Have you ever shopped around for a camper from a dealership before? If so, you may have heard the shortened abbreviation “PDI,” which stands for “Pre-delivery Inspection.” Every single camper, new and used, must be inspected before it reaches the customer. It’s not a step we take lightly. Our qualified service techs go through EVERYTHING in your new camper to make sure that everything works how it’s supposed to; from all the electronics to appliances functioning correctly, to making sure that every single cabinet latches to perfection. Your RV will be hooked up to electricity and water for testing. If we find something wrong in a new RV, it gets fixed! This process usually takes about 6 hours to complete, depending on the size of the camper.
You might ask, “Why does this need to be done if it is brand new? Wouldn’t it just come perfect from the factory?”. Well, think of us, the dealership, as the quality control for your camper. Every new RV is going to have its little quirks, no matter where you buy it. Trust me, and I know this from experience! We want to think that they arrive perfect, but there is always an area that needs some attention and love! It could be something as simple as fixing a piece of trim that is loose from the wall, or something major, like a non-working furnace.
Having a PDI done is at no cost to our customers what so ever. Having a PDI done correctly helps reduce the chances that you will have to bring your RV right back in to have warranty work done. Let’s face it, no one wants to bring their new RV home, and then send it right back to the dealership! But, don’t get me wrong, sometimes things happen after you bring your RV out camping for the first time. It’s when you have a chance to use everything for an extended period. But, it’s ok! No need to panic, all of our new RV’s come with a one year manufactured warranty, so you can call up our service department and make an appointment to get it fixed. We always recommend that your first camping trip is somewhat close to home, just in case you have any issues! It also helps you get acquainted and familiar with your new camper, so you can learn everything without the pressure of being on a big road trip.
Please note that for our used RV’s, we do a PDI also, but it is a bit different than purchasing a new RV. We still do all the testing and inspections, but since it is a used unit we do not always fix everything. When we find a problem that we are not going to fix, we will inform the customer of the issue. From there the customer can decide if they still want to purchase the RV. Disclaimer – all used units are sold as is.
Here are the most common items usually covered in a PDI.
EXTERIOR
- ENTRANCE AND SCREEN DOORS
- COMPARTMENT DOORS
- LEVELER OPERATION
- TV ANTENNA
- PAINT/DECALS/MOLDINGS/ROOF
- STEP ADJUSTMENT
- DROP PRESSURE LEAK TEST
- LP TANKS INSPECTED AND FILLED
- TIRES INSPECTED AND TORQUED
- AWNINGS
- ANY EXTERIOR APPLIANCES
- GENERATOR
- SHORELINE POWER CORD
- BATTERY VOLTAGE
- ALL EXTERIOR LIGHTS
- SLIDE OUT SEALS
- VENTS
- SKYLIGHTS
- ANY EXTERIOR SPEAKERS
INTERIOR
- CABINETS/CLOSETS/DRAWERS
- DOORS AND TRIM WORK
- CURTAINS AND BLINDS
- FURNITURE/CARPET
- WINDOWS AND SCREENS
- FLOORS/CAULKING/WALLS
- SMOKE AND CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS
- FIRE EXTINGUISHER IN UNIT
- TABLE AND BED ARE SET UP
- ALL INTERIOR APPLIANCES
- ALL INTERIOR LIGHTS
- ALL SLIDE OUTS ARE OPERATING SMOOTH WITH NO BINDING
- TV/DVD PLAYER/STEREO/SPEAKERS
- FUSES/CONTROL PANEL/MONITOR SYSTEM PANEL
REMOTES
- TV REMOTES
- STEREO AND DVD REMOTE
- LCI SLIDE OUT REMOTE
- FIREPLACE REMOTE
- CEILING FAN REMOTE
FRESH WATER SYSTEM
- WATER TANK
- WATER PUMP
- PRESSURE TEST
- WATER FILL INLET
- CITY WATER INTAKE
- LINES/DRAINS/VALVES
- FAUCETS AND SHOWERS/RESEALING
- FILTERS AND PURIFICATION
- WATER HEATER
- ANODE ROD
- BLOW OUT LINES
- DRAIN ALL TANKS
WASTE WATER SYSTEM
- SEWER AND HOLDING TANKS
- SINKS
- SHOWER AND TUB DRAINS/RESEALING
- GATE VALVES
- DRAIN HOSE AND ADAPTER
- TOILET
- ALL TRAPS AND VENT PIPES
All of the items I have listed are tested or inspected just as if you were camping in it. Please note that every camper has different features, so some of these that are listed may not be in the camper you choose. If the faucet is leaking, we will spot it and fix it. Water heater not firing up? We will diagnose the problem, order any parts needed, and repair it! We want you to be able to pick up your camper and be completely satisfied with your purchase!
Also at no cost to you, your new camper will come with full LP tanks, a new battery and battery cover, the inside is thoroughly cleaned, and the outside is freshly washed and dried by hand. You will also receive a complete show through of your new camper with one of our knowledgeable service techs! They are fantastic at this! They will show you how to operate everything, go over maintenance, and make sure you are comfortable hooking up to your new travel trailer or fifth wheel. This is a great time to ask any questions that you have about your unit. I even suggest recording the session (which usually takes about an hour), because it’s a great reference to have later on!
While every dealership is different, this is a list of what is generally covered in a PDI. I hope this has helped you understand the process and purpose of a PDI!
