How to inspect a new r-pod

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   I've been reading this site for months. Much gratitude to everyone for the great info here!
I've made a deposit at Couches for a 179 and I am waiting to be told I can go get it. So far I have nothing but praise for Couches and for my salesman Ray Crain, who has been patient with a person new to RV's. After the sale completes I will review my entire experience with Couches on this forum in the section on dealer reviews. 

Reading about campers  I've come away with the notion its not uncommon for brand new trailers to require fixes/adjustments. This concerns me since I am driving about 8 hours over to Couches. I asked my salesman if I could hire someone there to fully inspect the camper before I left, but he said I'd just be wasting my money.

Anyway, I am the kind of guy who will want to operate every single thing on the rv to see that it works before paying -from boiling water in the microwave to flushing the toilet and all in between. 

Does the inspection/orientation the dealer provides allow for all that? 
Do dealers typically have gas and shore power hooked up? 
Would it be unusual for me to demand I see everything work before I wire the money?
Are there certain areas of the r-pod I should really focus on during the initial inspection? (Things that are harder to fix yourself later if they are not right from the factory?)

Thanks again to all who have shared their knowledge and experience here; -this independent forum is an great resource for someone learning the ropes. 

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Jay in Maryland Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 28 Feb 2015 Location: MD Online Status: Offline Posts: 30	Topic: How to inspect a new r-pod Posted: 28 Feb 2015 at 4:38pm
	I've been reading this site for months. Much gratitude to everyone for the great info here! I've made a deposit at Couches for a 179 and I am waiting to be told I can go get it. So far I have nothing but praise for Couches and for my salesman Ray Crain, who has been patient with a person new to RV's. After the sale completes I will review my entire experience with Couches on this forum in the section on dealer reviews. Reading about campers I've come away with the notion its not uncommon for brand new trailers to require fixes/adjustments. This concerns me since I am driving about 8 hours over to Couches. I asked my salesman if I could hire someone there to fully inspect the camper before I left, but he said I'd just be wasting my money. Anyway, I am the kind of guy who will want to operate every single thing on the rv to see that it works before paying -from boiling water in the microwave to flushing the toilet and all in between. Does the inspection/orientation the dealer provides allow for all that? Do dealers typically have gas and shore power hooked up? Would it be unusual for me to demand I see everything work before I wire the money? Are there certain areas of the r-pod I should really focus on during the initial inspection? (Things that are harder to fix yourself later if they are not right from the factory?) Thanks again to all who have shared their knowledge and experience here; -this independent forum is an great resource for someone learning the ropes.

kymooses Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 01 Aug 2010 Location: Louisville, Ky Online Status: Offline Posts: 1807	Posted: 28 Feb 2015 at 4:44pm
	My own dealer had everything hooked up and running, I pushed every switch, tested every single appliance in every mode. They played DVD's and the radio during the whole 2+ hour walkthrough. We flushed the toilet, used the shower, literally used every function of the R-Pod. Once we were happy with everything we went to sign our final papers to leave the dealership and they dumped all the water, closed it all up and did a wash on it before it went out the door. Is this typical for all dealers to do? It doesn't seem that way from what most owners say. But they are supposed to check all of those systems themselves anyways per a delivery checklist they use with Forest River.
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Podster Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 16 Sep 2014 Location: San Antonio Online Status: Offline Posts: 1108	Posted: 28 Feb 2015 at 4:56pm
	I'm afraid I might be stealing Luv2Q's thunder, but this is the perfect scenario for staying the night in the camper at the facility like Luv2Q did. John! You out there, can you give us the details on how this works at Couches? Anyway, I agree hiring a tech is a waste of moo-la. Stay the night, try everything and then address any problems in the morning before you leave, that's as good as it gets. Remember, nothings is perfect, that's why pencils have erasers. Good luck! Let us know how it works out...
	Cliff & Raelynn Ranger 4.0/178 (1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity)

Jay in Maryland Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 28 Feb 2015 Location: MD Online Status: Offline Posts: 30	Posted: 28 Feb 2015 at 5:11pm
	Wow KyMooses, -that is exactly how I'd like it to go. But I have planned to camp near the dealership that first night in any case.

Leo B Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 13 Jan 2012 Location: Lyndonville, VT Online Status: Offline Posts: 4518	Posted: 28 Feb 2015 at 5:20pm
	We went through our pod from head to toe and tested everything. Put the r=dome on tested the a/c heater, frig stove microwave , tv , radio, outside speakers and everything in between. It the only way to do it.
	Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171

CharlieM Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 23 Nov 2012 Location: N. Colorado Online Status: Offline Posts: 1797	Posted: 28 Feb 2015 at 5:30pm
	I have to agree with the above posts. Couch's has an excellent reputation, but things happen. Hiring someone is a waste, but staying a night near the dealership is a very good idea. I didn't when I bought the Pod because I was new and the dealer was only 2+ hours away. When we bought the Camplite we stayed at a nearby campground because the dealership was 7 hours away. Staying nearby in a full hookup CG allows you to find all the little "escapes" and allows a return visit to clarify anything you missed in the walk through. Take just what you need for a night. Don't prepare food, but check the stove and Micro. Check both the fridge and water heater on gas and electric. Exercise all plumbing including sinks and shower. Leave the CG water supply hooked up all night and watch for leaks inside and outside. Disconnect the CG water briefly to check the pump.
	Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD

Jay in Maryland Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 28 Feb 2015 Location: MD Online Status: Offline Posts: 30	Posted: 28 Feb 2015 at 5:57pm
	I want to uncover any "escapes" before the dealer has the money, as a desire for funds motivates quick fixes to occur when possible. Hopefully Couches will have it hooked up so I can test every single thing during inspection. Anybody on this forum pick up from Couches recently? I will spend the night nearby and test everything more thoroughly either way. Thanks for the specifics CharlieM.

kymooses Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 01 Aug 2010 Location: Louisville, Ky Online Status: Offline Posts: 1807	Posted: 28 Feb 2015 at 6:44pm
	A lot use Couch's and do the nearby camp thing to work out the kinks. It's been a popular practice for years. It was our plan as well when we were considering buying there.
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techntrek Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admin Group - pHp Joined: 29 Jul 2009 Location: MD Online Status: Offline Posts: 9062	Posted: 01 Mar 2015 at 7:56pm
	Welcome, from another Marylander.
	Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual