NEW Montana Checklists

[shovelhead86]

Where do i find a checklist for inspecting a new Montana?

[Carl n Susan]

You can try looking Here but I suspect the lists are dated. They do provide a good start though.

[phillyg]

I used the following list. Takes about three hours to do a proper PDI.

TOOLS:
• Sweat towel
• Flashlight
• Air gauge
• Tools for hitch
• Torque wrench
• Phillips and flat blade screwdrivers
• Square bit driver
• Channel locks or pliers
• Outlet tester
• Multimeter
• Creeper
• Pen and clipboard
TELL LD:
• Doing an extensive PDI
• Provide copy of checklist
• Unhook shore power, water, and sewer
• Ask for delivery invoice
OUTSIDE WALK AROUND:
• Roof Sealing & Fixtures
o inspect ladder and mounting points
o climb on the roof and inspect all seams, gaskets and any other place that the roof material has been cut or holes drilled, and caulking is intact
o check that all shrouds & covers are intact, unbroken and properly seated on the roof.
o check closely around air conditioners, vents, antennas, sewer vents, and side seams. Look for any signs of bubbles (large and small), delamination, foreign objects or protruding screw or nail heads under the membrane (if a rubber roof)

• Windows

o Check closely inside and out around each window to make sure it has been properly aligned and sealed.
#8195;
• Entry Doors

o check the gasket used on all doors for proper adhesive and coverage. Look closely at the door from the inside and confirm that it sits flush against the inside of the doorjamb. Confirm that each key works in the appropriate lock. The main door should open & close smoothly and lock without undue effort. Check that the screen door opens smoothly alone and locks to the main door without any extra effort

• Baggage Compartments

o open and close each door checking for alignment and gasketing. Confirm that each key works in the appropriate lock. All hinges should be tight and secure and the latches should hold the door tightly closed and still be easy to open. Look for any signs of moisture that might indicate rain leakage. Verify that compartment lighting (if fitted) works properly. Any gas cylinders used for keeping to door open should be properly installed so as not to interfere with items stored in the compartment. If clamp-type door hold-opens are used, make sure they are present and hold the door correctly.

• Sewer, Fresh Water and other outside Connections

o Inspect to ensure nothing is broken or deformed. If appropriate at this time, make sure you understand how each valve or fitting works. Understand the proper function of the black and gray water valves and proper markings. If tank flushing is installed, understand how it operates. Understand where the low point drains are for the fresh water system. Pull, push or turn all valves.
o Understand and operate the winterizing by-pass plumbing
o Telephone & Cable TV Connections. Find and understand the telephone and cable connections. Make sure a weather cap is present for each connector and that connectors are properly identified & mounting plates are properly sealed.

• Propane. If the tank(s) are contained in a compartment, there should be no possible way for propane to enter into the RV or any other compartment. Understand how the regulator works and how it switches between cylinders. Confirm that a leak test has been performed on both pigtails between the tanks and regulator and the rest of the system. Locate and understand the operation of the main shut off valve (if any).

• Batteries. Check the battery box to verify both batteries installed, box is ventilated and that any compartment slide mechanisms work properly. Verify that no battery cables are rubbing on any part of the frame because that will eventually end up with a short circuit and possible fire. Understand the battery types provided and how to maintain them. Check battery charge with multimeter.

• Paint, decals & siding. Carefully check the paint finish and decals. Site down the side of the unit to check for bumps or depressions in the siding. Divide each side of the unit into 2, 3 or 4 sections and inspect for siding issues: color variations, dents or irregularities. Do the same for the ends of the unit Look at places where vinyl film is used to make sure it is free of any air bubbles. Check ends of any decals for uniformity or "mistakes" that may have gouged the siding. Look closely where masking tape was used for paint graphics to make sure there is no over-spray. Carefully check for surface smoothness and any place when paint coverage is marginal or where there are bubbles.

• Tires and Wheels

o Closely inspect the tires and wheels and understand the proper inflation pressure and load rating.
o Verify the torque of the lug nuts or have the PDI person do it while you watch. Find out the proper jacking point for the trailer and what kind of jack to use. Determine if your tow vehicle lug nut wrench will fit the lug nuts on the trailer or if another size is necessary
o Check each tire pressure
o Check the condition & pressure of the spare tire. Understand how the carrier works if it is the fold-down type.

• Awnings. Extend and retract each awning paying particular attention to how the awning is locked in the retracted position. Make sure all springs, locks and supports work well and are properly aligned. Wiggle the mounting points for the support arms to get a feeling for how solidly they are mounted to the body.
#8195;
• Chassis

o Inspect all air and/or hydraulic lines, wiring, shock absorber attachments, and in general every place that a wire or pipe could rub against something that could cause a problem later. All wiring and piping should be properly fastened
o Inspect axles, confirm their rating
o Inspect springs, shackles and all bolts

• 6-Point Leveling. Have LD show operation of system. Check each jack and master hydraulics system for leaks. Operate hookup recall.

• Slide Outs

o Have LD show operation of all slides
o Check all slide seals retracted and extended, inside and out. You should not be able to find any places where you can see light or detect airflow. Use a flashlight to look into dark corners. Understand the mechanism that extends and retracts each slide.
o Operate each slide several times and understand any restrictions on operation, including places where slides might hit open cabinet doors or other obstructions that should be stored for travel.
o Understand the manual retraction process and actually perform the retraction as if the automatic mechanism had failed. Look for proper alignment of any wheels that may ride on carpet or other flooring, to insure proper clearance. Understand any locking mechanisms that are used to hold the top of the slide out tight against the top of the RV.

INSIDE FIT AND FINISH:

• Cabinets

o Inspect & open all cabinets to insure that all the hinges and latches work well. Pull each drawer out to its stop, return it closed and then try to open it like road vibration might do.
o Look inside cabinets for water leaks and that all the wiring and pipes are well fastened.
o Inspect the linings (if any) to insure they are fastened securely. Run your hand along all edges, front & back to check for delamination or loose edges on molding or vinyl wraps.

• Molding and Trim. Inspect all moldings and trim on walls, ceiling, doors and furniture for looseness or sloppiness in assembly

• Lighting. Operate every light switch and observe its function. Use the monitor panel to check battery levels. Understand and verify any battery disconnect switches. (at this point, only 12V lighting can be tested, as the unit is NOT connected to shore power yet)

• Refrigerator. Ensure fridge is operating on 12v power source thru inverter/converter/ charger.

• Closets. Open and close all closet doors checking for free operation and proper alignment. Hanger rods should be properly fastened and secure. Check out the lighting that is provided and any switches that are used.

• Furniture

o Examine every piece of furniture to check for construction, upholstery, pattern and cloth matching. Extend sofa beds, looking for proper operation, alignment and all cushions.
o Operate recliner
o Blinds. Operate each blind and check for alignment. Look at all valances and trim to be sure they are secured.
o Counter Tops. Inspect all counter tops for alignment and fastening. Make sure that any trim pieces that should be there are in fact tight. Check for caulking quality everywhere there may be water, especially edges near a sink. Check the installation of sinks and faucets.

• Windows - Open and close every window and operate the latches. Pay particular attention to the two safety egress windows or emergency windows and make sure they operate smoothly & easily.

• Floor Coverings - Inspect carpet and other floor coverings in all corners to insure that they have been properly fastened down. Check areas that slide outs may roll over for pulled threads, cuts or other problems. Check closely for gouges or cuts in linoleum tile

• Wall Coverings - Check to make sure that all the wall coverings actually cover and join properly. Look for any discoloration or patch jobs that may cover hidden problems. Try to find any places where it is not perfect since now is the time to get it fixed while matching patterns are in stock.

OPERATIONAL TEST OF ALL HOUSE SYSTEMS:

• Shore Power Systems
o Now is the time to connect up to shore power. Pull out all of the electric cord, confirm the length and inspect the plug for proper attachment. Verify if one or two outside connections. Inside the unit, check any 110V lighting, switches and outlets for proper wiring/polarity
o Find the GFI-protected outlets and test using the push button. Understand which receptacles "downstream" from the GFI are protected. Any electrical problems here should be corrected immediately.
o Converter - Confirm the operation of the inverter/converter/charger that is installed. Turn on several interior lights to create a load for the converter and confirm no excessive converter noise or vibration. Have the PDI person explain the operation of the converter, the AC circuit breakers and the DC fuses. Make sure that there is a written list of the loads connected to each.
o Residential Fridge - Check 120v residential fridge for operation, including water for ice maker, and proper mounting brackets are installed.
o Water Pump - Your PDI person should have filled the fresh water tank, so now you can test the function of the water pump. After turning it on, you should hear it pump for several seconds, even up to a minute to create enough pressure in the system. If the pump does not shut off, then there is a problem. Run water in the kitchen and bathroom sink and notice that the pump will come back on until proper water pressure is restored. Now is the time to fix a noisy pump if it is vibrating or making any irritating sounds.
o City Water System - Turn off the pump, connect up to city water (use a regulator if overly high pressure is suspected) and confirm that the connection works correctly. Look for leaks under sinks, toilet and shower. Confirm the operation of all fixtures.
o Tankage - Re-fill the fresh water tank if necessary and run water into the gray tank to verify the gauge reading and that there are no leaks. Filling the gray tank until water comes up in the shower will make it easier to find leaks inside & out. Do the same thing to the black water tank, including filling so that water comes up inside the toilet. Check for leaks (if the toilet is installed correctly, there will be no leaks!) You can fill the black water tank by using the tank flushing system (if fitted), by using a garden hose adapter for the sewer connection through a backflow preventer. Check the gauges for accuracy while you are filling. Drain the gray and black water tanks using the sewer hose.
o Water Heater - Try the water heater on propane first. A few seconds after you turn it on, you should hear the click of the igniter and the small pop when the burner lights. The red light should stay on until that process happens. If it does not ignite, then there is a problem. Turn on the AC element in the water heater (if connected) and confirm operation. Make sure you know the location of the electrical switch at the water heater and the correct operation of the interior switch. Confirm that hot (or warm water depending on how long the water heater has been on) comes out of the hot tap at the various sinks.
o Furnace – Have LD explain thermostat operation for heating and HVAC. Turn the furnace on and set a temperature demand that is at least 10 degrees hotter than ambient temperature. In about 30 seconds, you should hear the furnace fans come on. Shortly thereafter you should hear the click of the igniter and the sound of the burner. Let the furnace blow and you should get hot air at about 110 degrees coming out of all vents. Check each one. Now turn the furnace down and the hot air will gradually turn cooler and the fans will eventually stop after the furnace has cooled sufficiently.
o Air Conditioners - Some air conditioners also have a heat strip or heat pump feature so now is the time to verify these functions. Turn on the air conditioner. After a couple of minutes, cool air, 20 degrees cooler than ambient, should be coming out of the registers. If you unit has ducting in the ceiling, make sure a good airflow comes out of each register. Learn how to clean the filters at this time.
o Determine where tank heaters are located and how they operate.
o Propane and Carbon Monoxide Alarms & Smoke Detector- Have LD use gas sampler to be sprayed at the alarm to test its operation. Have them perform this test while you watch and learn how the alarms work. Confirm that there is a new battery in the Smoke Detector (write the date on it for reference) Activate the test button to check operation of the smoke detector. Understand how to turn it off.
#8195;
o TV VCR Antenna and Switching - Review and understand the switching system that allows the selection of viewing channel on the front and rear TV. Raise the TV UHF/VHF antenna and learn how to turn on the amplifier and the DC outlet. Activate the control on the front TV that scans for local stations. Learn how to rotate the antenna to maximize the quality of the picture.
o Roof Air Vents - Test the operation of kitchen and bathroom air vents making sure they open and turn on properly (if powered). Verify that they retract and close tightly. Check any other vents for proper operation.
o Microwave - Put a cup of cold water in the microwave and set the timer for 5 minutes. The water in the cup should boil in less than 5 minutes. Make sure there are no unusual sounds coming from the Microwave.
o Propane Stove - Turn on one burner of the stovetop while the AC's and Microwave are running and the automatic igniters should cause a strong spark to light the burner. Turn on the other burners to verify that there is enough propane flow to operate the refrigerator, water heater and all the burners. If everything is OK, turn off the burners on the stove. If your unit has an oven, then understand how the pilot is lit and verify its operation now. Note: Sometimes the burner igniters interfere with the operation of the thermostats for the roof AC. This is the time to find this problem.
o Connect tow vehicle to check electric brakes, pull emergency cut-off to ensure it’s working
o Check all outside 12v running lights, including brake lights
o Have LD instruct about rear view camera and operation

ACCEPTANCE:

• If PDI fails in whole, discuss with LD possible solutions/cancellation.
• If PDI fails in part, and failures can be resolved within 24 hours, arrange for re-inspection time and date. If failures cannot be resolved within 24 hours, but unit is “liveable” until it can be returned to LD for service, negotiate date and time for return, and obtain LD written agreement of anticipated repairs.
• When you are satisfied sign the acceptance/finance papers

[shovelhead86]

That is a good PDI list. Too bad I got it 2 days late. I'm back in the campground withthe new rig. A 3791. the only problem I have found now that I am far away from dealer is my sattelite coach wiring is bad. i use a dish tailgater and I have to run the coax out the window in stead of using coach wiring. Not sure what I will do about fixing it.

[topjustice]

Originally Posted by shovelhead86

That is a good PDI list. Too bad I got it 2 days late. I'm back in the campground withthe new rig. A 3791. the only problem I have found now that I am far away from dealer is my sattelite coach wiring is bad. i use a dish tailgater and I have to run the coax out the window in stead of using coach wiring. Not sure what I will do about fixing it.

Try pushing the button behind the bedroom tv to bypass the roof antenna.

[shovelhead86]

I will try that but I theght sat and ant. wiring was separate. First thing in the morning I will try that. Thanks in advance.

[cardinal96ss]

phillyg- That's a great list. Thanks.

[shovelhead86]

i shut off the signal amplifier. but it did not help. called camping world to set up warranty service.

[mtheo]

I had same problem with Carryout G2 +. Had to run dedicated line to Tv Cabnit.

[Mikendebbie]

I have a tailgater with dish. It would not work with the sat connection in the docking station of my 2017 Laredo. (We are about to trade Laredo in on a Montana 3921FB). I had to run direct coax to the black box and bipass the sat system to make it work. When we first got the Laredo I tried an experiment - I hooked up the campground cable and signal came thru fine, which told me that the sat system had continuity but maybe the tailgater did not have enough “umphf” (highly technical term!) to get thru to the black box.

Anyway, I took unit to dealer for some warranty work and told them to check the sat wiring. They claim they found a faulty splitter and fixed it. I am about to trade this unit in on a Montana so I have not bothered to test it...don’t really care anymore. Basically I am fully expecting to need to run a direct line in my new Montana eventually. Maybe you somebody can explain the real story on “lack of umphf” in the dish tailgater system...watts, volts, amps, psi...whatever!

[AZ Traveler]

I removed the splitter from the Sat cabling which fixed the problem but the best answer is a direct cable. There is a lot of line loss for the tailgater as it goes through the wiring in the rig and the tailgater can't handle very much cable.

[shovelhead86]

I HAD A LOT OF THE SAME Problem on the old Montana. Sometimes it would work and no go the next time. i drilled a hole in the wall by the desk in the old compeer. All was fine then. I mounted a short coax with 2 male ends on it through the wall. connected to that and all was fine. I really hate to start drilling holes in the wall of a 3 day old comper.

[topjustice]

Originally Posted by shovelhead86

I HAD A LOT OF THE SAME Problem on the old Montana. Sometimes it would work and no go the next time. i drilled a hole in the wall by the desk in the old compeer. All was fine then. I mounted a short coax with 2 male ends on it through the wall. connected to that and all was fine. I really hate to start drilling holes in the wall of a 3 day old comper.

I used one of these flat coax cables in my Alpine. Ran it out the window near the TV. The window closes and the rubber window seal does the rest. Works great for a direct connection.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[WA_Steve]

Great list, thanks. It'll be very useful for our delivery next Tuesday.

[mtheo]

Problem with the Carryout and probably yours is they run the power thru the cable to operate Sat. You have to use cat6 / quad shield cable in order to carry power and not splitters.

[tooth ferry]

2014 High Country. 3 inlet hookups for tv in convenience center, labeled wrong. After many attempts at hooking up to each one I finally found the one that works and I just keep the coax hooked up to that one all the time and it works with the park cable and with my Direct tv box. Took quite a few tries to go through all the settings for antenna configuration,etc. Now park cable works easily with just resetting the tv controls and satellite is pretty easy also if we have the correct azimuth setting and reset the tv controls for the satellite antenna and box. King Cube Flex antenna I think.Sometimes up to 100 ft of coax.

[CarWin]

Definitely utilizing the "PhillyG" PDI list they posted! Most comprehensive I`ve seen posted any forum.

[Five O'clock Somewhere]

Wish I had the information above before buying my 2018 3731FL in June 2017. Dealer said to compile a punch list of any issues and they would take care them under warranty after we had use it for a few months. Six months later and Keystone had denied all warranty request noting any cosmetic issues must be noted prior to leaving the dealer lot. Love the unit layout yet very disappointed in the quality of workmanship of a unit that had a MSRP of just under $100K. I would encourage everyone to all day to go over a unit and take lots of pictures with a date stamp.

[Lin & Sylvia]

Looks like a great PDI check list. we pick up our 3121rl in late march. we are 5 hours away from dealer so we needed a thorough PDI.
2 quick questions, 1) I assume LD stands for "dealer" and 2) what does the delivery invoice do for me and what am I looking for?
Thanks again..........Lin & Sylvia

[phillyg]

Originally Posted by Lin & Sylvia

Looks like a great PDI check list. we pick up our 3121rl in late march. we are 5 hours away from dealer so we needed a thorough PDI.
2 quick questions, 1) I assume LD stands for "dealer" and 2) what does the delivery invoice do for me and what am I looking for?
Thanks again..........Lin & Sylvia

When we used the list we were buying from LD (Lazy Days). BTW, I can't take credit for the entire list since I used pieces from other lists.