Taking Delivery of First Travel Trailer

[Steve.Rogers]

Hi Everyone,

I've rented, but never owned a Travel Trailer. My question is about what I should have the dealer go over with me before I take delivery of my first Travel Trailer.

I've put a $1,000 deposit on a 2022 Coachman Freedom Express 20SE at a dealer: https://www.bankstonmotorhomes.com/p...0se-2683055-29

The interior, exterior and underbelly look like it has been stored in a covered area (very little fading or "black streaks".) The axles are still shiny and have the factory stickers on them so it hasn't been on the road much either. The tires are Goodyear Endurance and are in good condition.

I am supposed to take delivery on Friday 3/25/25 and I have campground reservations that day.

I'm inclined to do the following before paying the remaining balance and showing up on delivery day. Since it is used, it is "as-is" no warranty.

- I haven't been on the roof yet (no ladder on this one). I got on the roof of a camper next to it, but would like to inspect the roof.
- I'd like to remove the wheels and look at the brake pads and drums.
- I'd like to spin the wheels to make sure that the wheel bearings move freely, and that there isn't any play, and that the brakes aren't out of adjustment.

- I'd like to make sure that the Fresh Water Pump (from holding tank) sends water through the system.
- Fill (at least partially) and drain all three tanks.

- Verify furnace, water heater, stove, AC, fridge and microwave function nominally.
- Extend and inspect the awning.
- Open and close all windows. (This is a no-slide model)

Am I being OCD or is this just making sure I don't get robbed?

[walkers]

I don't think it is possible to be too OCD when buying a used RV!

The more you inspect, the fewer surprises you are likely to have in the future.

Of course, the seller may not allow you to do all the inspections you want to do, especially those that involve jacking it up, removing wheels and brake drums, etc.

Steve

[Richardson2]

I would check the date code on the tires. This will be a 4 digit number - is 1623 , 16th week of 1923. Any ST series tire near 5 years o0ld is at the end of its life regardless of its appearance.

[Brunnie]

Since you are buying from a dealer, two words come to mind... "Show Me". I assume you are working with a sales person, so have them do everything you want to see. If they don't want to show you the brakes, then have the fact that they have been inspected by them written into the sales contract. Put the dealership on the hook for everything.

[David 70]

A 2022 that appears to have been used very little should not have any problems with the brakes and wheel bearings. All the other things you should check out. Especially I would want to have a better look at the roof. At 3-4 years old the tires should be good for another year or two. Just look them over for any bulges or serious cracks. Small surface lines next to the rim is normal. Looking at the pictures it looks to be in excellent condition. Are you the first owner? You most likely will need to replace the batteries in a year or two also. I have no idea how the price compares since I have not bought one of these for years. Don't get to tied up in worrying about this, just check the obvious things. If you trust the dealer you are good to go.

[Nwtravler]

Hire an inspector and get a professional rv inspection. There are too many hidden issues these people know how to find. If you look at enough posts on this forum, you'll find everyone having issues with their new purchase didn't get an inspection.

[NLOVNIT]

Hello. Welcome to iRV2. Glad to have you.

Since you've not owned an RV before, then it's a "must" you have an independent source inspect it. You don't know what you don't know. Pay the money for that inspection. You won't regret it.

As for what the dealer should show you, I agree with above: EVERYTHING. Start with hooking up. Be sure they show you how to hook & unhook your TT from your tow vehicle. Have them do it while you watch; then you do it with them watching. Then go completely around the outside & go over every nook & cranny having them explain to you what's what. Then go inside & do the exact same thing. If you can, have someone with you filming everything on a phone so you have something to reference later, when you forget (& you WILL forget). Have them go over with you how to winterize it, if you are in an area where you have freezing temps. Make a punch list of anything you want them to fix, either before you leave or on a return trip.

You may not be able to work all systems while at the dealership. But once you get to the campground, be sure you do that. If you are at the campground more than 1 night, try unhooking everything & boondock 1 night so you see how your battery capacity lasts. You'll quickly learn how everything operates. Make another punch list of fixes you find need done.

Getting an RV is an exciting time. Enjoy it.

[Steve.Rogers]

Originally Posted by David 70

A 2022 that appears to have been used very little should not have any problems with the brakes and wheel bearings. All the other things you should check out. Especially I would want to have a better look at the roof. At 3-4 years old the tires should be good for another year or two. Just look them over for any bulges or serious cracks. Small surface lines next to the rim is normal. Looking at the pictures it looks to be in excellent condition. Are you the first owner? You most likely will need to replace the batteries in a year or two also. I have no idea how the price compares since I have not bought one of these for years. Don't get to tied up in worrying about this, just check the obvious things. If you trust the dealer you are good to go.

I am not the first owner. It was purchased on 3/2/2022.

It looks like the original owner replaced the original tires with Goodyear Endurance, which are in excellent shape. It looks like it was kept in a covered storage area because the graphics and even the weight and serial number stickers on the left front of the unit are hardly faded.

[ViperJD]

Originally Posted by Richardson2

I would check the date code on the tires. This will be a 4 digit number - is 1623 , 16th week of 1923. Any ST series tire near 5 years o0ld is at the end of its life regardless of its appearance.

This is a great check, but my guess is that 1623 would be 16th week of 2023...maybe not 1923... Steve, if replaced on a trailer that new, your concern for the bearings, brakes and alignment are justified. Then tow it before you buy it (always a good choice), and make sure it tracks straight behind you.

[CecilD]

This looks like a lightly used rig in excellent condition. The previous owners spent the money to upgrade the tires, so I'm guessing they were conscientious enough to have most problems fixed while under warranty.

I don't know how dealers operate since I've never bought from one. If I was selling an almost new rig and the buyer wanted to remove the wheels and hubs to inspect the brakes; I would tell him to move on. Plus, If a buyer wanted to have a professional inspection, also no. That process only results in price negotiation and not in a good way for the seller.

Why inspect the tire date codes on a 2 year old trailer tires? Are you going to forfeit your deposit if the tires are 2 1/2 years old?

All of that other stuff you can check yourself if left alone with the trailer for 15 minutes. You will get an owners manual. Your shakedown trip will allow you to get intimate with all the systems. In my experience, which has always worked well for me, is to trust my gut to tell me if this is a good purchase. If something breaks which will happen no matter how perfect the unit is, I fix it and move on.

[Quantum]

Absolutely essential to get a qualified Inspector even if this were a new vehicle I wouldn’t do it without it even with it Inspector would be things that neither one of you can detect that may be wrong with it.

[Steve.Rogers]

Thanks to everyone for all of the feedback so far. I really appreciate it.

I'll pick the trailer up four weeks from today. I'm looking into hiring an inspector. My son works at an RV dealer and does inspections on new units, he is young, but meticulous. I may hire someone with gray hair instead, but I'm not sure yet.

After talking with the sales person, they gave me a blank PDI checklist for "Towables" that they will use to check this trailer before delivery. I asked her to describe what they will do on delivery day when I pick it up. It doesn't sound like they will be rushing me out of the door. I mentioned that I wanted to go on the roof, to operate the heater, AC, and all appliances, put water in the fresh tank and operate the pump and all of the faucets and toilets. She said that they will fill every tank to make sure the sensors work, then drain them, and take me through the operation of everything.

As-is - kinda. When talking with the sales person today about the delivery inspection, I said I knew that I was getting it as-is without a warranty. She said it doesn't come with a warranty, but I wasn't getting it "as-is". They were going to do the PDI and fix everything they find except cosmetic and wear and tear items. Everything will be working before I drive off of the lot.

A friend at work bought a used trailer from them a year ago and he said they made sure everything was right and he was fully satisfied. That put my mind at ease. I knew he bought a camper from them, I didn't know it was used.

I think I will be reasonably satisfied before I leave.

I spent an hour today in and around the camper, slowly opening and closing every window and door. I sat down in different places and looked at things from different angles, and noticed some normal, minor wear and tear - nicks on corners, scratches here and there. All of the owners manuals were in a pouch in one of the drawers. I brought them home with me and will read them this weekend.

On delivery day, I will video the walk through with all of the instructions, and I will make sure that I operate everything myself. I will probably have the tech video me operating everything as he is giving me instructions. I will be taking it camping immediately, so I'll find out what I didn't understand, or what doesn't work that weekend.

I didn't come away feeling like they were raking me over the coals. It felt like they were going to do whatever they reasonably could to make sure that I was satisfied after the sale. That is a surprising feeling. I didn't feel like they were rushing me or brushing my concerns aside. I'll post my experience here after I pick it up.

[Steve.Rogers]

As a side note. I spoke with one of their people in finance and let them know that my financing was secured, and as soon as I worked out the details on the insurance, I would be back to finalize all of that paperwork before delivery day. I am preapproved for 6.5% through my credit union. When I told him that, he said that he could probably beat it, and had another local credit union that offered 5.15%.

Of course he offered a National RV Care "Platinum" extended warranty (5 years, $2304, $50 deductible) Transferrable or prorated and refundable if I sell the trailer before the 5 years are up.

"Camp Assist" roadside assistance with unlimited towing for both vehicles, travel reimbursement, flat replacement and a bunch of other stuff for $580 for 5 years. Prorated and refundable if I sell the trailer before the 5 years are up.

Ceramic coating on the exterior, interior rip and stain repair and a mold treatment for $995.

Of course, I'm open to your comments on any of this stuff. I am likely to get the roadside assistance. AAA is about that much just for my truck.

[Steve.Rogers]

Originally Posted by CecilD

This looks like a lightly used rig in excellent condition. The previous owners spent the money to upgrade the tires, so I'm guessing they were conscientious enough to have most problems fixed while under warranty.

I don't know how dealers operate since I've never bought from one. If I was selling an almost new rig and the buyer wanted to remove the wheels and hubs to inspect the brakes; I would tell him to move on. Plus, If a buyer wanted to have a professional inspection, also no. That process only results in price negotiation and not in a good way for the seller.

Why inspect the tire date codes on a 2 year old trailer tires? Are you going to forfeit your deposit if the tires are 2 1/2 years old?

All of that other stuff you can check yourself if left alone with the trailer for 15 minutes. You will get an owners manual. Your shakedown trip will allow you to get intimate with all the systems. In my experience, which has always worked well for me, is to trust my gut to tell me if this is a good purchase. If something breaks which will happen no matter how perfect the unit is, I fix it and move on.

I was on a forum talking about buying a used motorcycle and someone said something like, "I buy their garage", meaning if the seller's garage is neat, clean and orderly, they probably took good care of the bike.

Similarly, my impression of this trailer is that it was used minimally, and kept in a covered area. Like you said, the tires aren't just new (cheap) tires, but upgraded tires. I didn't mention it, but there is a new pillow top, queen size residential mattress in it too.