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???

Big_Katuna
Explorer II
Dec 04, 2014
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.
Norm___Deb
Explorer
Dec 04, 2014
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.
Raymon
Explorer
Dec 04, 2014
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
rrupert
Explorer
Dec 04, 2014
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.

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Dealership service challenges if buying coach elsewhere???

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