May 312011
While I took about 4 hours doing a PDI (Pre Delivery Inspection) on my trailer before I took possession of it, I knew there would be things I would miss. The PDI only showed up a couple minor issues that were corrected on the spot by the dealer. This past weekend was the first chance I've had to take it out on a real camping trip.
During the PDI I tested all the systems, open/closed all the doors and drawers, checked for loose nuts, bolts and wires, walked the roof looking at the sealant and just about anything else i could think of. The only thing I found was the entry door wasn't closing right, a couple cabinet doors were maladjusted, a broken landing gear leg pin and a couple burned out/missing light bulbs.
After spending 3 days this past weekend in the trailer I found a couple more issues that escaped my PDI. The electrical outlets in the slide weren't working. a small section of the inside paneling near the stool was loose from the wall stud and one of the sliding windows would not close after I opened it.
The window was an easy fix as one screw for the window frame was installed so it was poking into the window track. The electrical outlet may be an easy fix if I find one of the outlets are not wired correctly, I just haven't had a chance to check it out. The wall may be more difficult if for nothing else I need some trim tape to cover up the the fastener once I get it tacked back into place. I'll need to see if I can get that trim tape from the dealer or the manufacturer before I attempt it.
So while a through PDI can find most issues on a new trailer, actually using it is the only way to get it fully debugged.