Community Forums

dragondana · 05-04-2013, 09:25 PM

My wife and I put a deposit on a 2008 42' diesel Presidio today.
Anything I shoud know before we take delivery?

We are also researching whether to buy a car that can be towed or use a dolly with our 08 Nissan Altima. Altima will be payed off in July but does have 165000 mi.

Doggy Daddy · 05-05-2013, 02:08 AM

Congrats on your future RV. Did you get a CarFax?

If buying from private party, get RV inspected by RV Repair facility. If from a Dealer, check sales warrantee and take RV on as many trips as possible to find problems before warrantee expires. Would not hurt to have RV inspected by another RV Repair facility to ensure your not getting hosed.
Decide in advance which state your registering and paying taxes in. Get quotes for RV insurance in advance. Consider getting extended Warrantee and RV Emergency Road service.
Attend FMCA and Good Sam Rallies in advance if possible and attend as many seminars you can.
Get all the manuals and maintenance records of the RV. Receive hands on training on everything in and outside the RV, i.e. Opening and closing all emergency windows, All electronic dash gauges buttons and switches, levelers, A/C, slides, inverter/converter, heaters, water fill, change fuel filters, change water and air filters, holding tank evacuation, all lighting, solar, satellite, entertainment system, how to winterize, location of all fluids - ATF, Coolant, P/S, Hydraulic Jacks, and air bags.

I would use the old car till it wears out and requires repairs greater than its' value. Gives you time to look, ask questions, get reviews and decide upon future vehicle that fits all your needs.

TheArnolds · 05-05-2013, 08:37 AM

X2 on Doggy Daddy's comments. Dolly v/s 4 down will prompt strong opinions on both sides. I took the dolly route because I have two front wheel drive cars and it gives me the option to use either one without installing base plates, etc. on each car.

Good luck with your new RV!

dragondana · 05-05-2013, 07:57 PM

I am beginning to believe its dolly time. dont want new car right now on top of all other changes in our life. We are going fulltime!

dragondana · 05-05-2013, 07:59 PM

I have a bike rack I could that goes on car...is that the best way to carry bikes (on car that is towed)?

gmadams · 05-05-2013, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dragondana

I have a bike rack I could that goes on car...is that the best way to carry bikes (on car that is towed)?

We have a bike rack that hooks up to the toad's hitch. Others use a rack attached go the rails on the roof of their vehicle. For me it is easier to have the bikes on a rack behind the toad rather than on top of it.