THE Best advice I EVER got was from a salesman 20 years ago when buying our first RV he said " Have a sense of Humor". You're running your house down the road at 70 mph, you'll have issues, laugh a little at the small things.
I just bought a my first brand new travel trailer. The dealership did a 1.5 hour walk through with the unit checking everything and showing me how to use everything. they told me to expect to have to do some warranty work on it and to make a list that they will go over at the end of the season. I love videos like this so I can get an idea of what to look out for with my unit.
@@brc1945 nothing. The owner of the dealership has since retired but the year after I purchased my travel trailer he was named one of the top 50 dealerships in North America. One of 6 I believe in Canada that year. He called all these walk through "The VIP Treatment" and whether you bought new or used you got the same treatment.
Everybody needs to watch this before they buy new RV. I just bought my first in Aug 2016 and had to take it in for service twice. The second time we took it in for service, it was stolen from their service lot!! and yes, they do depreciate automatically 5% when they leave the lot! THis is great advice! I wished I wouldve seen this before I bought mine!
All good in-tell. During my PDI, I asked for 45 minutes. The shop foreman complained I wasn't buying a million dollar rig, so 45 was more than enough time to inspect my 26' tt. Don't be pushed around.
Jay, that's complete nonsense! I would've walked out and launched an on-line and word-of-mouth campaign against that dealership. Good on you for standing your ground though.
Great stuff! I also think that you should do a dry run so if you bought locally you can get it fixed right away and if you bought out of state or country you do it there. A lot of good dealerships actually facilitate this.
Great information!!! Thank you for your knowledge on all these items to check, we are getting ready to buy an RV and are totally clueless as to what to look for....we were clueless, but not now. At least we have a few things that we know to look for in our RV. We will continue to do research before we buy.
Another thought is to video the walk-around, especially for neophytes. Start a binder or file for manuals and social media/TH-cam sights. You have helped tremendously. Thank you!
All good info. I would like to add. Be absolutely sure you need slide outs!!!! As they are one of the most troublesome items in any RV!! Plus they are NOT something you can fix with a pair of vice grips and Gorilla tape! They are for the most part in need of factory trains technicians to fix and or adjust as needed! If you need that much space, you might want to spend your money on cabins and hotel rooms!!!! I am new to this hobby, soon to be living in mine while a new house is being built, over the course of a few months and I'm here to tell you I will never by a trailer with slides! Everyone I know with them have had serious issues just about every year with theirs! That also being across many manufacturers! So I would advise to stay away! Which is hard when you go big! I'm not so sure about the different systems used, maybe someone here could explain that at detail! Oh well everyone have fun and stay safe!
i apologize for repeating a suggestion that I now see was already made. this video is a great one for reference and i will be coming back to it to help me learn and remember all what to check when purchasing my rv. it is a bit overwelming knowing what to look for when buying an rv. so thank you very much.
enjoy your videos have no problem with the sound quality or your voice. will tell you we got our new fifth wheel about a month ago. l went through made sure everything worked and that bug screen was installed over the heater exhaust and intake. but didn't double check furniture for problems. should have . staying at a park on way home found theater seat back broken so have ordered new one under warranty. still waiting.
Rob Man Get yourself a thermometer for your frig and leave it there! Take a ziplock bag and place about 6 ice cubes in it and seal it. After the frig reaches temp, put the bag in the freezer. Check it from time to time during the season!
his question was specific how to test it on a PDI, if it takes 24 hours for the unit to come down to operating temperature you need a 2 or 3 day window for PDI to test both systems. Your answer is more focused on making sure it's behaving the same way consistently over extended periods of time which is also important but it's not what he asked.
It's one thing to say check this or that, but if your at the dealer lot and you go to check an item , like say the check valve on the water system, and neither the dealer or you know where the check valve is can make it challenging to check these systems. While it's a good idea to check in reality, many times not so practable without a lot of time and reaserch, not to mention time and tools.
Make sure you do your PDI before you sign paper work, that way if you find something wrong you have leverage to get them to fix it, if you sign before PDI your camper will sit foe weeks maybe months waiting to be fixed.
Very good advice. I've been trying to get my 2018 Jayco Eagle repaired under warranty for the past 11 months has been a nightmare. They turn down everything. and if you don't like it. Try to sue them LOL They have lots more attorneys than you can afford. Tell the salesman that you want to be left alone in the rv for a couple of hours. Then give him the list of what you found wrong, and tell him you'll take delivery AFTER EVERYTHING IS FIXED. He won't like it. But i guaranty that he wasn't going to add you to his Christmas card mailing list anyway.....
My dealer MT COMFORT RV in Indianapolis service tech spent 4 and 1/2 hours showing and instructing and demonstrateing everything on our USED TOYHAULER fantastic dealer experience NEVER LET THEM RUSH YOU THRU YOUR DELIVERY
Can you do a series on brands of campers specifically Airstreams vs a comparable brand. New to the market and have been watching your videos which are very informative. Maybe something like what you're doing with the trucks now.
Good tips for being in QA. It's really a shame (some of) the manufacturers don't have any Q.A. and leave it to the customers to sort out. If the dealership is in a hurry to push you out the door thats a good sign to give him the bird and just walk away.
Excellent video. I missed a few of these things on my Jayco. Luckily we have been solid but we have had our fair share of year 1 break in issues. Thanks for the video!!!
Johnny Tadlock 1) so my vents were not secured properly and it looks like they screwed them in several times 2) faucet connectors were lose 3) stripped and not fully seated screws for the fenders and fairings 4) poor connections in the wet bay 5) exhaust vent behind the furnace wasn’t seating correctly 6) the small twist turn latches were garbage Like I said normal stuff but the details matter on this so take your time and oh I forgot 7) ENJOY IT AND CONGRATS!!!
We are looking to buy our first TT. You are right about the salesman - they all sing a different tune. We are in the SW. The ac info was really appreciated. I'd like you to do a video on best TT's for dry camping and one on senior couples camping. Also - is it better to go a little bigger if possible when buying?
I could probably do some videos on those topics. I would suggest you get an RV that is the most cozy and comfortable for the most scenarios it will be used in. For couples (really of any age) a rear living room that gives you he most "home like" experience. I suggest something like the SportTrek Touring STT343VIK which has a great layout for couples wanting a great living area.
I appreciate all your efforts! But keep in mind that the furnace is going to be vital anywhere above 4000 feet of elevation, and higher up in altitude, in July and August. Re the audio, I run the laptop through the TV so I was able to crank it up. Just takes an HDMI cable.
Very good information and video illustrations! Say, what is the typical size voltage inverter for travel trailers? Is 4000-Watt ordinary or the exception?
Wow the dealing we are ordering our from said flat to plan on the pdi taking 4 to 5 hours. Granted this is our first rv might have something to do with it. And he suggested bringing a cam Corder or record it as well.
Quick question I have just bought a travel trailer. When I turn the furnace on the air condition on top of the unit turns on also. Is That's supposed to help with the circulation of the Heat?
I really dont inderstand need for all the RV's being churned out, is there really so much demand for them? do all get sold? what happens to the unsold? how many remain in use even if sold, does anyone keep track of this, like some department in government?
I would expect that, as in any other industry, manufacturers produce as many as they can sell. If they're producing a lot, it's because they're selling a lot.
Pro-Tip: there are NO lemon laws for RV's, Camping World knows this, any buyer that doesn't is Camping World's lawful prey. I personally rate Camping World AAA-Avoid, Avoid, Avoid.
So they're all made like crap! Made in USA, but we can be like China too Sad. Are there any well made ones? What brands are best? I would like to buy a small, light 19-22 foot trailer to travel the country. After seeing this video and others, I'm having second thoughts.
Great tips. I've actually written them all down. How do you check the check valve to see if shore water is back flowing into your fresh tank? I don't have a problem with the audio of your videos. They sound fine to me ....... and I own a recording studio! Click my channel to see my music videos.
I'll check it out! the best way to check the valve is to empty the freshwater tank, turn off the water pump, make sure no water comes out of your faucets or shower, connect the RV to city water, and leave it connected for about 15minutes. Then disconnect from City water, turn the water pump back on and see if any water comes out of your faucets. this means that City water was entering you freshwater tank when it shouldn't.
Of course as soon as I figure I have a plan that's when God starts laughing, lol. I am disabled and have a dream o get out of where I am and to buy a small piece of property and put a 5th wheel or travel trailer on it and live. I actually for the money which as you can tell from this pathetic dream is low- I like the Jayco Bungalow 40 foot a few slide-outs more than enough room for me and my dog. But all of a sudden I'm hearing about horrible build qualities and I'm surprised because I see these used and they are prestine- making me think they must age well. I'm taking this is not the entire truth. Do some types of RV's/trailers lend themselves to better quality than others ? thanks David
RVs are cheaply made homes that are always in an earthquake as you drive down the road. All the cheap, lightweight junk will rattle itself apart. There is a massive disconnect between the quality owners expect and the crappy reality of how problematic they are
Imagine how much quality goes into these when you get a video that basically says you will need to do carpentry work even when bought brand new. This guy is so right i made the mistake and man did it cost me big time.
THE Best advice I EVER got was from a salesman 20 years ago when buying our first RV he said " Have a sense of Humor". You're running your house down the road at 70 mph, you'll have issues, laugh a little at the small things.
I just bought a my first brand new travel trailer. The dealership did a 1.5 hour walk through with the unit checking everything and showing me how to use everything. they told me to expect to have to do some warranty work on it and to make a list that they will go over at the end of the season. I love videos like this so I can get an idea of what to look out for with my unit.
Jonathon Merritt congratulations
Jonathon Merritt where was that. They seem fair.
What did they charge for the dealer prep?
@@brc1945 nothing. The owner of the dealership has since retired but the year after I purchased my travel trailer he was named one of the top 50 dealerships in North America. One of 6 I believe in Canada that year. He called all these walk through "The VIP Treatment" and whether you bought new or used you got the same treatment.
I bought a keystone Laredo. Had it delivered from Michigan . Only had one flaw . A blind . Very happy with it. Get a water pressure reducer !
Everybody needs to watch this before they buy new RV. I just bought my first in Aug 2016 and had to take it in for service twice. The second time we took it in for service, it was stolen from their service lot!! and yes, they do depreciate automatically 5% when they leave the lot! THis is great advice! I wished I wouldve seen this before I bought mine!
Thank you for great information. First time clueless RV buyer here, so this will definitely help.
Good video. Too many people get excited and miss normal issues from the factory. I hope this saves a lot of folks some frustration.
All good in-tell. During my PDI, I asked for 45 minutes. The shop foreman complained I wasn't buying a million dollar rig, so 45 was more than enough time to inspect my 26' tt. Don't be pushed around.
jay super: Wow, that's a rude dealer. Hope everything turned out ok.
Jay, that's complete nonsense! I would've walked out and launched an on-line and word-of-mouth campaign against that dealership. Good on you for standing your ground though.
this is when you get up and walk out. I'd tell him that he's being very cavalier with my 20+ (at least) thousand of dollars.
Another important item would be to check the hot water heater, and any other propane appliances. Thanks for the tips!
I have a water heater. Do people really heat hot water? ;0)
Do you have an actually have a check list available that I can download , this would be super helpful for us terrified newbies 😱😱
Great stuff! I also think that you should do a dry run so if you bought locally you can get it fixed right away and if you bought out of state or country you do it there. A lot of good dealerships actually facilitate this.
Thanks for the info. Planning on buying one.
Great information!!! Thank you for your knowledge on all these items to check, we are getting ready to buy an RV and are totally clueless as to what to look for....we were clueless, but not now. At least we have a few things that we know to look for in our RV. We will continue to do research before we buy.
Another thought is to video the walk-around, especially for neophytes. Start a binder or file for manuals and social media/TH-cam sights. You have helped tremendously. Thank you!
All good info. I would like to add. Be absolutely sure you need slide outs!!!! As they are one of the most troublesome items in any RV!! Plus they are NOT something you can fix with a pair of vice grips and Gorilla tape! They are for the most part in need of factory trains technicians to fix and or adjust as needed! If you need that much space, you might want to spend your money on cabins and hotel rooms!!!! I am new to this hobby, soon to be living in mine while a new house is being built, over the course of a few months and I'm here to tell you I will never by a trailer with slides! Everyone I know with them have had serious issues just about every year with theirs! That also being across many manufacturers! So I would advise to stay away! Which is hard when you go big! I'm not so sure about the different systems used, maybe someone here could explain that at detail! Oh well everyone have fun and stay safe!
i apologize for repeating a suggestion that I now see was already made. this video is a great one for reference and i will be coming back to it to help me learn and remember all what to check when purchasing my rv. it is a bit overwelming knowing what to look for when buying an rv. so thank you very much.
enjoy your videos have no problem with the sound quality or your voice. will tell you we got our new fifth wheel about a month ago. l went through made sure everything worked and that bug screen was installed over the heater exhaust and intake. but didn't double check furniture for problems. should have . staying at a park on way home found theater seat back broken so have ordered new one under warranty. still waiting.
The refrigerator takes 24 hours to get to temp, how do you test that at a PDI? That would be 2 days, one each for Propane and electric.
Rob Man Get yourself a thermometer for your frig and leave it there! Take a ziplock bag and place about 6 ice cubes in it and seal it. After the frig reaches temp, put the bag in the freezer. Check it from time to time during the season!
his question was specific how to test it on a PDI, if it takes 24 hours for the unit to come down to operating temperature you need a 2 or 3 day window for PDI to test both systems. Your answer is more focused on making sure it's behaving the same way consistently over extended periods of time which is also important but it's not what he asked.
It's one thing to say check this or that, but if your at the dealer lot and you go to check an item , like say the check valve on the water system, and neither the dealer or you know where the check valve is can make it challenging to check these systems. While it's a good idea to check in reality, many times not so practable without a lot of time and reaserch, not to mention time and tools.
Make sure you do your PDI before you sign paper work, that way if you find something wrong you have leverage to get them to fix it, if you sign before PDI your camper will sit foe weeks maybe months waiting to be fixed.
Very good advice. I've been trying to get my 2018 Jayco Eagle repaired under warranty for the past 11 months has been a nightmare. They turn down everything. and if you don't like it. Try to sue them LOL They have lots more attorneys than you can afford. Tell the salesman that you want to be left alone in the rv for a couple of hours. Then give him the list of what you found wrong, and tell him you'll take delivery AFTER EVERYTHING IS FIXED. He won't like it. But i guaranty that he wasn't going to add you to his Christmas card mailing list anyway.....
Great informative video! Getting ready to by a new 5th wheel. Thanks!
Picking up our 1st travel trailer on 12 FEB 2021and will definitely use your "list" for my PDI.
My dealer MT COMFORT RV in Indianapolis service tech spent 4 and 1/2 hours showing and instructing and demonstrateing everything on our USED TOYHAULER fantastic dealer experience NEVER LET THEM RUSH YOU THRU YOUR DELIVERY
I just want to live in one. Did not know about this grocery list of things to do before hand. Makes me wonder if I should get one now.
Can you do a series on brands of campers specifically Airstreams vs a comparable brand. New to the market and have been watching your videos which are very informative. Maybe something like what you're doing with the trucks now.
Very concise and informative. Thanks
Good tips for being in QA. It's really a shame (some of) the manufacturers don't have any Q.A. and leave it to the customers to sort out. If the dealership is in a hurry to push you out the door thats a good sign to give him the bird and just walk away.
Very good advice, Thanks!
Excellent video. I missed a few of these things on my Jayco. Luckily we have been solid but we have had our fair share of year 1 break in issues. Thanks for the video!!!
What did you miss Nordic? I'm buying my first Jayco tomorrow...
Johnny Tadlock 1) so my vents were not secured properly and it looks like they screwed them in several times 2) faucet connectors were lose 3) stripped and not fully seated screws for the fenders and fairings 4) poor connections in the wet bay 5) exhaust vent behind the furnace wasn’t seating correctly 6) the small twist turn latches were garbage Like I said normal stuff but the details matter on this so take your time and oh I forgot 7) ENJOY IT AND CONGRATS!!!
Nordic Nevs thank you very much
Johnny Tadlock Of course anytime
GREAT info, helps a lot
We are looking to buy our first TT. You are right about the salesman - they all sing a different tune. We are in the SW. The ac info was really appreciated. I'd like you to do a video on best TT's for dry camping and one on senior couples camping. Also - is it better to go a little bigger if possible when buying?
I could probably do some videos on those topics. I would suggest you get an RV that is the most cozy and comfortable for the most scenarios it will be used in. For couples (really of any age) a rear living room that gives you he most "home like" experience. I suggest something like the SportTrek Touring STT343VIK which has a great layout for couples wanting a great living area.
Great info - thanks!
I appreciate all your efforts! But keep in mind that the furnace is going to be vital anywhere above 4000 feet of elevation, and higher up in altitude, in July and August. Re the audio, I run the laptop through the TV so I was able to crank it up. Just takes an HDMI cable.
Very good information and video illustrations! Say, what is the typical size voltage inverter for travel trailers? Is 4000-Watt ordinary or the exception?
Wow the dealing we are ordering our from said flat to plan on the pdi taking 4 to 5 hours. Granted this is our first rv might have something to do with it. And he suggested bringing a cam Corder or record it as well.
Great video. I wish I would have watched a week ago. Fingers crossed....
what are the factory tires? mm, inches weight/load, speed and TYPE? (ST C LOAD 62-65 MPH @190PSI ETC.)
i was the 1,000 like. really like your channel. louder volume on this would be great. love your style of video.
Where you park that beast???
Quick question I have just bought a travel trailer. When I turn the furnace on the air condition on top of the unit turns on also. Is That's supposed to help with the circulation of the Heat?
what is the difference between an inverter and a converter?
I really dont inderstand need for all the RV's being churned out, is there really so much demand for them? do all get sold? what happens to the unsold? how many remain in use even if sold, does anyone keep track of this, like some department in government?
I would expect that, as in any other industry, manufacturers produce as many as they can sell. If they're producing a lot, it's because they're selling a lot.
vanillaorange1 a lot of people live in them or travel and own one
Pro-Tip: there are NO lemon laws for RV's, Camping World knows this, any buyer that doesn't is Camping World's lawful prey. I personally rate Camping World AAA-Avoid, Avoid, Avoid.
about the plumming bye a Cinderella toilet dont need plumming dont need blacktank just electrik
Very helpful! Thank you!
Great video
This is better than the iss!
need volume on this video.
rosie soboleski
Right?
😂😂😂
Had to turn the volume to max
We are rver just let the industry rip us off!
Thank you for posting and sharing your knowledge, but I had a hard time hearing you.
Not enough volume to audio.
I bought a used pop up camper for $4500 and I was trying to hurry up the the guy after he was explaining things to me for 1 1/2 hours.
I can't hear.
use your ear buds it helps a lot. I did and could hear all of the video. great information.
Volume is very low but good video
Do you live in a trailer?
+Collin Eichinger: no sir.
Big Truck Big RV Oh. Okay. What makes you like the ford trucks? When I can drive, I really want to have a really big cool truck!
You need to stay at the same distance when you're talking into the microphone, please. The volume is going up and down way too much.
So they're all made like crap! Made in USA, but we can be like China too Sad.
Are there any well made ones? What brands are best? I would like to buy a small, light 19-22 foot trailer to travel the country. After seeing this video and others, I'm having second thoughts.
This video honestly scares me. How can I spend 10s of thousands on something that could have so many issues?
If you think about it. Almost everything expensive has a higher risk of problems. Cars, trucks, homes, electronics, even food
Big Truck Big RV agreed. However it seems in the RV industry QC is really skimped on in order to hit price points. Thank you for your great videos 👍🏻
Great tips. I've actually written them all down. How do you check the check valve to see if shore water is back flowing into your fresh tank?
I don't have a problem with the audio of your videos. They sound fine to me ....... and I own a recording studio! Click my channel to see my music videos.
I'll check it out! the best way to check the valve is to empty the freshwater tank, turn off the water pump, make sure no water comes out of your faucets or shower, connect the RV to city water, and leave it connected for about 15minutes. Then disconnect from City water, turn the water pump back on and see if any water comes out of your faucets. this means that City water was entering you freshwater tank when it shouldn't.
How involved would the repair be if the check valve is not working properly?
Of course as soon as I figure I have a plan that's when God starts laughing, lol. I am disabled and have a dream o get out of where I am and to buy a small piece of property and put a 5th wheel or travel trailer on it and live. I actually for the money which as you can tell from this pathetic dream is low- I like the Jayco Bungalow 40 foot a few slide-outs more than enough room for me and my dog. But all of a sudden I'm hearing about horrible build qualities and I'm surprised because I see these used and they are prestine- making me think they must age well. I'm taking this is not the entire truth. Do some types of RV's/trailers lend themselves to better quality than others ? thanks David
RVs are cheaply made homes that are always in an earthquake as you drive down the road. All the cheap, lightweight junk will rattle itself apart. There is a massive disconnect between the quality owners expect and the crappy reality of how problematic they are
great video but bad sound
They are ALL pieces of crap, no matter which brand or price range!!! I am a former rv salesperson.
Very informative, but you sound like your chewing the mic which is like nails on a chalkboard.
+James Steel: that was when my voice over software stunk. Seams like forever ago.
Disagree with Jame's comment. You sound just fine. Great video and appreciate your wisdom and effort.
Imagine how much quality goes into these when you get a video that basically says
you will need to do carpentry work even when bought brand new. This guy is so right
i made the mistake and man did it cost me big time.