The buy local fallacy

I made my last new purchase 250 miles from home. I never returned for warranty work, but dealer did send several warranty items, that I replaced myself. The dealer just asked for picture proof to send to manufacturer, which they also have to do for various replacement items, to get warranty coverage. I did contact the manufacturer, about my worthless omni antenna. The fellow I spoke with was a bit defensive and not very friendly, but agreed to send a new Batwing, and would pay a local shop (non-dealer) to install it.

I know others experiences differ, and seems you may have had a bad experience with manufacturer. I would not let my FW sit at a dealership for a long time, if I could make the repair myself.

Jerry