Why records are important.

[JohnT]

One of the strongest recommendations you will get when buying used is to get the maintenance records. We’re sitting here in frozen Michigan with sub-zero temperatures and our DSDP is parked in a very cold storage lot. I am concerned about everything freezing and the subsequent damage. Worry. Worry. Worry.

So today I pulled out my DS file and was looking for information to have on hand when I call Cummins / Spartan. Low and behold I find the sheet of paper with the previous service records. The engine anti-freeze was changed in 11/12 with CC36007 at 50/50. The Oasis 5 year maintenance and coolant change was done at the same time. Also the chassis batteries were replaced too. The work was confirmed by Spartan.

We are so happy the rig came with the service records.

Thank you iRV2 members for driving that “past service history” recommendation into our head.

[R2Home]

When we traded our 2003 Endeavor in for our 2009 Diplomat, I turned our a file folder on the maintenance to the sales person and he went 'WOW"! Being in the maintenance field, records were very important, so everything that I did to our old MH was recorded.
It helps for everyone to know what has been worked on/repaired.

[NLOVNIT]

Every maintenance record/recall as well as any upgrades installed info/brochures are put in the original binder of manuals we got when we purchased our Bounder. That binder will be left in the coach, for the next owner, when we sell it.

Lori-

[Wayne M]

I keep all my records also and they will go with the coach should I sell it.

Many years ago I traded in a pickup truck and I included all the maintenance records. The salesman said he sold it the next day because of the records.

Yep! Important.

[Libero]

X2, I have always kept detailed maint records. My maint log and all receipts went with each coach. For the past 4 coaches I have owned I converted my records to electronic medium and they went that way also.

I believe it helps sell the coach and I have been able to help the new owners who have been so grateful to have this support and coach history.

I record every contact detail, name, tel, wih DTG etc and every troubleshooting process I went through to find a problem complete with the symptom and corrective action.

My memory is good, however it seems to be getting shorter so I often learn by reading my own log.

[FIRE UP]

Originally Posted by Libero

X2, I have always kept detailed maint records. My maint log and all receipts went with each coach. For the past 4 coaches I have owned I converted my records to electronic medium and they went that way also.

I believe it helps sell the coach and I have been able to help the new owners who have been so grateful to have this support and coach history.

I record every contact detail, name, tel, wih DTG etc and every troubleshooting process I went through to find a problem complete with the symptom and corrective action.

My memory is good, however it seems to be getting shorter so I often learn by reading my own log.

Libero,
Sounds like we're pretty close in the way we keep records, jot things down, post corrections etc. I created a Microsoft Excel Spread sheet type of record and, while not the most professional looking, it's got everything I've ever done on that rig on it. Every nut and bolt, every modification, alteration, repair, addition, subtraction, maintenance operation, important telephone numbers, identification numbers, and a ton more stuff.

My memory is not so good so, I HAVE to go over my own records to remind me just what I've done to and, with this rig. I had only a small, tiny sheet of any maintenance records when we purchased this rig. The next owner's going to get a novel of what's been done and when and by whom.
Scott

[Dogpatch]

I keep better records than the previous owners of my coaches. I have all the maintenance records of all my cars, trucks, RV's and boats from the day I own them till they get sold.

If you show diligence in your records, it's a no-brainer on how you looked after your vehicles.

[Mario-John]

A lot of dealers will remove the records. On my one coach I traded in I left stickie notes in places I knew the new owner would find to send me a self addressed postage paid box to my office if they wanted the records. Sure enough, a box showed up. Stuffed all the records in and 2 weeks later I got a big box of chocolates from the new owner.

[Mr_D]

Originally Posted by NLOVNIT

Every maintenance record/recall as well as any upgrades installed info/brochures are put in the original binder of manuals we got when we purchased our Bounder. That binder will be left in the coach, for the next owner, when we sell it.

Lori-

Same here, but a lot of dealers destroy the records so the new buyer can't find out who owned it. They then tell you it's for the previous owners "security" and is required by law!

[NLOVNIT]

Originally Posted by Mr_D

Same here, but a lot of dealers destroy the records so the new buyer can't find out who owned it. They then tell you it's for the previous owners "security" and is required by law!

Oh, I've cut off the top part of the paperwork where it lists our name/addr/ph. All the next owner will see is the dealership's logo/address on the work order & amount paid.



Lori-

[smlranger]

When we traded our Journey last April, I left a thick file of all the maintenance records plus a printed copy of my maintenance spreadsheet in the black bag in the coach. I pondered removing our name and address info from invoices but we met the nice folks who planned to buy our coach from the dealer before we left with the new coach. I decided not to worry about the info on the invoices and told the new owners they could call me with any questions any time. They have called with a few questions as I have done with the prior owner of the coach we bought.

I realize many folks buy used rigs without the benefit of good records or even knowing anything about the history of the coach. For us, the money spent and the potential for problems is too great, so we told the dealer we would not consider any used coach with more than one previous owner or if they would not put us in touch with that owner before purchase. The dealer called the prior owner for permission to give us his name and phone number.

That is just the way we wanted it and it worked for us.

[csrrsr]

The previous owner of our MH kept a satchel of itemized records and receipts. I took them all apart by date and made an Excel program showing every thing done, the cost, by whom, the mileage at the time the work was done and the date. It not only will be an extremely important document to the new owners but it also helps me see when a maintenance item is coming up on the calendar.

[PatStab]

I put in the manuals anything new and the manuals and write the date the item was installed. It helps me remember too as it seems time goes faster then I realize and I forget the year.