having work done on rv while fulltime

[dcason]

considering purchase of new motorhome but WHEN there is something that needs to be fixed after we drive it off lot (or camp there for a few days or do a thorough DIY inspection before purchase/hubby is capable), how does getting them to do work on unit if it is your living quarters? We have a 2005 class c currently and hubby does all work on it. Do you rent hotel?? Do they fix it in a day?

[valhalla360]

dcason wrote:
considering purchase of new motorhome but WHEN there is something that needs to be fixed after we drive it off lot (or camp there for a few days or do a thorough DIY inspection before purchase/hubby is capable), how does getting them to do work on unit if it is your living quarters? We have a 2005 class c currently and hubby does all work on it. Do you rent hotel?? Do they fix it in a day?

- Ideally, they fix it in one day.
- We've stayed overnight in a repair lot a couple of times.
- Haven't had to do it yet but a hotel is a fall back option.

Keep in mind, unlike on a 2 week vacation, you aren't under the same time pressure to get back before work.

[johnhicks]

Fulltime since 2010. We've spent time in shop parking lots, usually a couple of days but including a weekend next to a garbage truck in August and 12 days to get the transmission replaced.

We go to truck shops for engine/chassis work (Cummins, WW Williams) and they've been great. We haven't been to an RV repair shop since 2014.

There's a large contingent of mobile repair people. We've done a four-wheel brake job on our 36' DP in a CG and most recently had the a/c replaced and the furnace rebuilt by mobile service people.

Check truckdown.com and rvservicereviews.com

[LouLawrence]

JUSTWORK wrote:
Hotel?? Find a RV repair facility near a relative that you could possibly stay with.

If you are full timing this would rarely be an option when you need repairs. Of course, it depends upon the kind of repairs, but if it's something that keeps you from moving you need repairs where you are.
I bought a bus conversion for that very reason. The factory, as well as many other dealers who can work on a bus, can get you in and out or provide hookups (many times). It gives you a ton of service option locations. Freightliner, Volvo, commercial bus companies and many more. The factory also provides phone support 24/7 to help find a service center near you who can handle the type of problem you are dealing with. 20+ years full timing and I have never been left out in the cold or had to rent a hotel room to get repairs done.
Trying to get the same results in a "plastic coach" can be quite challenging. YMMV.

[JUSTWORK]

Hotel?? Find a RV repair facility near a relative that you could possibly stay with.

[Dutch_12078]

RVing since 2005 and fulltiming since 2010... Over the years with different motorhomes we've had an engine, transmission, and a complete rear axle assembly replaced, as well as several smaller issues that required more than one day to repair. In every case, we've been able to sleep in the motorhome every night, although we did need to stay out during the day while actual work was being done. Usually we just went out sightseeing with our toad during that time. The service shops were very accommodating to our needs. The only time we actually spent a few nights out of the motorhome was when were having some paint work done and didn't want to be bothered by the smell. That time we rented a KOA "Kabin" at a nearby campground.

[rdhetrick]

dcason wrote:
Do you rent hotel?? Do they fix it in a day?

I've had both, all depends on what broke!

Some places will have a spot you can plug in to and stay overnight, others don't allow it...just depends.

So far, I haven't had anything happen that put me out of the coach for more than 4 nights.