Dealer Walk-Thru Suggestions?

[goldenroads]

We pick up our 3210 on Wednesday. Wife and I are extremely excited, but total rookies. It will be our first trailer ever and there seems like a TON to know. Our orientation is Wednesday morning and although they said it would take 2 hours, we are obviously going to need to learn how everything works at the same time as checking for damage or anything that isn't quite right with the trailer....

Any particular areas we should make sure to check to make sure we are getting what we pay for and not paying extra later to repair or replace things we should have noticed on our orientation? A little concerned about how this is going to go.... Suggestions???

[spoon059]

First trailer ever? You are going to want more than a simple 2 hour PDI walkthrough. You will want them to show you how EVERYTHING works.

[goldenroads]

Yes, first trailer ever. Our friends have them, I've been around them but never pulled, operated or maintained one. We were literally in a tent last year. <Ulp!>

[Mustang65]

CONGRATULATIONS on the new TT!!!!!

There are a few items that I made sure they went over (tested them for us):

- The fridge worked on gas
- The stove burners all worked
- The oven worked
- Stove exhaust fan
- The AC worked
- The heating system worked
- ALL the lights worked (on battery and shore power)
- The slide outs worked OUT and IN (on battery and shore power)
- The tongue jack (up and down)
- The ceiling vent fan
- The TV works (using antenna)
- The Radio works
- Check the battery water level
- 12VDC accessory plugs
Have them put some water in the tank
- Check the water pump
- Check the toilet (flush)
- Sinks (faucets and drains)
- The low point drains do not leak

- Check all windows (open and close)
- Check doors (and seals)
- Check storage space doors
- Check ALL the locks
- Check all the interior doors
- Check all the drawers

Do not take their word that they checked everything before you came, have them do it again for you.

When you hook up to leave, check all the TT's exterior lights (running, brakes, turn signals..)

You can check them on Thursday and not have to worry about encountering problems the first time you use them while camping.. one less trip back to the dealer...

Make a list and take it with you, check them off as they go over them with you.

Just my thoughts,

Don

[norty1]

In addition, get them to show you how to operate the window shades and make sure you check every one for operation.

[tnchuck100]

Originally Posted by goldenroads

Yes, first trailer ever. Our friends have them, I've been around them but never pulled, operated or maintained one. We were literally in a tent last year. <Ulp!>

If your friends are experienced RVer's by all means take them with you.

[Tunce the traveler]

Originally Posted by tnchuck100

If your friends are experienced RVer's by all means take them with you.

X2 That should be a must do!!!

[lodiguy]

Congratulations! Since this is your first time pulling a trailer. Make sure it's attached to the hitch before moving. Swing wider in your turns and watch it in your mirrors as you turn. You need more space in front of you to stop. If this is a travel trailer, make sure to remove the sway control bar before backing up in sharp turns. Remember the height when pulling into gas stations and around trees and anything else where clearance is in question.
This is a great forum to belong to and I have learned a lot here myself in a short time.

[goldenroads]

What an amazing response. I love his forum. Thank you! I wish I could take a buddy with me. Everyone is working.... I have a good list started so far. Hopefully all is well, fingers crossed!!!

It's a 5th wheel toy hauler, so that should make things a little simpler for towing.

[Jmooney]

Take a notebook with you and take notes.

Don't just watch, do everything yourself after the tech shows you.

When you get home, get a three ring binder and catalog all the materials they give you

[Jmooney]

And update your signature line so we can see your equipment. Helpful when you post questions

[Mustang65]

If you have a smart phone, use the message recording option to record the walk through. I have recorded over 1.5 hours of a conference, worked great. You can play it back later, and also take notes.... I know that is old technology, now you need to use a GO-Cam for the walk through...

Don

[jamaddox]

Ask about a test drive. Even though I had a pop up I was still not familiar with driving something big. My dealer had me drive with one of his techs around the block ( not far but we were in a city and the dealership was in some tight places). That made me feel less nervous

[canadiankid]

If it's the 2 of you going that helps a tone!! The beauty of this forum is that if you miss anything you have a lot of people willing to answer questions and help out. I just picked up my new tt a few weeks ago and I had never even been in a camper like this. Some of the things I'd say to pay special attention to are the de-winterizing procedure, how the hot water tank works (specifically making sure not to start it empty), the operation of fridge/stove and where the breakers are and make sure you know what they are for. Also make sure you have extra fuses for all the dif sizes you have on board, I blew my tongue jack fuse and had I not had a spare it would have been a very frustrating evening!!

Congrats by the way!! Sure is exciting!!

[ninjahbob]

I would make a very through physical inspection of the unit, sides, roof etc .. Look for any flaws. Then follow Mustang65s suggestion. take your time. You can learn the operation in time.

[canadiankid]

Originally Posted by ninjahbob

I would make a very through physical inspection of the unit, sides, roof etc .. Look for any flaws. Then follow Mustang65s suggestion. take your time. You can learn the operation in time.

Obviously you want to make sure nothing is physically wrong with the trailer! Open every drawer/door/compartment and don't leave with it unless you are completely satisfied that the trailer is in good shape but if you don't understand how these appliances work you can do damage that you will be responsible for or worse hurt yourself!

[Rustic Eagle]

Here is a detailed JOF PDI for reference. Not all items will apply, but a good tool to compare to the list you have thus far.

PDI check list: http://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/f3...t-18379-2.html

Bob

[oldmanAZ]

Lots of good suggestions here. I recently bought my first TT and went through my first PDI. The PDI went very well. The tech was very thorough and patient and explained everything I asked him as I watched closely. As a spectator, I thought I had a good grasp of everything. Days later, I realized my recollection and my written notes left much to be desired.

If I had a PDI 'do-over,' I'd want to DO all the things myself while the tech watched; push the button to move the slide, push the button to raise the awning, push the button to check the tank levels, push the button to turn on the water heater, move the valves for winterizing, etc. Having a video would be second best for me. I'm a 'hands on guy' and I remember best when I actually do it; not when I'm told/shown what to do.

[KiltDog]

The most important thing, IMO, is to feel comfortable with the experience and start a relationship with your dealer. You won't learn everything your first day, it's impossibLe. Listen to the tech, ask any questions you may have, speak with the manager/owner, and don't leave until you are comfortable doing so. It's as much about the dealers as the trailer.

[Seann45]

As Mustang 65 said video tape the walk through.. and make sure they show you where the manual crank point for the slide outs are.. not just say it is under here or over there get down on the ground and have then physically show you.. at some point in the future you will thank me for that..