Community Forums

careyj1 · 12-02-2016, 12:19 AM

Hi,

First time RV owner. Tomorrow I am picking up a Thor Outlaw, Class C.

Any tips for picking up a new RV? Any tips for ideas to make this RV more enjoyable for weekend hare scramble (dirt bike) riding and racing?

Thank you

Indy Glenn · 12-02-2016, 01:21 AM

Go slow......

Look online for a PDI (Pre-Delivery Inspection) "Check List".

Write down questions you may have before picking up the RV.

Take notes at the delivery. Learn how to operate the onboard systems.

Watch You Tube videos in regards to "dumping" the tanks, filling with fresh water, leveling, driving.......etc. This should also be part of your delivery, other than the driving part - but a road test should be in order also.

As far as tips for your weekend and making it more enjoyable - know your Thor Class C. Spend the weekend riding and racing - not trying to figure out how your RV works.

Congratulations on your new RV!

g

nosticks · 12-02-2016, 06:51 AM

First off I hope you held back some money pending a satisfactory final inspection. Ok, so you didn't.

As the post above suggests, go over every item on the PDI list and have a service tech demonstrate the use of each until you understand it, not just following him around like a lost puppy and doing the head bobble routine. Ask questions to your satisfaction. This is not the time to hurry. Then ask to be shown how to cope with failures such as slides and electric awnings. Those are two items you won't be bringing it back to the dealer to fix immediately, you'll be on your own to do the emergency retract procedures just to make it roadworthy.

Good luck and safe riding those bikes. They bite, I know.

vsheetz · 12-02-2016, 07:08 AM

Do you know the age of the tires? Big safety item. They age out before they wear out. If too old they need to be changed ASAP.

Scooter · 12-02-2016, 08:55 AM

Bring a video camera for your walk-around and if there are any promises to fix something after the deal is sealed....get it in writing...... from the dealership owner or GM, not the salesman.

Try out new RV in your driveway for a day. Hooked up to 120V and dry. Got your RV insurance in place ? Roadside Assistance plan ?

MSHappyCampers · 12-02-2016, 09:01 AM

Totally agree with the previous comments. Be sure that they demonstrate (not just TELL you how it works) EVERY function and appliance! This is gonna take a lot of time, but better to do it now and discover something is not working right, than to discover it later and try to get it back in for repair!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

Scarab0088 · 12-02-2016, 09:40 AM

The OP posted it's a brand-new, 2017 Outlaw 29H:
http://www.irv2.com/forums/f121/list...ml#post3357325

CONGRATS!!!

Buying from See Grins or DeMartini?

The best thing to do is CHECK EVERYTHING before it leaves the lot...from the plumbing to the tail lights. Don't take it home if there is a problem. This way, you have the sales staff pushing for repairs, instead of it just being you trying to get a repair that is paid to the dealer at below retail (warranty service).

Then, if you find any problems after purchase is complete, contact the factory about everything..."keep a counting" as was said long ago. Record every conversation and promise with names. Sadly, some dealers are well known to constantly fail owners...keeping RV's for weeks while they push your RV to the back of the service line behind retail service customers. Don't believe the dealer if they blame the factory for some delay, because TMC will overnight any part needed. But the factory will only respond if they are aware.

Having said all that...See Grins and DeMartini are actually very good dealerships for a responsible reputation.

Best luck

twogypsies · 12-02-2016, 10:02 AM

I'd recommend spending the night on their lot and test out all systems while there. Don't drive it away before knowing everything works.

hoosierrun · 12-02-2016, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twogypsies

I'd recommend spending the night on their lot and test out all systems while there. Don't drive it away before knowing everything works.

Better yet, see if they will comp you a stay at a nearby park with full hookups. That way you can come back the next day after you discover a few things (either something not working, or you don't understand it, or you need further explanation, etc.).

Lv2Roam2 · 12-02-2016, 12:00 PM

Either personally check the tire pressures or watch it being done - know the target tire pressure you want ...

careyj1 · 12-02-2016, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scarab0088

The OP posted it's a brand-new, 2017 Outlaw 29H:
http://www.irv2.com/forums/f121/list...ml#post3357325

CONGRATS!!!

Buying from See Grins or DeMartini?

The best thing to do is CHECK EVERYTHING before it leaves the lot...from the plumbing to the tail lights. Don't take it home if there is a problem. This way, you have the sales staff pushing for repairs, instead of it just being you trying to get a repair that is paid to the dealer at below retail (warranty service).

Then, if you find any problems after purchase is complete, contact the factory about everything..."keep a counting" as was said long ago. Record every conversation and promise with names. Sadly, some dealers are well known to constantly fail owners...keeping RV's for weeks while they push your RV to the back of the service line behind retail service customers. Don't believe the dealer if they blame the factory for some delay, because TMC will overnight any part needed. But the factory will only respond if they are aware.

Having said all that...See Grins and DeMartini are actually very good dealerships for a responsible reputation.

Best luck

Purchased from DeMartini. The process to purchase was very easy. I had never been to their store before. Everything seems to check out but since this is my first RV, I'm sure I missed a lot of details that an experienced RVer would know. Thank you!

Scarab0088 · 12-02-2016, 11:34 PM

Grass Valley must be beautiful this time of the year (DiMartini's locale)...we used to live in Contra Costa and loved it up there

Congrats again.

Hope at your first camping site, that you drop the deck , grab a chair and sit back to enjoy a beverage....then watch what happens.
When we do this, there's always a great response - from thumbs-up by the dog walkers to questions from neighbors. It's so special. Most have never seen these decks, let alone the big garage in an RV. A great way to meet the neighbors too.

BTW, I totally agree with the "camp in your driveway idea." It is a much better way to discover an issue, than being far from home if/when there is a problem discovered.

Safe Outlaw Travels

Indy Glenn · 12-04-2016, 04:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by careyj1

Hi,

First time RV owner. Tomorrow I am picking up a Thor Outlaw, Class C.

Any tips for picking up a new RV? Any tips for ideas to make this RV more enjoyable for weekend hare scramble (dirt bike) riding and racing?

Thank you

So..........how did your delivery go?

When is your dirt bike scramble?

I hope all went well and you are getting a "feel" for your "House on wheels".

g

mrfuni · 12-04-2016, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by careyj1

Hi,

First time RV owner. Tomorrow I am picking up a Thor Outlaw, Class C.

Any tips for picking up a new RV? Any tips for ideas to make this RV more enjoyable for weekend hare scramble (dirt bike) riding and racing?

Thank you

Make sure you take her her a ride with the salesperson, listen for rattles and squeaks that will drive you bonkers on a long trip.