Prior to arriving to pick up your RV, enlist the dealer’s assistance in installation of any towing apparatus required.  If you are planning to transfer items from a former RV to the current one (for example, tow plug wiring, satellite dish, washer/dryer or CB radio), clearly explain your intentions to the selling dealer.  Upon your arrival, arrange for a thorough walk around, leaving plenty of time for you to take notes and ask questions.  If items were transferred, perform a test sequence to confirm everything is in working order.

There’s a lot to learn.  Avoid getting bogged down in small details.  Instead, focus on the main points of operation, such as operating slide outs, turning on the lights, how to work the levelers and step-by-step instructions on the electrical and plumbing systems.  Physically move the valves, turn switches on and off, extend and retract the awnings.  When towing a travel trailer, fifth wheel or passenger car, make sure you learn to hook, as well as how to unhook the tow hitch before driving off down the road. 

Each unit built by Monaco Coach Corporation is equipped with one, and sometimes two, information boxes, usually located in a galley or living room overhead cabinet.  Inside the information box you will find the vehicle owner’s manual detailing information on care and operation of the RV.  Individual appliance and component manuals, as well as warranty cards for assorted systems, are also provided.   Read the vehicle owner’s manual to help you better understand the RV.  A detailed index at the back of the manual is also provided for quick reference.

Protective coverings may have been added to guard your vehicle against damage during shipping.  Clear plastic sheeting over the windshield, mud flap, furniture and interior carpet is installed for temporary use only and can be removed after you have taken delivery.

Take a short road trip to get acquainted with your new RV.  Some items you will need for this brief excursion are a potable hose, water pressure regulator, sewer hose and clamps, 30 - 15 Amp adaptors and holding tank deodorizer.  During the shake down cruise you should acquaint yourself with all the individual systems in the RV.  Upon your return, make an appointment with the selling dealer to go over any follow up questions you may have.  Until you have had time to sterilize the fresh water tank and install filters, if necessary, use bottled water for drinking purposes.

Weigh each wheel position after the vehicle is fully loaded with fuel and fluids, and all passengers are on board.  This will help you to determine the vehicle weight with all the options so you can calculate the cargo carrying capacity before loading the RV.