Buying a new Southwind 32-- Any advice?

[Hendo]

Hey all,

We are buying our first RV and would like any info or advice on what we should do before taking it off the lot. Obviously we will test drive and look it over but do any of you have any advice on what to specifically look for? We just want to make sure we do this the right way, especially being our first RV. If any of you have any advice or tips or anything for that matter to look out for about the Southwind (Ford) I would greatly appreciate it. What an awesome forum this is. Thanks in advance!!

[Hendo]

Hey all,

We are buying our first RV and would like any info or advice on what we should do before taking it off the lot. Obviously we will test drive and look it over but do any of you have any advice on what to specifically look for? We just want to make sure we do this the right way, especially being our first RV. If any of you have any advice or tips or anything for that matter to look out for about the Southwind (Ford) I would greatly appreciate it. What an awesome forum this is. Thanks in advance!!

[wilanddij]

Make sure you do a thorough PDI. I thing there are sources on the internet where you can download or print a PDI checklist. Then, make sure the dealer fixes everything you find before you take delivery of the coach.

[Rocky 2]

You can pick up a PDI checklist on rv.net in the class a forum. When the sales person starts the explanation tour with you, slow him/her down! They have a set routine and will try to rush through it so they can get the papers signed. Signing the papers is the last thing to do, after a thorough test drive and after they fix the things you identify.

If you are a satellite tv subscriber, bring your box along to make sure that equipment works. I have a W20 so I have little insight on the current Fords. Good luck.

["007"]

Hendo welcome to irv2
Congrats on your to be MH
When you have pics post them so we can all see, but before you get it print out the PDI check list found in the "New Rig- Show off forum" just below you plenty on that PDI list to check out.

[AL]

Hey Hendo,

Welocome to iRV2, and Best of luck with the new motorhome !!! Well you made a good move by joing this site, you will find lots of great folks with all sorts of knowledge, and information, and we are all willing to help!!! One thing that might be helpfull is if you could bring someone with you and video your PDI(pre delivery inspection)! This way you can give 100% attention to the PDI, but you will have the video to watch at a later time if you are not sure of something! Another thing to remember is RVers are a friendly group here on this site and on the site next to you in a campground !! So if your not sure of how something works while your out RVing just ask someone !! Not sure what area you are in, but going on one of the rallys here, will also make being a new RVer easy !!!! Take care enjoy this great lifstyle, and post often!

[Paulin]

Have them set the tire pressures to that shown on the information plate behind the driver's seat (not to the number on the sidewall of the tires). We have found under inflated tires on rigs in dealer's lots.

After you get it home and filled with food, water, fuel and your goodies, have it weighed at a public scale, be sure to weigh each corner of the MH as well as each axle seperately. Then get the tire manafucture's load/inflation chart (may be available online) and set the pressures on both axles to that of the highest weight corner on that axle.

Hope you enjoy your Southwind as much as we enjoy ours.