I'm currently doing my research and shopping for a Class A motorhome. I am finding that many dealerships are very strict about the "Don't buy here, don't service here" policy. I understand their challenges with internet sales (which they participate in), current customer demands/issues, warranty work, etc...However, it's scary as a consumer to not know what to expect when I have service problems.Everyone seems to say that MH's have many more issues that can and will go wrong with them. If I was buying new, no question I would buy local. I agree that would be a slap in the face to that dealership if I didn't give them a shot. However, when looking for a specific coach, 1-3 years old, you have to go broad in your search.For example, I don't want to buy a MH in Florida, bring it back to PA, and find out my levelers don't work, and am told by my local dealership that I have to wait 2 months for service.I may have some work arounds. However, just curious what some of your experiences have been and what your thoughts are on this. I'm sure this has been going on since the rise of the internet sales and is a growing concern for dealers. They make more of their money on the sale vs. service (more so for MHs).Thanks!

Dealers most times get screwed by the manufacturer doing warranty work. They get paid a flat rate that can very well not cover the time they put into the repair. Not only is the repair itself time consuming, the expense of the paperwork adds up as well. So you can't blame them for being reluctant to do the work on a unit bought at a different dealership.

I purchased a new, leftover Jayco class C in Indiana back in 2007. My local dealer performed all the warranted work and I was not required to wait for an unreasonable long time. I understand from talking to Jayco, that they encourage, highly suggest their dealers to perform warranted work on units not bought at their dealerships. I was very pleased with the work performed by my local dealer.Ray

My local dealer pulled this on me, and after the Manufacturer insisted, they did work on my RV. However, one time it set for 90 days "waiting for parts" for the inverter remote. So in my experience for warranty work you will go TO THE BACK OF THE LINE. Now for work you are going to pay for yourself, they get you right in so that a $125 per hour "technician", who's last job was working the drive thru at McDonalds, can get right on your RV, so the service manager can "overreach" on the services, and squeeze you to get "all the traffic can bare".The above is just my opinion on my experiences over 14 years. I truly hope your experiences are better than mine.

I bought a new Fleetwood DP in Ohio in 2005. I had it warranty work done at several dealerships in FL and one in AZ. I never ONCE was given grief or even asked where I bought it. Most of it was minor adjustments to drawers,etc. There was one major repair on the kitchen slide (dealer billed 30 hours) and it was probably the best dealer experience. St. Augustine Camping World. RVs are meant to be traveled in. If it needs repaired it needs repaired.

Not sure where you are in PA, but I use the Keystone dealership in Greencastle . Did not buy my RV from them, they do all my work, they do it fast and with a great attitude, reasonable prices and I have never had a complaint. I have never waited longer than a week for a part. They let me know up front what the manufacturer will approve on the cost so we can talk about if it makes sense. They talk to you, often at length. I have gotten to know them personally. Love the guys there. On the other hand I have been asked by other dealers in MD when calling about service if I bought it there, so apparently some dealers do care. If you decide to go there, let me know I can drop a few names.

Dealership service challenges if buying coach elsewhere???

Belgique
Explorer
Dec 05, 2014
I've had great luck with mobile techs. My experience is that they are very well trained and, since, usually, they own the business, they are very professional. I'm having a slide fixed now and this guy is fantastic. Also a lot cheaper than a dealer and he comes to me. He does warranty work for some brands.
J-Rooster
Explorer
Dec 05, 2014
I bought a Winnebago from a Winnebago Dealer (Roy Robinson RV) and they went out of there way to please me and never complained about anything. I also gave them good ratings to Winnebago. It's a two way street!
2gypsies1
Explorer III
Dec 05, 2014
You said you'll buy used so you probably won't even have warranty issues. Therefore, you should have no problem with any repair facility wherever you are.

As full-timers, we didn't care where we bought; we just got the best price and went to that facility. We bought new and had a few minor bugs after we left the area. Other dealers that handled Newmar were very receptive in taking care of the warranty work. They knew that was our home and they got on it immediately. We were always able to stay in it after closing time.

Perhaps our good experiences was because of the Newmar manufacturer. I would hope that all manufacturers/dealers would be that good to work with.

After warranty ran out we had no more issues. Again, most problems happen during warranty and if they're taken care of repairs should be minimal and you can take it anywhere. There are even very good repairman who will come to your campground and do the repair onsite. Good luck with your purchase.
Passin_Thru
Explorer
Dec 05, 2014
To that I'd say "I've upped my income, now up your's." I'd badmouth them to everyone also.
vinniechains
Explorer
Dec 05, 2014
dougrainer wrote:
1. Your local dealer is BUSY. WHO gets prompt service? The customers that PAID the dealer for their unit. If service is not backed up, then ANY customer will be brought in as soon as possible
2. Any dealer that would tell a customer that you purchased elsewhere and will not service it has no idea about customer service. Now, a SALESMEN will tell a potential customer that you go elsewhere, then good luck getting prompt or any service under warranty. The Salesmen ARE NOT in charge of the service dept. IF the Service is busy then the usual response is "we are booked for 3 to 5 weeks".
3. NOT under warranty, the Service dept should have not put off any service work if they are not booked up.
4. There are a lot of items that warranty does NOT cover and if returned to the selling dealer, those items will be covered by that dealer. Go to another dealer and those items will be on YOUR dime.
5. MY pet peeve is the out of state dealers that did not do anything resembling a PDI and delivery because you got that great price and then drive it back and hand us a laundry list of defective items that the low ball dealer did not address or just stated to get it fixed at your local dealer. A LOT of those items are lot damage, removed parts and the OEM does NOT cover those items. So the Rv'er gets mad at the local dealer instead of that great low ball dealer. Doug

Very valid points for sure. I understand the dealers can be in a tough spot.
dougrainer
Nomad
Dec 04, 2014
1. Your local dealer is BUSY. WHO gets prompt service? The customers that PAID the dealer for their unit. If service is not backed up, then ANY customer will be brought in as soon as possible
2. Any dealer that would tell a customer that you purchased elsewhere and will not service it has no idea about customer service. Now, a SALESMEN will tell a potential customer that you go elsewhere, then good luck getting prompt or any service under warranty. The Salesmen ARE NOT in charge of the service dept. IF the Service is busy then the usual response is "we are booked for 3 to 5 weeks".
3. NOT under warranty, the Service dept should have not put off any service work if they are not booked up.
4. There are a lot of items that warranty does NOT cover and if returned to the selling dealer, those items will be covered by that dealer. Go to another dealer and those items will be on YOUR dime.
5. MY pet peeve is the out of state dealers that did not do anything resembling a PDI and delivery because you got that great price and then drive it back and hand us a laundry list of defective items that the low ball dealer did not address or just stated to get it fixed at your local dealer. A LOT of those items are lot damage, removed parts and the OEM does NOT cover those items. So the Rv'er gets mad at the local dealer instead of that great low ball dealer. Doug
Effy
Explorer II
Dec 04, 2014
WyoTraveler wrote:
The prblem with RV warranty service is OUR fault. If every RV buyer, not just a few, called manufacters and demanded they provide warranty all over U.S or not buy their product we wouldn't have these warranty problems. That is my first question. Then ask for it in writing. A few manufacturers do offer great warranty service. Not just through their dealers.

Not sure I understand your post. I don't know of any manufacturer that won't provide warranty service at any of their dealers anywhere. I know personally that Thor will let you take it any dealer, period. Does not even have to be a Thor dealer. I can take it Winnie, FR, whatever is closest and they'll cover it. I think it's the dealer who gets a little funny with respect to whether you bought it there or not. But I can't imagine any manufacturer saying they will only provide coverage where you bought it. That makes no sense. Further the chassis will have a different warranty than the house. That will be covered by Ford, Freightliner, etc. Again anywhere, not just where you bought it.
midnightsadie
Explorer II
Dec 04, 2014
if your any where close to deerfield ohio? we have a fantastic mom/pop dealer here they have been great to us ,fast work and done right. even the owner is involved in repairs.
WyoTraveler
Explorer
Dec 04, 2014
The prblem with RV warranty service is OUR fault. If every RV buyer, not just a few, called manufacters and demanded they provide warranty all over U.S or not buy their product we wouldn't have these warranty problems. That is my first question. Then ask for it in writing. A few manufacturers do offer great warranty service. Not just through their dealers.
lj2654
Explorer
Dec 04, 2014
Some of the smaller dealerships don't have the manpower to work on everyone's coachers and prefer to work on only what they sell, or make you leave it and wait.

I personally bought my DP from a private seller and have had no issues having repairs done at three shops, two did extended warranty work for me.