View Full Version : Scheduling Our Pickup
So I’m calling the dealership tomorrow to schedule the pickup of our new 2020 Cougar 366RDS. I’ve found the PDI and printed it out. Is there anything specific that I should keep an eye for? Anything that may not be on the PDI? This is our first 5th wheel so we’re pretty stoked about it.
chuckster57
12-12-2019, 07:57 PM
Welcome to the forum!!!
Congrats on your new purchase. The PDI checklist should just about cover everything. With some new units coming with “in command”, I would definitely make sure that it is working. There is an app for your phone and you might want to download/ install it if your unit has that system.
travelin texans
12-12-2019, 09:00 PM
Flip every switch (with the InCommand probably no switches), turn every knob, open/close every door including cabinets, look over/under everything/everywhere, run all faucets hot & cold, run all appliances on electric & gas, sit on all the furniture, etc, etc, etc. DO NOT let them rush you & if you ask a question that your guy can't answer tell him to get someone that can.
In addition to the pre-inspection stuff, test everything first with shore power, then unplug and do everything again on batteries. Slides, heat, refer, levelers, everything. Test the tv, and then the tv with the sound going through the AV system. Turn the water on, and get under every sink and touch the hoses to see if there are small drips. Get on the roof and look carefully at the seams, look for small cracks. Look for damage to the vents and scratches on the skylights. Get on a ladder and look for small cracks on the front cap, they kinda look like spider webs. Lots of damage can happen transporting them the 1-2000 miles to your dealer.
Thanks for the welcome and thanks for all the advice ! I look forward to this new adventure and I’m sure it won’t be the last time I ask for input.
flybouy
12-12-2019, 10:08 PM
Agree with the above advice. Some of the issues I repeatedly read about....
Make sure you find out how many holding tanks there are and where are the dump valves.
Where is the hot water heater and water pump located.
Have them thoroughly explain the valves and controls for city water, fresh water tank fill, and winterizing positions of the controls.
How does the television antenna/cable system work.
How do you work/adjust the heating and air conditioning systems.
How do you operate the slides and how can you manually operate them.
If the unit has a camera(s) when and how do they work.
Extend any jacks and stabilizers and find out how to retract them manually if they don't respond to the controls.
Where are the CO, log, and smoke detectors located and how do you replace batteries if so equipped.
Paperwork - Make sure you get the build sheet and every manual and warranty card for everything.
Have them explain and demonstrate the procedure for changing the lp tanks and where the changeover valve is and how it works.
You will be inundated with information. Take copious notes and photos as you go. Use your phone to take videos of how to set valves, switches, open furniture, ect. Write down any issue and have then sign the list with a "promise to repair date". Don't get blinded by the excitement of getting your new camper and don't get in a hurry as this is likely you're one and only chance for this process.
Congratulations, good luck, and enjoy making memories in your new camper!
That’s some great info. Thanks flybouy! Thanks to all of you.
sourdough
12-13-2019, 08:21 AM
This may be too late for the OP but if you get it; DW took notes and I took and small video cam to document the entire PDI walk through.
MarkEHansen
12-13-2019, 08:54 AM
The person doing the PDI with you is likely going to want to rush you through it. What I did was let them go through their list, I then asked all my questions. Then, I asked for time with the trailer to go over my remaining PDI issue Before I Signed their paper.
I spent a couple extra hours going through my additional items (from the PDI sheet I got from this site).
In my case, the dealer would not allow me to get up on the roof to inspect it. I didn't push it, but felt that was rather crappy of them. I figured I would just check it later and report any problems I found under warranty (but I found none, so it worked out).
Biggest advice: Do not let them rush you.
Good luck and try to have fun. It will be a very long and at times, stressful process - but it's worth it!
gearhead
12-13-2019, 10:02 AM
How big a boy are ya?
I would eat an onion and go to the General Manager, get in his face, and tell him your son is a corporate lawyer and if you have any problem at the dealership you're handing it off to the son.
Are you religious? Pray.
Just do a decent PDI and go enjoy.
gearhead
12-13-2019, 10:05 AM
Ask if they registered the Dometic components in your name. A/C, fridge, etc.
After the first 2 years, Dometic should offer you an extended warranty. If they don't know you, they can't mail the warranty offer to you.
Twisties
12-13-2019, 10:33 AM
Big excitement! Congrats! I'm a Noob, so I have no advice for you. We picked up ours Tuesday. Still learning tons...
If anyone figures this out, I'm all ears:
"How does the television antenna/cable system work."
How big a boy are ya?
I would eat an onion and go to the General Manager, get in his face, and tell him your son is a corporate lawyer and if you have any problem at the dealership you're handing it off to the son.
Are you religious? Pray.
Just do a decent PDI and go enjoy.
LMAO...I’m 6’2”, 250lbs and my military brothers call me Tiny. I don’t pray but I do know how to have fun! Thanks for the advice!
where is the pdi form? Unable to find it through tapatalk.
where is the pdi form? Unable to find it through tapatalk.
I’m not exactly sure where it’s located. I just searched “PDI” in the forums and found links to it in several places.
JRTJH
12-14-2019, 07:56 AM
where is the pdi form? Unable to find it through tapatalk.
http://www.keystoneforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5129
chuckster57
12-14-2019, 07:59 AM
where is the pdi form? Unable to find it through tapatalk.
Here is the link you need
http://www.keystoneforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9915
LHaven
12-14-2019, 11:39 AM
Flip every switch (with the InCommand probably no switches), turn every knob, open/close every door including cabinets, look over/under everything/everywhere, run all faucets hot & cold, run all appliances on electric & gas, sit on all the furniture
This. We discovered our range exhaust fan flat didn't run... after we got home. Yeah, they fixed it under warranty. Yeah, it took three weeks that we couldn't use the rig.
You're going to miss enough stuff anyway... like not being able to take the spare tire off the mount because the bolt spins. :banghead:
I’m guessing your forum name is in reference to a rather large haze grey flattop. I spent 1988-1990 on her. Those were some of the best years of my career.
Welcome to the forum. Have you picked up your rig yet? If you identify problems after the fact get your dealer to set an appointment for an actual fix or at least to identify parts needed. Then either bring it back home fixed or make an appointment to bring it back for repair when the parts arrive. Some dealerships have appointments just so you can be put in the line to get worked on or looked at in a couple days or weeks. The results are rigs that sit for weeks or months on dealers lots waiting for service. I hope your dealer doesn’t operate that way.
Yes. Served on her from ‘89-‘93. Best years of my life as well. Still stay in touch with about 20 of the guys I served with. MM3...MP Div...2MMR
Thanks for the heads up. Our schedule date is 12/27 to take delivery. Being in Colorado, not sure that I want them to run water into it because it’s currently winterized. I guess I can run some antifreeze through it when I get it home.
NH_Bulldog
12-17-2019, 03:06 PM
I would always plan on enough time for last minute repairs and if away from home be prepared to stay overnight if necessary. We picked ours up 750 miles from home. The PDI was okay and we documented a few minor issues that were sent to our local shop to fix when we got home. The biggest issue was when I wiggled the loose spare tire on the back and it literally fell off, mounting bracket and all.
Thanks for the heads up on the spare. Would hate to be traveling home and have that spare fall out and these things up.
Yes. Served on her from ‘89-‘93. Best years of my life as well. Still stay in touch with about 20 of the guys I served with. MM3...MP Div...2MMR
I was in OED working for the EMO. I have a lot of respect for all the work you all did to keep that grey lady steaming.
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