New popup walkthrough suggestions needed

[Monterey]

The GF and I are going to pick up our new (to us) PUP tomorrow.  The Dealer scheduled a tech to walk us though set up/take down, how to work all the appliances etc and suggested we bring a video camera so we don't forget anything.  

Just wondering, is there anything we need to pay extra careful attention to?  I've been a tenter for years, but this is the first PUP and I know what I don't know, ya know?  

Any suggestions would be much appreciated.  The camper is a 2003 Coleman Monterey.  Stove, sink, fridge, cassett potty, electric lift, furnace, hot water and AC.

[zagles]

The GF and I are going to pick up our new (to us) PUP tomorrow.  The Dealer scheduled a tech to walk us though set up/take down, how to work all the appliances etc and suggested we bring a video camera so we don't forget anything.  

Just wondering, is there anything we need to pay extra careful attention to?  I've been a tenter for years, but this is the first PUP and I know what I don't know, ya know?  

Any suggestions would be much appreciated.  The camper is a 2003 Coleman Monterey.  Stove, sink, fridge, cassett potty, electric lift, furnace, hot water and AC.

Everything is pretty easy to do.  The main thing I watched is the propane for the fridge, but I never use it.  Also take it down and up and have the tech help you if you get stuck. I would not waste you time with the camera, I have a video that came with mine, shows you how to set up and take down.  Times watched 0.

[Manchesterjim]

The GF and I are going to pick up our new (to us) PUP tomorrow. The Dealer scheduled a tech to walk us though set up/take down, how to work all the appliances etc and suggested we bring a video camera so we don't forget anything.
 
Any suggestions would be much appreciated. The camper is a 2003 Coleman Monterey. Stove, sink, fridge, cassett potty, electric lift, furnace, hot water and AC.

I agree with Zagles......best to "Just Do It"  (Sorry Nike)......thats the best way for most of us to learn....
 
Oh, one tip on the potty.....(well....two):  Don't do #2 in that thing.....and if you're a middle-aged couple like Sandy and I.....dump it often.  Its no fun realizing its overflowing at 2am!
 
Jim

[OC Campers]

If you have a video camers, video the setup, lighting of appliances and the take down.  There is a lot of info to take in in a short period of time.  Then when you get home you can replay the tape

Jacqui

[wavery]

If you have a video camers, video the setup, lighting of appliances and the take down.  There is a lot of info to take in in a short period of time.  Then when you get home you can replay the tape

Jacqui

I agree. Especially if the dealer suggested it. They don't want you calling them back to ask questions that were covered during the delivery.

It will also guarantee you a pretty good demonstration. The last thing that the tech or salesman would want, would be for you to break something because you were shown improperly or they neglected to show you at all. Seeing as they suggested it, it would be a MUST DO on my list. Otherwise, every time something goes wrong, they'll say, "We showed you the proper way to do it and it broke because you did it wrong". If you have the tape, you can say, "No you didn't" or "OOOOPS! you're right, I missed that part". Either way, your relationship with the dealer will go more smoothly if you have a tape of the demo IMHO.

Be sure to ask him how to maintain the lift system (cables, pulleys etc).

Make sure that you really understand how the toilet, furnace, stove, fridge, water heater, water pump, all switches and fuses, trailer connector, brakes (emergency brake too), water hook-up, gas hook-up, water tank, battery and converter works. make sure they put out the awning and put it away. Ask if there are 12v DC outlets and make sure you know how they work and what to do if they don't. Ask about leveling procedure. You have an electric top so be sure to ask how to get the top up/down if the electric motor fails. Some of us forget just how complicated these things can be to a new person. This is your opportunity to learn from a pro....first hand. Ask lots of questions. Remember, the only dumb question that you have is the one that you don't ask.


I say, "CYA" and video every second.

[Monterey]

This is your opportunity to learn from a pro....first hand.

Well, turns out the techs giving the demo were not exactly pros  :yikes:   The dealer we bought from carries Class A and C and TT.  Not a popup dealer, but they had a couple on the lot they took in trade.  I will say they really knew their stuff when it came to the fridge, potty, furnace, etc.  It was the take down and set up that had them confused.  I don't think they have had much experience with it.  To their credit, I did find a couple of small issues and they were willing to stay as late as they had to to get them all fixed.  

The tow home was..different.  I could tell there was a trailer back there, but the 5.9 in the Durango never felt strained.  I took it very easy getting the feel of it.  We had no sway at all on the ride home, but I am definitely taking the suggestion of folks in another thread and putting a sway bar on before our first trip in July.  As others have said, cheap insurance.

All in all it was a long hot evening with a lot of information to soak up, but we now have a pup in the driveway and reservations for Yogi Bear near Atlantic City in a couple of weeks.  We will be spending next weekend at Camp Driveway  :p

I got a lot of good advice here and want to say thanks to all for making this a great place to learn.