Taking Delivery of First Travel Trailer

[Steve.Rogers]

Hi Everyone,

I've rented, but never owned a Travel Trailer. My question is about what I should have the dealer go over with me before I take delivery of my first Travel Trailer.

I've put a $1,000 deposit on a 2022 Coachman Freedom Express 20SE at a dealer: https://www.bankstonmotorhomes.com/p...0se-2683055-29

The interior, exterior and underbelly look like it has been stored in a covered area (very little fading or "black streaks".) The axles are still shiny and have the factory stickers on them so it hasn't been on the road much either.

I am supposed to take delivery on Friday 3/25/25 and I have campground reservations that day.

I'm inclined to do the following before paying the remaining balance and showing up on delivery day. Since it is used, it is "as-is" no warranty.

- I haven't been on the roof yet (no ladder on this one). I got on the roof of a camper next to it, but would like to inspect the roof.
- I'd like to remove the wheels and look at the brake pads and drums.
- I'd like to spin the wheels to make sure that the wheel bearings move freely, and that there isn't any play, and that the brakes aren't out of adjustment.

- I'd like to make sure that the Fresh Water Pump (from holding tank) sends water through the system.
- Fill (at least partially) and drain all three tanks.

- Verify furnace, water heater, stove, AC, fridge and microwave function nominally.
- Extend and inspect the awning.
- Open and close all windows. (This is a no-slide model)

Am I being OCD or is this just making sure I don't get robbed?

 

[SGilbert]

You can, and should, do all of that and more.
Check any and all parts and equipment, and function of all systems.
If they balk, you walk!

 

[wiscampsin]

If you know someone who has and is familiar with campers ask them to come along and look at/inspect things with you. Search the internet, there are plenty of inspection lists out there.
If anything comes up not to your liking DO NOT sign anything or hand over any more $ until it's fixed/repaired. It puts you in the drivers seat. Once you sign and give them your $ you're at their mercy to get anything fixed. There are people that wait 6-8 weeks or more for service.

 

[Steve.Rogers]

Thanks for the feedback so far. I really appreciate it.

I'll pick the trailer up four weeks from today. I'm looking into hiring an inspector. My son works at an RV dealer and does inspections on new units, he is young, but meticulous. I may hire someone with gray hair instead, but I'm not sure yet.

After talking with the sales person, they gave me a blank PDI checklist for "Towables" that they will use to check this trailer before delivery. I asked her to describe what they will do on delivery day when I pick it up. It doesn't sound like they will be rushing me out of the door. I mentioned that I wanted to go on the roof, to operate the heater, AC, and all appliances, put water in the fresh tank and operate the pump and all of the faucets and toilets. She said that they will fill every tank to make sure the sensors work, then drain them, and take me through the operation of everything.

As-is - kinda. When talking with the sales person today about the delivery inspection, I said I knew that I was getting it as-is without a warranty. She said it doesn't come with a warranty, but I wasn't getting it "as-is". They were going to do the PDI and fix everything they find except cosmetic and wear and tear items. Everything will be working before I drive off of the lot.

A friend at work bought a used trailer from them a year ago and he said they made sure everything was right and he was fully satisfied. That put my mind at ease. I knew he bought a camper from them, I didn't know it was used.

I think I will be reasonably satisfied before I leave.

I spent an hour today in and around the camper, slowly opening and closing every window and door. I sat down in different places and looked at things from different angles, and noticed some normal, minor wear and tear - nicks on corners, scratches here and there. All of the owners manuals were in a pouch in one of the drawers. I brought them home with me and will read them this weekend.

On delivery day, I will video the walk through with all of the instructions, and I will make sure that I operate everything myself. I will probably have the tech video me operating everything as he is giving me instructions. I will be taking it camping immediately, so I'll find out what I didn't understand, or what doesn't work that weekend.

I didn't come away feeling like they were raking me over the coals. It felt like they were going to do whatever they reasonably could to make sure that I was satisfied after the sale. That is a surprising feeling. I didn't feel like they were rushing me or brushing my concerns aside. I'll post my experience here after I pick it up.