Pdi

[Gegallant]

We have our PDI this week. Does anyone have any specific recommendations about things to focus on?
We have a copy of the dealer's form and have downloaded some information from various websites. I think we're ready, but wanted to check with some of you who have more experience with the RW.
We are moving into out rig to become full-timers and plan on our first adventure at the end of the month. The first two weeks will be in a local campground to do a "shakedown cruise"
Our unit is the 36RL with everything but the dishwasher and washer/dryer. The appliance package, LP gene, TrailAir pin box and 2 heat pumps are all part of our equipment.
We hope to spend our first night in the unit this Friday but our forcast has up to 12 inches of snow forcast for Wednesday/Thursday...our luck. We used to be getting the mowers ready for the season at this time of year.
Thank you

Safe travels
George and Kay

[johnboytoo]

TAKE your time !

While you will understand it all as they are going through it and you think you will recall it all.... there's just SO much that we found if we each had our cell phones videoing each segment, really helped to go back to it later...
(break it up so that each segment is not TOO long!)

Start at the hitch outside and go completely around it... noting things to ask more of on a piece of paper... easy to get distracted and go to other stuff and miss things...

If you got a residential fridge, make sure it's anchored (don't ask me why I point that out !)

Go through the Gen and monitor panel ops a couple of times!
Check the shower doors to make sure they will seal and travel well...
Check for leaks in water system.

good luck !

[Oriana]

As Johnboy said take your time - mine took 2 full days.

I had a highly detailed PDI checklist, which unfortunately I can't send you a copy as it resides on my server back home. I broke everything down to individual areas and components.

I started with interior fit & finish, breaking it down to zones - LR, Kitchen, Bathroom & Kitchen. In each zone I again did each area or component methodically - checked ceiling, each wall, flooring, windows (including function test), screens, each light, each electrical outlet, fit and finish of cabinets, all hardware, furniture, etc.

I then moved to the outside and again broke it down to roof, each side and underbelly. This is when I checked for paint defects, caulking, doors, hardware, etc.

Finally I function tested each system and component - water and tanks, propane, hitch, wheels/suspension, landing gear, slides, all electronics, heater, furnace, A/C, heat pump, etc.

The two things I didn't do was inspect the brakes, basically as I don't know how and my son-in-law was busy. I also wanted to manually operate the slides and landing gear, but nobody at our dealer knew how the system worked, as we were their first RW sale.

Enjoy the learning and take lots of notes and or video.

[spindrift]

After you test all the water systems, don't forget to re-winterize...assuming you live in chilly environs.

[Oregonbound]

Go at a pace that is comfortable for you….not the person doing the PDI. We were so excited about the new unit that we went, in hindsight, faster than I would have liked to and ended up missing a few things (which we'll have fixed under warranty in April) Check the functionality of everything - e.g.) electronic door locks (seems like many are having probs here), pull down blinds, windows, all appliances, outlets, do fans close when it rains? (just need a little water to test), etc..

Hope all goes well and congratulations!

[Oregonbound]

Just an observation - as these units are getting more and more complicated, maybe the industry needs Certified RV Inspectors, just like for real estate. Maybe there are already?

[CLPalmore]

Does anyone have a form they have used? And would share. We are expecting delivery of the RW38RL late Feb or early Mar.

Clpalm@suddenlink.net

[Oregonbound]

Originally Posted by CLPalmore

Does anyone have a form they have used? And would share. We are expecting delivery of the RW38RL late Feb or early Mar.

Clpalm@suddenlink.net

Sorry, no. Maybe "Google" it.

[spindrift]

Originally Posted by CLPalmore

Does anyone have a form they have used? And would share. We are expecting delivery of the RW38RL late Feb or early Mar.

Clpalm@suddenlink.net

Honestly, I don't believe there is the "One" best PDI format. There are several available for download off the web. I'd suggest you take a look at a few and determine which is best for you. However, I believe this one is what many folks have used in the past: http://www.angelfire.com/trek/buenavistas/

[spindrift]

Originally Posted by Oregonbound

Just an observation - as these units are getting more and more complicated, maybe the industry needs Certified RV Inspectors, just like for real estate. Maybe there are already?

The National RV Inspector's Association (NRVIA.org) is just getting off the ground and should be able to make referrals within the next month or two.

[IPull]

One thing you don’t think of is open & close all your cabinet doors make sure they shut tight and your hinge screws have not been striped.

[Gegallant]

Our PDI was Friday and our dealer was exceptional in going through everything with us and answering all our questions.
Our inspection went very well with only minor details to correct. All out those were corrected before we left the lot.
We are currently in a campground and are in the process of loading the unit so we can fulfill our dream of becoming full-timers. This is also the time we set aside to exercise every system and be sure everything is in good working order.
So far, there are only a few items that we've noticed that we'll have touched up before we hit the road.
At this point we are very pleased with our unit (36RL) and our dealer (McGeorge RV in Ashland, VA). Everyone involved in our transaction was engaged and appeared to be genuinely concerned that all our questions were answered and that we understood everything about our new home.
All-in-all, I would consider the PDI a success.
Thanks to all who had suggestions for the inspection. Your input gave us some places to look that we wouldn't have thought of.

Safe travels to everyone and we hope to meet some of you as we travel.
George and Kay