You made a deal! Now what?!

After purchasing a new RV, don't expect to drive it off the lot same-day! RVs go through a process called PDI (pre-delivery inspection) before they're ready for you to take home. This process can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days, depending on the dealership.

Testing the RV

You may expect the RV to be turnkey ready after PDI is complete, but be sure to look over the rig with a fine-tune comb. Go through the process of opening and closing cabinets and drawers, converting tables into beds, extending and retracting the slideouts, and testing all appliances and systems. (This includes turning the heat all the way up and the a/c all the way down.)

You should also test all of these systems without being pluged into "shore power" (meaning the RV's battery should be able to power everything). This will also test the inverter to ensure it can handle the load it's supposed to.

Getting an RV inspection

Hiring an RV inspector isn't a bad idea, though this is more common when purchasing a used RV. They can help you identify any issues that may have been overlooked during the PDI process. You'll need to hire them separately, but it can save headaches down the road.

Most RV service departments are booked up months in advance, so if you find any issues, you'll want to get them fixed before you leave the dealership.

Next steps

Once you've driven the RV off the lot, it's time to have some fun! We've put together some recommendations to help make the most of your new RV.

1. Apps & services - helpful things when you're on the road
2. Campgrounds and RV parks - finding places to stay
3. RV accessories - everything you'll wish you had on your first trip