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ford_truck_guy's avatar
Apr 24, 2015

Buying online wholesale-service local

Really trying to decide on buying a Cedar Creek 38RD from Jeff Couch's RV Nation , but hesitant because of local service...
Local folks cannot come close to the dollars , if I pull the trigger , it would be close to $9,000.00 savings to me.
I called local service folks and said I was being transferred for work , and would they be able to become my home service facility... Was told by BOTH dealers close that they will NOT work on any trailer they do not sell..
This has me concerned... What do you all do ????
  • We bought from a dealer 2000 miles away from us.
    They got us in tour with the Forest River rep found out brand, that found us a number of local dealers that would doing the warranty work.
    Never had an issue.
    one didn't ever need sell FR products.
  • Ran into this a time or two over the years.

    30 years military here - we didn't have an option to buy local and then stay local - we moved all the time. Often made me angry.

    Not much you can do about it. I chose not to give them my business.
  • I just recently bought a TT from a local dealer. I am quickly coming to the conclusion that it makes no difference where I bought it from, my chances of getting service are slim to nil. I am happy with what I paid, but next time I wont hesitate to shop the wholesalers. I'm gonna end up fixing everything myself anyways.
  • Understand the issue is real. However give the local guys a chance to match or come close if the refuse take a ride for the savings. Use mobile or independent guys eor warranty work. You may have to pay them first and get reimbursed but they are alternatives to your local dealers
  • mlts22 wrote:
    I don't know any dealers who will do warranty work unless the RV was purchased from that shop. The only exception is Camping World, which is a big plus in my book.

    On the other hand, if the RV maker's factory is close by, it may be worth going that route.


    I bought my Fleetwood in Ohio. I took it to at least five different dealers while under warranty and all were glad to work on it.

    I was never asked once where I bought it.

    I grant that busy northern dealers who are jammed all summer will give their customers preferential treatment.
  • I don't know any dealers who will do warranty work unless the RV was purchased from that shop. The only exception is Camping World, which is a big plus in my book.

    On the other hand, if the RV maker's factory is close by, it may be worth going that route.
  • If your close to the factory or their repair facility you won't need a dealer for warranty or service. Better quality workmanship and less expensive labor rate.
  • I bought out of state and never had any issues with getting non selling dealers doing warranty work. But I never asked if they would. I just called and made appts.

    What are you supposed to do when your traveling on vacation and something breaks?

    Go home?

    I agree. Call factory and ask. I'm guessing any of their dealers will service it.
  • We bought from RV Wholesalers a few years back. There were a couple RV repair places around us (not dealers). Contacted the manufacturer and gave them the repair place name and owner, and they gave approval for warranty work. We paid $10,000 less this way instead of the local ripoff dealer.
  • Since the maker of the RV warrants it, not the dealer, you should contact them and ask them where you should take it for warranty service. Some dealers choose not to do warranty work for units they do not sell because it is a loser for them and they have no obligation to do so. This is not the auto industry. Most reputable RV service centers will gladly do non warranty work for paying customers.

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