Question/ Introduction from Newbies Regarding Pickup and Inspection Please

Hello All, John and Dawn here - absolute, absolute!! newbies to RVing.  We've purchased a 2018 model 2552 and expect our baby to be ready for pickup early-mid May.  We went a bit overboard on the options and extras and its ALL YOUR FAULT Forum Members  as I spent so much time reading wish lists, adds, should of's, could of's, etc. and not knowing what we night need........well, we added as much as we could until time was up and Earl cut us off   ! 
Earl knew our newbie situation and we were very comfortable with his offer to walk DH through everything during the PDI (I will be unable to be there, but I wouldn't be any help with the PDI anyway!) but now he's left and, must admit, just a little panic is setting in.

My question is, does anyone know of a service in Elkhardt we could use that could perform a PDI?  Kind of like a pre buy house inspector?  I don't want to insult anyone at PC but having never owned a motorhome before and not having more than a day or so to do this before DH has to leave to drive back home - I'd like to get someone who could check the big things that I've read about on the forum - like missing undercarriage bolts, tank leaks, things like that as well as overall inspection

Any help would be more than appreciated!

This might give you the knowledge you need to test  all the systems and feel comfortable asking questions

http://www.rvsurvey.com/doityourself.html

I used an RV checklist, available online, and the excellent advice and keen eyes of my parents who have been longtime RVers.  Find someone you trust and will be honest to help you through the process.  Don’t be afraid to ask questions and ask PC to fix the minor issues.  This is a big purchase, you have a right to except things to be done to your satisfaction.

Most times a pre-buy survey from an experienced RV technician is recommended when buying used.  Because there is no warranty, the unit has been used and you have no idea how it was used.  And there is a certain level of 'buyer beware' in that once the seller has your cash you are on your own.  On new rigs I would question the need for an independent inspection.  There a warranty both actual and implied and Phoenix has an extraordinary reputation for making sure its customers are happy.

I would however, strongly suggest your husband plan on staying in the Elkhart area at least one and preferably two nights to go over everything.  There are (IMHO) two parts to a PDI, the 'walkthrough' that they will do at Phoenix to show you where everything is and that everything works.   This will take an hour or so and is more familiarization than inspection, though if anything is found to not be correct it will be noted and fixed.  You should take particular care to make sure all of the options and add-ons you paid for were actually installed.

The second part is best done at a local RV park.  This includes a very careful examination of everything, doors, drawers, knobs and latches.  All of the appliances.  A test drive of 20 to 50 miles in varying conditions.  And perhaps most important: actually using all of the on board systems.  When delivered it is unlikely there will be any water on board and the macerator and dump process is not going to be tested.  Do that at the RV park and note any issues.  Then go back to the factory with your punch list.

You catch some things in the PDI but most things will not show up until they have been used a bit, or shaken down the road at 65mph.  You cannot 'test' those things at the factory PDI.

PC is a reliable company that truly stands by their product. Their employees are more than helpful and go out of their way to make sure you are satisfied.

I took mine and went camping with it in MI for a week. Noticed a few small things that needed fixing and called them first to let them know I was coming, parked overnight in their lot free with electrical hookup. The next morning they had me in and out before 8AM, so I could be on my way back home. You can then ask anymore question now that you are familiar with all the systems.
Totally agree with Jatrax

The second part is best done at a local RV park.  This includes a very careful examination of everything, doors, drawers, knobs and latches.  All of the appliances.  A test drive of 20 to 50 miles in varying conditions.  And perhaps most important: actually using all of the on board systems.  When delivered it is unlikely there will be any water on board and the macerator and dump process is not going to be tested.  Do that at the RV park and note any issues.  Then go back to the factory with your punch list.

Thank you all very very much, appreciate the help!  I've purchased the online book and downloaded the checklist and with these in hand feel better prepared.
We do believe that Phoenix is a reliable company, did lots of reading, watching videos, doing comparisons and reading forums.
Please forgive in advance any questions about things that may be very familiar to the long term RVers - but we've never even driven an RV, let alone slept in, cooked in or did anything else in one!
Ha, I may not even get the chance once husband finds out I posted this question here in the first place!

Thank you all again,
Dawn

Please forgive in advance any questions about things that may be very familiar to the long term RVers - but we've never even driven an RV, let alone slept in, cooked in or did anything else in one!

We were complete newbies as well.  Had never gone camping or been inside an RV before.  I can tell you from experience that many folks will assume you know a lot of things that you really do not know.  So ask.  Ask here or ask at the factory but do ask.

Part of the problem is with experienced folks they just have no idea that a newbie would NOT know something so they don't think to even tell you.

One of my moments was going back to the factory the next day and telling them the fresh water tank was leaking.  Sure was, right out of the open drain valve.  "Why didn't you close the drain valve?" was the comment.  Umm, because I didn't know there was a drain valve???

So ask!  PM someone if you want or email.

Another thought _ Bob (shop foreman) is still there, and VERY KNOWLEDGABLE and most accommodating - I would value anything he has to say. and I would believe Dave or Barry would agree to letting him run through it with you-- you may also want to write down all ---
Jack