freightliner service vs RV dealer

I agree with "Freightliner"...

Let the Freightliner folks fix it. Much more confidence in their abilities than an RV dealer and likely to get it back sooner

Very common. It's sort of unfortunate, but freightliner would be the experts....

I agree with what others have said, I would have the Freightliner fix that problem. As a matter of fact, we had the exact same problem with our motorhome when we purchased it last spring. I did indeed take it to the Freightliner dealer and they had it fixed in no time at all.

Ed Headington
2014 Newmar Ventana LE

Freightliner dealer/service center or someone authorized by them "in writing" to make your repair. In general an Rv dealer is the last place for chassis work while under warranty.

bass n bob wrote:
I'm new to the DP world having previously owned a gasser. I took my new DP back to the dealer for some minor warranty issues. One of the issues was that the turn signal would not hold in a right turn mode unless you held the arm up. The dealer told me I would have to take it to a freightliner service center for the repair as this was a chassis issue. Is this a normal response to issues involving the chassis? I could understand it if it was a major problem but it seems crazy to me that the dealer can't fix a little problem like this and now I have to drive hours to the nearest Freightliner shop.
Appreciate the thoughts of you experienced DP'ers.
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Yup, it's normal. The dealers don't have certified mechanics on the payroll. They have RV repair guys that maybe can work on the components in the house if you're lucky. Some will go oil and filter changes on a Freightliner, but anything over that and you're going to the Freightliner facility. They probably should have told you that when you bought it if they didn't. The very first time I brought my RV back with a punchlist of items, the dealer fixed some and then the dealer took it to Freightliner for the other items, one of which was the turn signals not working at all.

One of the hardest things you will find with your new rig is who made that part, whatever that part happens to be. Obviously, when you get a problem with a cabinet door, it's the coach maker's issue. Likewise, a brake problem is the chassis builder you go to. Things like your signal get a bit harder to sort out. Never the less, the guys who made it are the most knowledgeable, best equipped and your best choice when dealing with your rig. My experience in over 200,000 miles driving class A's is that almost all dealers want you out the door after you leave your money, and don't come back. They are poor troubleshooters, slow workers and in a number of cases, outright lairs. This applies to coach or chassis repairs. Regardless who's doing the work, I watch it being done or go elsewhere, even if I have to stand in the door in the rain.

I know this is a very negative attitude toward most repair shops, but it is solely based on my experience. I cannot tell you how many times I have seen poor work, jobs partly done and outright lies that I've had to take the service writer by the hand and show him the issue and then listen to the studderings and more lies. That's why I do as much of my own work as I can. Just the facts of life as I've had demonstrated to me.

I would make sure it is covered under the chassis warranty before taking it to Freightliner-If any questions contact the manufacturer or Freightliner directly.
FYI- they have been great helping me with my 10 year old Bounder.
I agree I would go to Freightliner with certified tech's than a dealerships tech's. not all dealer ship tech's are bad- some are great but I would hedge my bet. JMHO

I wouldn't want the incompetent idiots at the typical RV dealer touching anything on my engine or chassis.
Although a Freightliner shop would be best, especially if you want warranty coverage; any good truck shop should be able to fix it.
If you're a half way capable DIY'er, invest in the Freightliner Service Manual, and you can fix many of those simple issues yourself in 15 mins, or find which part to order.

If the dealer is honest enough to tell you to take it to FL (most aren't) then I would do so.