Forum Discussion

rblake39's avatar
rblake39
Explorer
Sep 18, 2015

What questions to ask?

We are headed to the hershey RV show tomorrow morning. I am compiling a list of questions to ask the factory reps, not the salesmen, that are there. My main question for them is if they will ok a mobile service company to do warranty work as we will not have a truck to tow the fifth wheel for a while. And we will be living in it and don't want to give it to a dealer for weeks at a time. What other questions are important to ask the reps? Thanks.
  • what material do they use for roofs of their RVs. If rubgber (EPDM) Run forest , Run.
    bumpy
  • I would ask the reps if the rig was designed and constructed with full time use in mind.
  • The factory reps we talked with at our first rv show in Pomona, California, just repeated what the salesmen said. They told us just what we wanted to hear. They were there to sell just like the dealers were. That certainly doesn't mean all the factory reps are that way. Perhaps it was only the few that we talked to.
  • korbe wrote:
    I would ask the reps if the rig was designed and constructed with full time use in mind.


    ^^^Yes, this. Some manufacturers will say they will not warrant under full time use.

    If there are any upgrades you want (such as a second battery if it comes with only one) or a power awning versus a standard manual one, ask the factory rep if they will throw it in free or at cost.

    The factory rep we worked with comped us an electric tongue jack, a bbq setup and electric stabilizers on our ViewFinder when we ordered it at the Hershey Show a few years back.
  • I would have already done my research regarding construction methods that would work best for my use: insulated(and level); metal vs wood framing; interior finishes such as MDR/plywood veneer cabinets vs solid or mostly wood; interior lighting with LED bulbs vs incandescent; how and with what the electrical system was manufactured and same for the heating and plumbing system.
    This would enable me to have a conversation on the mechanical systems without being blinded by stuff like layouts and how pretty the cabinetry/paint finish/wallpaper looks.

    I don't see factory reps as having a different end game from salespeople although they are probably more knowledgeable about construction.

    Have fun @ Hersey!
  • I think I'd like to see it in writing that they would accept a mobile service. Don't take their word for it. All they want to do is sell it to you.

    Why not consider a used unit if you're not going to tow it anywhere. Then you won't have any issues with a mobile service?
  • Thanks all. My GF wants new. Can't talk her out of it. Plus we like the rear entertainment/rear living with the mid bunk. I believe that floor plan is new for this year. If I'm wrong, let me know.
  • look beneath the glitz and glamour at the meaningful things. drawer construction, tongue and groove or just stapled. real veneer or shelf liner material, etc.
    bumpy
  • Just understand that no one you talk with will have the authority to guarantee anything other than what's in the warranty documents.

    I go to shows to look at the construction up close and see what floor plans appeal.
  • Hershey is a great place to make your purchase. The prices there are not available after the show. And their sale prices still have room for extras. The factory reps can be very helpful but if it's not in weighting it does not exists. You can get the price there and place your order for what you like and pick it up later. We had ours delivered to a local Camping World. Worked for us. We bought our TT there.