New to RV Travel Trailers

[GapSupply]

Hi everyone. I'm new to RVing and pick up my new trailer, a Vibe 308BHS next Thursday. Purchasing it at RV nation in Ohio. Sees they have the best price by a lot! Saving about 7k over buying local. Any tips for a first timer would be humbly excepted

[Flybob]

Search forum for a PDI check list. Take your time and do not let your excitement cloud your decision making when it comes to accepting a unit that is not as you want it. Remember once the dealer gets your money, your leverage to get things repaired is gone. Make sure you know how EVERYTHING works and video anything you might forget. Plan a short close to home trip for your first outing to work things out, Keep a pad and pen in the RV to note things you would like to add or pack next time. Make sure your TV is properly equipped starting a vacation with a white knuckle drive is not fun. Don't forget to come to the forum for help. Someone here has had the problem before you and fixed it. There are no dumb questions here. Enjoy you new unit.

[GapSupply]

Thanks Flybob! I will search for the PDI. I have a 2012 Titan Pro4x with the tow package and break control and the trailer will have a Blue Ox SwayPro.

Would it be out of the ordinary to ask the dealer to hook up water and test all the plumbing?

[youroo]

Originally Posted by GapSupply

Thanks Flybob! I will search for the PDI. I have a 2012 Titan Pro4x with the tow package and break control and the trailer will have a Blue Ox SwayPro.

Would it be out of the ordinary to ask the dealer to hook up water and test all the plumbing?

Have the dealer hook up the water and also put some water in the tank so you can test the pump also! have them show you where the Pump and pre filter are as well as the Main filter also! Youroo!!

[GapSupply]

Will do, Thanks

[Wiscampsin]

Welcome from Wisconsin and congrats on your new Vibe 308BHS.

[aceinspp]

Welcome to the forum. Congrat on your tt purchase. Enjoy and welcome to the world of RVing. Later RJD

[RSchleder]

Originally Posted by GapSupply

Thanks Flybob! I will search for the PDI. I have a 2012 Titan Pro4x with the tow package and break control and the trailer will have a Blue Ox SwayPro.

Would it be out of the ordinary to ask the dealer to hook up water and test all the plumbing?

I think you'll really like the Sway Pro. Don't be afraid to raise the tongue up with the tongue jack so you can tighten the chains. It may take a few times to get the best chain length settings to properly load the "spring bars". Once you have the chain length figured out, take some paint and paint the chain link that you use to determine the proper bar load. This really helps speed up the hooking up process as counting chain lengths each time is not the best approach and can cause misadjusted chains (bars) if you miscount on one or both sides!
Something else I did was replace the short, flat tighting handle supplied by Blue Ox with a longer breaker bar with the approbate sized socket and it is easier and less dangerous as you have MUCH better control when locking/unlocking the chains.

[GapSupply]

Great advice. Do you know what size socket?

[GapSupply]

Originally Posted by Catalina283rbks

If you didn't already get it. Stop and really look at this dealer compared to your local dealer! I'm not going to get into all the details on what dealers can do to make it look like they are saving you so much money. But on top of that consider service. And look at the back of your brochure, it will say about buying locally. Don't be surprised if your local dealer will prioritize his/her customers over your needs. So please realize if you need a quick repair, be prepared to drive it all the way back to this dealer you're buying from for a great deal. Also, look at their customer service reviews. A lot of dealers who sell volume and have great pricing have horrible service. Just somethings to think about.

I appreciate your concern. The best deal I could find within 300 miles was still $4550 more than the deal I'm getting in Ohio. I'm very handy growing up in a construction family, and having owned a remodeling compan, Kitchen and bathroom company and now an LED lighting company. + like to build classic cars from time to time. Don't think there is anything I couldn't handle, or figure out. Local dealers in NC don't seem to want to negotiate. They acted like I was a terrorist, and the were not going to negotiate.

[tenttotrailer]

Welcome from Ontario. Nothing is out when doing your PDI. Get them to turn everything on and to run them, everything needs to work before you hook up and leave. Videotape and write down everything they say during the walk around, you wont remember that critical instruction when you are gone. After that it is trial and error.

Kevin

[Flybob]

Ask the Ohio dealer if they have somewhere close by ( if not on their lot) that you can spend a night to try stuff out. Do not sign and/or leave until everything you are not willing to fix on your own is working. Most dealers will not do warranty work on a TT bought elsewhere. Remember you are buying this to enjoy not park on a dealers lot awaiting repairs.

[BamaBob]

X2 what FlyBob said -- you really should stay at or near the dealers at least one night (with full hookups) before you head home.

During your PDI, test everything and do not be afraid to video the tech demonstrating how to operate!

[drc343]

Test everything gas water a/c heat lights electric outlets. After you sign it is warranty work. Have everything repaired before you sign

[GapSupply]

Just got done setting up for our first night.

[GapSupply]

Front view

[FR2401W CL]

Never pull over for slow traffic going uphill, it's difficult to regain your power. Always properly level your RV before using the refrigerator. Be careful opening compartments after traveling...things can shift if not stored correctly. I make myself a checklist so I don't forget proper set up and takedown procedures. Good luck, enjoyed many years of RVing.

[jgourlie]

Congrats on your new purchase...The outside looks awfully similar to my 312qbud.....I am curious if the inside is the same....I am guessing it is....If so, I can't wait to see what mods you end up doing....might have to steal your ideas

[ColoradoRick]

Congrats on the new trailer...she's a beaut!!!

[Terier]

Looks sharp! Lots of good feedback have already been provided and I'm sure more is to come as well.


Happy camping!