Experiences with RV Wholesalers?

I didn't buy my trailer from RVW, but I did purchase from another large Ohio dealer. They don't have "wholesale" in their name, but for the savings I am seeing compared to local (Washington State) dealers, they sure seem like wholesale to me. I will end up saving about $7,000-$8,000 on the deal, that is AFTER having it shipped 2500 miles.
The long-distance deal has been outstanding so far. Customer service at the Ohio dealer has been great. There was a conversation about the add-ons (warranty, paint protection, etc.) but no high pressure. They videotaped the walk through and will do a PDI with the hauler. Yes, I paid in full before receiving the unit but I expected that. Of course, they are not going to release it to be shipped to me without it being paid for.
I will receive the trailer in about a week. Sure, I'll be holding my breath a little until then, but all in all, I am comfortable with the choice I made to buy remotely and take a couple of calculated risks... Will let you know if I feel the same in a week or so.

Dean

there are thousands of posts here, about RVW.
lots of info by using the search feature.

one of the owners, Dave Durnell, posts quite often on Forest River Forums and resolves many customer issues there.

based on seeing thousands of postive posts here, about RVW and his posts on FRF, i'd buy from them in a second if i was in the market.

turkii wrote:
Does anyone have any first hand experience with RV Wholesalers in Ohio? (Online at http://www.rvwholesalers.com)

Their prices are significantly lower than a local dealer on same models with same options even when adding in the delivery charge; but I am slightly nervous about buying from a dealer 8 hours away from me.

Haven't bought from them (Ohio) - but...

Don't be fooled by the 'Wholesalers' name!
Shop your 'wholesalers' deal around to dealers closer to you.
Maybe someone will meet -or come real close- to their price.

I traveled a lot farther than 8 hours away to purchase, from a
dealer who was closer than the 'wholesalers' - but same price.
(I would do it all again - inc'l same dealer!)

Warranty.
Had a two year warranty I never needed.
"Better service" from a "local dealer" - is hogwash..:R
What about when you're on a trip 3K miles away from your local dealer?

IMO - do your homework & research.
Decide what is best for you.

~

willald wrote:
As already said, this discussion frequently boils down to a 'debate' over the importance of a local dealer for warranty/service support. Some dealers will do warranty service on units they did not sell, others may either refuse, put you at the bottom of their list, or insist you pay for such repairs and get reimbursement from the factory yourself.

There is something to be said for buying from a local dealer, and the benefits that gives you. However, when the price difference is several thousand $$....I'm not sure buying local is worth all that.

We seriously considered buying from a company very similar to this, RVDirect.com, when we bought our MH. I wasn't too concerned about service, we have several options around here to take care of that.

The big concern and deal-breaker for me: If you are having one ordered from the factory (not buying an in stock unit), they (RV Direct) will require you to sign all papers, pay ALL $$, basically own (and insure) the unit 100%, before you even SEE it. You could potentially show up on delivery day, and your new RV could be a complete and total wreck. They'd have zero liability or motivation to do anything to fix it, either, since you already own it.

For me, that was just too big a risk. When I'm sinking this much $$ into something, I'm going to look it over with my own 2 eyes, in person, test everything out, etc. BEFORE I sign on the dotted line for it.

Anyway, not sure if RV Wholesalers is the same way or not, but make certain you read ALL the paperwork, fine print, etc. and are OK with all of it before you commit to it. I was not.

From my experience, rv wholesales is NOT that way at all (I'm shocked to hear that's the RVDirect process). We put a deposit down long distance (about $1k) when we ordered (not stock - made to order), but didn't sign anything other than the purchase agreement until the day we arrived to pick it up.

As already said, this discussion frequently boils down to a 'debate' over the importance of a local dealer for warranty/service support. Some dealers will do warranty service on units they did not sell, others may either refuse, put you at the bottom of their list, or insist you pay for such repairs and get reimbursement from the factory yourself.

There is something to be said for buying from a local dealer, and the benefits that gives you. However, when the price difference is several thousand $$....I'm not sure buying local is worth all that.

We seriously considered buying from a company very similar to this, RVDirect.com, when we bought our MH. I wasn't too concerned about service, we have several options around here to take care of that.

The big concern and deal-breaker for me: If you are having one ordered from the factory (not buying an in stock unit), they (RV Direct) will require you to sign all papers, pay ALL $$, basically own (and insure) the unit 100%, before you even SEE it. You could potentially show up on delivery day, and your new RV could be a complete and total wreck. They'd have zero liability or motivation to do anything to fix it, either, since you already own it.

For me, that was just too big a risk. When I'm sinking this much $$ into something, I'm going to look it over with my own 2 eyes, in person, test everything out, etc. BEFORE I sign on the dotted line for it.

Anyway, not sure if RV Wholesalers is the same way or not, but make certain you read ALL the paperwork, fine print, etc. and are OK with all of it before you commit to it. I was not.

We bought ours from RV Wholesalers in 2006. Couldn't be happier. Saved over $6K from local dealers.

The local dealers had ZERO trailers in stock like we wanted. They would have to order one, just as we did, then charge me $6K for the effort??? Uh, no.

As for the FACTORY warranty, don't believe a local dealer if they tell you (as they did us) that they would service trailers they sold, and not others. I walked directly over to the service department after being told that by a salesman. The service manager said that's a bunch of $%@&, and they'd gladly do ANY work on ANY trailer, especially factory authorized work!

When there was recall work on our fridge, the local dealership that doesn't even sell Rockwoods, did the work, no questions asked.

I do try to buy locally, but giving them an extra $6K is ridiculous.

For most trailers, that warranty is only for one year anyway. Some do offer 2 year warranties.

After the one or two years, you're on your own anyway. If there is an independent RV repair facility nearby, after one or two years it's a moot point. Besides, most of the appliances, etc are covered by the appliance manufacturer, and you don't have to go through the original dealer, as long as the independent RV repair shop is authorized to work on the particular appliance.

popupcamping wrote:
If you can't fix the things that go wrong with a trailer yourself you should buy local. Because you are probably guaranteed the local dealer will have an attitude about fixing stuff.
Tons of stuff will likely need re screwed, refastened, tightened, sealed, rehung,adjusted just to start. You need to be able to do these things all on your own and not get upset about it.

Major things are generally covered under their own warranty (fridges, a/c's, axles) and generally these things are likely to fail while on the road, therefore your "local" dealer may be of no help.

plus the fact the warranty is generally only 1 year I wouldn't worry about it.

I, personally will be driving from NB to Indiana when my new Rockwood Roo 183 is purchased ;)

From what I've read, they have a good reputation and most folks are happy. I got a quote from them on our new trailer and almost went with them but my local dealer matched their deal.

For most minor repairs, you can go directly to the factory. For example, I had to replace the door lock. I called Heartland up, sent them the info they needed and they sent the parts. I changed them out myself. For bigger items they will refer you to a dealer or a mobile service.

We are full time rving and bought two RVs from them. Since we do not "live near our dealer" anyway, we are not worried about service options. We have had warranty work done on both RVs and never a problem. Most every Camping World will work on an RV under warranty and we have found many mobile RV techs to do warranty work. DO NOT let fear of service cost you extra when rvwholesalers prices are great and you will get the exact RV you order.