Just bought our first motorhome (Checklist for walkthrough question)

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jtlaurence

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Jan 28, 2013
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We just bought a 2013 Winnebago Itasca Sunstar 35B yesterday.  It is our first motorhome, and we are really excited to pick it up on Wednesday after our "walk through".  Does anyone have a checklist for all the things I should be looking for (Or a list of things we should have them go over with us?)

Thanks!  Excited to be a part of this community!


-Jason
 
Try this link, very detailed...
http://www.rvlifestyle.net/id20.html

Whatever list you use, send a copy to the dealer and tell them this is what you will be checking.
Don't let them rush you, you are the customer.....
 
That link is only for a trailer or 5th wheel. Add another long list for a motorized unit.  All the switches on the dash board...what are they for and do they work. Driving related parts.. speed control, steering, brakes  and on and on. 

  Of course if the new owner has a good amount of technical experience from the past all this may not be a daunting task.
 
Congratulations on the new addition to the family!  We own a Winnebago Vista 35F which we purchased last August.  It is the equivalent without the Bunk setup. We went to Winnebago's factory in Forest City, Iowa to see how they are constructed.  We were extremely impressed with the quality control and post manufacturing testing of all the systems, plumbing, electrical and water leak testing.  We looked at competitive manufacturers products and frankly didn't see the quality or attention to detail in a comparably priced unit.  We have had our unit out 3 times and absolutely love it.  I had never driven a motor home not even a test drive before we jumped in with both feet.  I was amazed at how easily it handled.  In fact we drove thru a construction zone which was down to 2 opposing lanes separated by orange cones.  Admittedly I was nervous as it was my first driving experience.  Sailed through 30 plus miles and it was a little windy with no problems.  What really surprised me is how easily I was cruising along at 65 mph and didn't realize it.  We liked the idea of bunk beds, but since it is just the two of us we opted for the longer living room galley slide with 3 windows instead of the  3rd bunk slide.  We noticed that the bunk slide shortened the indoor living area and the length of the outside awning.  So it was a better fit for us.  We still almost went with the bunk model for additional inside storage area tho.  When you think about it, you probably don't have much more invested that you would if you bought a new optioned up Cadillac Escalade or Suburban which don't get much better mileage and are difficult to camp in. lol
 
keocera said:
Congratulations on the new addition to the family!  We own a Winnebago Vista 35F which we purchased last August.  It is the equivalent without the Bunk setup. We went to Winnebago's factory in Forest City, Iowa to see how they are constructed.  We were extremely impressed with the quality control and post manufacturing testing of all the systems, plumbing, electrical and water leak testing.  We looked at competitive manufacturers products and frankly didn't see the quality or attention to detail in a comparably priced unit.  We have had our unit out 3 times and absolutely love it.  I had never driven a motor home not even a test drive before we jumped in with both feet.  I was amazed at how easily it handled.  In fact we drove thru a construction zone which was down to 2 opposing lanes separated by orange cones.  Admittedly I was nervous as it was my first driving experience.  Sailed through 30 plus miles and it was a little windy with no problems.  What really surprised me is how easily I was cruising along at 65 mph and didn't realize it.  We liked the idea of bunk beds, but since it is just the two of us we opted for the longer living room galley slide with 3 windows instead of the  3rd bunk slide.  We noticed that the bunk slide shortened the indoor living area and the length of the outside awning.  So it was a better fit for us.  We still almost went with the bunk model for additional inside storage area tho.  When you think about it, you probably don't have much more invested that you would if you bought a new optioned up Cadillac Escalade or Suburban which don't get much better mileage and are difficult to camp in. lol
We got a great deal.  The dealer took $30,000 off the sticker price.  My dad was with me, and he has many years experience buying motorhomes, so with his help, I was able to strong arm them down to $111,000 for it.  We couldn't pass that deal up.  We have our walkthrough tomorrow, and we have a 4 day trip planned to pismo beach starting this Sunday. (Get up there just in time to watch the Super Bowl).

It's good to hear that you were impressed with the quality.  That was one thing I was worried about.  Any issues in your first year?

Thanks!
 
In this forum "newcomers" read the postings and replies  to: "1 year old winni class a vs new."  I posted a reply there that you will find interesting. 
 
Yes it appears you got a good price.  The bunk model is a few thousand dollars more than the F model and you got a 2013 as opposed to our 2012. 
 

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