New Class B Purchase Checklist

[Phoebe3]

I did a search for "Checklist" and found a lot of threads, but nothing compact and in one spot. Is there a sticky or concise list somewhere? Here's what I have started:

1. Check California Emissions cert (i.e., legal to register in CA).

2. Check temp in refrigerator/freezer. (They will have the coach plugged in before I arrive.)

3. Check all light switches and outlets. (Take 12V car adapter to make sure those work.)

4. Start generator and check that it is charging batteries.

5. Run water in all faucets and shower, flush toilet.

6. Check TV (outside channel reception) and DVD player.

7. Turn on heater and run hot water (Truma combi).

8. Start propane burners in kitchen. Open and close exterior propane valve.

9. Check operation of all doors and drawers, including screen doors.

If something can be fixed with a screwdriver or wrench, I'm not going to fuss because it would cost more for us to find a hotel than it would to just fix it ourselves, but I don't want to hand over a check and find that something major, troublesome to fix, or expensive doesn't work.

Your insights would be appreciated.

Phoebe3

[Phoebe3]

Also, what should come with the coach besides paperwork? This one should come with the tables and posts, but should it also have a dump hose, fresh water hose, etc...?

[booster]

I don't see the most important one--drive it in varying conditions and at different speeds to make sure it is comfortable to drive and performs properly.

Even with new vans, you will most likely find some brands that you are comfortable with, and some that you aren't, while driving them. When you may be driving for long periods, comfort and ease of operation become extremely important IMO.

[Phoebe3]

Thanks for mentioning that! I was thinking more in terms of you have already decided which van/model you want and you have agreed with the dealer on price, etc. and now you are picking it up.

I keep reading about people who buy their rig, start to drive it home (in a different state, perhaps) only to discover that the water pump doesn't work or the toilet won't flush or the battery doesn't charge, etc. They go on to say that once you have paid for the coach, the service department might say it will take a week or two (or more) to fix the problem and then you are stranded - either buying airfare home and returning later or staying in a hotel. Admittedly, these are mostly rants on Yelp - famous for having the unhappy people most likely to post, but still...

I'd like to avoid that by being as thorough as possible at pick-up and before I've written the check.

[Keyne]

I have an Excel checklist we used when we picked up our Roadtrek Agile this year. If you are a member of the Facebook group it is in the file section or I could post it here once I get to my computer tomorrow.

[Phoebe3]

Thanks! I don't do Facebook, but DH does. If you can post it here, that would be great, but if not, please tell me where the Facebook group is and how to sign up.

[BBQ]

.

FB is a wealth of information for specific products.

[mumkin]

Originally Posted by Phoebe3

Also, what should come with the coach besides paperwork? This one should come with the tables and posts, but should it also have a dump hose, fresh water hose, etc...?

This depends. If you have a macerator system, the hose will be there. If gravity dump... depends on the manufacturer.

My dealer has a "gift pack" of stuff that he provides to new purchasers. It doesn't come from the factory and this likely depends on the dealer. It included a dump hose, fresh water hose, toilet paper, ect. Last purchase, my third rig, I already had all the stuff I wanted, but took the toilet paper. LOL

[Davydd]

You should have the dealer run you through all the systems and procedures on the van from electrical and water hookup to dumping. Checking outlets would require you to have a shore power hookup and thus your cable. I suspect it could take you more than an hour. If new to RVing in a B it can be daunting. It might be a good idea to video record the session via a third party (not you because you need to pay attention).

My first B I did this. My second B I went to the factory in Winnepeg and made some custom changes and pretty much knew everything about it on delivery and just made a cursory check. My third B I actually spent three days in orientation at the factory and slept two nights in the B at the parking lot and took an initial run to downtown Cleveland for a lunch.

[BBQ]

.

I would take the time to watch this hour-long video.

I know this is a different model than what you are planning to buy,
the equipment might be different,
but just by knowing what others are paying attention to, you will develop your own set of questions to ask when you are picking up your rig.

Enjoy !



ps. the video shows to me how a good and conscientious customer-centric dealer would help its customers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2KP6k22iXs

[Ron J. Moore]

Ask your Dealer if you can boondock or, if he will provide the electricity, have a night on his lot and you can run through your systems....next morning if you are satisfied and no questions, your on your way - or get the answers then. Good luck and enjoy that new home. Ron

[Keyne]

Phoebe, here is the checklist I used. I couldnt figure out how to attach the Excel sheet but below is the list of items. These were specific to the Roadtrek we purchased and the options we ordered (e.g. Alde heat) but you can get the idea of what to look for. Couple other items:

One of the key things that took time with our delivery was to run the different appliances using different electrical sources (shore power, generator, battery only). It was helpful to learn the different settings as well as check that they worked.

We picked our van up in the Winter so we heated up the van to test the heat and then cooled it down with the rooftop AC... it was helpful to run both to ensure they worked correctly with the thermostat.

Also I knew the answers to many questions but asked anyway to make sure the van fit my understanding (some manufacturers change appliances, locations, etc. depending on the build).

Delivery Checklist
INITIAL CHECK
Visual exterior and interior inspection
Check VIN # same as insurance
Spare tire in OEM spot
Batteries in correct locations
Check all Options
Screens
Alde Heat
Induction Cooktop
TV
No volt start

EXTERIOR:
1 Check exterior for dents, dings and paint blemishes
2 Look under for drips and leaks, oil, coolant, water
3 Check sparetire under rear in OEM space
4 Tire pressure:*
a What is it supposed to be?*
b What is it?
5 Rear differential oil (it will be ok, check anyway)
6 Engine oil (it will be ok, check anyway)
7 Transmission oil (it will be ok, check anyway)
8 Brake fluid (it will be ok, check anyway)
9 Run awning out and back
10 Check that door step works properly
11 Dump grey & black water
12 Check all exterior road lights
13 Check exterior porch light
14 Open Rear doors and fold to sides
15 Open and secure all tank/utility covers
16 Outside shower
INTERIOR ELECTRICAL: Works when
1 Electical Appliance Check Plugged In UG Engine On On Battery
a Run A/C - Run on 110v
b Run frig on 120v & 12V (Check temp)
c Run TV & DVD
d Run Fan
e Run induction stove with tea kettle
f Run micro wave with cup of water
g Run instant hot water
h Run all interior lights
2 Learn how to use DVD, Radio, TV and surrsound sound speakers
TV
Cable and antenna settings?
DVD
Radio - Cab radio and house radio run off house batteries? Can have radio throughout?
Surround sound speaker settings
3 Check all 120v outlets with iphone and cord
4 Check all 12v outlets*with cig USB power and iphone and cord
a Which draw from van battery?*
b Which draw from house battery?
5 Inverters*
a How many inverters are there?*
b Where located?
c Are they all three-functional—converters/inverters/chargers?
d Check which appliance is on which inverter, or are they all on all?
e Check switch settings on the actual inverter(s) - per manual they should be set to OFF so the remote switches work
6 Batteries
a Learn where the batteries are located—how many?*(Should be 4 - 2 underhood and 2 under chassis)
b Are van battery & house batteries connected?
c Learn how the batteries interact with other systems
d Learn when to use the inverter and batteries vs plug-in vs solar
7 Solar
How to turn on and off via solar charger
How to check batteries

8 Test for proper voltage/amperage at the Solar Controller
9 Test for proper voltage/amperage at Under hood generator*
10 Test the process for disconnecting all power (e.g. when storing between trips)
a Turn inverter remote switches to OFF (Green light should go off)
b Turn battery disconnect switch to OFF (LED panel off, all appliance lights off (e.g. MW clock), all lights off)
INTERIOR OTHER:
1 Check screen door bottom
2 Check rear screen installed and works with zipper
3 Check interior for*
a Dents, dings and paint blemishes, cabinet doors*
b power cabinet operation*
c bed operation - put panel between seats to make bed
d bed insert fits properly (if loose it will fall out!)
4 Setup front table
5 Setup rear table and then stow table leg

HEAT
1 Change thermostat from Celsius to Fahrenheit
2 Learn where the Alde drain is
3 Check Alde fluid level
4 Hot water
5 Run the Alde system heat on electric
6 Run the Alde system heat on diesel*
7 Learn Diesel vs electric function of Alde
WATER
1 Learn where fresh water tank fill is
2 Learn where fresh water tank overflow is
3 Fresh water tank dump valve?
4 Run instant hot water
5 Run diesel hot water*
6 Run bathroom shower hot & cold
7 Run kitchen sink hot & cold
8 Run exterior shower hot & cold
9 Flush toilet
MISC:
1 Learn winterizing and storage (water & batteries)
2 Open all windows
3 Swivel both seats
4 Touch ALL buttons
5 Are wiring diagrams available?
6 Spare underhood belt available
7 Spare serpentine belt available?
8 Test Drive
a Listen for rattles
b Check for smooth ride at 60
c Check alignment
d Check brake feel
e Backup camera
f Lane change warning
9 Manuals
a Mercedes Manual
b Roadtrek bag of manuals
10 Other
a Alde cabinet tool?
b Underhood generator belt
c Power cord
11 Keys:
a Van - how many?
b Outside shower?
c Wheel locks?


ITEMS TO BRING FOR DELIVERY
Ipad/iphone cord
Temp guage to check interior and fridge temp
DVD to test player
Tea Kettle
Tire guage
Mug to check microwave water
Bottles of water - for drinking and for tests
Cig lighter USB power to check 12volt outlets
Bank Check
Insurance documents

[Phoebe3]

Thank you! It all seems a little daunting at the moment.

[Keyne]

As mentioned above I also highly recommend Facebook. Most class B vans have specific owner groups (e.g. Travato, Hymer Aktiv, and several RoadTrek groups). We own a RT Agile and the FB group has been THE best source of real world information on the vans. They helped me before purchase to evaluate options, dealers, and what to expect with discounts, pick up and delivery, etc. Also after purchase I have had very quick responses to questions about settings and things as we learned the van. The groups can be very active and have lived through the learning curve; I highly suggest joining them.

[Phoebe3]

Wow! That Lichtsinn video was awesome! At least I have some idea what to expect now! Thanks!

I did go to FB and look for Coachmen Crossfit groups, but there aren't any yet. I hang out on the FordTransitForum and have leaned a lot about the van chassis that way, but the RV part has remained a mystery. Coachmen uses a lot of the "standard" components for their RV (Dometic AC, NovaCool refrigerator, Truma Combi, etc., so I think a lot of what I am learning will apply. We are a Ford family so the chassis (which we have driven) feels familiar.

I have placed a down payment on my credit card and hope to pick up the Crossfit in about two weeks. I am nervous about the process, but thanks to everyone on this forum, I have been able to research how to buy and register an out-of-state vehicle, learned about other places to find information on the chassis, developed a checklist... and gathered the self-confidence to take the plunge.

Thank you all SO MUCH!

[BBQ]

.

Good luck,

and have fun !

[techfan]

New Owner's Checklist from Travato Collaborative:

[Phoebe3]

Thanks, everyone!

I'll create a Crossfit-specific list based on these.

Unfortunately, pick-up is delayed for the foreseeable future because the dealer has to have the Transit serviced for the recall before it can be sold. Since Ford dealers have unsold inventory on their lots, they will no-doubt prioritize repairs on their inventory first. The part is not scheduled to be shipped to dealers until the middle of this month so I'm guessing it will be mid-August before I can pick it up.