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

 

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!!

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.

 

 

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.

 

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.

 

 

 

I modified my original posts and added a few things to the bottom of the list as I thought of them this morning.   Mainly checking for propane tank "ping" and checking rdome track.