I was an aircraft mechanic for 23yrs and our advice for new mechanics was not to look at the aircraft as a whole but individual systems, It make it much easier not to be overwhelmed. Grab a manual and pick one system (gen,oasis,lighting,heating/cooling) familiarize yourself with that system. After learning the systems it’s much easier to understand how they all work together.
1. Get an independent NRVIA certified inspection performed prior to purchasing. Do not sign anything that requires a non-refundable deposit. 2. Have the salesman operate every single component and system on the rv. Do not have them tell you how it operates, they must actually operate that item. Each time they complete an operation, you should then operate it yourself in every mode of operation while they are standing there. 3. Before picking up the new RV, plan a trip as soon as possible that will allow enough time to equip it with basic supplies. Make sure it is a trip that will allow operation with full hookups for a day or two and no hookups for a day or two. 4. As part of the sales agreement, require the dealer to schedule a service/repair appointment for a date immediately after your initial planned camping trip. That service is to perform warranty work on every item you find wrong during your trip. 5. As part of the sales agreement, required the dealer to schedule a second service/repair appointment further out. Most people are buying in the spring, so this second appointment should be for the fall. Setting up these appointments ahead of time protects you against a dealer that will push you out 6 months for an appointment once you drive the RV off their lot. Make sure these appointments are specifically to address warranty repairs, not maintenance. You will definitely need both of these appointments to address warranty work that will need to be performed. Otherwise, you will find yourself in a position where the dealer will push you out so far that by the time you get your first warranty appointment complete your warranty will have expired.
They usually do the walk thru with electric. Do one without being plugged in to see what works different or not at all. See if what doesnt work that should be.
I liked the process at NIRVC. You get a check list covering everything. That way you can check that you have covered everything. Yes they encourage you to stay for at least a couple of days and run/test everything or as long as you feel the need. Ok after about 30 days they may mention the RV park down the road. But I have never heard of them asking anyone to leave who was getting something fixed or corrected. We had a delivery team available 24/7 to answer any questions and fix/adjust anything. They even knew where a good place to eat was. One of the fun parts of getting a new/different coach is moving everything from the old one to the new one. You might make a chart showing all your compartments and what you put in there. Because you will be playing that old fun game "I know I have one of those, but where did I put it"
If buying an used RV, have them do a loaded battery test with a print out. I bought my last RV in So Cal and flew in from WA. It wasn't until the next day while on the road that I learned my house batteries were trash. I had to spend $600 on batteries the day after I bought my RV. I was not happy. Thank you La Mesa RV!!
I don’t know if all manufacturers do this, but at least some out their owner’s mauals online. I downloaded it a read through it a couple times BEFORE I picked up my RV…honestly, I knew more about the RV than the guy doing the walkthrough.
Crawl under the RV and check the propane connections. When we picked up our travel trailer, I asked my husband to do this. I got the eye-roll, lol. Well I was right! The propane connection to the propane stove area, under the RV, was not even finger tight. It just spun loosely. So glad we checked it. We did not notice the problem from inside when we tested the stove. It could have been a disaster.
Videoing the walkthrough is a great idea, wish we had thought of that. As for the manuals, as things arise, or we just want to learn more about how something works, I often add a "sticky" note, jot down a caption on it, as a page tab to be able to more quickly look it up in the future. Also, we find that TH-cam is a great resource, it has saved us more times than I can count! Another good resource are brand specific FB pages, there are many folks out there with a wealth of knowledge who are willing to share.
We have never purchased from a dealer that allowed an overnight stay. That seems like an excellent idea. We also recommend setting up appointments for any “complementary” checks or tune ups that are offered during the sales process. Dealers tend to forget things like that and attempt to charge.
We pretty much did everything you mentioned except filming. Hindsight - probably would have been helpful after we got the rig home. The very first trip was less than two hours from home to one of our favorite state parks. Didn’t even have our toad yet so drove a second vehicle 😅. And yes, we found things we “needed” and were close enough to a decent town to get those things. Great advice! Keep it up!!
i had an inspection done. Was all good to go. showed up walked around the RV for an hour said OK looks good. I figured if it was going to break it wasn't going to do it on the lot. Guess I got real lucky and nothing wrong except a scratch on side. I did a shake down on the way home and did a very close to home first camping trip. No real problems that weren't operator error. LOL
Am in the process of buying a used Leisure Travel Van and hired an inspector. I’m sooo glad I did - well worth the money! The dealership gives you 2 nights at a local RV resort to try everything and make sure it works and you understand everything. The inspector followed up and wants to know if everything gets fixed which I thought was awesome. I’m told that LTV has videos on their website of how things work also once you’re listed as an owner. Thanks for the video!
We were fortunate to have a state park less than 10 miles from us for shakedown pre traveling trips. I suggest you actually work the devices yourself such as running the slides in and out, trying thy toilet(s) especially if they're macerator ones, run the leveling jacks, etc. The first post pickup thing I tell everyone to do is sit down and start registering every thing with a warranty. You'll be surprised how many things you need to register for warranty protection, unusually within 30 days of purchase.
My wife and I attended an RV show recently. I’m sure some units get brought around to a few shows and have hundreds if not thousands of people coming in and out of them. I was surprised to see quite a few literally falling apart inside. As good as some of the deals looked, I’m not sure if I’d want to own a show/demo model.
Great tips! We took our maiden voyage with our TT to a campsite 15 miles away. It was great to take the time to go through it, hook it up for the first time and work out any kinks.
Good advice. Especially staying at or near the dealership for 2/3 days to get to learn your RV. Test every piece of equipment multiple times over those few days to discover any kinks. Izzy, what brand are the sunglasses in the vid? They look like they offer great eye protection from the sun in a stylish frame. Thanks
I don't know how you could do it?, but you need to check if it leaks. We had one brand new off the lot that leaked from the get go. We were never able to get it fixed, no matter how many months they had it, it still leaked. Good points you gave! Be safe!❤
I'm the one who asks a ton of questions too. My husband stops me and says "He/she has a lot of work to do. Quit asking so many questions. So when something goes wrong I am the one ends up having to deal with them lol. Like I've told you in past videos, our Jayco's water hasn't worked since we bought it brand new in 2021. They won't even talk to me anymore about it. And Jayco won't do anything about it either. They told me I have to go back to the dealer!
We had to ask how to lock the coach door from the inside during our walkthrough. Thankfully, I looked at the door handle and realized I should ask, as there was no deadbolt switch. Instead, you push the top of the handle toward the door.
Just like you've mentioned{ Check EVERYTHING ! Take a tester and check every outlet, flip every switch, run every appliance, boil a pot of water on every burner, check that every light turns on, operate every single system to their full limits. Quality control in ALL RV units, Big or Small. I don't care if it's a $2m or $3m coach, they all have something wrong with them coming from the manufacturing locations and/or things have happened during delivery. That's the sad state of RV manufacturing, DO NOT take anything for granted! The manufacturers are counting on the dealers to inspect and repair any issues but all the dealers do is wait and see if you can find issues before they 'may' correctly repair things. I advocate not buying a new RV and to look at RV's that are 5 years old where hopefully the previous owners have uncovered and repaired everything. Just keep on the foremost in your mind that you are the buyer, not the seller, and you can very easily turn round and walk away.
I lot of good info for the newbie for sure. I have never videoed a walk through. That is a great idea. Surprised I never thought of that as when I tear thinks apart I normally video the process just in case there is a question going back together. Love your informative videos.
Thank you Izzy and MJ for this video and the tips of what to do before you pick your Rv. I would do all the above. I would ask questions inspect the Rv. It’s a lot to do but I would do it before I bought the Rv and picked it up. This is all great to know! Thank you again Izzy and MJ! See you both soon! Have a great weekend! Safe travels.
Thanks for all of the great tips on doing the walkthrough. We try to spend at least 4 hours doing the walkthrough. We only spent around an hour doing the walkthrough on our first 5er. It had lots of issues and was in the shop quite a bit. Lesson learned!!!!
I was hoping you guys might be able to suggest someplace that sells/installs quality RV furniture. The fabric on my theater seating is just falling apart. This time I want untraleather that will last a long time. I live in Virginia and haven't had much luck in my research. There must be some places on the east coast. So far I've only seen a place in Pompano Beach and another in Elkhart.
This comment may not be posted and here is why. Some time ago I innocently explained in the comment section the difference between a single and double action. I’d better not explain my earlier comment further and of course I don’t need to; a police officer knows what I’m talking about. The comment was blocked and since then over half of my comments to any channel on any subject are also blocked. So it doesn’t surprise me that you’re being targeted a bit, no pun intended.
DON’T COME TO FLORIDA! It’s too hot ALL of the time and TOO MANY people are already here! Try to get an appointment with anyone. Doctor, any kind of medical treatment , vet, repairmen of any kind, anything! It takes forever. Too many people here!!! And did I mention that it’s hot and muggy. Even in December or January you can be outside sweating!😅😢😂
Great video guys! We are currently searching for a class A for next year when we retire and live on the road full-time. I heard you say you came up to Albany for your purchase. I actually live in the Albany area and was wondering what dealer you ended up with. Alpin Haus? Thanks for all the great content. I am working my way down through all of your videos.
There should be one manual that covers everything, not a case full of manufacturers manuals. Just like in a car. You don’t get a box full of manuals, one from the door lock manufacturer, one from the mirror manufacturer, one from the headlight manufacturer and so on. Why do RV manufacturers not print everything all one book. May be it’s they have no clue where the different components come from at the time of manufacturing. It would be very nice to have one book with an index so I could look up a function and not have to wade through mountains of manuals to hopefully find what I need. It’s not unusual to wade through the stack of manuals and not be sure which one applies.
I don’t know if there “should be” a single manual, but there never is. RV manufacturers don’t print the manuals - they come from the manufacturers of all the accessories & appliances that come with the RV.
@@BobPulgino If an automobile manufacturer can print a manual that covers all the parts from different suppliers the RV manufacturers can do the same. There are hundreds of parts in a vehicle that come from different suppliers.
I was an aircraft mechanic for 23yrs and our advice for new mechanics was not to look at the aircraft as a whole but individual systems, It make it much easier not to be overwhelmed. Grab a manual and pick one system (gen,oasis,lighting,heating/cooling) familiarize yourself with that system. After learning the systems it’s much easier to understand how they all work together.
1. Get an independent NRVIA certified inspection performed prior to purchasing. Do not sign anything that requires a non-refundable deposit.
2. Have the salesman operate every single component and system on the rv. Do not have them tell you how it operates, they must actually operate that item. Each time they complete an operation, you should then operate it yourself in every mode of operation while they are standing there.
3. Before picking up the new RV, plan a trip as soon as possible that will allow enough time to equip it with basic supplies. Make sure it is a trip that will allow operation with full hookups for a day or two and no hookups for a day or two.
4. As part of the sales agreement, require the dealer to schedule a service/repair appointment for a date immediately after your initial planned camping trip. That service is to perform warranty work on every item you find wrong during your trip.
5. As part of the sales agreement, required the dealer to schedule a second service/repair appointment further out. Most people are buying in the spring, so this second appointment should be for the fall.
Setting up these appointments ahead of time protects you against a dealer that will push you out 6 months for an appointment once you drive the RV off their lot. Make sure these appointments are specifically to address warranty repairs, not maintenance. You will definitely need both of these appointments to address warranty work that will need to be performed. Otherwise, you will find yourself in a position where the dealer will push you out so far that by the time you get your first warranty appointment complete your warranty will have expired.
I so wish that I could copy all of this down for future reference.
This is awesome advice! Thanks!
@@RickandDarcirvadventures you can always take a screenshot if it won't copy.
They usually do the walk thru with electric. Do one without being plugged in to see what works different or not at all. See if what doesnt work that should be.
I liked the process at NIRVC. You get a check list covering everything. That way you can check that you have covered everything. Yes they encourage you to stay for at least a couple of days and run/test everything or as long as you feel the need. Ok after about 30 days they may mention the RV park down the road. But I have never heard of them asking anyone to leave who was getting something fixed or corrected. We had a delivery team available 24/7 to answer any questions and fix/adjust anything. They even knew where a good place to eat was.
One of the fun parts of getting a new/different coach is moving everything from the old one to the new one. You might make a chart showing all your compartments and what you put in there. Because you will be playing that old fun game "I know I have one of those, but where did I put it"
If buying an used RV, have them do a loaded battery test with a print out. I bought my last RV in So Cal and flew in from WA. It wasn't until the next day while on the road that I learned my house batteries were trash. I had to spend $600 on batteries the day after I bought my RV. I was not happy. Thank you La Mesa RV!!
I don’t know if all manufacturers do this, but at least some out their owner’s mauals online. I downloaded it a read through it a couple times BEFORE I picked up my RV…honestly, I knew more about the RV than the guy doing the walkthrough.
Crawl under the RV and check the propane connections. When we picked up our travel trailer, I asked my husband to do this. I got the eye-roll, lol. Well I was right! The propane connection to the propane stove area, under the RV, was not even finger tight. It just spun loosely. So glad we checked it. We did not notice the problem from inside when we tested the stove. It could have been a disaster.
Seems a vehicle the color of asphalt would be nearly invisible on the road. Not a great idea IMHO
Probably more visible than the black vehicles on the road lol
Videoing the walkthrough is a great idea, wish we had thought of that. As for the manuals, as things arise, or we just want to learn more about how something works, I often add a "sticky" note, jot down a caption on it, as a page tab to be able to more quickly look it up in the future. Also, we find that TH-cam is a great resource, it has saved us more times than I can count! Another good resource are brand specific FB pages, there are many folks out there with a wealth of knowledge who are willing to share.
FB groups are great. Thanks for sharing
Awesome information
We have never purchased from a dealer that allowed an overnight stay. That seems like an excellent idea. We also recommend setting up appointments for any “complementary” checks or tune ups that are offered during the sales process. Dealers tend to forget things like that and attempt to charge.
We pretty much did everything you mentioned except filming. Hindsight - probably would have been helpful after we got the rig home. The very first trip was less than two hours from home to one of our favorite state parks. Didn’t even have our toad yet so drove a second vehicle 😅. And yes, we found things we “needed” and were close enough to a decent town to get those things. Great advice! Keep it up!!
i had an inspection done. Was all good to go. showed up walked around the RV for an hour said OK looks good. I figured if it was going to break it wasn't going to do it on the lot. Guess I got real lucky and nothing wrong except a scratch on side. I did a shake down on the way home and did a very close to home first camping trip. No real problems that weren't operator error. LOL
Thanks for sharing Aaron
Some excellent tips on buying an RV. Thanks guys and be safe 🥰
Am in the process of buying a used Leisure Travel Van and hired an inspector. I’m sooo glad I did - well worth the money! The dealership gives you 2 nights at a local RV resort to try everything and make sure it works and you understand everything. The inspector followed up and wants to know if everything gets fixed which I thought was awesome. I’m told that LTV has videos on their website of how things work also once you’re listed as an owner. Thanks for the video!
I sure hope we run into you when we buy our 5th wheel. God bless from Guayanilla, Puerto Rico.
We were fortunate to have a state park less than 10 miles from us for shakedown pre traveling trips. I suggest you actually work the devices yourself such as running the slides in and out, trying thy toilet(s) especially if they're macerator ones, run the leveling jacks, etc. The first post pickup thing I tell everyone to do is sit down and start registering every thing with a warranty. You'll be surprised how many things you need to register for warranty protection, unusually within 30 days of purchase.
Great tips
We appreciate all of the videos you guys post! One day we hope to purchase our first RV!
Best of luck!
My wife and I attended an RV show recently. I’m sure some units get brought around to a few shows and have hundreds if not thousands of people coming in and out of them. I was surprised to see quite a few literally falling apart inside.
As good as some of the deals looked, I’m not sure if I’d want to own a show/demo model.
Great tips! We took our maiden voyage with our TT to a campsite 15 miles away. It was great to take the time to go through it, hook it up for the first time and work out any kinks.
We have a little accordion file for our home appliances, lighting etc
looks like it is primed and ready to be painted. :)
It does.
Good advice. Especially staying at or near the dealership for 2/3 days to get to learn your RV. Test every piece of equipment multiple times over those few days to discover any kinks.
Izzy, what brand are the sunglasses in the vid? They look like they offer great eye protection from the sun in a stylish frame. Thanks
I don't know how you could do it?, but you need to check if it leaks. We had one brand new off the lot that leaked from the get go. We were never able to get it fixed, no matter how many months they had it, it still leaked. Good points you gave! Be safe!❤
Make sure you know how to fill water, and to dump tanks before you leave.
👍
U guys give the best advice. School of rv survival on this channels. So appreciated ❤
Thanks so much. Much appreciated. 😊
I'm the one who asks a ton of questions too. My husband stops me and says "He/she has a lot of work to do. Quit asking so many questions. So when something goes wrong I am the one ends up having to deal with them lol. Like I've told you in past videos, our Jayco's water hasn't worked since we bought it brand new in 2021. They won't even talk to me anymore about it. And Jayco won't do anything about it either. They told me I have to go back to the dealer!
We had to ask how to lock the coach door from the inside during our walkthrough. Thankfully, I looked at the door handle and realized I should ask, as there was no deadbolt switch. Instead, you push the top of the handle toward the door.
Have you done a review on the 2023 DRV Full House
MX450 Toy Hauler? And if not will you do one.
Just like you've mentioned{ Check EVERYTHING ! Take a tester and check every outlet, flip every switch, run every appliance, boil a pot of water on every burner, check that every light turns on, operate every single system to their full limits. Quality control in ALL RV units, Big or Small. I don't care if it's a $2m or $3m coach, they all have something wrong with them coming from the manufacturing locations and/or things have happened during delivery. That's the sad state of RV manufacturing, DO NOT take anything for granted! The manufacturers are counting on the dealers to inspect and repair any issues but all the dealers do is wait and see if you can find issues before they 'may' correctly repair things. I advocate not buying a new RV and to look at RV's that are 5 years old where hopefully the previous owners have uncovered and repaired everything. Just keep on the foremost in your mind that you are the buyer, not the seller, and you can very easily turn round and walk away.
Excellent video🙌
Izzy and MJ have our backs!!
Don't trust the dealers PDI and get a independent inspection. Also check out the dealer with the BBB. Great video.
Yes an independent inspector is a very good idea...if the dealer will allow it as part of the purchase agreement.
BBB only means he paid his membership! Not Better Business Bullshit!
I lot of good info for the newbie for sure. I have never videoed a walk through. That is a great idea. Surprised I never thought of that as when I tear thinks apart I normally video the process just in case there is a question going back together. Love your informative videos.
Great tips! 👍👍
Glad you like them!
Thank you Izzy and MJ for this video and the tips of what to do before you pick your Rv. I would do all the above. I would ask questions inspect the Rv. It’s a lot to do but I would do it before I bought the Rv and picked it up. This is all great to know! Thank you again Izzy and MJ! See you both soon! Have a great weekend! Safe travels.
Thanks for all of the great tips on doing the walkthrough. We try to spend at least 4 hours doing the walkthrough. We only spent around an hour doing the walkthrough on our first 5er. It had lots of issues and was in the shop quite a bit. Lesson learned!!!!
Thanks for sharing
Thanks for the information going to pickup my 1st RV in about a month. Timely video. Thanks, Kim
😊thank you for the information. We will be receiving our new 5th wheel in April. We will take your advice.
Good luck!
Great tips. Wish I'd found your channel prior to buying our most recent purchase
I was hoping you guys might be able to suggest someplace that sells/installs quality RV furniture. The fabric on my theater seating is just falling apart. This time I want untraleather that will last a long time. I live in Virginia and haven't had much luck in my research. There must be some places on the east coast. So far I've only seen a place in Pompano Beach and another in Elkhart.
Where do I find the error codes? How do I reset the error codes? On chassis and on most of the appliances.
Agree with your tips - such a great list!
Did you get an new RV, I can't find any video of you announcing the new purchase
This comment may not be posted and here is why.
Some time ago I innocently explained in the comment section the difference between a single and double action. I’d better not explain my earlier comment further and of course I don’t need to; a police officer knows what I’m talking about.
The comment was blocked and since then over half of my comments to any channel on any subject are also blocked. So it doesn’t surprise me that you’re being targeted a bit, no pun intended.
Izzy in terms of political sanity and overall safety going forward if you had to relocate to another state where would you go?
TN or AL are top of our list
DON’T COME TO FLORIDA! It’s too hot ALL of the time and TOO MANY people are already here! Try to get an appointment with anyone. Doctor, any kind of medical treatment , vet, repairmen of any kind, anything! It takes forever. Too many people here!!! And did I mention that it’s hot and muggy. Even in December or January you can be outside sweating!😅😢😂
Great video guys! We are currently searching for a class A for next year when we retire and live on the road full-time. I heard you say you came up to Albany for your purchase. I actually live in the Albany area and was wondering what dealer you ended up with. Alpin Haus? Thanks for all the great content. I am working my way down through all of your videos.
We used RV One. Thanks for watching the videos.
Was actually just texting with them a little while ago. Small world! @@EndlessRVing
I must have missed one, I count 7 tips...did I fall alseep?
Color of rig looks like primer.
NO to the “Cement” colored rig!
Glossy primer? Where's the paint on that van? Do they just prime it and let the new owner pick out the exterior color/paint scheme?
What is your opinion on a BAL cable slide? I appreciate your videos & information. Thank you , Safe travels
Don’t like any cable slides
Do Camping World, General RV, or Blue Compass sell "common sense?" 🙂 🙂 🙂
That Renegade Vienna looks like a prisoner transport van! 👎
There should be one manual that covers everything, not a case full of manufacturers manuals. Just like in a car. You don’t get a box full of manuals, one from the door lock manufacturer, one from the mirror manufacturer, one from the headlight manufacturer and so on. Why do RV manufacturers not print everything all one book. May be it’s they have no clue where the different components come from at the time of manufacturing. It would be very nice to have one book with an index so I could look up a function and not have to wade through mountains of manuals to hopefully find what I need. It’s not unusual to wade through the stack of manuals and not be sure which one applies.
I don’t know if there “should be” a single manual, but there never is. RV manufacturers don’t print the manuals - they come from the manufacturers of all the accessories & appliances that come with the RV.
@@BobPulgino If an automobile manufacturer can print a manual that covers all the parts from different suppliers the RV manufacturers can do the same. There are hundreds of parts in a vehicle that come from different suppliers.
what RV are you inside at 0:50 - 2:40 looking at rear kitchens and dont think ive seen that one
i figured it out 2024 Forest River Sandpiper 3800RK
Keep what you have !!! The new ones will not have the quality yours has, 😂
#1 stay away from camping world.
What new RV did you all buy?
2019 Newmar Baystar
Did y’all sell your RV lot at Myakka?
No
How was Albany dealership?
We had a good experience.
the Grey RV looks like a armored vehicle 👎
👍🇺🇲