Any quality control during demo of new pu?

[raptor]

Hi all,
Great forum.  I've learned a lot.  I have a question.

I'm new to the pop-up world, but am picking up our new 2006 Jayco Jay Series 1007 in a few days.  

During the demo, are there any things I should specifically look out for in terms of quality control that are common initial type problems in either all pop-ups or in Jaycos in particular?

I know it's a pretty general question, just curious if there is something I should pay particular attention to in order to avoid a quick return for warranty work.  I know its impossible to predict everything, just looking for the "high probability" type things.

Some of the "features" are a fridge, demand water pump, water heater, battery, A/C, stove, awning.

Thanks!

[GrizzlyTaco]

Congrats on your New PU!! When you do your walk thru, make sure they show you how to operate everything, have them light the water heater, fridge, then have them shut it off and you light them yourself to make sure you can do it. Make sure everything works, dont let them rush you, if your paying all that money you have a right to take your time. Open cabinets make sure there OK, inspect the tenting for any little tears. Ask alot of questions!!!! Your going to love your Jayco, there well made!! Happy Camping........You can see ours at my web page.........Ed C  :sombraro:

[tlhdoc]

Take your time and check out the flooring, tenting, beds, everything.  Don't let them rush you and don't sign the papers until you have checked the PU out.  Have them run every appliance so that you know they work and how to run them.  Look in cupboards and under the trailer.  Have them show you where you need to lube the lift system etc.  If you can video tape the demo so if you have questions, you can watch it again.  Have a great time with the new camper.

[Zagami]

Congratulations on your new Jayco and welcome to the forum.

The dealer will probably have the unit all set up and open.  Make sure you go through the closing down procedure throughly and then open it up again yourself to make sure you are familiar with the intracies of opening and closing once you get to the campsite.  

A digital camera or video camera are excellent suggestions to capture "the moment" because you will forget things once you hit the open road.

Make sure you have product manuals for all the appliances and accessories on your particular trailer.  They should be in the unit when it is delivered.

You didn't mention hitches.  Is this a brand new unit w/hitch or do you already have a hitch on the tow vehicle?  If new, make sure it's the right hitch for the trailer weight you will be towing.

Good luck and happy camping.

[meriflower1985]

Look over everything before you sign the papers.  You don't want to sign, bring it home, and pop it up and find the "surprises" afterwards.  Also when you do the demo, make sure the area is well lit.  Below is a link to pictures of a popup where the owners found damage and poor workmanship AFTER they signed and brought it home.  This might be good at some things to look for - even in a new camper.

http://community.webshots.com/album/549226218IGkIlS

[fritz_monroe]

As others have said, don't let the dealer rush you.  When we picked up our Fleetwood, the dealer treated us just like we were buying a big 5th wheel.  Set it up the first time and showed us everything.  Then took it down for us and instructed us on how to put it up and take it down.  Then we had all the time we wanted to do whatever we liked and were around for questions.  We actually had more time than we wanted because doing the wiring on our TV took longer than expected.  They also showed us how to get connected up and had us do it again.

As much time as you can get with the dealer available for questions, the better.  Good luck and I'm sure you will have a good time with your new pup.

[RockHound]

Just like everyone said, take your time, and do everything yourself at least once before leaving.  I've got an older Jayco, so I don't know much about the newer setups, but make sure the door is lined up properly when the camper is set up.  We had to make some adjustment on ours.  Also, I don't know what kind of tow vehicle you have but make sure it can handle the weight of your loaded PUP.  We were looking at buying an '06 Ford Escape because of the gas mileage and the specs said they could haul 3500 lbs. with a towing package.  Since our camper had a gross loaded weight of 3000 lbs, we were all set to get into the paperwork.  Then I notice the fine print on the towing capacity.  You have to take off the passenger and cargo weight from that 3500 lbs.  That leaves 500 lbs for people and cargo.  I take up a little less than half that by myself.  Not to mention the DW,  2 DS's, suitcases, coolers, etc.  We went with an F-150 instead.

[raptor]

Thanks for all the great replies.  I used some of your input today when I picked it up.  The dealer has been great and during the demo treated me just as if I was spending big money on one of the full size coaches or something.  I had plenty of time to ask questions, etc.  I am pleasantly surprised with how easy it is to set up and take down.  I pictured it being a bigger hassle than it is.  I have already set it up and taken it down by myself at the house when I got back (the kids couldn't wait).

My TV is a 2000 Jeep Cherokee, 4.0L in-line 6 cyl.  So I've got no power issues (rated to 5000, my Jayco is only 2300 even packed to max cargo weight), but I am nervous about long-term wear on the tranny.  The Jeep does not have a factory installed tow package, just an aftermarket hitch.  So the next thing I need to take care of before towing much is an auxilliary trans. cooler I think.  Not sure if it is necessary or not, but I think the peace of mind would be worth the relatively small cost of installation anyway.  Any thoughts on this?

Thanks!

[madkatz1]

"If you can video tape the demo so if you have questions, you can watch it again."



What a great idea, wish I had thought of that.
After picking up my new Fleetwood a couple of weeks ago, it sat in my driveway for another week or so until I decided to pop it up. I wanted to set it up, in a controlled environment, in anticipation for an upcoming 1st camping trip. Now, I'm thinking "How did he do that? and "Do you do this first or that first?" and "What's this hardware for?"...etc, etc.

If I had had a video of the set-up, take-down, I wouldn't have looked like such an idiot to my neighbors, who I imagine were laughing at my plight. (This is from a newbie who has never owned a pu camper

Good luck & if the camper guy doesn't mind, videotape him....

[raptor]

My TV is a 2000 Jeep Cherokee, 4.0L in-line 6 cyl.  So I've got no power issues (rated to 5000, my Jayco is only 2300 even packed to max cargo weight), but I am nervous about long-term wear on the tranny.  The Jeep does not have a factory installed tow package, just an aftermarket hitch.  So the next thing I need to take care of before towing much is an auxilliary trans. cooler I think.  Not sure if it is necessary or not, but I think the peace of mind would be worth the relatively small cost of installation anyway.  Any thoughts on this?

Thanks!

Nevermind.  I've since answered my own questions about the transmission cooler.  I've decided I definitely should have one and have ordered a B&M super cooler which I plan to install myself.  So here goes nuthin'...

[tlhdoc]

The tranny cooler is a VERY good idea.

 
Congratulations on the new camper!

Nevermind. I've since answered my own questions about the transmission cooler. I've decided I definitely should have one and have ordered a B&M super cooler which I plan to install myself. So here goes nuthin'...