New RV Walkthrough Tips

StonewallJ

Member
Joined
Jun 18, 2018
Posts
25
Location
Ohio
Hey GD Forum - I woke up this am with an idea. Some of you know we’re experiencing some warranty repair issues, hopefully to be resolved…soon. But as I was reflecting on these matters, I heard that voice tell me “Dang, Stonewall, too bad you didn’t catch that during the walkthrough. Also, would you mind letting the dogs out?” Hmmm….was that my voice? Well, you guys know, when you show up to get your new toy home, your vision and judgment is clouded by profound giddiness. So, the idea….I’d like to share just a few tips on components I would look at a little more closely during the next walkthrough and am inviting you all to do the same, please. Surely, I’m not the first to start such a thread. Just humor me. I am by no means an expert, but here’s a few tips get this started -

Leveling system - not only that the landing gear is working properly, but that the Auto Level function goes through its cycle with no “ERROR”.

Fridge/freezer - make sure that it is, well…..cold. It’s not enough that the lights work and that the display is on and functional. The compressor itself could be bad (trust me on this). Also, that you don’t see “excessive” ice or water buildup. Ask the dealer to plug it in the night before. Last, there is a strap that Grand Design attaches to the ceiling above the fridge that connects to the top of the fridge doors to hold them closed. If you have one of those fancy new 12V fridges, make sure this strap is there, otherwise, the doors won’t stay shut during travel.

Shower - ensure that there is caulking around the perimeter edges of the aluminum door frame - where it meets up against the shower insert. Seems basic, but trust me on this too. Otherwise, guess what you find on the floor after the first shower.

Last - ask the dealer or Grand Design about any current recalls and that those issues are resolved before you leave the lot.

Just to be clear - my intent here isn’t to bash GD or the dealer, but rather to simply gather really great ideas that might lead new owners to spend just a little more time checking out that new Reflection, Solitude or Momentum (or any other RV/fifth wheel for that matter). Encountering some issues is likely, but I believe GD makes a really exceptional, high quality product. But, keep in mind, this is your new $100k toy, plus or minus. Don’t let the Tech rush this process.

Happy camping and thanks for playing along! I hope you soon-to-be GD parents love your new rig.
 
Hey GD Forum - I woke up this am with an idea. Some of you know we’re experiencing some warranty repair issues, hopefully to be resolved…soon. But as I was reflecting on these matters, I heard that voice tell me “Dang, Stonewall, too bad you didn’t catch that during the walkthrough. Also, would you mind letting the dogs out?” Hmmm….was that my voice? Well, you guys know, when you show up to get your new toy home, your vision and judgment is clouded by profound giddiness. So, the idea….I’d like to share just a few tips on components I would look at a little more closely during the next walkthrough and am inviting you all to do the same, please. Surely, I’m not the first to start such a thread. Just humor me. I am by no means an expert, but here’s a few tips get this started -

Leveling system - not only that the landing gear is working properly, but that the Auto Level function goes through its cycle with no “ERROR”.

Fridge/freezer - make sure that it is, well…..cold. It’s not enough that the lights work and that the display is on and functional. The compressor itself could be bad (trust me on this). Also, that you don’t see “excessive” ice or water buildup. Ask the dealer to plug it in the night before. Last, there is a strap that Grand Design attaches to the ceiling above the fridge that connects to the top of the fridge doors to hold them closed. If you have one of those fancy new 12V fridges, make sure this strap is there, otherwise, the doors won’t stay shut during travel.

Shower - ensure that there is caulking around the perimeter edges of the aluminum door frame - where it meets up against the shower insert. Seems basic, but trust me on this too. Otherwise, guess what you find on the floor after the first shower.

Last - ask the dealer or Grand Design about any current recalls and that those issues are resolved before you leave the lot.

Just to be clear - my intent here isn’t to bash GD or the dealer, but rather to simply gather really great ideas that might lead new owners to spend just a little more time checking out that new Reflection, Solitude or Momentum (or any other RV/fifth wheel for that matter). Encountering some issues is likely, but I believe GD makes a really exceptional, high quality product. But, keep in mind, this is your new $100k toy, plus or minus. Don’t let the Tech rush this process.

Happy camping and thanks for playing along! I hope you soon-to-be GD parents love your new rig.
There are several threads about a PDI, Pre-Delivery Inspection. I posted the PDI I used when I went through my 320MKS at Northgate. I'll include it here as well. View attachment PDI_V20.docx
 
There are lots of PDI write-ups for new buyers. Due diligence is really necessary to catch all the little, and sometimes big, things that need to be attended to. After money changes hands, a dealer has lost a lot of incentive to make things right. At that point, you really are dependent on the quality of the dealers' service, which, sadly, is sometimes lacking.
 

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