Buying a new RV not close to home

[LarryDel]

Purchased a new 2018 Forest river FR3 30DS motorhome at an RV show. Got a great price, however the dealer is 200 miles from our home. Our concern is when we need warranty service for our unit. There is a Forest River dealer close by but although they are a Forest River dealer they do not have the franchise for the FR3 that we purchased so we weren't able to order the unit from them. Our concern is that the local dealer may refuse to service our unit because he did not sell it to us. Is this a legitimate concern or has anyone else had this situation and how did you handle it? Thanks so much......Larry

[MURPHY55347]

We bought a Sunseeker out of town and took it too our local dealer that sold other Forest River products. They told me they were obligated to fix it. I know other dealers that have refused so it was kind of refreshing to hear. Call your local dealer! You may not get priority service but I'll bet they will work on it.

[Turtle_n_Peeps]

Why not just call the local dealer up and say: "hey, we have an X trailer, can you do warrantee work on it?" I don't get why this is so complex?

[MFL]

In many cases the selling dealer will send warranty parts to you for self installation. This may require a pic e-mailed to them, to send to manufacturer. Also, your local dealer can do the warranty stuff, but you will be low on their list. Dealers typically don't get full labor rate from manufacturer, even on the ones they sold. If you contact the manufacturer with an issue, they can authorize most any qualified repair center to do the work. I said CAN, not saying they will.

Jerry

[bob_nestor]

rr2254545 wrote:
Probably valid concerns but as you said you have already purchased it - my dealer has priority for service for units he sold

Your dealer gives priority for service on units he sold? WOW! Now that's a novel concept. Too bad it hasn't caught on in the RV industry.

I've purchased a couple of new RVs from a local dealer, actually all from the same dealer, and never received any preferential treatment on repairs. Finally just gave up on them and did my own repairs, including items that should have been covered on warranty. My current RV was purchased from a dealer about 300 miles away, and although I haven't had to return for any service when I've had questions or concerns they've been right on top of them for me.

[Dave_H_M]

I am the same as Charles. Never could figure out why it was easy to beat locals by 4 to 5 large, as Tony would say. :h

[rr2254545]

Probably valid concerns but as you said you have already purchased it - my dealer has priority for service for units he sold

[K_Charles]

We never bought one close to home and they have never broken down when not being used. If you never leave home with it it might be a concern but if you take it out on the road your local dealer will be far away when you need him.