After almost 2 years of researching and saving our pennies, this weekend we may finally become first time TC owners. We are pretty exicited and we don't want to overlook anything. We are going to be driving about 6 hours to get it. It is new and was wondering what do I need to inspect on the TC? What should the TC come with and what does the dealership do for me before I take ownership and drive it off the lot? I installed the tiedowns a few weeks ago and bought a rubber mat for the bed of my truck. Also I hope I can remember to leave the tailgate at home. This is going to be our first RV of anykind. This forum along with TCM has been great in helping me making the right desicions. thanks.
2011 Ford F-350 4x4 Regular Cab 6.2
2012 Lance 850
Depending on the dealer. But mine spent about three hours going over the operations of everything, drains, plugs, etc...testing everything like the lights, generator, A/C running, put water in and tested all the faucents and drains, the stove, oven, fans, etc...then he taught/helped me load it on the truck, then we checked lights. Good dealers will show you everything and make sure you leave knowing how to do everything. And fill up the propane tanks on your way home.
The TC will not come with things like electric line, water hoses, water pressure limiter, black tank treatment chemicals, sewer hoses, sewer washout hoses, tie downs, plug ins, and and fastguns. If this is your first RV ever plan on spending about $400-500 on a bunch of stuff you'll need right away to camp.
Then it seems like we hit camping World every month for more stuff. And we already had been RV camping for several years. Go in for TP and leave with $100 worth of ''stuff''.
Then go camping ASAP. I'd recommend camping close to home.
Another suggestion is once you've got it, go to a container store and try to find containers that use up every space possible.
2011 Dodge Ram 3500 4*4 Black dually Laramie 4.10 gears
2011 Arctic Fox 1150 Drybath
2009 Polaris RZR w/fun parts
2011 Polaris Sportsman 550 XP EPS w/stuff
2006 Polaris Sportsman 500 w/stuff
1977 K5 Blazer 1 ton modified
2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid (her car)
Good info. Sorry I forgot to mention the camer. Its either going to be a Wolf Creek 850 or a Lance 850. Leaning more towards the Wolf Creek. They are at 2 different dealers close by so if one doesn't work out we have a back up plan.
You'd be smart to get a campground in the area and stay for a few days. Then start making a list of items that have to be fixed or addressed, if there are any. Make an appt for Monday morning to take it back in to the dealer. If you are one of the few lucky ones that has a perfect unit, just cancel the appt and head for home.
2009 Chevy Silverado 3500 dually D/A, Supersprings, Stable Loads, Bilstein Shocks, Hellwig Sway Bar, Front Timbrens.
2010 Arctic Fox 1140 DB, 220 watts solar, custom 4 in 1 "U" shaped dinette/couch, 59 interior and exterior mods to date and still adding
Hi: The only thing I will say is don't EXPECT the dealer to do anything for you. Check everything yourself. In most cases there pdi is a joke. Check that everything works, doors all work corectly and are square, check the roof and calking everywhere, check drain valves, taps, hot water tank, windows,ect. Most of all don't get overwhelmed at the newness and have a good look. Also don't give them your money until you are satisfied because with some when you drive off the lot they could care less. Some not all...
Mike
RZAR66 wrote: Good info. Sorry I forgot to mention the camer. Its either going to be a Wolf Creek 850 or a Lance 850. Leaning more towards the Wolf Creek. They are at 2 different dealers close by so if one doesn't work out we have a back up plan.
The WC 850 is a fine choice, but I'm biased. Are you going with a long-bed or short-bed model? I ask because the Lance 850 is a long-bed camper. The Lance 855 is made for short-bed models. The Lances are nice campers, too, but are a little more heavier.
2011 Wolf Creek 850N/Polar Cub/240w Solar/2-6v Lifeline AGMs/Morningstar Sunsaver w/RM-1 & SureSine-300 Inverter 2011 Ford F-250/6.2L/3.73/Bilsteins/Air Bags/Torklift TD w/Fastguns 2004 Jeep Wrangler/4.0L/5-spd US Navy Ret.
kerry4951 wrote: You'd be smart to get a campground in the area and stay for a few days. Then start making a list of items that have to be fixed or addressed, if there are any.
Excellent suggestion and recommended to me by forum members when I picked mine up. Seems like there is always something that comes up that you don't catch until you use if for a day or two.
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Are you going with a long-bed or short-bed model? I ask because the Lance 850 is a long-bed camper. The Lance 855 is made for short-bed models. The Lances are nice campers, too, but are a little more heavier.
