We took delivery of our Montana High Country 7 weeks ago (toady). I was very familiar with travel trailers of all sorts and have spent years and years studying trailer designs and tried to keep up on latest technology. I've visited my local dealership's many, many times and done my own window shopping on their lots. In other words, I'm pretty knowledgeable about these new camper and such.
So, looking back 7 weeks ago, what did I absolutely "miss" on my PDI and orientation?
1st.... the leveling system. Although I recorded it, it was too fast and I still messed up when we got home. It took several days, YouTube videos, and reading the manuals to finally figure it out right. Now that I've got the system down, it's a no brainer. Learning was painful. If you've not deal with self-leveling systems before, make sure YOU do it with HIS instruction. Don't just watch ... YOU do it and I think that would have made all the difference in the world for me.
Next, take the time to go through the service manuals and paper work for all the appliances they provide you. It was only after the fact I discovered I had no paper work on the refrigerator. All I have is a name brand and all the tags and labels or somewhere on the back or side where I can't see them. I'm still not sure what cubic feet this thing is.
Mine came with an awning light. I had no clue how to attach it. It took me a couple weeks to finally figure it out, and even longer to figure out what switch actually turned it on. He never say anything about that light or the function of that electric bar on the awning. And by the way, my electric bar is on the arm, NOT the roller. So I had no clue that was even electrical. I did figure it out, it's pretty slick, I like it, but it sure would have been easier to have known how it attached and where the switch was from the get-go.
I regret they did not hook up a water line to the camper. I discovered mine leaks at the connection. I haven't tried a new wash, and the camper goes back for a 3 month inspection in about 5 weeks, and we don't keep water connected except for filling the fresh tank. So, for the moment it's OK. But still, it's something they might have been able to fix right then.
FYI, the black tank flusher connection, and the winter-by-pass connection don't leak. They are fine.
He didn't explain the ice maker in the refrigerator, except he pointed out where the water cut-off valve was located. It would have been nice if he would have explained how to winterize it. When we go back in 5 week, I'll have them explain it then. Meanwhile, it's disconnected until next spring.
He didn't explain the entertainment system at all, how the remote to the televisions work, or how the sound system worked. I've been reading the manuals, and slowly getting it figured out. A simple explanation of how to turn the TV on and OFF and adjust the sound would have been nice!
Our 5er has 2 doors, one on each side of the trailer. The back drivers side door has a light above it. The front passenger side door has a light above it. We could get the front door light to come on, but somehow couldn't figure out the back door. I did ask the guy at PDI how to turn it on, he didn't know, said we'd eventually figure it out... well... he was right. Turns out the same switch that turns on the front door also turns on the back door light. I know, sounds so simple, but it wasn't simple to figure it out.
Everything else he covered pretty good. And my knowledge of a life-time of association with travel trailers was helpful, and of course, years of tips and things folks talked about on these forums made my walk through very easy for him. I guess he figured, I'd figure out everything else... And in time ... I did.
Everything is great now! At least, when it comes to the sound system, I now have a copy of the manual on my laptop computer where I can bring it up and blow the print up and actually READ it!
