Hello from Sunny Florida

[debtramm]

We are new 5th wheelers - or soon to be. Take delivery of a 340 RK Columbus by Palomino on Easter weekend. We live in north central Florida, are huge UF/Gator fans. Haven't retired yet but plan to in a couple of years. Also own a small beef cattle farm and are certainly looking foward to beginning a new phase of our lives with traveling.

Since we are about to take delivery of the 5th wheel, I would greatly appreciate any advice on "what to look for" in our inspection of the unit prior to leaving the dealership. If anyone can point me in the direction of a check-off list, that would be awesome!

Can't wait for the first trip in mid-April. Deb

[dkb74]

Howdy, neighbor.

Where are you going in April?

[2bshredded]

Welcome Deb! We are on the N.E. Florida coast. Have a columbus 320 on order. Hoping for delivery in early April. I know there are PDI forms somewhere here on the forum just not sure where.

[RVChick]

Welcome Deb and congrats on your soon to become owners of a beautiful Columbus! We too are new to the 5er, and I love it! Yes as stated, use a PDI list, and you will have inspected everything possible! You might google it if needed! Have great fun with your new camper! Retirement is calling your name!! Ask lots of questions because this amazing forum has the best folks who love to help! We do have a FROG forum that is free to us FR product owners. There are nearly 200 FR owners spending a week in Goshen IN in August, and you are welcome to come! If you google FROG, you will find all the scoop! (Forest River Owners Group)

[debtramm]

Thanks so much for the info. I am sure that I will be asking a lot of questions over the coming months. We are taking it on a spin to the Disney campground in April. Thought we would stick close to home for the first time out just in case we have any significant issues.

[RVChick]

Originally Posted by debtramm

Thanks so much for the info. I am sure that I will be asking a lot of questions over the coming months. We are taking it on a spin to the Disney campground in April. Thought we would stick close to home for the first time out just in case we have any significant issues.

That is the smart thing to do....and you are so lucky to live near one of our most famous playgrounds!!

[Cajun Po-Boy]

Congrats!

Hello from Up North (SE GA!) have a blast camping in 2013!!!

[Wiscampsin]

Welcome and congrats on your new Columbus 340 RK.

[ShebaGinger]

Welcome fellow Floridians and congrats on the new RV. We are in Orlando. Currently working our way through Fla. State Parks

[debtramm]

Originally Posted by ShebaGinger

Welcome fellow Floridians and congrats on the new RV. We are in Orlando. Currently working our way through Fla. State Parks

Thanks. Going to Orlando tomorrow for the "paperwork."

We have a weekend reservation at
Williston Crossings in early April. It's really close to home. Thought we better try that first, then Disney in mid April for 25 wedding anniversary -- still staying close to home. In Oct. will be in Waynesville NC. Let us know which state parks u like best. D

[btritschler1437]

Once you take the training wheels off, go to Topsail state park, just east of Destin. I call it Disney by the sea.

[debtramm]

Thanks for the tip. We were considering St George's Island.

[ShebaGinger]

Where you getting your RV from?
We are going to Paynes Prairie in April, Rainbow Springs in May, and Florida Caverns in June.

So far we have liked all the parks. Each one has it's own uniqueness. Not in rush to go back to Manatee Springs. Kind of remote and limited on things to do. But still nice place not very crowded. We have been to Collier-Seminole, Tomoka, Anastasia, Blue Spring, Kissimmee Prairie Preserve, Lake Kissimmee, Wekiwa Springs, and Lake Griffin.

[debtramm]

We are getting it from Orlando RV in Maitland.

They've been a little slow to response on delivery dates but hopefully will be ok on service

My daughter is a teacher at the high school across street from Rainbow Springs. Took a cruise through the park last weekend. I thought it was just ok, nothing spectacular. Paynes is a cool place to visit.

[clancythecamper]

Welcome! You're gonna love this place ~ I do! Gets you in the mood to get out and go! Have fun

[ShebaGinger]

Orlando RV in Winter Park on Aloma Ave??? We bought our first TT from them and will not do business with them again.

[dkb74]

Originally Posted by debtramm

Thanks. Going to Orlando tomorrow for the "paperwork."

We have a weekend reservation at
Williston Crossings in early April. It's really close to home. Thought we better try that first, then Disney in mid April for 25 wedding anniversary -- still staying close to home. In Oct. will be in Waynesville NC. Let us know which state parks u like best. D

Do you guys dive? The only time I've been to Williston was when the hubs was getting his diving cert. and the kids and I explored the town. He goes to Blue Grotto with buds pretty often. I gave up on the diving thing... too claustrophobic.

Rainbow River as a campground is decent. We liked it when we tent and pup camped because their bathrooms are new. But the river is to die for. Just heavenly.

[debtramm]

No they are on Fairbanks Ave. been their 4 years but have other branches around the country.

[debtramm]

Originally Posted by clancythecamper

Welcome! You're gonna love this place ~ I do! Gets you in the mood to get out and go! Have fun

Thank you. I think so too!

[ShebaGinger]

Ok same one. Aloma turns into Fairbanks. Unless they have changed their service sucks and takes forever to get in. We bought our 2nd one from Leisure Time in West Orlando. Great service and can get in fairly quick. We have had to wait up to a month to get into Orlando RV. I ripped the owner a new one the day we took delivery on our TT we bought from them and told him to his face I would never do business with them or recommend them.

After you take deliver I would check with Leisure Time about warranty work and other work. They are very good and their prices are cheaper than Orlando RV and others we checked with.