Hi everyone, So my husband and I are narrowing down our choices for either a fiver or TT. The issue we keep thinking about is the warranty. We are military and will probably be moving in 6-8 month. We wanted our RV before then so we could have a home away from home while we relocate. We have been reading how bad it is to deal with dealers that you don't buy from, to get warranty work done. Is it really that bad? We are mainly looking at Jayco and Open Range, so we will still have quite a bit left on our warranty after we move. One of the dealers we are talking to said, that though that is not the way they handle things, it can be a major issue in the RV industry. He said that he didn't think it would be as big an issue for us since we are military, and and decent dealer will understand that we had no choice in our move, and it wasn't us just going somewhere else to get a better deal, type of thing. I am still extremely worried about this, as we will most likely be moving from WA to NC. There will be NO way to come back here for warranty work. Should we wait to move to buy (we really wanted to have it for this move though)? If there are any dealers on this site, I would love to hear your perspective. Are there any manufactures that are better about their warranty stuff? Thanks.

I am a MH owner, but a friend of mine lives in IL, and spend the winter down here in TX. He bought his new Jayco 5th in Il and had a problem with it while down here in TX. He had no problem get warranty work done on it. That is about all I can tell you.

When you purchase your unit contact the manufacturer and ask them where you can get warranty work done in the State, County or town that you move to that way you have the information needed, have a run through with the dealer when you purchase your unit and run everything water pump, all faucets, stove air conditioner, generator if it has one and where the dump valves are and the water intake and valves and also were the potable water dump valves are and how to work the awning.Also get a load leveling and sway control bars for the pull trailer.navegator

I've been able to get in contact with the manufacturer's warranty manager and get help with where to get warranty work done. I've had mobile RV techs come out to me and I've also taken it and stayed in a hotel for a couple of days.Personally, I'd really consider RV Wholesalers as they generally deal with people who are a ways away and from what I've read on other forums- they really try to help you. (Yes, there will always be war stories with any dealer; but overall, they seem like one of the better ones.)

ependydad wrote:I've been able to get in contact with the manufacturer's warranty manager and get help with where to get warranty work done. I've had mobile RV techs come out to me and I've also taken it and stayed in a hotel for a couple of days.Personally, I'd really consider RV Wholesalers as they generally deal with people who are a ways away and from what I've read on other forums- they really try to help you. (Yes, there will always be war stories with any dealer; but overall, they seem like one of the better ones.)I actually just learned about them tonight. We could even pick it up on our way back east. Thanks for the tip. Anybody have experience dealing with them and warranties (or just in general)?

Warranties have nothing to do with who you buy the RV from. It has to do with the manufacturer. Whether you buy from Camping World, RV Wholesalers or Big Daddy's RV Emporium, where you get the work done will depend on who the manufacturer authorizes. They could authorize an RV mobile mechanic. When away from the dealer you bought from, contact the manufacturer and they will get you squared away. Warranty work is paid for by the manufacturer. Although probably at a lower rate than what they can get from the public. Those dealerships we hear war stories about that won't work o a unit that they didn't sell is hogwash. I'm sure there are a few out there.But, I think they are shooting themselves in the foot. Because if they can afford not to have to other warranty work, then they are keeping themselves with their own warranty work which means they are selling ****. Just my opinion.Buy what you want and where you want. Don't worry about moving and getting work done later. However, if you were living in a place permanently and bought a certain brand of special RV and the dealership is hours away, that might be something to consider. Especially if you are a good ways from any other dealerships that can perform the warranty work or places that you would want to perform the work.

Warranty work after moving???? | Good Sam Community

mileshuff
Explorer
Dec 07, 2015
I've not had any issues with service at dealers other than where I purchased but have heard those issues occurring.

Keep in mind that all appliances and accessories are usually covered by their own manufactures warranty rather than the RV manufacturer. On our 5'er, the toilet, awning and fridge are warranted by Dometic. Furnace and hot water tank by Atwood etc. For issues with them we've gone to independent RV shops and never had any warranty issues.
rbtglove
Explorer
Dec 06, 2015
I would recommend RVW if they handle the brand you want. Have had MHs and TTs and rarely could take them back to the dealer we got them from. Bought twice from them without issues and found they had beat price. I am retired and now live in OH close to RVW, did get work done by them once and then they for me to get arranged to get A/C work done. they also went to bat for me when the shop they recommended didn't fix it right the first time.
Bird_Freak
Explorer II
Dec 06, 2015
When I had the MH I used a local mobile repair where ever I happened to be. Never found one that refused warranty work and work was fast and good.
pitch
Explorer II
Dec 06, 2015
I wouldn't worry about it. Buy your trailer several months before you actually need it. Make sure that it is perfect before you take it off the lot.
As long as things are good to start with things will probably stay good.
In my experience RV,s are not a quarter as bad quality wise as reading these posts would have you believe. As long as initial concerns are addressed right away,you probably will have no reason for concern.
Also in my experience dealers go out of their way to service folks that are on the road.
If all else fails and you probably don't want to do it, throw out the veteran card! In this day and age it is hard to find a business that will not cater to one of our service members.
wbwood
Explorer
Dec 03, 2015
DeezPanthers1 wrote:
Thanks everyone. For the most part I feel better. I guess it really doesn't matter and just go for it. When the time comes I am definitely going to ask you all for an extensive PDI checklist ;-)

The question is, if you are on a long trip and something goes wrong, who is going to fix it? You will call the manufacturer (or warranty) company and find a place through them to get it fixed. No different when you live somewhere. If a dealership refuses to work on a rig you didn't buy there, first I would notify your manufacturer and secondly, I would never ever give them the time of day again in my life. If they happen to have multiple locations, I would also contact the head office. It could end up in boycotting an entire franchise. At least that is how I feel.
2gypsies1
Explorer III
Nov 30, 2015
Warranty work should not be an issue. Think about full-time RVers. They travel and don't return to the buying dealer for warranty. We didn't.
GoPackGo
Explorer
Nov 30, 2015
First, I would contact the MANUFACTURERS (not dealers) for the rigs you are thinking of buying. Ask them directly about getting warranty work done at other-then-selling-dealer locations. Will they find a dealer if needed and grease the skids a little for you ? What is their authorization process ? And also ask if they will pay an independent mobile RV mechanic. I have a Heartland product and they will. Or will they reimburse you if you have to pay him first.

As others state, do a comprehensive PDI. And use the rig as much as possible before you leave the area of your selling dealer.

The warranty is most likely for one year anyway and it sounds like you will use it for over half of that, so you're really only talking about 4-5 months after you move.

Your question is the situation that all full timers deal with. Or by someone from Wisconsin on a family vacation to Yellowstone. I full time and have no 'home' dealer. I had warranty work performed at a non-selling dealer twice.
ependydad
Explorer
Nov 30, 2015
DeezPanthers1 wrote:
Thanks everyone. For the most part I feel better. I guess it really doesn't matter and just go for it. When the time comes I am definitely going to ask you all for an extensive PDI checklist ;-)

Here you go:
http://www.angelfire.com/trek/buenavistas/RV_checklists/PDI_V113_2.pdf
DeezPanthers1
Explorer
Nov 30, 2015
Thanks everyone. For the most part I feel better. I guess it really doesn't matter and just go for it. When the time comes I am definitely going to ask you all for an extensive PDI checklist ;-)
phillyg
Explorer II
Nov 30, 2015
Each dealer determines it's warranty work process. My Forest River was only three weeks old when I had to get warranty work on the road. The non-selling dealer took me in right away, but charged me for their diagnostic hours. FR did reimburse us for the labor hours and authorized the dealer to replace parts. A busy dealership will usually take its customers first, because they always ask if I bought the unit from them. Sucks, but that's the way is.

Forum Discussion

Warranty work after moving????

About RV Newbies

Related Content

Truck warranty

stupid move

Moving west

Extended Warranties

Ford Warranty