Self PDI or PRO?

[Dog_Folks]

We are getting ready to purchase a new trailer. I have become mildly disabled since I purchased our last new trailer in 2006.

My wife is very handy and also an experienced camper. She does all the maintenance on our present unit with my "technical" advice. In other words she is very capable of turning the wrench with my help by pointing out which bolt to turn and which way to turn it.

Do we go with an extensive PDI with her doing the checking with my guidance OR do you think it would be best to hire a professional to do an inspection? (My wife does NOT like getting on the roof)

Money aside, what would you do??

[GrandpaKip]

vic46 wrote:

newman fulltimer wrote:
today's technology get a service tech to go up on the roof and video it on your smartphone so you can see every seams and use your own judgement.He can do under the unit as well your paying for the monkey use him

MONKEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Would you like to be referred to as a MONKEY???????????????????

X2

[beemerphile1]

I don't understand the question, the dealer does the PDI (pre-delivery inspection). The customer attends a walk through with a dealer's representative.

You certainly could hire a pro to inspect a unit before purchase and it is particularly recommended for a used unit.

[OhioRVMom]

I think it depends largely on experience. Myself, I have very very little experience - this will be our 'learning' coach. That said, even printing off the PDI check list, I felt more comfortable hiring someone to go through it and watch and ask questions as we went.

he was AWESOME - I can't even imagine having done the inspection without him. He knew a lot, and was able to help teach me some new things. Well worth the money, but as inspectors go, he was VERY inexpensive - around $100 - vs the 600 to 900 i saw advertised on line.

Once we are out in the 'field' so to speak and learn more and more, when we decide to change coaches in 5 or so years, I'd feel more comfortable doing it on my own. well, as long as I am physically able. I'm not able to crawl on the roof or under the coach now, but hope to improve that situation. all in all, I don't regret hiring the 3rd party (not someone at the Dealership).

Good luck with whatever you decide!

[vic46]

newman fulltimer wrote:
today's technology get a service tech to go up on the roof and video it on your smartphone so you can see every seams and use your own judgement.He can do under the unit as well your paying for the monkey use him

MONKEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Would you like to be referred to as a MONKEY???????????????????

[Halmfamily]

When we did our PDI I was also unable to climb the ladder. The tech said he'll be back in five minutes. Came back with a scissor lift and helped me in and we inspected the roof from that. Drove it all around the rig for me.
This PDI last four hours and the tech fixed everything while I watched per his request. Take your time use your phone to video or take pictures to see more detail if needed.

[Dog_Folks]

newman fulltimer wrote:
today's technology get a service tech to go up on the roof and video it on your smartphone so you can see every seams and use your own judgement.He can do under the unit as well your paying for the monkey use him

A possible alternative. Thank you.

[newman_fulltime]

today's technology get a service tech to go up on the roof and video it on your smartphone so you can see every seams and use your own judgement.He can do under the unit as well your paying for the monkey use him