision.

    Take it to your trusted mechanic. You trust him, and that is the most important thing.

    Hope I did not scare you away, like I said its just an opinion...

    Good Luck



    Richard

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