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Dlleno · 07-16-2020, 01:25 PM

Is there a PDI template around that someone could share? I mean other than "make sure everything works" . I'm after things that a professional coach inspector might look for, i.e like sloppy or incomplete seals on the roof, sinks and toilet, pressurize the water system, fill all of the tanks, take off the underbelly cover and inspect wires and pipes for leaks, crimps, strain relief, make sure the tanks themselves are supported and not leaking, etc. I guess the dealer might object to taking off the underbelly cover, but I wouldn't buy a house without inspecting the crawl space, so why wouldn't I want to get under there and look things over?

oh, and checking the integrity of the electrical system, lifted neutral for example from a loose screw, ground faults, etc, checking all outlets, inverter performance, etc. etc. - I mean my list is getting very long, and would probably take two days to accomplish -- Its based largely upon reading what problems others have encountered.

I'm a manufacturing quality control dude and IT project manager; I have written software test cases and managed Vendor quality controls so this is not new to me -- it wouldn't take me that long to develop a rigorous QA test for a trailer: one just has to understand the likely failure modes and then develop an inspection test to check for them. But I can't imagine I am breaking new ground; someone with more experience than I has to have invented this wheel before.

As I read the post-delivery problems that folks encounter its seems that the vast majority of issues would be solved with a rigorous PDI where the customer participates and inspects everything before taking delivery and comes to a decision point yes or no. I'm probably close to overdoing it, but in today's market it seems you have to. Its just the the biggest mistake I see happening is folks taking delivery and trusting the dealer's PDI

gertpacu · 07-17-2020, 10:42 AM

You can probably find one online. I have a 5th wheel, and used one that I found online, and added different things to it that pertained to my 5'er. I laminated it and have a dry erase marker, and eraser in the binder too. I also have a log book (not laminated) where I log every time I do a repair or find something odd that I need to watch. Also in the book I have a log where I write down and date when I do a walkthrough. When I end up selling this one to buy a new one I will have a log going back 5 years with every walkthrough and everything I fixed or kept an eye on. I do a check before I leave, and I do one after I get home. Just having that will raise the price of a used 5th wheel by a couple thousand if they know they are getting something that's been carefully maintained with logs and everything.

Here is a PDI checklist for free that you can print.

http://changingears.com/rv-checklist-inspection.shtml