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We will be buying our first travel trailer within a couple weeks when it arrives at the dealer (2020 GD Imagine XLS 22MLE). We did not order it - they are rerouting one meant for another dealership. We saw another unit of the same camper they are sending up to a local RV show so we knew we wanted it. The sales manager wanted to rush paperwork before PDI when my husband went up to look at the one they had and settle on the price. We put down $500 to hold the one they are sending for us. This was in the email from my salesperson "When you come in to pick up your camper, you will go through it at first since you have not seen it yet, then you will do your financial paperwork with Mike, and then you will do your full demonstration of the camper. They will also show you how to hook up the hitch at the end of the demonstration." I have been on several different owner forums recently and the consensus seems to be - Don't complete purchase paperwork until AFTER the full PDI. Is this what most of you "seasoned" owners have done?
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2020 Imagine XLS 22MLE -
My .02: don't sign anything until you're satisfied with the camper. My wife and I spent 7 hours (no kidding) checking everything on our 315RLTS. I spent a good part of a week assembling a checklist (from multiple sources) and after reading, reading, reading about what to check. My dealer, Campers Inn, was exceptionally accommodating. I'd warned them in advance what I was going to do and even sent them my checklist. They never once hurried me or asked me to sign anything. (I didn't need to put down any money to "hold" the camper, either.)
It's been awhile and I haven't updated it since I took delivery (Jul 18) but the attached should give you an idea of what we did. (I tried to upload the excel version but the forum won't allow me--so it's a PDF version.)
PDI Checklist v2.pdf
One more thought: don't forget to look under the trailer. If it wasn't kept clean of road salt (it is winter!) you'd be amazed at how quickly the underside can get severely corroded.Forum moderators are not GD employees--we are volunteers and owners presumably just like yourself. Unless specifically mentioned otherwise, we have nothing to gain should you choose to purchase a product or engage a service we discuss on this forum.
Howard & Francine
2017 Ford F-350 DRW, '19 315RLTSPlus -
CampCinci
This is a tough one. If you can convince this dealer to do the PDI before you sign the paperwork, this is obviously the best plan. I can tell you that our dealer refused to do this and insisted on the process that you describe. We could do our own walk through before signing, but the paperwork had to be complete before a full PDI. We had time on our side (because we didn't need the camper right away) so we followed their process and ended up leaving "our" trailer with the dealer for two months after purchase for them to correct the things we found at PDI.
This does not seem "right" . . . but, does seem to be an RV dealer expectation.
RobCate & Rob
(with Border Collies Molly & Angel + Kitties Hazel & Elsie)
2015 Reflection 303RLS
2022 F350 Diesel CC SB SRW Lariat
Bayham, Ontario, CanadaComment
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We are going to stick to our guns on the PDI prior to paperwork. My husband emailed the salesperson last night that we will sign after the PDI and expect to have at least 2 - 3 hours. Her most recent reply states that it is no problem, but she is saying now an hour to hour and a half for the "demonstration." I really feel that the ball is in our court, though. Thanks for the replies and for the PDI checklist!!2020 Imagine XLS 22MLEComment
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I agree that it is best to do full disclosure before signing...get any issues resolved before purchasing otherwise you will have to make return trips to the dealer to address any warrant issues...please don’t ask me how I know...sigh....2019 F150 Lariat (5.0, 3.73 7000 GVWR, Tow)
2020 2600RBComment
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I can't imagine a dealer doing paperwork first, then the PDI, unless there are some extenuating timing issues with another PDI occurring at the same time.Scott M. Barlag, RV Product Specialist, NW IndianaComment
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When I Purchased our Reflection 337RLS in mid February the dealer did a complete PDI, and demonstrated that all of the features on the camper were working, and made sure we knew how to operate them all. It included a complete walk around inside and out looking for flaws. There were no flaws found, and everything was in perfect working order. This process was between 90 min, and 2 hours in length. Because it was February in Michigan, this was done in a large heated service bay. (I then had them install MAX AIR vent covers and slide toppers on all 3 slides)
When all that was accomplished, and all of our questions were answered, we sat down and did the paperwork.
While we were doing the paperwork, they re-winterized the rig.
After the paperwork, a hitch technician walked us through the hitching process, then pulled the rig to a departure area, and we were off.
It was a very thorough and professional procedure.
My wife and I really enjoyed the experience.2020 Reflection 337RLS
2019 F350 CCLB 6.7LComment
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Feel free to name the dealership! We need to know who the 'good guys' are. I often remark what a great experience I had with Campers Inn, Byron GA, when I bought my 315RLTS.Originally posted by screamingbear1 View PostForum moderators are not GD employees--we are volunteers and owners presumably just like yourself. Unless specifically mentioned otherwise, we have nothing to gain should you choose to purchase a product or engage a service we discuss on this forum.
Howard & Francine
2017 Ford F-350 DRW, '19 315RLTSPlusComment
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My vote would be to follow everything that howson (above) said to the "T". He is right on the money. print out the second checklist and brew a pot of coffee. Your time will be well spent.Dave and Sue
2020 GD 2250RK
2019 F-150 XLT, 5.0, 4WD, SB
Curt 17500 WDH, 3.55
GY Endurance, Dexter EZ Flex
SCPO(SW) USN, (Ret), HP: Tampa Bay ⚓️🇺🇸Comment
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I have not been on this forum for a while, but the dealer was General RV in Wixom, MIOriginally posted by howson View Post
2020 Reflection 337RLS
2019 F350 CCLB 6.7LComment
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Buying a new travel trailer is exciting but make sure you check everything on the walkthrough. We purchased a new 2021 Reflections 300 RBTS . I have owned 2 other travel trailers been a long time camper. After our walk around we missed
the latch lock arm missing on bedslide storage compartment outside. Lowering the spare tire jack
there was no hole to put the rod through to drop the tire in the skirt panel. Sliding door in bedroom missing stop screw door fell off track missed taking out AC controller on wall on first camping trip. I fixed all of the issues myself my dealer 65 plus miles away. Have them demonstrate everything. Signing papers and money came last for me. Love my 300 RBTS. HAPPY CAMPING.
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I’m of the camp that the “demonstration” should be showing you generally WHERE things are located, generally HOW things work, and demonstrate that they DO work. I believe that the Pre Delivery Inspection should allow you to inspect any and all aspects of the RV that you want to, to your satisfaction, BEFORE signing the purchase agreement. However, it appears that not all dealerships operate the same so you will have to decide, in advance, if their policies are not agreeable to you, whether you are willing to decline the purchase or not.Originally posted by CampCinci View Post
My bet is that any dealership that is worth your business will be as accommodating as possible, especially if they want to make the sale rather than lose it.Dave and Sue
2020 GD 2250RK
2019 F-150 XLT, 5.0, 4WD, SB
Curt 17500 WDH, 3.55
GY Endurance, Dexter EZ Flex
SCPO(SW) USN, (Ret), HP: Tampa Bay ⚓️🇺🇸Comment
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My demonstration, PDI, and inspection happened all at the same time. We came with a fairly large check sheet. As the tech was going over and demonstrating items I was also inspecting said item and my wife would check off that item. After that was done there were still some items left on our list. Me and the tech went over those items until my complete check list was complete. There were a few minor items that needed to be fixed and those items were fixed while we signed paper work.
Stick to your guns. PDI and inspection completed and everything fixed before signing. By not signing, any major items that need to be fixed will take the dealer days to fix. If you sign and leave the trailer behind the dealer has no incentive (they already have your money) and that fix could take weeks or months. If they try to argue with you about it just tell them to give you a call when it's fixed and walk to the door. You have to be willing to walk or you're at the dealers mercy.
Charles and Susan
2021 Ram 3500 6.4 Hemi, 4x4 CCSB
Andersen Hitch
2021 Reflection 337rlsComment
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I ran across these old posts and was thinking "this describes General RV in Wixom exactly" and where we purchased our rig. It seems to buy from a large dealer with plenty of experience has worked well for us both.Originally posted by screamingbear1 View Post
JimComment
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Fingers crossed that General in Ohio is just as good to work with as we are scheduled for a delivery in a week!Originally posted by MidwestCamper View PostJonathon, Sarah, Things 1, 2, & 3 Higham
2020 Silverado 1500
2021 Transcend Xplor 297QBComment
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