Picking up our first TT on Friday...what to expect?

[Mountianeer]

Selected our new TT...check
Installed Prodigy P2 Brake Controller on our 2012 GMC Sierra...check
Dealer installed sway control...check

Going in for PDI/Orientation this Friday. Our dealer says to expect 2-3 hours for this process. What should we be looking for? Questions we should ask? We are new to this and want it to be as painless as possible. Thanks in advance for your advice.

[kellertx5er]

Have them demonstrate that ALL appliances work in ALL modes. No matter the temperature, run the a/c, furnace, water heater on elec/propane, refrig on elec/propane, stove, oven, microwave. Have the fresh water system pressurized the whole time, look for leaks underneath. Run the slideouts, power jacks if equipped.

Yeah it's all under warranty but it's a royal pain to have to return it for repairs, especially when you have a trip planned. Years ago, the furnace in our brand new trailer would not fire up. Fortunately I checked it in time for the dealer to repair prior to a long trip.

[IDman]

During the PDI ask any question that comes to mind and LISTEN to the technician! Make lots of notes, and keep them. Don't just watch im perform but do things yourself...like opening and closing the awning. Don't let the technician rush you. Most of all, if the tech was good, give him a nice tip!

[Francesca_Knowl]

LynnandCarol wrote:
make a check list after the orientation.

I'd take this a step further: Take a checklist with you, stick to it, and arrange for any defects/concerns to be addressed before you sign off on the unit. No need to have everything fixed at that point, just to make sure there's a written understanding that they will be.

Changing Gears has a checklist that you can actually download and customize for your particular unit, then print and take along.
Here's the link.

[packpe89]

Don't just watch, do. Items like the awning can be tricky, make sure they let you put out and up a couple of times. agree on video and notes. A few things you'll need and make sure they cover, toilet paper (don't use standard, need RV), pods for the black tank, pressure reducer for water hook-up, rubber gloves for handling the sewer connection, leveling blocks,etc. Most of these can be found at a walmart as well as a dealer.

[Mr__Camper]

Expect a total run through begin with hook-up, driving, unhooking, all systems explained both inside and outside. Run through filling freshwater, dumping black and gray (both can be filled with water). Bring a favorite CD and DVD to check out those systems. Make sure you check the stove, oven and microwave and all are in working order. Check the frig and freezer.

Check that furniture is working as you expect it to work, especially if you have a pull out sofa sleeper with an air mattress. Be sure the slides, if any work as designed, also the awning. Check your heat system. Get on the roof and check the seals on any skylights, and the a/c. Look for any soft spots. Last RV we bought we used a digital voice recorder to tape all of the tech's comments for playback later.

Go camping this weekend and the weekend after and run through everything, making notes and take back to the dealer if any adjustments need to be made. The last two RV's we bought the dealer met us at a local campground and made sure we were capable of setting up without issues and called us at home on Monday to see how the unit worked for us.

Make sure you are shown how to change a tire, change filters and winterize the RV. I'm sure I forgot something so the experts here will add some other information.

[Roy_Lynne]

I would also say take notes. Your going to walk away shaking your head saying "WHAT". But you can always come back here and double check with us if something didn't make sense. Welcome to our world

[LynnandCarol]

make a check list after the orientation. there are some good ones via google. Be patient as it will be a learning experience. Enjoy, be safe, and have fun!

[TucsonJim]

If this is your first time towing, expect white knuckles and some pucker marks in your seat! Take it slow and easy. Leave lots of following distance from the vehicle in front of you. If you get on an interstate, do not exceed 65mph. Most TTs have special trailer (ST) tires, and they are rated for a maximum speed of 65mph. You will get much better gas mileage, and be much more relaxed if you take your time while pulling your new home.

[docnascar]

downtheroad wrote:


My advice: camp in it as soon as possible. actually use it early on as much as possible. This will allow you to find out what works, what doesn't and what needs dealer attention.

The sooner you do this and get it back to the dealer to address your, "punch list," the better off you will be.

Don't buy it, store it, and then let it sit unused...

This is great advice. Camp, camp, camp, camp..... That first year goes by fast!!!!!!!!!!!!! and warranty items take time to fix. Buying near the end of the camping season will limit your experience. You can and should camp in your driveway, using it as much as you can. (A/C might be a challenge as most people don't have electric at their houses to run the A/C.)

At the dealer, they should hook everything up and show its working. Water, electric, a/c, water pump, hot water tank turns on first time w/ propane. Look at everything slowly and carefully. Check trim pieces, flooring, doors, cabinet doors, lights, both sides of cushions for rips or tears, shower head, roof vent covers (I noticed mine were cracked and the dealer fixed it right there), etc....

My camper had issues with the brakes when I bought it. They were vibrating and tugging like crazy when stopping at all settings. They told me this was normal and its not! It was a nightmare to get them fixed and the dealer would not help since I already took it home. (Home was ~7hrs away) I suggest a test drive with your truck before you sign the papers as well. This is not a joke and I will definitely do this with my next camper. We test drive cars, why not campers...

Two of the confusing things for most new people are how to run the HW tank on electric or propane and how to run the fridge on electric or propane. Write this down as its easy to forget.

Before leaving, know how to use the WD/Stab hitch, check tire pressure's are correct and all lights are working.

Have fun and congrats!

[downtheroad]

Getting a new rig is exciting....congrats.

My advice: camp in it as soon as possible. actually use it early on as much as possible. This will allow you to find out what works, what doesn't and what needs dealer attention.

The sooner you do this and get it back to the dealer to address your, "punch list," the better off you will be.

Don't buy it, store it, and then let it sit unused...

[Dog_Folks]

First thing: DO NOT sign papers, or pass any money until the unit is ready to roll.

Make the dealer fix everything or promise to fix it IN WRITING. Oral promises mean nothing. You have all the power only until the money goes to the dealer.

There will be a LOT on information presented.

Take more than one person to help absorb it all. Ask lots of questions. Take lots of notes.

Videotape if allowed.

Check the roof, and underneath.

Take your time!

Most of all, relax, and enjoy the excitement of a new camper.