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What is the pressure test, re-caulk and PDI?
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The dealer closes all doors, windows & vents & then pumps air into the RV while applying a soapy solution to the outside - especially around caulked areas. A lot like checking gas pipes for leaks... They mark where bubbles form & then re-caulk those areas. Since I was buying a used TT, they included it in the price. However, they strongly recommend it for new ones as well, since so many RVs arrive from the manufacturer with issues...
The Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) is your ONLY chance to make certain everything works before you leave the lot. They will work & work to get it right BEFORE you leave, but if you have to return for warranty work, you could wait & wait... Some folks buying new spend their 1st camping season having warranty work done vs. actually camping. We've now had our (used) TT for 2 camping seasons with no serious issues...
During our PDI, one of our dealer's skilled mechanics showed us how to operate everything on the RV while they also tested to make sure everything works - gas, 12V & 110V. Our mechanic adjusted both slides & the awning, replaced a faulty CO2 detector, checked to make sure FULL fresh water, gray & black tanks did not leak, checked to make sure the water pump, stove, microwave, entertainment system, etc. all worked properly, and checked to make sure all motors for tongue jack & stabilizers worked. They also demonstrated how to retract the slides with a cordless drill should a motor fail... They allowed me to videotape the whole 2.5 hour PDI. Obviously they are not going to lie to you knowing their statements are on tape...
I purposefully looked at TTs during heavy rains. I saw new ones leaking badly whereas my used TT was bone-dry. I looked behind every access panel with a flashlight & noted that the dust on mine was evenly spread (always dry) whereas others showed where streaming water had made a pathway through the dust/sawdust - a sure sign that TT has leaked. I also looked for water stains on exposed wood & walked-away from any new/used TT that looked too risky...
Once the salesperson sees you doing this, they will steer you away from the lemons. I inquired about a couple new & used TTs on the lot & salespersons wouldn't even show them to me because he/she knew they were lemons. I actually spent 2 hours looking at our TT before making an offer & then they spent another 2.5 hours walking me through the PDI...
This was our FIRST RV purchase but I approached it like buying our house... We looked at over 50 houses before we found a great deal on a (used) custom-built home by a reputable builder on a highly desirable country lot... Patience pays-off, especially when you are spending your hard-earned $$$....