Checklist? Picking up new 2021 ISATA5 28s Friday

Guido79 · 03-23-2021, 12:28 PM

We're finally picking up our new rig this Friday. Since this will be our first RV, does anyone have any tips or a checklist or things to look for when we inspect or do our walkthrough?

Thanks for any thoughts you may have.

BTW...All told... 244 day wait time from order to pick up for a new ISATA5 28ss.

halla · 03-23-2021, 01:42 PM

Here is one I put together back in 2018 when I picked up our second Force. It may help.

Take your time, no matter how long it takes.

https://www.forestriverforums.com/fo...di-153737.html

Invisibleman · 03-23-2021, 01:56 PM

I should have asked the same question when I picked up my Isata-5, which the dealer rushed through. There may be a checklist that the dealer will ask you to sign off on (at least my dealer did), which I did unknowingly. Ask for it before you do your dealer check and have it in your hand. I don't have a copy of it, but as I recall there were quite a few boxes. Make notes of any defects on that sheet and retain a copy of it. I am not sure, but it may be a checklist that comes from Dynamax with the unit. My Isata-5 had the wrong shore power cord. There are many different configurations of shore power cords and they simply put the wrong one in, which I didn't discover until 500 miles down the road. Just looking and seeing a big fat power cord isn't adequate. Have them show you how to attach it to the receptacle on you new Isata. You should check all the cabinets and cab for flaws and open and close ever cabinet door. Run all the water faucets and check for any leaks in cabinets underneath. Have them show you how to turn on the hot water and make sure it works. I'm pretty sure you have propane, so have them explain how you get that filled. Have them show you how to fill the fresh water tank and how to empty black and grey water. Try every light and switch. I'd ask them to have the refrig cold when you get there and ice in the ice maker. Check AC unit(s) come on and get cold. Run the generator, actuate the slides in and out. Check the cab and ask questions. My cab had a small slice in the passenger door panel, which I hadn't noticed. There are lots of little things in a new motor home. So go slow. A lot more than I can list here. It's a learning process. Don't leave until you are 100% comfortable with everything, and there is a lot to learn.

Reverse_snowbird · 03-23-2021, 01:59 PM

Just one piece of advice....Don't sign the final papers until everything is fixed to your satisfaction.
Chances are everything will be fine, but once you sign those papers you are shifted to the warranty department and that has its own set of deadlines and problems.

milkman55 · 03-23-2021, 02:09 PM

Be aware that because of Covid, some dealers have changed their practices. I picked mine up before Covid and they did all the orientation indoors. I have heard some dealers are doing all the delivery outside. Not a problem if it’s not 20 degrees out.

In one case I am aware, the dealer didn’t de winterize the RV because of the outside temp and of course the buyer had issues when they got back home and hooked it up to water.

If you are picking up in warm weather, not an issue.

vlamgat · 03-23-2021, 03:30 PM

I picked up mine in February and did spend a day on the PDI and still missed a lot so add these to any PDI including the ones in the Library on this forum:

Check that the TVs will function in all modes. This means you need an input to the matrix system that you will have to bring with you.

Check that your tank levels are indicating correctly on the Firefly. Download the Firefly instructions from the Firefly web site to understand the Diagnostic readings. To get to the Diagnostic screens you need to press and hold the Fresh Water Tank level for 10 seconds. All 4 bars need to be in the green: Fresh, Grey and 2 Blacks. self evident how you get to them.

Check whether you have V4.9 of the software for the Firefly. If you do not you need to have the dealer reach out and get it. The software version can be read on the Settings tab. This version is also necessary to charge the batteries with the generator. Also set and reset you Firefly battery system to Custom since I believe you have the Lithium set up on the Explorer model.

If your unit has the Connect 2 or Air 360 OTA and Wifi antenna, have your dealer work with you to set it up. There are often connection problems and unless you are an IT specialist, you will be challenged by this if its not correctly wired.

Check that you can run each of the faucets with the lights on without them flashing because the water pump pulses on and off. This is because the diffuser in the faucet is clogged with detritus from the tank and needs to be cleaned.

Make sure all your cargo compartment door locks latch firmly. You don't need them flapping on your drive home. They may need to be adjusted.

Check that the magnets that hold the barn door to the rear bedroom are aligned exactly. If they are not, the door with the TV will slam into and hole the opposite wall when you make a right turn of any magnitude.

I would have the dealer fill your propane tank to the maximum (80%) on the Firefly panel to be sure it does not need to be purged to get filled. All dealers have propane stores and are allowed to sell the stuff.

Don't forget to check the over bed lights in the back bedroom. They are on a double switch: need to be switched on at both the light base and the wall/Firefly panel.

Take a lap top with you to review any manufacturer material not in the collection the factory has supplied.

Make sure you have all the upfitter parts to use the Aux switches on the truck. The factory will have used 2 suitable for 10 to 20 amps so make sure there are at least 405 additional ones of that size as opposed to the 20 gauge versions that can only carry 1-5 amps.

There will be many more aha type moments as you learn that you did not by a motorhome/RV, but a house with 25 separate and distinct systems that also has to role around the countryside at prodigious speed in all sorts of weathers. You will learn to be expert in most of these as they do not have the reliability or robustness of the ones which you are accustomed to use in a home. Just like a boat - without the ocean to challenge you.

Thor 37gt · 03-23-2021, 05:30 PM

PDI Word.docx

This is what I used.

MAC D · 03-23-2021, 06:20 PM

This might help ya get started:
https://forestriverinc.help/#/dynama...ultiple-674228

Invisibleman · 03-24-2021, 03:22 PM

Funny, here I am giving giving PDI advice on the Isata-5 (or any new MH) and I forgot to consider I am picking up my new Force 37TS in a couple of weeks. Low and behold there's an experienced Force buyer with a perfect Force PDI checklist. Not to mention some other good checklists and info. Bonus!

pickeljr · 03-26-2021, 12:32 PM

I would suggest that after all else , one thing that is 28ss specific to check is that the door to the DEF and propane fill is installed to open against the wind and not into the wind stream , or else like mine did , it came open due to vibration and the airstream going down the highway tore it off. also on the same door replace the plastic lock with a metal one. For the rest enjoy , it is a great coach.

**bclemens** · 03-26-2021, 01:05 PM

On the DEF door, one thing I have noticed is that the black metal ones we use today, they rotate to latch AND then they fold down to draw tight.

I have seen some people rotate them, but not fold the handle DOWN, which is what draws the latch right.

Guido79 · 03-26-2021, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guido79

We're finally picking up our new rig this Friday. Since this will be our first RV, does anyone have any tips or a checklist or things to look for when we inspect or do our walkthrough?

Thanks for any thoughts you may have.

BTW...All told... 244 day wait time from order to pick up for a new ISATA5 28ss.

Thanks for everyone's help and input. It looks like I have a little more time as I will be picking up next Thursday instead. Fingers crossed!

Lvnthedream · 03-28-2021, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vlamgat

I picked up mine in February and did spend a day on the PDI and still missed a lot so add these to any PDI including the ones in the Library on this forum:

Check that the TVs will function in all modes. This means you need an input to the matrix system that you will have to bring with you.

Check whether you have V4.9 of the software for the Firefly. If you do not you need to have the dealer reach out and get it. The software version can be read on the Settings tab. This version is also necessary to charge the batteries with the generator. Also set and reset you Firefly battery system to Custom since I believe you have the Lithium set up on the Explorer model.

vlamgat just like me, you have had your fair share of issues. I question the V4.9 software. I have a new 2021 DS34 with Lith batts and the software I have is V4.7. As far as I can tell, the gen does charge the batts. However, I'm now going to pay closer attention. I assume I would take a voltmeter and check the batts to get a reading and then start the gen and take anything reading.

Lvnthedream · 03-28-2021, 09:32 AM

I would suggest you look at my post, "Irritated, 2021 Isata 5, 34DS Water Fill and more". Additionally, look at all my posts. Have them fill the water tank to full. I asked the dealer since it's not gravity fill, how do I know it is full? Answer: water will start coming out of the hoses on the other side of the MH. I still stand by it is engineered wrong, again, read my post. Additionally, I question what prevents a bug or other contaminants from coming through those hoses and contaminating the fresh water.

Be sure the solar is working, mine was wired wrong. The ice maker has two valves..... if you have an ice maker, see my post. The Gen. was leaking fuel. Pull the bottom plate under the gen where you would access the oil filter. Look where the fuel line hooks up, start gen and be sure it is not leaking (Onan did not tighten mine). It was discovered the fitting going into my propane tank was leaking propane. Have soapy water and spray on all propane fittings. Maybe wiggle the hose a little while looking for leaks.

The Check Engine light is on and I understand it is a DEF heating issue. The TPMS keeps popping up as an error. Ram has the parts ordered.

BC has been very helpful. However, I still can't get the parts sent to me.

Good luck, I don't have any regrets (at this point) about purchasing a Dynamax I5, it will just take a while to get everything fixed and working.

**bclemens** · 03-28-2021, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lvnthedream

vlamgat just like me, you have had your fair share of issues. I question the V4.9 software. I have a new 2021 DS34 with Lith batts and the software I have is V4.7. As far as I can tell, the gen does charge the batts. However, I'm now going to pay closer attention. I assume I would take a voltmeter and check the batts to get a reading and then start the gen and take anything reading.

No, you don't need anything...all you need to do is look at the screen when the generator is running. It will tell you what the charge % is. The screen has been posted on other threads. If gen is running and it says 20% charge rate, then you likely have that issue. It seems to ONLY affect the Xplorer package units. I think you just have lithium so it may not be an issue.

REL · 03-28-2021, 12:10 PM

Don't sign ANYTHING until you complete your checklist/inspection. Likewise don't sign for ANYTHING until they fix everything on your checklist. If they say take the RV and bring it back later to be fixed, WALK. It's the only time you will hold all the cards. Don't let them rush you. Take your time and check everything. If they try to rush you, WALK.

Bill Davis · 03-28-2021, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lvnthedream

I would suggest you look at my post, "Irritated, 2021 Isata 5, 34DS Water Fill and more". Additionally, look at all my posts. Have them fill the water tank to full. I asked the dealer since it's not gravity fill, how do I know it is full? Answer: water will start coming out of the hoses on the other side of the MH. I still stand by it is engineered wrong, again, read my post. Additionally, I question what prevents a bug or other contaminants from coming through those hoses and contaminating the fresh water.

Be sure the solar is working, mine was wired wrong. The ice maker has two valves..... if you have an ice maker, see my post. The Gen. was leaking fuel. Pull the bottom plate under the gen where you would access the oil filter. Look where the fuel line hooks up, start gen and be sure it is not leaking (Onan did not tighten mine). It was discovered the fitting going into my propane tank was leaking propane. Have soapy water and spray on all propane fittings. Maybe wiggle the hose a little while looking for leaks.

The Check Engine light is on and I understand it is a DEF heating issue. The TPMS keeps popping up as an error. Ram has the parts ordered.

BC has been very helpful. However, I still can't get the parts sent to me.

Good luck, I don't have any regrets (at this point) about purchasing a Dynamax I5, it will just take a while to get everything fixed and working.

On the water fill overflow I’m on my 9th rv over 40 or so years and several manufacturers. All have been setup to fill until water runs out the overflow hose. I never have had an issue with this set up. I’m not sure what you would do differently.

Lvnthedream · 03-30-2021, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bclemens

No, you don't need anything...all you need to do is look at the screen when the generator is running. It will tell you what the charge % is. The screen has been posted on other threads. If gen is running and it says 20% charge rate, then you likely have that issue. It seems to ONLY affect the Xplorer package units. I think you just have lithium so it may not be an issue.

Well, I just started the gen and have let it run for a while. The "charge rate" is always 20%. I do have Lithium on my 34DS. I guess I need a version update to 4.9. I'm glad I read this post, as I just assumed it was working.

vlamgat · 03-30-2021, 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guido79

Thanks for everyone's help and input. It looks like I have a little more time as I will be picking up next Thursday instead. Fingers crossed!

Call the dealer and make sure you have been issued/supplied with a straight shore power connector and not one that is right angled or pistol gripped. If its the latter, you cannot open your wet bay when connected to shore power.

**bclemens** · 03-30-2021, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lvnthedream

Well, I just started the gen and have let it run for a while. The "charge rate" is always 20%. I do have Lithium on my 34DS. I guess I need a version update to 4.9. I'm glad I read this post, as I just assumed it was working.

Well, it is still working, just not as quickly as it could. Shore power, Solar, or driving down the road is not an issue. ONLY when running the gen do you get a reduced charge line.

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