RV Direct purchase

[Kevin_Todd]

Looking at a new pinnacle this year, and we have been doing mostly research online. Talked with some of the high volume dealers and the prices seem to be much better. Got a quote from RV Direct this morning that really put things on a new level. Problem is closest dealer is 10 hours away. We've pretty much settled on floor plan and options. Our closest dealer has the unit with interior and options on his lot, and we are going to go up and take a shot this weekend. Anyone ever purchased something like this from RV Direct and had that kind of distance between you and them? I could see a lot of things going wrong....thoughts?

[Duke-44]

I have purchased 2 Heartland Sundances from 2 separate, so called internet dealers, over 1500 miles away. I saved thousands of $$$$$. I have had need of service for both of them. The closet Sundance dealer is over 100 miles away. I have never considered taking my unit to them for service.
There is a local RV mobile service repairman that I use. He is authorized by most RV manufactures to do their warranty work. I am sure you can probably find someone like him in your area. He makes house calls for a fee of about $45. It would cost me more than that to drive it to the nearest dealer.

I say why would you pay an extra $5000-$15,000 to have a dealer hold your hand and just put your needs off to meet HIS convenience anyway?

[laknox]

crcr wrote:
How does one figure out the true MSRP for an RV with options one is interested in? Is the MRSP for the various manufacturer models plus each option available on the internet somewhere? If so, where? How does one know the dealer isn't just making up MSRP numbers and printing up a document to convince the customer that it is real?

In many, if not most, cases, that's what's happening. Identical units 1,000 miles apart can have $2-3k difference in MSRP, if my shopping is any experience; and DON'T try and tell me it's "delivery costs". Jayco is one of the few companies that has a "build and price" option on their site, so you can at least see your starting point, and it's =common= between dealers.

Lyle

[RustyJC]

Since the OP is talking about Jaycos, I believe you can still build and price a Jayco online at Jayco's website and print off the options and MSRP. If you're shopping around, MSRP doesn't really matter, does it? It all comes down to the number in the bottom right corner.

Rusty

[crcr]

How does one figure out the true MSRP for an RV with options one is interested in? Is the MRSP for the various manufacturer models plus each option available on the internet somewhere? If so, where? How does one know the dealer isn't just making up MSRP numbers and printing up a document to convince the customer that it is real?

[RustyJC]

In our case, we bought over the internet from a dealer who was ~1000 miles away, but by doing so we saved over 30% off of MSRP. Service isn't a problem as DRV will authorize mobile techs or independent RV repair facilities to do warranty work if required. That hasn't been an issue for us as our Mobile Suites hasn't required any repairs that I couldn't handle myself, so it's never been touched by a repair facility.

Rusty

[Ontarian]

We have been fulltiming in a Pinnacle for almost four years, and the unit has never been back to a dealer for service. There have been a few minor issues which I took care of myself, rather than leaving our home on a dealer's lot to wait for repairs.
If warranty work is required, any Jayco dealer should service it. If they refuse or give you a hassle, call Jayco customer support. If you are traveling when something goes wrong, you have to use the closest dealer anyway.
If you can save thousands of $ by buying online, personally I would do it. The dealer markups on these higher-cost fifthwheels can be very high, compared to the markup on a vehicle like a truck.
You can read about our experiences with the Pinnacle here.

[cfd225]

They are also rv one. Same company.

[rmalik1]

laknox wrote:
Since I'm also considering a Jayco, when I start to get down to brass tacks, I plan on talking to Jayco directly and flat-out asking them about warranty service and if they would authorize a certified mobile service to do work if a local dealer, whether home or on the road, won't service my rig in a timely fashion.

Lyle

Smart thing to do as some company's only want u to get service from where u buy it. My company allows me to get service anywhere in the country (we full-time).

[Dog_Folks]

Roman Duck wrote:
RV Direct? Run!!.
Made the mistake of buying from them.If you're going to buy from them consider it as is. They have numerous BBB complaints at the NY location. the Strollo brothers are only interested in sales. We bought used from them, and fought 6 mos. getting agreed items repaired/replaced. The previous owners had left contact info in the unit we bought. We called and spoke with them, they live about 5 hrs away and after a year of fighting with RV Direct they were able to get the manufacture agree to have warranty work done by another dealers.
They opened a super center at a new location in Albany. It has 3 service bays, that should speak volumes about their service.
Check BBB listings for upstate NY and other locations where their dealerships are located

RV Direct sells used campers? :h

[rskeans]

mike24 wrote:
My problem is the dealer that is 100 miles away and that dealer is treble does not know how to fix things all they are interested in is selling. and the good dealer is very good that is 500 miles away what do you then. that is my situation.

Drive 500 miles.

[mike24]

My problem is the dealer that is 100 miles away and that dealer is treble does not know how to fix things all they are interested in is selling. and the good dealer is very good that is 500 miles away what do you then. that is my situation.

[Roman_Duck]

RV Direct? Run!!.
Made the mistake of buying from them.If you're going to buy from them consider it as is. They have numerous BBB complaints at the NY location. the Strollo brothers are only interested in sales. We bought used from them, and fought 6 mos. getting agreed items repaired/replaced. The previous owners had left contact info in the unit we bought. We called and spoke with them, they live about 5 hrs away and after a year of fighting with RV Direct they were able to get the manufacture agree to have warranty work done by another dealers.
They opened a super center at a new location in Albany. It has 3 service bays, that should speak volumes about their service.
Check BBB listings for upstate NY and other locations where their dealerships are located

[rskeans]

I bought a truck camper 1200 miles away. The Mfg just told me to take it to any RV shop and send them the bill. No Problems!

[lee_worsdell]

If the rig sits for any longer than normal call the factory tell them they will be on the phone to the dealer. I purchased in the US and took mine to a dealer in Canada for warranty work. Charged me 100 dollars because of the wage difference to do work.

[statehoss]

I bought my first camper from a wholesaler which was 4 hours away. Never had an issue with service, but some dealers will tell you to buzz off or put you at the end of the line. Others may charge you a processing fee. Some will fit you in without question. You just have to call around. I've experienced all these scenarios personally. But at the end of the day, the bumper to bumper only lasts a year and and component stuff usually 2 years. After that, everyone will provide service at the going shop rate. I fix everything myself when possible. Another consideration - the component warranties are through the manufacturer. I had an awning issue under warranty (recall) that a local dealer wanted $100 to process paperwork. I contacted Dometic and they quickly provided me with several "non RV" locations that were certified repair facilities. Had the awning fixed free of charge with same day service. Never had to unhitch. When I buy my next fiver, I wont hesitate to use a wholesaler although I always give the local guys a chance. (I bought my current fiver from a regular dealership)