Why do RV dealers take forever to fix things

tinstartrvlr wrote:
Just read a post about someone needing repairs, and it was going to be several weeks before he could drop it off, and then another couple weeks before work would be done.
I don't understand how dealers can be so swamped and not accommodate the demand.
Seems they need a bigger place, or more employees, or better management. Or do none of the dealers have any desire to grow?

Because the demand is seasonal. Winter is the best time to find seasonal workers because college students are looking for part-time work to support their education, folks aren't off traveling and vacationing. But, the high season for RV repair is during the spring and summer - and that's when college students go home for the summer, and other folks are traveling around in their own RVs.

tinstartrvlr wrote:
I had a long conversation once with a regional rep for CW, who moaned about never getting the correct parts they ordered and blaming things on the mfg, and also when the RV season is over, they have to lay employees off, so they can't find anyone who only wants to work seasonally. (seems like something retired RV'rs could do!!?? I'd work part time fixing the things I already know how to fix)

People ignore their RVs in the off-season. Then, at the beginning of spring, they bring it out and find problems. And of course, they ALL need their work done immediately because they have travel plans in a week. Go in around December and there will be no delay.

As for using retired RVers, again the backlog in service is during the travel season, so many of those RVers are out in their own RVs traveling.

tinstartrvlr wrote:
Seems that CW maybe could ship those employees to Fl, or Tx, or some other warm place during the down season in the northern states.

That's a lot of money to spend relocating employees and their families every 6 months. They'd lose more in the expenses than they'd gain in the faster work. Not to mention that they'd have to deal with employees who don't want to relocate every 6 months (I sure wouldn't).

tinstartrvlr wrote:
I realize it's probably not that simple, but for crying out loud, there has to be a better way!
What do those of you who have been around a while think? Is there a better way?

Inspect your RV in the fall and throughout the winter. Take it in during the off season BEFORE the spring rush hits. Or take it to an independent repair shop. Or use a mobile mechanic. Or repair it yourself. At the very least, check out your RV at least one month BEFORE a big trip so you have time to sit in line for the repair work and not cancel your trip.