Arrive around 9 AM (2 hours before scheduled inspection time)

Things to bring with us

• 6 ft stepladder
• Flashlight
• 4 foot level
• Bombsite level
• A screwdriver with a straight, Philips and square bits
• Electric screwdriver
• Hammer
• DVD Movie
• Electrical extension cord
• Small TV and video cables for bedroom
• VCR and long cable to feed outside TV cable
• Notepad

Unit condition when we arrive

• Level ground where we can use stepladder
• Battery charged
• Propane filled
• Water in tank
• Slides in, ready to be extended

Inspections we can do on our own starting at 9 AM

• Perform exterior Fit and Finish
• Perform basic slide inspection, in and out
• Perform interior inspection

Inspections that will start with sales person after 11 AM

• Get instructions on slide operations
• Perform bare bones system inspection
• Hitch up to Tow Vehicle
• Drive to hook up area
• Hook up to shore power
• Perform shore power system inspection
• Miscellaneous, including getting all manuals, keys and remote controls.

Exterior Fit and Finish

The outside walk around should take around one hour. At this point, you’re generally searching for anything that does not look right.

Exterior Inspection

• Walk around look for any obvious defects, scratches.
• Tires and wheels, defects, pressure tire wear etc.
• Set up and stow steps

Roof Sealing & Fixtures

• You will need to get up on the roof here, carefully inspect the ladder on the back of the unit if you are going to use it. Check that all the mounting points are solidly attached to the body and the rungs are firmly fixed to the frame.
• Climb on the roof and inspect all seams, gaskets and any other place that the roof material has been cut or holes drilled.
• Check that all shrouds & covers are intact, unbroken and properly seated on the roof. Proper polyurethane caulking should have been used to seal all places where the roof has been penetrated.
• Are roof vents working?
• Check closely around air conditioners, vents, fan covers, antennas, sewer vents, and side seams.
• Look for any signs of bubbles (large and small), delamination, foreign objects or protruding screw or nail heads under the membrane (if a rubber roof).

Windows

• Check closely around each window to make sure it has been properly aligned and sealed, broken or chipped glass, check screens. (Use step ladder)

Entry Doors

• check the gasket used on all doors for proper adhesive and coverage
• Look closely at the door from the inside and confirm that it sits flush against the inside of the doorjamb.
• Confirm that each key works in the appropriate lock.
• The main door should open & close smoothly and lock with out undue effort.
• Check that the screen door opens smoothly alone and locks to the main door without any extra effort.

Baggage Compartments

• Open and close each door checking for alignment and gasketing. Check for any signs of water leaks.
• Confirm that each key works in the appropriate lock
• All hinges should be tight and secure and the latches should hold the door tightly closed and still be easy to open.
• Feel the floor or carpeting and look for any signs of moisture that might indicate rain leakage.
• Verify that compartment lighting (if fitted) works properly.
• Any gas cylinders used for keeping the door open should be properly installed so as not to interfere with items stored in the compartment. If clamp-type door hold-opens are used, make sure they are present and hold the door correctly.

Paint & Siding

• Carefully check the paint finish on the RV. Any problems can be verified and corrected at this point with a lot less hassle.
• Site down the side of the unit to check for bumps or depressions in the siding.
• Divide each side of the unit into 2, 3 or 4 sections and inspect for siding issues: color variations, dents or irregularities.
• Do the same for the ends of the unit
• Look at places where vinyl film is used for graphics to make sure it is free of any air bubbles.
• Check ends of any decals for uniformity or “mistakes” that may have gouged the siding.
• Look closely where masking tape was used for paint graphics to make sure there is no over-spray.
• Carefully check for surface smoothness and any place when paint coverage is marginal or where there are bubbles.

Tires and Wheels

• Closely inspect the tires and wheels and understand the proper inflation pressure.(Update Specifications)
• Verify the torque of the lug nuts or have the PDI person do it while you watch. (Update Specifications)
• Find out the proper jacking point for the trailer and what kind of jack to use.
• Determine if your tow vehicle lug nut wrench will fit the lug nuts on the trailer or if another size is necessary.

Spare Tire

• Check the condition & pressure of the spare tire.
• Understand how the carrier works if it is the fold-down type.

Awnings

• Extend and retract each awning paying particular attention to how the awning is locked in the retracted position.
• Make sure all springs, locks and supports work well and are properly aligned.
• Wiggle the mounting points for the support arms to get a feeling for how solidly they are mounted to the body.

Chassis Inspection

• Put on some old clothes or coveralls and get a good-sized piece of cardboard or carpet to make it easier to lie on you back while checking around under the trailer. If it’s possible to do so without jacking up the rig, it’s a lot easier, but do what makes sense to you.
• You want to be able to Inspect all air and / or hydraulic lines, wiring, shock absorber attachments, and in general every place that a wire or pipe could rub against something that could cause a problem later.
• All wiring and piping should be properly fastened.

Slides

Carefully check the slides. Use a step ladder to inspect the seals with the slides closed and open, Make sure you understand all of the emergency operations of the slides.

• Start by using a ladder to check the seals while each slide is retracted.
• Examine the slides from inside the RV. You should not be able to find any places where you can see light or detect airflow. Use a flashlight to look into dark corners.
• Extend each slide and repeat the previous two steps to examine the slides inside and out again.
• Understand the slide selector switches.
• Understand the mechanism that extends and retracts the slide.
• Operate it several times and understand any restrictions on operation.
• Understand the manual (no power) retraction process and actually perform the retraction as if the automatic mechanism had failed.
• Look for proper alignment of any wheels that may ride on carpet or other flooring, to insure proper clearance.
• Understand any locking mechanisms that are used to hold the top of the slide out tight against the top of the RV.
• Do your best to make sure the seals are properly installed and operational when the slide is retracted and also when it is extended.
• Get under each slide and watch while it is being extended and retracted
• Check the under-slide area for proper routing of wires or cables.
• Confirm that nothing rubs on the tires (parts of the slide, wiring, insulation, Etc.) when the slide is retracted.

Interior Fit and Finish

Now its time to go inside. In general you are looking for things that are not finished correctly since it is really too late to inspect the design of anything.

• Look for signs of water leaks, particularly areas on the ceiling & windows

Cabinets

• Inspect & open all of the cabinets to insure that all the hinges and latches work well.
• Pull each drawer out to its stop, return it closed and then try to open it like road vibration might do.
• Makes sure that there have been no water leaks and that all the wiring and pipes are well fastened.
• Inspect the linings (if any), to insure they are fastened securely.
• Run your hand along all edges, front & back to check for and delamination or loose edges on molding or vinyl wraps (you may want to wear gloves for this part)

Molding & trim

• Go over all the trim on walls, doors & furniture.
• Make sure that everything is fastened on well and not loose or ready to come off.
• Check that no nail or staples are protruding.

Closets

• open and close all closet doors checking for free operation and proper alignment.
• Hanger rods should be properly fastened and secure.
• Check out any lighting that is provided and any switches that are used.

Furniture

• Examine every piece of furniture to check for construction, upholstery, pattern and cloth matching.
• Check out the sofa by making it a bed with the appropriate cushions.
• Check for storage under the bed.

Curtains & Blinds

• Operate each curtain and blind and check for alignment.
• Look at all valances and trim to be sure they are secured.

Counter Tops

• Inspect all counter tops for alignment and fastening.
• Make sure that any trim pieces that should be there are in fact tight.
• Check for caulking quality everywhere there may be water, especially edges near a sink.
• Check the installation of sinks and faucets.

Windows and screens

• Window Shades open/close each
• Windows open/close each, latches, screens, emergency exit
• Open and close every window and operate the latches.
• Inspect all window seals
• Pay particular attention to the two safety egress windows or emergency windows and make sure they operate smoothly & easily.

Floor Coverings

• Inspect carpet and other floor coverings in all corners to insure that they have been properly fastened down.
• Check areas that slide outs may roll over for pulled threads, cuts or other problems.
• Check closely for gouges or cuts in linoleum tile.

Wall Coverings

• Check to make sure that all the wall coverings actually cover and join properly.
• Look for any discoloration or patch jobs that may cover hidden problems.
• Try to find any places where it is not perfect since now is the time to get it fixed while matching patterns are in stock.
• (Some folks suggest ordering extra fabric, carpet, and wallpaper now so that matching material is available to make small modifications or repairs at a later date.)

Bare Bones Systems

LP Gas System

• Tank size (Update Specifications)
• Flue pipes visual check
• Light & Adjust the following:
• Furnace
• Range & oven
• Water Heater
• Refrigerator

Propane and Carbon Monoxide Alarms & Smoke Detector

• now is a good time to check the function of these alarms.
• The PDI person should have a small canister of gas that can be sprayed at the alarm to test its operation.
• Have them perform this test while you watch and learn how the alarms work and how to reset the alarms.
• Confirm that there is a new battery in the Smoke Detector (write the date on it for reference)
• Activate the test button to check operation of the smoke detector. Understand how to turn it off.

Propane

• If the tank(s) are contained in a compartment, there should be no possible way for propane to enter into the RV or any other compartment.
• Understand how the regulator works and how it switches between cylinders.
• Confirm that a leak test has been performed on both pigtails between the tanks and regulator and the rest of the system.
• Locate and understand the operation of the main shut off valve (if any).

Propane Stove

• Turn on one burner of the stovetop while the AC’s and Microwave are running and the automatic igniters should cause a strong spark to light the burner.
• Turn on the other burners to verify that there is enough propane flow to operate the refrigerator, water heater and all the burners.
• If everything is OK, turn off the burners on the stove.
• If your unit has an oven, then understand how the pilot is lit and verify its operation now.
• Note: Sometimes the burner igniters interfere with the operation of the thermostats for the roof AC. This is the time to find this problem.
• Test range top hood - Fan & Light

Water Heater

• Try the water heater on propane first.
• A few seconds after you turn it on, you should hear the click of the igniter and the small pop when the burner lights.
• The red light should stay on until that process happens.
• If it does not ignite, then there is a problem.

Furnace

• Now its time to understand the operation of the thermostat that controls heating and sometimes the air conditioning.
• Turn the furnace on and set a temperature demand that is at least 10 degrees hotter than ambient temperature.
• In about 30 seconds, you should hear the furnace fans come on.
• Shortly thereafter you should hear the click of the igniter and the sound of the burner. If not then there is a problem. It could also be taking a while for propane to get to the heater, so don’t despair.
• Let the furnace blow and you should get hot air at about 110 degrees coming out of all vents. Check each one.
• Now turn the furnace down and the hot air will gradually turn cooler and the fans will eventually stop after the furnace has cooled sufficiently.
• During this process have someone with a good nose checking for any smell of material getting too hot, or exhaust coming out.

Refrigerator

• Most modern refrigerators work on propane or AC and have an automatic mode that gives preference to AC and then will switch to propane if AC power is not available.
• Understand the controls and the status lights and set the unit on propane. The RV may need to be unplugged for this to happen.
• Go outside to the refrigerator vent grill and make sure that the propane heating column is lit and heating.
• While the refrigerator grill is open, check to make sure the drain line is positioned for proper drainage.
• Set the temperature at the highest cooling setting, because setting it to lowest will typically cause the coils to collect moisture and ice up.
• Come back in about 10 minutes to feel that the coil/fins is actually starting to cool.

Air Vents

• Test ceiling vent fans
• Test the operation of kitchen and bathroom air vents making sure they open and turn on properly (if powered). Verify that they retract and close tightly.
• Check any other vents for proper operation.

Battery

• Check the battery box to verify that it is ventilated and that any compartment slide mechanisms work properly.
• Verify that no battery cables are rubbing on any part of the frame because that will eventually end up with a short circuit and possible fire.
• Understand the battery type provided and how to maintain them.

Lighting

• (at this point, only 12V lighting can be tested, as the unit is NOT connected to shore power yet)
• Operate every light switch and observe its function.
• Use the monitor panel to check battery levels.
• Understand and verify any battery disconnect switches.

Converter

• Confirm the operation of the converter/charger that is installed.
• Turn on several interior lights to create a load for the converter and confirm no excessive converter noise or vibration.
• Have the PDI person explain the operation of the converter, the AC circuit breakers and the DC fuses.
• Make sure that there is a written list of the loads connected to each fuse or breaker.

Water Pump

• Your PDI person should have filled the fresh water tank, so now you can test the function of the water pump.
• After turning it on, you should hear it pump for several seconds, even up to a minute to create enough pressure in the system.
• If the pump does not shut off, there is a problem.
• Run water in the kitchen and bathroom sink and notice that the pump will come back on until proper water pressure is restored.
• Now is the time to fix a noisy pump if it is vibrating or making any irritating sounds.

Plumbing

• Learn how to empty fresh water tank
• Where is the water pump located
• Where are all winterization valves located
• Toilet, flush and rinse.
• Check under sinks in cabinet for water or damage.
• Water tank and intakes
• Faucets & Shower
• Toilet operation
• Sinks
• Tub & Shower
• Holding tanks
• Inspect tanks & dump valves
• Taps and drain lines
• Winterize (if necessary)

Sewer & Fresh Water Connections

• Inspect this area on the trailer to make sure that nothing is broken or deformed.
• If appropriate at this time, make certain you understand how each filter, valve or fitting works.
• Understand the proper function of the black and gray water valves.
• If tank flushing is installed, understand how it operates.
• Understand where the low point drains are for the fresh water system.
• Understand Sewer hose connection and storage.

Hitch, Drive, and Unhitch Tow Vehicle

Adjust Hitch and Air Bag Suspension

• Proper lubrication of hitch
• Does anything have to be done with the TrailAir Pinbox or Suspension.
• Hook up RV then use 4' level to adjust truck air bags to make truck level.
• Use 4' level to adjust height of hitch to keep RV level. Remember to keep 5" to 7" clearance between bottom of 5er and top of truck bed -- per Reese.
• If this does not work, we may have to adjust the axles on either the truck or RV

Electric Brakes and Brake Controller

• Get proper instructions on how to set up Brake Controller.
• Find best place to secure breakaway cable. Get details on breakaway switch operation.
• Do we need to do anything to protect breakaway cable from pin box.

Running Lights

• Attach wire harness
• Check all exterior lights
  • Running lights
  • Back up lights
  • Turn signals
  • Emergency flashers
  • Security Lights

Running Gear

• Pull Test
• Tire pressure (Update Specifications)
• Lug nuts torque (Update Specifications)
• Spare tire

Unhitch and Level

• Wheel chocks
• Front and rear stabilizer jacks
• Stab jack & crank / Slide crank / Landing gear crank
• Extend & retract levelers
• Leveling system display

Shore Power

• Check ALL electrical systems again with Shore Power.
• Make sure a weather cap is present for each connector and that connectors are properly identified & mounting plates are properly sealed.
• Understand electrical connection for 50 amp, 30 amp, and 110 outlets.
• Test all electrical outlets
• Test all light fixtures
• Where are the circuit breakers and fuses?

Electrical System

• 110V system
  • power cord/circuit breaker
  • Lights
  • Outlets
• 12V system
  • Fuses
  • Lights
  • Control Panel
  • Fan (vent)
• Range hood
• Microwave

Shore Power System

• Now is the time to connect up to shore power.
• Pull out all of the AC cord, confirm the length and inspect the plug for proper attachment.
• Inside the unit, check any 110V lighting and switches.
• (If you have a 110V receptacle tester, check all outlets for proper wiring/polarity.)
• Find the GFI-protected outlet and test using the push button.
• Understand which receptacles “down stream” from the GFI are protected.
• Any electrical problems here should be corrected immediately.

Telephone

• Find and understand the telephone and cable connections.

DVD, Surround Sound, Stereo & Cable TV Connections

• Is there an Antenna and how does it work?
• Check operation of TV antenna
• Radio/Stereo working
• Cd/Tape/Prewire
• Learn how to rotate the antenna to maximize the quality of the picture.
• Play DVD Movie to check surround sound
• Check wireing of cable and TV antenna jacks
• DVD to Bedroom TV wiring -- Review and understand the switching system that allows the selection of viewing channel on the living room and bedroom TV.
• Activate the control on the living room TV that scans for local stations.
• How to hook up X-box
• How to add VCR to system

City Water System

• Turn off the pump, connect up to city water (use a regulator if overly high pressure is suspected) and confirm that the connection works correctly.
• Look for leaks under sinks and confirm the operation of all fixtures.
• Test all water faucets - Hot & Cold - look for leaks
• Test Toilet - look for leaks

Tankage

• Tank monitors
• Re-fill the fresh water tank if necessary and run water into the gray tank to verify the gauge reading and that there are no leaks.
• Filling the gray tank until water comes up in the shower will make it easier to find leaks inside & out.
• Do the same thing to the black water tank, including filling so that water comes up inside the toilet. Check for leaks (if the toilet is installed correctly, there will be no leaks!) You can fill the black water tank by using the tank flushing system (if fitted), by using a garden hose adapter for the sewer connection (through a backflow preventer) or by bringing the water hose inside and filling the tank through the toilet. This last method can be a little cumbersome, and I don’t recommend unless you’ve done it before.
• Check the gauges for accuracy while you are filling
• Now is the time you want to find leaks if there are any.
• Drain the gray and black water tanks using the sewer hose or the garden hose adapter.
• Insure proper operation of the tank flushing system

Water Heater

• In bare bones we tried the water heater on propane.
• Turn the AC element in the water heater (if connected) and confirm operation.
• Make sure you know the location of the electrical switch at the water heater and the correct operation of the interior switch.
• If your unit is so equipped, understand the operation of the bypass valves for winterizing.
• Confirm that hot (or warm water depending on how long the water heater has been on) comes out of the hot tap at the various sinks.

Air Conditioners

• Air Conditioners, high setting, air temp.
• Some air conditioners also have a heat strip or heat pump feature so now is the time to verify these functions.
• Turn on the air conditioner.
• After a couple of minutes, cool air, 20 degrees cooler than ambient, should be coming out of the registers.
• If you unit has ducting in the ceiling, make sure a good airflow comes out of each register.
• Learn how to clean the filters at this time.

Refrigerator

• Check out refrigerator again on electric power

Microwave

• Put a cup of cold water in the microwave and set the timer for 5 minutes.
• The water in the cup should boil in less than 5 minutes.
• Make sure there are no unusual sounds coming from the Microwave.

Misc

• Fire extinguisher
• Fireplace

Manuals

• TV
• DVD
• frig
• oven
• microwave
• A/C
• TrailAir

Remotes

• TV
• DVD
• A/C
• Fireplace

Specifications

• LP Tank Size [__________________]
• Tire pressure [_________________________________]
• Lug nuts torque [_________________________________]

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