20 things to find out from your rv dealer

20 THINGS TO FIND OUT
FROM YOUR RV DEALER
CONGRATULATIONS!
If you’re thinking about visiting a dealership you
must be getting close to purchasing a new RV—very
exciting stuff. By now, you may have spent hours
online researching or perusing forums to see what
others are saying, maybe you’ve even consulted
some RVing pals. All are important parts of the buying
process to be sure, but the single most important
step in finding the ideal RV is seeing them in living
color and your local dealer is the best place for this.
A visit to your local RV dealer typically starts with
basic questions from the salesperson about your tow
vehicle—if you plan to go the towable route—and
your budget. Collaborate with your dealer to find
models that are within your budget and balance the
features that would be nice to have with those you
can’t live without.
Regardless of your budget, priorities or how you plan
to use your new RV, covering the following topics
as the visit progresses will help you make a highlyinformed buying decision. So, relax. No need to
stress. A visit to your local dealer is an opportunity to
tap into their expertise and to see for yourself what
different brands have to offer. Armed with the right
guidance, you’ll be driving off the lot with the ideal RV
for you before you know it.
YOUR BEST CHANCE
TO LEARN ABOUT THE
OH-SO-IMPORTANT
“UNSEEN”
This is your home away from home. You deserve
the assurance that your RV is going to withstand the
elements while you enjoy the journey, and much of
it is rooted in the things you can’t necessarily see.
Selecting the right options will certainly add to the
experience your RV provides, but the overall durability,
consistency of comfort, and resale or trade-in value of
your RV lies in its fundamental construction elements.
The best, and in many cases the only, chance to learn
some key details about the RV’s construction is at the
dealership. So, take this opportunity to ask questions.
Flip switches and feel materials and construction
features with your own hands.
FOCUS ON THE BELOW
KEY AREAS AS YOU DO:
FRAMES
Frames should be exclusively manufactured for each floorplan—eliminating stretching that can compromise the
foundation. Outriggers should extend all the way to the wall and be spaced no more than six feet apart. Wear
comfortable clothing for your RV dealer trip and take a peak underneath the unit to see for yourself.
UNDERBELLY
Inquire about how the underbelly is secured to the frame and the materials it’s comprised of. Simply screwing
it to the frame can create gaps and inconsistencies. Also, ask about any additional insulation that’s added.
WALLS
There are two choices here: laminate or conventionally built walls, also referred to as “stick and tin.”
Conventional walls use a wood frame and aluminum siding—you’ll see the ribs on the exterior of units.
Laminate walls are constructed with a welded aluminum frame and high-gloss fiberglass exterior siding.
Laminate walls create a durable structure designed to withstand heavy use and travel but conventionally
built walls are proven and have a lower price tag.
FRONT CAP
In travel, the front cap takes the brunt of the body’s wear and tear. The fewer seams and screws the fewer
the opportunities for it to crack, leak, fail or show its age.
ROOF
The roof endures a great amount of exposure to the elements. Ask what’s special about the exterior material,
but also find out what’s inside the roof. Has the manufacturer done testing to see how much weight it can
handle? Even if you never set foot on top of the unit, this is indicative of its overall strength.
INSULATION
Ask if any testing has been done or extra steps taken by the builder like adding Astro-Foil™ to better insulate
your unit. Learning about the materials that are used to insulate the unit will give you an accurate depiction of
how it will sustain in warm or cool climates.
WHEEL WELLS
Wood-based wheel wells will not react well to moisture if there is even the smallest crack in their plastic
sheeting. Look for rust-resistant, metal-based wheel wells to avoid costly repairs down the line.
FLOORS
Many floors are built with oriented strand board (OSB) because it’s cheaper. Plywood, however, is generally
10% more firm, translating to more durability and value retention. Also inquire about any insulation added
during the construction of floors.
SHOWER
Drain and piping wear is a common and expensive issue because some shower floors aren’t sufficiently
supported. Stand in the shower, even jump up and down, to see how sturdy it is.
CABINETRY
Look for consistency in materials and paneling. Also look for how those pieces are assembled. Glue is not as
resistant to moisture and temperature changes as other methods. Also, pull out drawers to see how far they
open and ask how much weight they can hold.
SLIDEOUTS
Slideouts built with the actual wall that was cut from the unit during production offer a consistent seal when
they are not extended. Also, ensure that care is taken to form and attach slideout endwalls; they are just as
important as any other walls in the unit.
SAFETY
Look for seatbelts in every seating location within motorized RVs. Also ask about air brakes on motorhomes
and anti-sway systems on towables. Think about campsite safety as well—look for locking mechanisms,
privacy features and propane and carbon monoxide detectors.
TOWABILITY AND HANDLING
Whether you’re driving or pulling your RV, you’ll want to know the manufacturer has built in elements that
support a smooth ride. Inquire about additional steps the manufacturer takes to this end, for instance:
self-adjusting brakes, a balanced driveshaft and rear air suspension on motorhomes; and vibration dampening
at the hitch and sway command prep on towables. If you’re looking at motorized units, DO NOT pass up the
opportunity to take a test drive.
STORAGE
It can be difficult to get a feel for how much space an RV provides online or in print. Take this chance to
explore all the storage space with a vision of what you travel with in mind.
OTHER IMPORTANT
FACTORS TO CONSIDER
The dealer may be your point person for purchasing
the unit, but understanding the values, history and
reputation of the manufacturer that’s built your future
RV provides valuable insight into the products you’re
exploring. You may be able to find some of this
information online, but getting candid answers from a
dealer on these topics will give you a feel for the brand
and people behind it.
WARRANTY
Most manufacturers offer coverage for one year. Anything longer than that is a key indicator of the
manufacturer’s confidence in their product.
HISTORY
How long has the manufacturer been in business? Years of learnings and capably adjusting designs and
manufacturing processes to changing customer demands speak volumes.
OWNERSHIP STRUCTURE
Is the manufacturer publicly or privately owned? Both have their pros and cons. Find out how the dealer feels
about it and if their business practices have changed along with ownership.
RELATIONSHIPS
Ask the dealer why they choose to work with the manufacturer and what they like most about them.
How they answer can give insight into what drives a manufacturer. Is it a laser-focus on the bottom line or
providing RVers a top-notch product?
AWARDS
Industry organizations like the National RV Dealers Association (RVDA) and the RV Hall of Fame hand out
accolades to manufacturers annually. RV and camping publications have theirs too, in addition to readers’
choice selections.
WORKFORCE/MANUFACTURING PROCESSES
An experienced workforce can be a strong indicator of quality and consistency. Also, dealers often have
exposure to manufacturing processes. See if they know of any unique or innovative practices in the factory.
Now that you know what to talk about when you’re on the lot, find your
closest Jayco dealer, take a deep breath and relax.
FIND A DEALER
www.Jayco.com