Checklist For RV Buying

[LongIslandCamper]

We bought our first camper, the x17z last year. We had done some research on things but nothing beats real life experiences. One year later there are certain things we like and certain things we don't like about it. Don't get me wrong, it's a GREAT trailer but we are looking for more storage among other things.

With that said, we are attending the Hershey show this week and looking into a larger unit. I want to print out a checklist of things to look for when touring the campers so that we can easily keep track of each camper. Here is a checklist I made last night. All I have to do is fill in the form when I tour each camper. Some of the items on my list may be specifically for us, but I'm looking for some items that I might have missed. Thanks!


Last night a made a document in word. It was quick and off the top of my head so its really not in any kind of order, but here is what it looks like. I gave the list to the rest of my family to see if they can think of anything else to add. I'm open to suggestions from you guys too! I can easily fill out the form for each model when we tour it. It's going to be a great way to keep track of what we like.


Manufacturer Model
Dry Weight Gross Weight
Price

Ground clearance to dump
Propane tanks
Batteries
Black tank flush
A/C BTU
Storage
Slides
Power tongue jack
Power stabilizer jacks
Power awning
Outdoor fridge
Outside bathroom access
# of beds
Sleeps
Fresh, grey, black
Bike rack
Ladder
Steps into trailer
Outdoor speakers
# of TV’s
Other comments
Moveable kitchen table

[krackeer]

size of fridge/warranty/type of siding... those 3 come to mind. also might want to make a note on various manufacturers of componets such as AC, fridge, awning, water heater etc. oh ya, bathtub or shower, too.

[cekkk]

Here's an edited list of mine. I've tried to just leave in things you didn't mention that may or may not be of interest to you.
RV REQUIREMENTS (MUST HAVES)

TWO SLIDES, ONE IN BEDROOM FOR WALK-AROUND BED
TABLE & CHAIRS RATHER THAN BOOTH
TILE FLOOR, AT LEASE IN KITCHEN
REAR LIVING AREA
MUCH STORAGE, LARGE CLOSET FOR HANGUPS
8' FRIDGE
AUTO LEVELORS
CLOSED BOTTOM/INSULATION
THERMAL WINDOWS
DECENT TIRES, PREFERABLY USA MADE.


RV PREFERENCES

COUNTER SPACE IN KITCHEN
Standard size mattress
larger toilet or roomy at least
amp for XM radio
2 easy chairs for tv viewing

SUGGESTIONS
this was someone else's list

Next time, I would ensure its slide came with a Spring loaded awning.
A Dealer Option I should have negociated in - before buying.
I'd replace its RV Queen Bed with a normal house size Queen Bed.
I'd ensure the TT came with custom Surge Protection (like "hard wired" 30A
Surge Guard or better device) as well. I planned on that and had dealer install it
Just a few optional parts "negociated in" during time of Purchase.
And for long TTs (over 22 foot long), I'd also negociate 2 x large scissor
jacks - to be installed in center of trailer - to remove trailer up/down bounce.

Back to me. Hope you get everything you want. I had to compromise on a couple of things, but that's life. Happy hunting.

[LongIslandCamper]

I organized my list and picked out some suggestions I got here and other forums. I think it looks pretty good but I'm sure I could add a thing or two. Any other suggestions? Here's the list.

[3'senough]

Mattress length was high up on my must have list.

[LongIslandCamper]

Originally Posted by 3'senough

Mattress length was high up on my must have list.

Ooohh, that's a good one. I'm only about 5'7" but my brother is about 6'1". I could see that being a problem for him, and perhaps something you don't even realize until you take the TT out for your first night. I also added countertop space to my list because I forgot to add it.

[Jagiven]

Storage, everything has a place and everything should stay in its place.

We had been looking for a popup when we bought the 23B. We could not find a popup that had enough usable storage. Once we started looking at the hybrids we were sold on the design concept. Once we decided a hybrid was right for us we probably looked at 20 or more plus many other TTs before we decided on the 23B. What sold us was the amount of storage, the weight, and mattress thickness, low to the ground for better towing, I also wanted one were we could sleep in it without setting up the bunks if needed.

The one thing I do not like with the 23B is the water heater placement. It is a long ways away from all the faucets, so we waste a lot of water waiting for hot water. So if we are dry camping we often boil our water on the stove.

[3'senough]

Originally Posted by cm11599ps

Ooohh, that's a good one. I'm only about 5'7" but my brother is about 6'1". I could see that being a problem for him, and perhaps something you don't even realize until you take the TT out for your first night. I also added countertop space to my list because I forgot to add it.

You might want to check the showers for him as well. Some of the TT's have an elevated tub to allow for plumbing underneath which makes it even tighter. Even with the bubble dome and vent above you it still is just too small. Especially the lower ceiling lites. A shower curtain extender can't fix height. Just my experience.

[LongIslandCamper]

Thanks. We are all too familiar with the shorter showers in our x17z. Anything has to be bigger. Lol

[huskerdu]

I would also note the location of the vent in the bedroom...my number one thing was no vent above the bed-I hate waking up to the blinding light...lol.

[3'senough]

I have one and installed the silver Maxx air II over mine which acts like a window tint. Reduces light by 50%.

[cekkk]

Originally Posted by huskerdu

I would also note the location of the vent in the bedroom...my number one thing was no vent above the bed-I hate waking up to the blinding light...lol.

Me too. Plus our TT has an outside door that opens into the bedroom that also need covering. There are blinds, covers and stained blass to solve that problem. I just put an insulating blanket in the bedroom vent.

[huskerdu]

ours has the second door also-I made a curtain for that and all the bedroom windows out of a thermal curtain from Target...it's nice and dark in there now!

[Jagiven]

2nd propane tank is necessity.