theoldwizard1 wrote:
laknox wrote:
I had a Jayco on my short list, and I called IN and asked them directly about an out of state purchase and local (non)service. They said that they'd have no problems using an independent RV service tech for warranty issues if the local dealer wouldn't take care of me in a timely manner.
I find that hard to believe !
The metro Detroit area used to have dozens of RV dealers before the recession. Now there are very few. General RV is by far the biggest, but "in season" it is not unusual to have to wait weeks to get an appointment. And I don't know of any independent places I would go either.
(Camping World in Belleville order and installed the wrong slide out awning/cover. The first time they used it, it pulled out of its mounts. When they took it back, they said, "Why did you buy the wrong awning/cover ?" Pluse, there was a flaw in the material. Not a recommend repair facility.)
I
don't find that hard to believe!
There are dealers and then there are dealers. Some good, some bad, some just plain ugly!
Ex: One dealer, all three (G-B-U) "represented".
Large dealership in So.CA - sells Jayco & other brands. DW and self went there to *look*. Friendly folks, but you must sign in - even to look. OK - sign in as Chuck Roast. Nice, well dressed (w/ tie)) youg guy takes us out on the lot to see the (only two) Jaycos in stock.
No problem (with him) to wait outside while we look inside.
When we were done, I ask about a mid-year floor plan that was on the Jayco web site. He doesn't know about any new models. Suggest he go to the site & see for himself.
"Oh no - I can't do that, we have a computer person or that!"
OK - ask the computer person to look.
"He's off today". - Well, thanks for your time, and adios!
Was willing to go cross country (if need be) to order from "Wholesaler". Searched the internet, found dealer in Montana - who offered the same price. (ordered, & paid $500 deposit).
Drove from CA to MT when 5th came in. Dealer had a mobile RV tech do the PDI with us. (we did miss two small items, more on that later).
Stayed on dealers lot for one night, then to local campground for a week. Glitch - this (new to me) electric rear stabilizer is not working. Same mobile RV tech came out, showed the dummy where the switch was. (no charge, of course).
Jayco had a two year warranty (never needed). We had stayed at casino campground in Vegas - Jayco dealer across the road. I walked across to chat with the salesman & the service dept.
Salesman: QC at factory is not what it should be, and buyers want lots of little (simple) items taken care of, which they could do themselves - that should have been caught by the factory -or- on the PDI.
(laughingly said all the mfgrs should furnish a basic tool kit with the RV).
Agreed - my two "fixits" I missed on the PDI - missing door glide for the bottom of the pocket (b/rm) door. About 5 min of my time and $2.50 out of my pocket. One of the recliners was missing a "color coordinated" part for/of the foot rest. Called dealer, he mailed it to me. Another 5 min of my time......but probably would have sat on a dealer's lot for a week waiting for the part from the factory.
When I was at that "other" dealer in Vegas, I went to the service dept and asked about repairs for/on a unit that they *didn't* sell. After some hemming and hawing (service their sales first, etc.) - they admitted they would do warranty repairs in order received.
RV Shows:
Observation. There may be several dealers of whatever brand in the area. However, only *one* will be at the RV show. The one and only paid to participate - and to offer you "show specials".
Usually, the dealers who didn't pay to participate will beat the show specials, especially if you are willing to *order* the RV, you will for sure receive a better price/deal.
But, if ya gotta have it now......
BTW - better "then" - than "now"?
Same QC story (stories) when I purchased my first MH in 1970 and my first TT in 1975.
Bottom line, RV purchase is *NOT* like buying a car or truck - and never will be!..:W
~
