Newbie here... Looking for pointers

[Jenn Kelly]

Hello Salem family,
We have bought our very first trailer, Salem 31QBTS, and are looking for pointers.

Anything we should be aware of or ask when we have our demo with the dealer?

Thanks!
Jenn

[ChooChooMan74]

I would take at least one video camera with you to record everything. The brain can only hold so much information and being a first time purchase, between the excitement and everything being new, you can miss something.

Here is a checklist from another thread
http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...tml#post164925

Enjoy,!

[Jenn Kelly]

Wow! Thanks for that list! I'm sure the dealer covers most of that anyway, but I would have never thought of some of that stuff!

Much appreciated!!1

[AquaMan]

It really depends on your dealer. There have been those who had very little instruction from their dealer. The list is great to find things first before you find them down the road.

[jevanb]

Take someone along that as a camper and look at everything , I mean everything... climb on top and look at the sealent, open drawers are they clean? Their should be no residue of the factory (sawdust), when you pay 30k or better I expect it to be perfect or they better fix it now, or before you pull it home..

[camper1999]

A good dealer should check the trailer from top to bottom. But that is an excellent list of things to look for or be aware of. If you are new to rving make sure your dealer takes the time in going over the set up and hook up of your new trailer. If you happen to miss something during the PDI that is what warranties are for. The first trip set up and take down of your trailer there have been horror stories due to not being "trained" on the operations of the trailer.

[ependydad]

I used a list I found online. I'm glad that I did. My dealer would have sent me on my way with a minimum of assistance/instruction.

[camper1999]

Also there great youtube videos that cover the setup and hook up.

[Wiscampsin]

Although not a member of the Salem family I just wanted to say congrats on your new Salem 31QBTS.

[Terier]

Congrats on your Salem!

Check everything. Whatever is not checked is often the item that doesn't work later. Ask a lot of questions and take good notes. If you don't fully understand something keep asking until you do. Using a smartphone for pictures & short video clips when necessary can be helpful.

The PDI tech walked me through everything showing & explaining it all to while I took notes. Then afterwards we did a quick walkaround to refresh my memory. It was a lot of information for me to take in by myself but I did ok.

Remember that we are here if you have questions afterwards.

[ng2951]

Besides everything else also check the capacity and the date on the battery.

Do a shore power test and then do a battery power test. After testing those things that will only run on shore power, disconnect the shore power line and finish inspecting the trailer while on battery. If there is something seriously wrong with the battery it might show up during the course of your inspection.

I would also open the exterior exhaust grills and check for anything out of the ordinary.

[Jenn Kelly]

Thanks everyone for your suggestions and advise! I appreciate it!

[TURBS]

Originally Posted by Jenn Kelly

Hello Salem family,
We have bought our very first trailer, Salem 31QBTS, and are looking for pointers.

Anything we should be aware of or ask when we have our demo with the dealer?

Thanks!
Jenn

Jenn,
A few of the most common problems when people get there camper home .

Have them show you how to operate both gas and electric side of hot water heater and where the switches are.

Have them show you specifically how to work the furnace thermostat such as what auto and on switch does as well as if its a digital thermostat how to program it.

Ask what every switch in the camper does!

Make sure you know how the dvd surround sound radio center work .

And lastly have them show you the distribution panel with converter and fuses and how it works.


Turbs