PRE DELIVERY CHECKS ON NEW MOTOR HOME

[sandygc03]

We are RV newbies and am awaiting delivery of our new Avida Esperance. Any advice on what to check over thoroughly before taking delivery would be very much appreciated.

[BruceS]

Congratulations you lucky buggers!!!
I suggest anyone taking possession of any MH (new or SH) should make sure they understand the water supply.
Tanks (1 or more?) and if more than one can they be isolated from each other.
If not, can a tap/valve be installed between them.
Which tank is for PURE water? (coffee/tea etc) Where does it fill? Does it have a label on the fill point?
Are you getting any solar/battery system etc?

[Newcastle George]

Ask to have it put over a weighbridge and weighed front, back and total, in your presence. Then compare it to the GVM to see what margin you will have for the items you wish to carry.

George

[dapope]

Check basic things like cupboard doors being square, and the interior finish. Take a torch, and look for things like screws hanging out, glue showing etc. Getunderneath and make sure everything is tied off properly. Ask to have all appliences demonstrated as working. If you get a wet day for pickup, you will get the chance for a leak test. Look for any evidence of the finish peeling off. Check the outside for delaminating in the fibreglass, and bubbles in the decals. If you find anything, take photos, so you have a check after its been fixed. Lift drawers out and have a look in the back of the cupboards. Get agreement in writing on any remedial work, and if they wont, dont sign off and dont pay. You need to be satisfied. Another couple of days wont matter.
Hopefully it will be perfect and you can get out and enjoy. Double check you have the right licence to drive!

[T1 Terry]

welcome to the forum Sandy and Jen, hope you like it here. Just add to George's advice

Ask to have it put over a weighbridge and weighed front, back and total, in your presence. Then compare it to the GVM to see what margin you will have for the items you wish to carry.

George

Have the water tanks and diesel tank filled before you go to the weigh bridge, the weight includes both of you sitting in your usual travelling position. Make sure you know the maximum allowable weight for each axle for the model vehicle and the total allowable weight, this is called the GVM, make a note of the CVM (Combined Vehicle Mass) as well as this includes the weight of any trailer or vehicle you wish to tow. Then make a point of estimating where the cupboards are in relation to the centre of the vehicle between the 2 axles, as in 10% forward, 50% forward, directly over an axle, in front of an axle. Now determine roughly what weight will go in each cupboard, that weight directly in the centre is shared across both axles, directly over an axle is all on that axle, forward of the axle is all the weight plus a percentage of the weight from the other axle.
Next, if you plan to carry a motorbike on a back rack or tow a trailer, is there enough chassis strength at the back to mount the rack/towbar..... this one should be checked out before the motorhome is built as it may not be possible to fix later. How much weight will this add to the back axle plus the weight it will take off the front axle. Now you have this check sheet full of figures, will you sail through the weigh bridge inspection when travelling or be in trouble at the first weigh bridge you are directed into?
This is the biggest issue with any motorhome, axle weights, vehicle builders have a history of delivering vehicles with virtually no room for any further weight increase including solar or batteries, forget about the added weight of the both of you seated in the vehicle and all you clothes and food.... or full tanks of water.

T1 Terry

[JCT]

We are RV newbies and am awaiting delivery of our new Avida Esperance. Any advice on what to check over thoroughly before taking delivery would be very much appreciated.

I have a Birdsville Elite and I go on the Avida/Winnebago club web site often.
Lately there has been a lot of 'discussion' on the weight problems of the Esperance.
I suggest you have a look at the site, www.wrvc.com.au and go into the forum.
A search for Esperance will also give you an insight into owners comments.

I hope you do not find any cause for concern and have an enjoyable time in your new RV.

Colin

[Dot]

Welcome Sandy & Jen, congratulations on your new dream machine. I can not add anything to the boys list of things for you to check apart to say get it ALL checked, in on and under before you part with the $$$$$. (from experience and hindsight) Look forward to hearing about your travels and of course we like pictures.

[supersparky]

g'day Sandy, Belated welcome to the forum from me. Get the supplying dealer to demonstrate how the annex works and also how the battery monitoring system works. Also get them to show you how to change a flat tyre. This is most important as most vehicles are 100-150mm closer to the ground when the tyre is flat and the jack usually doesn't fit.
Hopefully you won't have any problems and it will be a smooth transition into the motorhoming lifestyle.

[jon_d]

get them to show you how to change a flat tyre.

and get them to actually jack/lift the MH using the jack.


With the weight thing, check the load rating on the tyres is suitable for the new weight. It should be but you can't be too sure.

But the weight thing is the most important; if it's overweight, legally, it can't be driven.

[SteveW]

They will probably do a good handover. Trouble is, a couple of days later you won't remember a bit of it!