Purchase process and PDI - Is this normal?

[jughrad]

All of us have been through the PDI and most of us wish we had looked harder but we only got the 45 minute walkthrough. However, after RV shows the booking are full and you either wait or accept the rushed PDI. It seems to be the price you pay for buying at RV show prices.

Unless you will be living in it, I would worry less about items that would clearly be covered under warranty and focus on "damage". Look for dents scratches, rips and shoddy repairs to previous damage. It is very hard to prove you did not cause cosmetic damage but they almost never question why the plumbing started leaking or the refer went out.

Just my 2 cents. I know this is not what a full-timer would say but as a vacationeer with time to find the problems at home I think you can be sure they will fix everything non-cosmetic after the RV show load subsides.

Also, from experience, I think being stern with the dealers does not help you get better service, it simply puts them in a defensive stance. There is nobody to complain to if you don't like the service, CW corporate & FR Customer Support do not even respond (ask me how I know).

I made my first trip within 50 miles of home in case I had to go get tools or hardware. I did fix a few things on the road; loose p-trap & leaky faucet hose, and I also found a major repair item which the dealer did correct when their schedule opened up.

Again, use your short time to look for damage not verify appliance function, the dealer already did that. Additionally, show up early and ask to browse the unit before your PDI starts, it is usually sitting there in the inspection bay waiting for an available technician.

Regards,

[Linnemj]

You have asked good questions and provided follow up on your situation. That makes fellow forum members happy!

Two suggestions. Make sure you get all the dealer's commitments in writing. When you arrive for your PDI, ask to see the factory invoice. If he wants to black out his costs that is fine. Make sure the invoice matches what you think is installed. We almost missed that the arctic package we ordered was not installed on our toy hauler.

You have some great camping in Michigan!

[BandJCarm]

They do! I'm already booked for a week in Traverse City, right after FROG......assuming we get into FROG. Well, I guess I'm booked whether we get in or not. LOL

[DrLewie]

Originally Posted by JLud

I'd say go over the salesman as needed. Could be just communication and one call might be able to shed some light...however if this is the service you are getting now does that make you worried when they will have your money...

Someone else will gladly sell you one, however could just be a misunderstanding or poor sales person.

If I understand the query, you haven't made a deposit. Not requiring a deposit on any type of expensive purchase is very unusual in my experience. As previously stated, if a dealership is giving you delays and excuses before they have your $$, I would be very concerned about how they will handle service/warrantee visits. I would be very leery about this purchase.

[Forge_]

My personal theory is this: If you don't want to take my money, I'll find someone else who will. Whomever makes it easiest on me will be the one who gets my business. I imagine that if you simply told him that if he cant work you in, you will just have to go somewhere else (nicely), he would find the time.

Just remember, if you throw that out, be prepared to go somewhere else, you can get the same thing elsewhere, for the same price.

[JLud]

Glad it's working out. I will say if you read the interweb all day you will find tons of horror stories. Long story short dealers are not all bad guys and some can be extremely trustworthy. For me it's never been as bad as I was expecting, but we did uncover some issues and get them resolved.

It's disappointing to find stuff after they have done PDI, but how they handle it is more important to me.

Since your in Michigan, had great luck in Grand Rapids with Motorhomes to Go....think they also have a trailer location as well. Beat RV direct price by a lot....delivered what they said they would and even after I went home they still took my calls and sent me a part that broke. Had a very good PDI experience there even though there was a deal breaker and they had to get me another unit. Paperwork showed new transmission but dashboard showed it was the old model.....they got me a new unit out of the factory that had a couple extra options, paid my hotel for the extra night, and went down and got it.

They made a bad situation great in my eyes.....I can't say if they really didn't know about the transmission or not and were hoping I didn't.....but I didn't get that feeling at all they seemed genuinely shocked.

[rockfordroo]

Originally Posted by Flybob

His explanation sounds reasonable, but I would still like to have a tested water system. A couple of possibilities.
Can you be there for his water system testing done a few days before?
If not. ask for a compromise. Ask him to stick the winterizing port hose in a bottle of antifreeze and turn on the water pump. Check to see that it stops and no pink stuff runs out anywhere. This still leaves out some of the system, but is better than no water system test. It will also show you how to winterize and dewinterize.

X2. A couple of jugs of AF should be enough to fill and pressurize the system and verify no leaks and that AF comes out of every faucet. That's really all you need to know. The only thing you won't be able to check is turning on the water heater.

[dbledan]

I just did a PDI in winter. It was terrible. They didn't run through water...in fact they failed to even open the outside door as it was frozen shut from power washing it. Seems they like to make them shiny for the show and power wash the locks. I ended up figuring it out on my own. I had to fix the door when I got home because they forgot and had closed before I even finished hooking up the hitch. They ran the heater with propane tank I found a leak on at home the next day. I had also bought at rv show. I got it the first day and had pdi scheduled the following monday. My wife moved it that sunday and the closest date was 3wks out. Looks like they get busy quickly. I was not worried about plumbing because I know it is covered. The propane hose was $9 which was cheaper than towing it in because the dealer is an hour away. I think your best bet is to wait for PDI and save yourself the storage fees by leaving it there, or buy it and be ready to hook up and rewinterize yourself before you actully want to use it. If you leave it there you should be able to get the VIN under the guise that you are injuring it and could inspect it yourself until you actually perform the pdi. Good luck and just remeber there is always something to be fixed. I agree the cosmetic things are more important because they are questioned if you want them covered under warrenty.

[TKPINSC]

Originally Posted by MILover

I spoke to the RV dealership owner this morning. He is the one who finalized our deal; I had thought he was a manager. Anyway, our conversation yielded the following:

-A new PDI date that is scheduled for the date we initially requested and were denied by the salesman
-A more thorough explanation of the process. As suggested in this thread, he said he normally doesn't install after-market items without a deposit, which I did offer. But then he says that provided we come in tomorrow for preliminary acceptance, not to worry about it and he'll have it completely ready for our PDI.
-It's noteworthy that our salesman has had some family difficulties recently, so that may be part of the communication issues we've had with him.

Here's the sticky point though - the owner held firm that we won't be able to check water during our PDI. He said that this is because they conduct their own, very thorough PDI which can take up to two days, and that they will already have had to re-winterize the unit before we inspect it. He gave the example that they might complete their PDI several days prior, and not have room to keep it in their small service garage for the entire time prior to our personal PDI. Although, they will bring it in the night before so it's warmed up, and we can test all of the other systems. Just not water.

I want to believe him. He was pretty adamant about it, and said if it was June "no problem." But that this is how he needs to do it in the winter, and he won't budge on it. He also said their PDI is very thorough, sometimes taking two days, and says they go through and inspect/tighten all water lines as part of the process. The dealership has some pretty good reviews online. And, they are only 15 minutes from our house. And their price is really good. They beat a huge dealer in our state that has wholesaler prices.

Thoughts?

You're only 15 minutes away.

Tell them you will make yourself available at their convenience while their is water in the system for that part of the PDI.

[MILover]

Wow. Lots of replies while we were gone for the weekend! We do appreciate the feedback.

We actually visited the dealer again on Friday - briefly - to lay eyes on the trailer and confirm it is spec'd out accordingly. We are set to conduct the PDI and pick it up next week. DH and I mentioned a few things we saw right off the bat, such as doors not latching properly, cabinet latch issue, and a tub surround wall that is not flush with the wall. The salesman took note.

Frankly, we struggle with this sort of thing. DH and I are inherently detail-oriented and particular, but we know that RV's are not "perfect" and this is an entry-level unit (but it's still a lot of money to us!). We find things we don't like, then second-guess if we are being too picky. With this unit, we were expecting that it was brand-new inventory coming in, but discovered it was transferred from the dealer's lot at another branch location. While the trailer is a 2017, it was built in August and is a bit dirty from having been walked through quite a bit (think winter mud). There is a minor aberration/dent appearance (couple inches long) on an outside door (likely a flaw in the board under the laminate). There is a tiny puncture hole in vinyl trim near the dinette. Wallpaper seams are curling at the edges in places, and various bolts and edges of the frame are getting small rust spots already from sitting outside. To be fair, this is Michigan, and all of the new campers on the lot looked like that. Apparently it's common because the powder coat paint is so thin. The salesman offered to order us a new trailer fresh from the factory, but then we wait 8-10 weeks. He claims this one will be completely cleaned up for the PDI. Let's hope.

We have printed off the awesome PDI checklist from this forum, and added a couple of personal notes too. We won't be rushed, and I think the owner and salesman know that now. That said, we don't want to be major PIAs either. I guarantee we probably are making them work more than usual, while reaping less profit (I'll discuss price in a new thread after we get the camper, in case it's helpful to others).

Since we do live only 15 minutes away, we'll not argue the water issue right now, though I may request the pump/antifreeze test mentioned previously. We're trying to be firm enough to protect our interests, but nice enough to maintain a good relationship. It's a fine line, lol.

Thanks again everyone!

[5picker]

It's easy to be picky about the little things but you are going to have to come to grips with the fact these things fly down the assembly line and there are LOTS of little things missed.

Certainly make sure major items are corrected but don't sweat the small stuff. You'll have lots of time to glue down curled trim, fill nail/staple holes, tighten lose screws, clean scuff marks, vacuum Styrofoam beads, etc., etc.

Enjoy!

[MILover]

Originally Posted by 5picker

It's easy to be picky about the little things but you are going to have to come to grips with the fact these things fly down the assembly line and there are LOTS of little things missed.

Certainly make sure major items are corrected but don't sweat the small stuff. You'll have lots of time to glue down curled trim, fill nail/staple holes, tighten lose screws, clean scuff marks, vacuum Styrofoam beads, etc., etc.

Enjoy!

Oh, I know. Trust me, we've "come to grips" with a lot about the RV industry since owning our first pop up, lol. But the struggle is real.

[phln]

Very reasonable on the dealerships part. I would simply have negotiated the dealership provide a dewinterizing with full pressure test after spring thaw as part of your deal.

[dblr]

MILover, it seems you have a very good grip on this and also seems the dealer is working with you, totally understand you want to keep a good relationship with them, good luck and hope you get to enjoy your new camper soon. Also make sure you join FROG and try to get to a rally and meet some of us

[MILover]

Hello all,

We had a successful PDI yesterday and brought the Cherokee home! Here's a general summary:

-The weather was FANTASTIC! Near 60 degrees and sunny. In Michigan. In February. It was unprecedented, and while I fear global warming, it was great for a camper PDI.

- Because of the abnormally mild weather we've had, the dealer left the unit de-winterized for our inspection, and had it hooked up to water. We were very appreciative of this gesture. The tech then showed us the winterizing process before we took it home.

- In terms of nitpicky items - not much. To their credit, the dealer had the trailer cleaned up considerably. The slide topper was already installed, the exterior door/cabinet doors were fixed, tub surround was fixed, and the wallpaper seams even appeared to have been sealed better (and I hadn't even mentioned the seams), and it was clean. And I think they touched up some rusted areas on the steps/frame.

The only issues we found and requested fixed were a USB charging port that didn't work (loose wire); a small tear on the underside of a couch cushion (tech offered to order new, but we said a good patch would be fine); a plastic exterior panel that didn't fit within the housing correctly (tech filed it down to fit), and some touch-up sealant was needed on the roof. Other than that, everything worked well and didn't leak - and we inspected all of it!

The entire process took longer than we expected. We arrived at 9:00 and finished the PDI by noon, then took a break for lunch. Then we went back, completed paperwork, and observed the winterizing process and installation of the Equalizer. We left around 2:30.

We credit the PDI list on this forum with giving us a great resource for the inspection. I will say though, that the RV dealer staff didn't seem accustomed to having such "thorough" customers. We were nice and said a lot of "thank-yous" but undoubtedly tested their patience a bit with our questions.

Sooner than later, I'll post a new thread with a photo of our set up and some other information. Thanks for everyone's input and guidance leading up to this! We've already made multiple camping reservations for this summer, and this spring-like weather has us ready to go!

[5picker]

Wonderful!
Now it's time to enjoy!

[GregAmerica]

Originally Posted by MILover

Hello all,



We had a successful PDI yesterday and brought the Cherokee home! Here's a general summary:



-The weather was FANTASTIC! Near 60 degrees and sunny. In Michigan. In February. It was unprecedented, and while I fear global warming, it was great for a camper PDI.



- Because of the abnormally mild weather we've had, the dealer left the unit de-winterized for our inspection, and had it hooked up to water. We were very appreciative of this gesture. The tech then showed us the winterizing process before we took it home.



- In terms of nitpicky items - not much. To their credit, the dealer had the trailer cleaned up considerably. The slide topper was already installed, the exterior door/cabinet doors were fixed, tub surround was fixed, and the wallpaper seams even appeared to have been sealed better (and I hadn't even mentioned the seams), and it was clean. And I think they touched up some rusted areas on the steps/frame.



The only issues we found and requested fixed were a USB charging port that didn't work (loose wire); a small tear on the underside of a couch cushion (tech offered to order new, but we said a good patch would be fine); a plastic exterior panel that didn't fit within the housing correctly (tech filed it down to fit), and some touch-up sealant was needed on the roof. Other than that, everything worked well and didn't leak - and we inspected all of it!



The entire process took longer than we expected. We arrived at 9:00 and finished the PDI by noon, then took a break for lunch. Then we went back, completed paperwork, and observed the winterizing process and installation of the Equalizer. We left around 2:30.



We credit the PDI list on this forum with giving us a great resource for the inspection. I will say though, that the RV dealer staff didn't seem accustomed to having such "thorough" customers. We were nice and said a lot of "thank-yous" but undoubtedly tested their patience a bit with our questions.



Sooner than later, I'll post a new thread with a photo of our set up and some other information. Thanks for everyone's input and guidance leading up to this! We've already made multiple camping reservations for this summer, and this spring-like weather has us ready to go!

MILover, which dealer did you use?

Thanks!

[LarryS]

MILover glad to hear that you got your camper and everything worked out alright. Now it's time for the weather to change for camping season so we can all get back to nature.

May I ask where this PDI check list is?

We are to be getting a new camper in about 4-5 weeks and this would be very useful to us.

Thank you

[LarryS]

Originally Posted by LarryS

MILover glad to hear that you got your camper and everything worked out alright. Now it's time for the weather to change for camping season so we can all get back to nature.

May I ask where this PDI check list is?

We are to be getting a new camper in about 4-5 weeks and this would be very useful to us.

Thank you

Never mind I found it.

[MILover]

Originally Posted by GregAmerica

MILover, which dealer did you use?

Thanks!

GregAmerica, I'll PM you. Would rather not name them in this particular thread, since I did complain about/question their service initially. The results then show up in Google searches. But, I'll gladly share the info. to anyone who messages me.