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Delivery Inspection Tips?

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    Posted: 13 Jul 2010 at 3:13pm
Hello, Nation!
 
We'll be driving over 48 hours (24 hrs ea way) to pick up our new 172 this week (sight-unseen). Catching common issues at delivery will be critical, and, getting them fixed/corrected at the dealership before driving away.
 
I'd appreciate your experience to help guide our delivery inspection. What are problem areas we should definitely look out for?
 
Thank you very much.
 
Ashley and Dave
Ashley and David ::: 2010 R-Pod 172 ::: 2007 Honda Odyssey
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Check for metal shavings in the sink aerator.  This will keep water from coming out.  We thought ours was broken until another RV place told us to check for metal shavings clogging the aerator.
 
Also, buy the "starter kit" from Couch's - it is extremely useful, especially if you are going straight to a campground.  Well worth the $100!!
Greg & Melika :: 2009 Ford Escape :: 2011 r-pod 172
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Thank you, Greg & Melika, for the tip. Our dealer is kindly throwing in the starter kit; we're most grateful! - Ashley & Dave
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote gmandual Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 Jul 2010 at 12:11am

Check doors and hatches.   Make sure doors shut, lock, unlock and seal properly.   Check seals around screen door and door.

Make sure you know how to light propane stove and that it lights properly.
 
Make sure that you understand how/when to use different modes on fridge, how to switch it between the different modes, and that it works properly in all modes.  AC/DC and propane.
 
Have them show you where the bypass valves are on the water heater.  Make sure valves are in correct position for operation.   Make sure they show you correct orientation of valves for normal operation and bypass mode for winterization.
 
Have then show you  how to use the water pump, and where the access panel is for the water pump.  (its under the cabinet under the sink on the 172)  Make sure water pump works.  You will needs to know where the water pump is as well as the water heater bypass valves for winterization.
 
Check water pump operation without a hose hooked up to city water connection on trailer.   Running water pump without a hose hooked up to city water connection helps make sure the backflow valve is working properly.  
 
Make sure water heater lights properly and heats water.   Check that you have hot water in shower and in sink.   Have them show you where the AC water heater switch as well as the propane switch.
 
Check water pressure at sink and shower.  Sometimes screen on faucet has to be cleaned out because of plastic of metal shavings from manufacture.
 
Test all AC power accessories.    If equiped with TV and Microwave test the TV and microwave to make sure both are functioning properly.
 
If equiped with TV and antenna have them show you operation of antenna amp (in cabinet above stove) as well as how to program in TV channels.
 
Test furnace to make sure that it ignites and runs properly.   Check furnace for excessive rattle.  Some times "junk" from construction get in the grate and can cause rattling noises.  
 
Test AC unit on high/low and fan only modes.   Make sure it is cycling properly (on/off) when cooling.
 
Check fantastic fan. (fan in bathroom)  Make sure it open and closes all the way with out binding and that fan runs without excessive vibration or noise.
 
Make sure toilet flushes properly, and you know how to flush the toilet.  (sounds silly but have seen people struggle with that one. ) :-)
 
Check fabric undercoating on trailer.  Make sure it (black cloth type stuff) covers entire bottom of trailer and that there aren't any major tears, rips or uncovered areas.   This keeps water from getting into bottom of the trailer.  Look up under trailer and check corners as that is usually the first sign of a problem if there is one.
 
Have them show you where the low point drain valves are on the trailer.  (under wheel well on drivers side of 172)   You need to know where those are for winterization.
 
Make sure the battery the comes with the trailer is a Deep Cycle battery and not a regular car battery.     Most reputable dealers will give you the right ones, but have heard folks getting the wrong one.
 
Make sure all light bulbs in all the lights are functioning properly.
 
Check tracks on the drawers.  Make sure they move in and out easily and don't have excessive wobble that would indicate a broken track for one of the drawers.
 
If you aren't familiar with how to do it.   See if you can get them to show you correct method to level the trailer.
 
I know I am missing a few things, but that should be a good start. :-)  I love my 172, and think you will enjoy yours.
 
Update: 07/14/2010
If purchasing R-DOME or looking to purchase R-DOME in the future check screws in RDOME track on trailer.  Make sure screws don't stick out and that there aren't any sharp jagged edges on the track.     
Check Grey Water and Black water release valves.  Make sure they operate smoothly and seal properly.  
 
Check the stabalizing jacks to make sure they aren't bent or damaged.   Sometimes dealers damage them while moving trailers around the lot.
 
Run Stove and furnace at the same time.   Check to see if you hear a pinging noise coming from the propane tank.   If you do then the propane regulator might need to be replaced.

DO THE INSPECTION PRIOR TO SIGNING FINAL PAPERS.    Virtually all your leverage goes out the door after you sign the final papers, so you should always do your inspection prior to signing papers.
 
 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote pepperpod Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 Jul 2010 at 12:21am
Originally posted by gmandual gmandual wrote:

Check doors and hatches.   Make sure doors shut, lock, unlock and seal properly.   Check seals around screen door and door.

Make sure you know how to light propane stove and that it lights properly.
 
Make sure that you understand how/when to use different modes on fridge, how to switch it between the different modes, and that it works properly in all modes.  AC/DC and propane.
 
Have them show you where the bypass valves are on the water heater.  Make sure valves are in correct position for operation.   Make sure they show you correct orientation of valves for normal operation and bypass mode for winterization.
 
Have then show you  how to use the water pump, and where the access panel is for the water pump.  (its under the cabinet under the sink on the 172)  Make sure water pump works.  You will needs to know where the water pump is as well as the water heater bypass valves for winterization.
 
Check pump without a hose hooked up to city water connection on trailer.   Running water pump without a hose hooked up to city water connection helps make sure the backflow valve is working properly.  
 
Make sure wather heater lights properly and heats water.   Check that you have hot water in shower and in sink.   Have them show you where the AC water heater switch as well as the propane switch.
 
Check water pressure at sink and shower.  Sometimes screen on faucet has to be cleaned out because of plastic of metal shavings from manufacture.
 
Test all AC power accessories.    If equiped with TV and Microwave test the TV and microwave to make sure both are functioning properly.
 
If equiped with TV and antenna have them show you operation of antenna amp (in cabinet above stove) as well as how to program in TV channels.
 
Test furnace to make sure that it ignites and runs properly.   Check furnace for excessive rattle.  Some times "junk" from construction get in the grate and can cause rattling noises.  
 
Test AC unit on high/low and fan only modes.   Make sure it is cycling properly (on/off) when cooling.
 
Check fantastic fan. (fan in bathroom)  Make sure it open and closes all the way with out binding and that fan runs without excessive vibration or noise.
 
Make sure toilet flushes properly, and you know how to flush the toilet.  (sounds silly but have seen people struggle with that one. ) :-)
 
Check fabric undercoating on trailer.  Make sure it (black cloth type stuff) covers entire bottom of trailer and that there aren't any major tears, rips or uncovered areas.   This keeps water from getting into bottom of the trailer.  Look up under trailer and check corners as that is usually the first sign of a problem if there is one.
 
Have them show you where the low point drain valves are on the trailer.  (under wheel well on drivers side of 172)   You need to know where those are for winterization.
 
Make sure the battery the comes with the trailer is a Deep Cycle battery and not a regular car battery.     Most reputable dealers will give you the right ones, but have heard folks getting the wrong one.
 
Make sure all light bulbs in all the lights are functioning properly.
 
Check tracks on the drawers.  Make sure they move in and out easily and don't have excessive wobble that would indicate a broken track for one of the drawers.
 
If you aren't familiar with how to do it.   See if you can get them to show you correct method to level the trailer.
 
I know I am missing a few things, but that should be a good start. :-)  I love my 172, and think you will enjoy yours.
 
 
Wow, Gman.  This is a great piece of information for all new Pod owners.  I suggest that our administrator somehow make it a sticky so that it is easy to find.  I wish that we were in possession of this list when we did our walk through.  Great job. Clap
Pepper,Coach,and Henry (a very brave little Maltese)
R Pod 172

The rewards of the journey far outweigh the risk of leaving the harbor...unknown
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Sandpiper Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 Jul 2010 at 12:50am
I asked PodPatrol to add gmandual's list to the FAQ topic.
Excellent list gman.
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Thank you VERY MUCH, gmandual; priceless information is dearly appreciated. I'll be printing those tips out and checking every detail.
Ashley and David ::: 2010 R-Pod 172 ::: 2007 Honda Odyssey
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Explorer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 Jul 2010 at 1:22am
I also plan to video the walkthrough ONLY as a reference to review in the future. I'm sure we'll miss or forget some details.
Ashley and David ::: 2010 R-Pod 172 ::: 2007 Honda Odyssey
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote joe&carol Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 Jul 2010 at 8:47am
Gmandual -  -  -  Where were you when we bought our 173 a year and a half ago - - - - That is a great check list.  Forest River would do well to hire you to do QA for them.  Thanks for what you're doing here.  Joe
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tabkld93 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 Jul 2010 at 10:45am
We purchased our 172 without setting foot inside one.  It was bigger than I expected.
 
Take good notes.  The use of the video will be very helpful.  What you can't remember or figure out, just post your question here and someone will take care of you with advice.
 
 
Todd, Karen & Leah
'13 Surveyor 240
'12 Ford F150 EcoBoost
Former owner of 2010 R-Pod 172
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