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questions to ask during walk-through of new PC

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campergates

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questions to ask during walk-through of new PC
« on: April 25, 2016, 08:51:15 am »
I will be picking up my new 2351 on May 4, 2016 and have extensive walk-through.  As this is my first PC I am looking for suggestions for questions to ask Earl, or whoever performs this service with me.  I have been pulling a 30 ft. TT for three years but this will be my first experience with a motor home.  Thanks for your help.

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Ron Dittmer

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Re: questions to ask during walk-through of new PC
« Reply #1 on: April 25, 2016, 11:42:33 am »
The "general" recommendation is to spend one night at the local RV park that the factory suggests, this to shake down and try out everything.  Anything in question, just drive back to the factory the next work day to get them resolved.  You don't want to pick up your rig on a Friday and stay overnight because the factory is closed Saturday & Sunday.  You'll have to hang around til Monday.

As far as the inspection & walk-through is concerned, it's been 9 years for me.  Phoenix did a very thorough job back then.  The trouble for me was that it was my first self contained RV.  I was over-whelmed by all the information.  I drove the rig home that day and spent a lot of time at home figuring it out all over again.  It would have been better to stay overnight in the area RV park to fumble through things, then return to the factory the next day to ask "smarter & experienced" questions along with presenting anything discovered that is not up to par.  Coming back to the factory mid-week gives them more time to resolve any big issues before you drive back home.
« Last Edit: April 25, 2016, 11:48:28 am by ron.dittmer »
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campergates

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Re: questions to ask during walk-through of new PC
« Reply #2 on: April 25, 2016, 01:23:46 pm »
Thanks for your quick reply.  I plan on spending at least one night outside the gate and probably another down the road.  So much to learn for a newby PC owner!

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TomHanlon

Re: questions to ask during walk-through of new PC
« Reply #3 on: April 25, 2016, 03:20:44 pm »
I would suggest that you check into a campground with full hook ups. Staying outside the gate will not let you check very much. The water at the factory is really bad, heavy with iron. Just check the sink in the factory bathroom. I would not put it into my water tank. Unless you have a sewer hookup, you can not dump, check out the sani con system. Turn on the water heater, stove and microwave.

During the walk thru check every thing, open and close every door, drawer, window and roof vent. If you got the jacks, try them out. My last PC I forgot to check them and I drove all the way down to Indianalopis before I found them missing. I had to return the next day to get them. Take your bath towel rods and toilet paper holder with you and they will install them where ever you want them.

The Elkhart Campground is very close to the factory and a lot of stores, including Lowes and Mandlas (sp). 

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RKS

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Re: questions to ask during walk-through of new PC
« Reply #4 on: April 25, 2016, 04:55:30 pm »
In addition to the good suggestions above you will want to check that the appropriate systems work on the different power sources, i.e., generator, battery and shore power, both inside and out.  Check all external lights and the outlets.  Having been on the forum for several years and reading it religiously I was aware of issues others had had with new units, such as mounting issues with the TV and bathroom door. A great resource for what to look for if you haven't already.
On ours which we have had for 4 months we have had a problem with the water distribution valves and the frig is not automatically switching from electric to gas. I do some wood working and have an issue with the way some of detailing has been finished off, specifically inside closet doors, which I need to address this summer.
Considering the number of systems involved and the countless vendors who are furnishing your new unit its to PC's credit that we we encounter so few issues.
Good luck and enjoy
Bob and Michele
Previously owned a 2350 Sprinter

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RheaNL

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Re: questions to ask during walk-through of new PC
« Reply #5 on: April 25, 2016, 07:00:55 pm »
Video every bit of the walk-through. Most importantly video demonstration/explanation of how everything works. It makes it take longer but I have referred to those videos so many times. While all have proved useful, most valuable is the one on how to winterize. Every fall I watch it again to figure out all the valve switches.

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Ron Dittmer

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Re: questions to ask during walk-through of new PC
« Reply #6 on: April 26, 2016, 12:24:31 am »
Video every bit of the walk-through. Most importantly video demonstration/explanation of how everything works. It makes it take longer but I have referred to those videos so many times. While all have proved useful, most valuable is the one on how to winterize. Every fall I watch it again to figure out all the valve switches.
2o2
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2 Frazzled

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Re: questions to ask during walk-through of new PC
« Reply #7 on: April 26, 2016, 07:45:01 am »
Take her for a drive on the highway AND on the back roads. There will be some little rattles and squeaks which is normal when you have what Ron calls a rolling earthquake but by getting her up to speed and also taking some curves and bumps you will quickly know if there are extreme noises that need to be addressed. Sometimes it is as simple as a screw missing somewhere or loose latch but KNOWING what it is and having Phoenix quickly fix it makes a world of difference. As someone stated, there are a whole lot of different parts from different manufacturers all knitted together to make your new motor home. Phoenix does an awesome job but there will always be little adjustments that need to be made and it is better to get them done up front. We had no idea why a few things weren't working right, but Bobby at Phoenix knew right off what needed to be tweaked. For example, the sliding "curtain" door in our 2552 snagged part way and you needed to exert extra pull to run it across the hallway - simple fix was to back off the screw mid-track as over tightening caused the track to fold in or crimp. I had no clue it was that easy but Bobby immediately identified and fixed it. 

You must be getting really excited. Enjoy your new Phoenix, we are sure you're going to love it!
John, Holly, and sometimes Chloe.
Travel Blog: Spiritofthewoods.net