PDI on our first RV purchase-see signature

[JJMON]

Our anticipated delivery of our first MH purchase looms near and we are exited and yet apprehensive being first time owners. We have rented a couple of times before and know most of the basics of operation, but now me move into the zone of ownership and all the maintenance that is inherent.

We plan on taking a video camera to record walk through and operation on key components as well as a notebook.

The list so far
Operate slide out/in
Operate awning out/in
Operate leveling system down/up
Operate generator
Operate microwave,stove, and oven
Operate all TVS and A/V equipment
Operate AC/Heating
Operate ceiling fans
Operating interior lighting
Operating electrical outlets

Backup camera and side cameras operational
Cabin AV/screen operation
Cabin HVAC and all other functions working,,,windows, mirrors etc

Rig is currently winterized so we can’t check plumbing functions that I’m awhere of.

Anything else?

Thanks
JJ

[JamieGeek]

There is a pretty good PDI checklist in Ed's Axis/Vegas manual:
http://www.thorforums.com/forums/f10...nual-4961.html

There is a lot that is common on just about every Thor motorhome so much of that will apply towards your PDI (you already have a pretty good start).

[Cason61]

Originally Posted by JJMON

Our anticipated delivery of our first MH purchase looms near and we are exited and yet apprehensive being first time owners. We have rented a couple of times before and know most of the basics of operation, but now me move into the zone of ownership and all the maintenance that is inherent.

We plan on taking a video camera to record walk through and operation on key components as well as a notebook.

The list so far
Operate slide out/in
Operate awning out/in
Operate leveling system down/up
Operate generator
Operate microwave,stove, and oven
Operate all TVS and A/V equipment
Operate AC/Heating
Operate ceiling fans
Operating interior lighting
Operating electrical outlets

Backup camera and side cameras operational
Cabin AV/screen operation
Cabin HVAC and all other functions working,,,windows, mirrors etc

Rig is currently winterized so we can’t check plumbing functions that I’m awhere of.

Anything else?

Thanks
JJ

Make them show how to open the hood, which key and where all the fluids are. Also, goes for the Generator and make sure you open, close and lock every compartment door. Check inventory on all miscellaneous equipment. Make sure the radio, mirrors and interior / exterior lights. Make sure all inside compartments open and close. If you have an inverter, check that too. Get as much information on this Web and make a list.

[JJMON]

@Cason61,

Also good points,,,

Thanks
JJ

[cmills1334]

levelor jack breaker under coach somewhere need to know where its mounted on frame, black tank sprayer, tank heaters breaker panel box and labels. make sure generator starts and runs smoothly sometimes carbs sit on shelves for years before they get put in the mh

[fhenn]

Make them show you TV hook ups over the air verses cable verses sat

[RDC54]

Looks like a pretty comprehensive list. I would add house batteries and propane to the list. I agree with the advice to open every drawer and cupboard, and if you run into problems, make the dealer fix it before you write the final check. It's amazing how the glitter and shine of a new MH will make you willing to overlook what seem like small things (a sticky lock or fussy drawer), and how those things will come to drive you crazy. So my advice is to make them fix everything before you accept delivery.

I think video is a great idea. We did the same, but I wish now that I had brought someone along to do the video, while I participated in the inspection. At the very least, I would have the dealer go through each system, and then I'd recommend that you repeat each step yourself. Take your time, pack a lunch, don't let yourself be rushed.

Congratulations on your new MH, and have fun!

[10scDust]

Yes, your planning is very good!
But still, have them show you how to manually over ride the level system, for the just in case scenario.
That is for when you cannot get one, or more, to retract so you can drive off.

There is a lot, wish I found this site pre-purchase, some things we over-looked to ask, all is good though.

[nosticks]

Almost always overlooked:
How to resync slides when they fail. Location of the slide controllers.
How to retract the awning when it fails.
How to unwinterize your plumbing system.
The location of your coach use/store solenoid.
The location of your water pump.
The location of your low drain points.

Dealers tend to rush the PDI, particularly if it's a weekend. If you don't cover the things I listed, you will be back here on this forum asking for help later. Oh, and don't let them charge you for the PDI.

[The Gritz Carlton]

Winterizing is not much of a task. Personally, I would have them "un-winterize" it during the walk through...and redo it if necessary. This will teach you that task as well, specific to your coach. If a blind or cabinet door comes loose...duct tape it till you can fix it...but, the plumbing and electrical is your biggest concern, are very expensive to deal with and will cause you nightmares. Electrical second only to plumbing. If you have a water leak it can cost a lot of money and no water will shut you down on the road. If they didn't properly winterize (bypass water heater, outside shower, etc.) you would not know this until you 'own it'. So many functions parallel the water system operations...pump, water heater, ice maker, toilets flushing properly, leaks under sinks...too many to list. Do not let them get by with that one...what a shortcut you would give them.

[gnach]

Packing a lunch is good or order in a couple of pizzas for your new friends.


I really like Gritz's un-winterizing idea, water is crucial.


Have them show you where ALL the fuses and breakers are. Our biggest warranty nightmare was intermittent power to the dash AC controls. Camping World couldn't find it. Thor puts the dash power (not Ford's) fuse box in the compartment under the driver's seat. A loose wire feeding that ruined a 2000 mile trip in 105* weather.

[Lt Keefer]

I agree with gritz, make the seller show you that the water system works with no leaks. I doesn't take that long and plumbing leaks can be a pain to repair.

[Pete'sMH]

Good advice. But it’s not always practical to test EVERYTHING. Typicality I like to explore on my own. It’s not enough to know there are no leaks (for me). I want to see the construction and routing of lines. I want to see the wiring not just know that the lights work and look at the roof sealing not just know that it hasn’t leaked yet. Stuff like that. And while you shouldn’t have to fix stuff you’ll find that most RV systems are pretty straightforward and easy to fix. And you’ll learn a LOT about your machine in the process. Also, don’t forget to have fun - even when there are things that need to be fixed.

[Cason61]

Originally Posted by 10scDust

Yes, your planning is very good!
But still, have them show you how to manually over ride the level system, for the just in case scenario.
That is for when you cannot get one, or more, to retract so you can drive off.

There is a lot, wish I found this site pre-purchase, some things we over-looked to ask, all is good though.

Yeah, so do I. Course so do some other folks too.

[Cason61]

Originally Posted by nosticks

Almost always overlooked:
How to resync slides when they fail. Location of the slide controllers.
How to retract the awning when it fails.
How to unwinterize your plumbing system.
The location of your coach use/store solenoid.
The location of your water pump.
The location of your low drain points.

Dealers tend to rush the PDI, particularly if it's a weekend. If you don't cover the things I listed, you will be back here on this forum asking for help later. Oh, and don't let them charge you for the PDI.

Hey, these are very good check offs too.

[Beau388]

Originally Posted by nosticks

Almost always overlooked:
How to resync slides when they fail. Location of the slide controllers.
How to retract the awning when it fails.
How to unwinterize your plumbing system.
The location of your coach use/store solenoid.
The location of your water pump.
The location of your low drain points.

Dealers tend to rush the PDI, particularly if it's a weekend. If you don't cover the things I listed, you will be back here on this forum asking for help later. Oh, and don't let them charge you for the PDI.

Great check - I missed two of the above on my thorough PDI.

[JJMON]

I appreciate all the responses from you all. Some, like others didn’t think about. This is what is good about this forum, all the knowledge and experience.

Thanks
JJ

[Delco Bobby]

Originally Posted by Lt Keefer

I agree with gritz, make the seller show you that the water system works with no leaks. I doesn't take that long and plumbing leaks can be a pain to repair.

I didn't see it mentioned so have someone stand in the shower with the water running for 5 minutes. Then check for leaks in plumbing and on floors outside shower.

[Cason61]

Originally Posted by Delco Bobby

I didn't see it mentioned so have someone stand in the shower with the water running for 5 minutes. Then check for leaks in plumbing and on floors outside shower.

Get all them 'what to look for papers', put in a folder and have a Thor Forum sticker on the outside.

[Chuck and Mary Ann]

Check to make sure all components work on generator the same way as on shore power and that all panel switchs work on both power sources as well. AC worked on shore power but only one worked on the generator. Also check to make sure the AC shuts off at temp. Make sure all fuses are labeled properly or at all too!
Make sure the tank flush systems work as well. Sometimes the lines get kinked, or don't get connected.