Pre-Delivery Inspection Thursday

[Cattail]

Good morning, folks.
We bought a new Jay Flight SLX 195RB yesterday and have the pre-delivery inspection day after tomorrow. Is there anything in particular we should look for or do to get ready? It is my understanding that a frame jack for changing tires is an owner supplied item. Any recommendations there? Thanks in advance for your help.
Tom
The Villages, FL

[TWP723]

Use your camera on your phone and record things you may need to know later. Can't tell you how many times I've referred back to the video.

[Crabman]

Welcome to the forum. Here is a very detailed and in depth checklist for the inspection;

http://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/f3...ist-18379.html

[Fairenatic]

And do NOT let them rush you.

Warn them that you are going to be very thorough and it will take more than an hour.

[Cattail]

Thanks, Crabman. That checklist is spot on. And I plan to video record parts of the PDI. Thanks to you too, TWP723.

[Cattail]

Thanks. We have 2 hours set aside.

[Camper_bob]

Originally Posted by Fairenatic

And do NOT let them rush you.

Warn them that you are going to be very thorough and it will take more than an hour.

+1

I would also recommend a pad and pen/pencil to jot down notes and questions.

Remember that they work for you, not the other way around. This is an important step in the process, so you need to get it right. Test and learn how to operate EVERY system on the trailer including city water vs on-board water operations (have them run every faucet while connected to city water, then disconnect, and test again using on-board water and pump).

Also, don't be afraid to ask that something be fixed to your satisfaction, no matter how minor or seemingly insignificant. Make sure you're satisfied before you leave the lot, and I bet you'll feel A LOT better about the whole process.

Good luck! And welcome to the show!

[RodgerS]

Just go slow. Think several times about what you are doing before you move on.

No hurry, have fun documenting your own PDI in writing and with lots and lots of pictures. Take an audio or video recorder with you if someone is demoing the equipment.

Anything you do is better than nothing.

They would have or should have done their own PDI. Ask for a copy. If they don't have something in writing then they didn't do it. Review all the items yourself that they did do on their writeup. Do this first before using your checklist. Some things will be duplicative but that is ok. It will give you a bit of practice and comfort.

Request electrical and other schematics before you sign off. Getting them later may be easy or very tough, so use your leverage now.

Be sure to have your power protection devices so when you do your first hookup you do things right.

Be sure to take the time to go on the internet and read about batteries, storage, maintenance, and recharging. Try to avoid being one of those that don't and ruin their batteries within a few months. Get a solar recharge set up installed so you can keep the batteries up in storage - they are the heart of your system.

Do you know the various ways to disconnect them, do you know what your phantom draws are, do you know the batteries discharge by themselves, and do you have a plan for keeping them fully charged...don't be lazy here.

Note: the value of a checklist is limited by your patience and your RV knowledge/tools. You can look at videos on the internet to help you up-skill yourself, but you don't have a whole lot of time left. But it will likely be good enough anyway.

For a comparison, when I do a MH extended warranty inspection, it often takes me at least 3 1/2 to 4 hours. With used units I uncover all kinds of problems owners usually represent to me they were not aware of for most of the issues found.

You may want to rethink your brakes and tires. Many people upgrade their brakes and tires before driving off, at least the savvy ones.

Check the weights and be sure your towing vehicle is up to it. Don't rely on salesman's advice or opinion, he probably doesn't know but wants to get you off the lot as quickly as possible.

Ask them to show you how to winterize and de-winterize, so you learn more about your plumbing system.

Get some extra fuses. If you can buy the new ones that light up when there is a fault, then replace all your fuses immediately with the new variety. Be sure you know where all your fuses are and what they affect, not just the obvious bank of fuses...but the less obvious ones.

If they are unhappy, you are making progress, because you are not the regular donut hole they are use to. That is a common technical term regularly used by technicians.

[Cattail]

Thanks, RodgerS. How do I print these posts?

[RodgerS]

On my Mac I highlight the section, copy and then paste into either a word processor or Evernote. Then I can print from there. There are other options, but I like those options.

[RVer]

Originally Posted by RodgerS

Just go slow. Think several times about what you are doing before you move on.

I just wanted to say THANK YOU for this great post, it was very helpful!