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Old 03-19-2012, 05:34 PM   #1
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Taking Delivery Tomorrow..What to look for?

Well tomorrow's the big day. We'll be heading over to the dealer to pick up the A-Frame around 11 am. I know there is kind of a universal checklist for delivery. However, I wanted to hear some personal experiences with taking delivery to get a "boots on the ground" frame of reference for real issues that can arise. In short, what issues were uncovered at your walk through? What issues stayed hidden until shortly after taking possession?

Thanks,

LM
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Old 03-19-2012, 05:43 PM   #2
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look touch and work every thing.
ask questions and more questions
ask how to winterize / dewinterize
ask where the water pump is specifically
ask how to use hw heater
ask how everything works then have them SHOW you
ask what each and every switch does then have then show you
just a few I would do .
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Old 03-19-2012, 05:54 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by f1100turbo View Post
look touch and work every thing.
ask questions and more questions
ask how to winterize / dewinterize
ask where the water pump is specifically
ask how to use hw heater
ask how everything works then have them SHOW you
ask what each and every switch does then have then show you
just a few I would do .
Thanks...I will do all of this.
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Old 03-19-2012, 08:10 PM   #4
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Check that the weatherstripping gaskets on the "A" sections and their mating counterparts on the roof sections actually meet. On mine, one set of them had about a half-inch gap when the camper was set up. Pointed it out and the dealer's shop fixed it in minutes.

Take a good bright flashlight with you to help your inspection.

Look underneath at the wiring and piping. Often the brake wires that run between the two wheels are held to the axle with zip ties or tape, but it needs more of them to keep the wires from drooping below the axle and possibly catching on something. Look to see that every wire and pipe that penetrates the bottom is well sealed and see that where they pass through the frame openings they're cushioned so they won't rub and wear through. They were ok on mine, but the pace of work at RV factories may mean not everything got sealed.

Inspect the sealing around all windows and all exterior joints, especially on the roof. Look for possible minor cracks at the corners of the bubble windows. One or two members have reported them and the dealers replaced them.

Look for weather-related cracks on the tires. My dealer said they've had new trailers come off the truck with flat tires (different brand camper, but Chinese tires are an RV industry-wide problem, IMO). On the positive side, we've pulled ours over 7,000 miles so far with no problems.

Have them show you where the water filter is, and be sure the plastic filter wrench and filter element are included with the packet of stuff you get.

We ordered three more of the cargo net pieces that are installed on the A walls. If you think you'd like more than the two that come with it, it's a good time to order them.
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Old 03-19-2012, 08:16 PM   #5
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If this is your first camper take a note pad and take notes, also have questions you want to ask written down. It`s very easy to get sidetracked or overwhelmed when you are at the dealer, they should do a complete walk through, but don`t let them rush through it and take good notes and ask questions.

Things that I would suggest looking at, especially on the a-frame are;

- Check the wiring that is underneath the trailer, make sure it is
secured properly. My A122 had wires hanging off of the axle.

- Check under all of the cushions/mattress and in the corners for
signs of water damage from leaks. I personally saw two new a-
frames on the lot that had leaks and water damage.

- Make sure the camper opens and closes without any issues.

- Check all of the bubble windows and make sure they don`t have
any cracks in the corners and that they are caulked properly.

All of these issues can be fixed at the dealer and are common issues that I have had, or read on this forum. The last thing I would suggest is to start camping immediately and enjoy your new camper!!!!
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Old 03-19-2012, 08:21 PM   #6
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Hamguy1 we must have been typing at the same time and we basically typed the same suggestions, thats funny.

The roof seal is another good thing to check like hamguy1 said, mine had to be re-installed properly.
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Old 03-19-2012, 08:23 PM   #7
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I think I must have been reporting some of your experiences, but wasn't sure then where I'd heard the issues.
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Old 03-19-2012, 09:04 PM   #8
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I just got back from my first trip of the year and the trailer was problem free!! I think all RV`s have initial problems and issues and it`s just part of owning one. I am really satisfied with my camper and I hope to get a lot of use out of it.

loganmartin don`t let some of the problems we have had with our a-frames get you down or discouraged, you will love using your new rig.
Please post some pic`s up if you get the chance...
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Old 03-19-2012, 09:12 PM   #9
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That's awesome guys...thank you very much. I now feel a bit better prepared going into this thing. I'm already laying out some old work clothes so I will feel free to roll around on the pavement under the camper. I just need to remember it's not a race and just go through it slowly. I'll give a report later tomorrow.

Thanks Again,

LM
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Old 03-20-2012, 07:40 PM   #10
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Many will record a video of the walk thru so they can refer to it later on when they need to drain the water heater or start the furnace or whatever.
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