The PROFIT needs to check his own backyard

Maybe there is an opportunity here - - - -

I hear a lot of horror stories about RVs, especially new ones.

Maybe some of y'all experienced and mechanical types should start a service. Say, $100 for a complete and thorough inspection - road test, walk-around, and overnight at a campground. This service would include a complete, comprehensive report. Obviously, the new owner would not finalize the transaction until the comprehensive inspection is complete.

Just a thought - - - -

Joe T.

Somethings do not show up on the PDI, only when you actually start traveling and using the MH. After our first campout, we had a list of things that needed repair, or adjustment. I kiddingly said to the tech that we had purchased a "training MH" and he said, oh, this is nothing, you should see the problems on the $500,000+ on the MH that just came in for service, the same day. But both the dealer and Fleetwood stood behind our problems.

When I purchased my first camper, which was a pop-up, we looked at several. Common sense told me that if I could see daylight under the spot where the bed met the wall, there was something wrong! And when the door would not shut right (because it was bound), the RV dealer tried to tell me it's because it wasn't sitting perfectly level (which it looked level to me on that asphalt parking lot), and the canvas material was guitar string tight with no give ... um ... it didn't take much to figure out, I needed to walk!

Just because someone is a first time buyer does not necessarily mean a little common sense can spare them a lot of grief later. Unfortunately, common sense does not exist any more!

Jim wrote:
Interesting. He suggests people do their homework, but obviously didn't himself.

He likely did not do any homework but I for one wouldn't pick on him as I did none also before my first. I feel like I was quite lucky. However I know plenty including forum friends that have purchased their first with no homework and were not so lucky.

he might look into the lemon laws in his state.

Sometimes its not only the construction, but the components used. To keep things light, a lot of RV stuff seems junky. Diesels typically with superior weight carrying capabilities seem to be better off as normal parts are often used.

I feel for this guy and the family but have to ask a couple of questions.

First a statement. Yes, everyone should do homework before buying an expensive system of any type, including this guy.

Aren't there many people that are happy with a Thor Ace and Camping World Sales?

Did this guy do a PDI with CW? If so, weren't these faults found? I would not have driven off with some of those faults.

What did CW say at PDI about fixing these items? I am beginning to think that no PDI was done or it was no more than a cursory walk through.

Did the guy do a shakedown outing in the driveway or a local CG?

Did this guy contact CW after discovering these issues? What are they now doing to correct these issues?

I agree with the guy, educate yourself on purchase and procedures in taking delivery (PDI) and shaking down your new, very expensive toy.

While CW owes a thorough PDI and fixes, it is also the receivers job to help walk through all systems on the lot and at a shakedown outing.

Mile High wrote:
Don't know if anyone was following this - its cute but sad, and probably reflects some of our experiences with CW.

Thor by Thor

and a follow up

Thors follow up

this is the second video I watched today that had horrible overriding music in the background. why?
bumpy

Interesting. He suggests people do their homework, but obviously didn't himself.

Twelve years ago I spent a solid year researching RVs online before ever committing to one of the three brands I'd narrowed it down to (Fleetwood Bounder on a Freightliner chassis, diesel). Thor didn't make the cut. Also joined iRV2 and this forum lurking & learning over that time. All the while running my own business. So it's not like I had all the time in the world to research.

Did learn before purchase that Camping World is never to be trusted for service ever. And not the best place to buy because of the the poor service.

So yes, I agree, you should do your homework before purchase. One easy trick you can use these days is go to google and just type in "Complaints about Thor ACE", which just now brought up a link with 144 complaints. A good read for someone considering the product (I use it for nearly all purchases over $100). It gives an idea of the types of problems certain brands have and if they're willing and able to handle the typical problems the brand has on the road.

Everyone needs a little luck with these big machines but doing your homework is the best way to avoid most common problems.

I think all of us could make a video much like the one above, regardless of manufacturer or dealer.