Same story, different day. We too just brought home a new Grey Wolf 26dbh last night after waiting about 6 weeks for delivery. Traded in our totally remolded, 1994 Palomino TXL pup... great camper, was just ready to step up to the next level which was made possible with the purchase of a new F150 back in November. I never even got a lower ball mount for the pup.
It was a bit of a white-knuckle experience pulling the Grey Wolf home last night during rush-hour through downtown Denver and about 5 miles of one-lane road construction on I-70 but we finally made it home. The best part- it only took about 5 minutes to level, chock, stabilize and slide in order to enter it. This is a fraction of the time it took to be able to enter the pup without my rotator cuff aching from all the cranking.
2 out of 2 dogs approve.
The delivery wasn't the best. The PDI was lame with the tech not knowing some questions and occasionally would have to inspect something to figure it out first before describing it to me. But I'll give credit in that he didn't state anything that was incorrect or in contrast to popular or common logic. There was very little that was a new discovery to me but I'm pretty well read on most topics. It was winterized so they weren't going to hook up water or fill any tanks. It was very warm so we did get to see the AC run and blow cold but not the heat. They didn't pre-cool the fridge but it did cool down by the time we were done. Power jack, awning and slide all worked as did the all the lights, fans, stereo, range, oven and microwave.
I was okay with it but my wife on the other hand wasn't... she had pointed out every scratch, nick, rub, crooked trim, and staple head that wasn't covered which seemed to piss off our PDI guy. To his credit he patiently indicated every thing with a small piece of bright green painter's tape. About that time, our salesman came to check on us. Feeling like the deal was going to fall through, he called the lot manager out. He explained that almost none of it would be covered under warranty and that it was nothing outside the norm of a typical delivery even on units costing 5 times more than our Grey Wolf. We then decided to concede the little things but agreed to get one of the wardrobe doors, bathroom door jamb and dinette cushions replaced.
Just as we walked into the finance office, I whispered to my wife: "We're not getting the damn warranty they offer!" What a total fail! He offered us a 5-year, $50 detectable per visit (instead of item) with a wheel and tire package the covers both the TT and TV for $1500. It was a little difficult to pass up. We also got a $40 shopping spree in their parts department that allowed up to pick us a new 15' Valterra Dominator slinky stinky with nothing more out of pocket and a 30 amp surge guard at cost. But over all, when all was done it was a good experience and I would recommend the dealership.
After flipping my Andersen ball mount (I mounted it too low based of some feedback I asked for here on the forum) and hooking up we hit the road for the hour long drive across town. I didn't bother with mounting the WD chains and frame anchors for the short trek across town but towing something this big will definitely take some getting used to. However I was very pleased with the EcoBoost F150 and how confident it managed the load... I just need to work on my trucker wide swings around corners.
We didn't have a lot of time after getting it set up at home but it finally cooled down to fire up the furnace and it worked. Nearly dark, I wasn't going to fiddle around with the water and test out those systems but I plan to this evening. Another positive discovery is that we got the optional heating pads on our holding tanks and the semi 4-seasons package where they also cover the tanks with corrugated plastic and fill the area with foam. We were only considering this package when we briefly discussed ordering one with the fiberglass exterior walls. I guess it got mixed up but the price we settled on did not include this option and that same price was carried through to closing.
Initial impressions-
Great value- While over the course of the 6 week wait, I looked at just about every other TT in this size with double bunks and nothing came close. Upon further inspection, this it probably because the level of craftsmanship is average with the use of some less than choice materials. However the fit and finish in general is what I would consider above average and the upgrades with the limited package are really great. In the end, I didn't spend $40k for a coach as a status symbol and I'm happy with this decision.
Inside speakers- What a sad, sad excuse for a speaker... I'm not audiophile, but listening to music on the inside is an agonizing experience. As soon as I can figure out how to remove these sad puppies, I'll be replacing them. However, the Bluetooth receiver really makes up for the crappy speakers and the outside speakers sounded fine.
X-Chocks do work with the spread of the axles but those tires don't look long for the haul. I'm planning to keep them inflated and watch them close as I can't bring myself to replace something that isn't broken.
Still not sold on the windowless doors. Looks a bit cheap on the outside and it would really add some natural light to the inside especially on the window lacking side of the coach. Seems like an easy install and initial findings show options in the $50 range for each window. Most likely my second mod after the speakers.
Why don't the keys match for the front and back doors? Seem's like that would be pretty easy to sort out at the factory. Third mod, perhaps?
Totally automatic fridge and that DSI water heater! Wow, doesn't feel like camping if I can't struggle lighting some pilot in the freezing driving rain, 20-miles up hill both ways in 2 feet of snow, blah, blah, blah. The fridge was left on when we left the dealer thus switching to propane on the drive home and I was happily surprised to realize how cold it will keep a couple 12 packs of Dales Pale Ale.
First trip is already inked for this weekend in Beautiful Breckenridge Colo. First time at a private campground and first time knowingly going into freezing temps. Wish us luck, but I've already gathered good info on a post elsewhere on this forum. I told you I well read.
Speaking of a good read, wow, that drug on a lot longer that I thought is would! Hopefully it was good and thanks for sticking with me to this point if you managed to hang on.
More updates to follow...
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