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MURPHY55347's avatar
MURPHY55347
Explorer
Jun 17, 2013

Winnebago Factory Service - Now spoiled

Just returned from a visit to the factory for some warranty service. Now I am spoiled. How come they know how service is supposed to be done and none of my local dealers do? We made an appointment for Monday morning and you basically go inside, they call your name and your service tech that will be working on your coach goes outside with you to go over your problems. He then drives it into the service bay and starts to work. If it can't be finsihed the first day they give your coach back to you at 3:00 so you can camp in it overnight at a free site provided on the grounds. You then take it back at 7:00 the next morning and the process starts all over again. Every person I had contact with from the front desk, the service advisor, and the tech were more than caring and concerned about you and your problems. I feel lucky that they are only 2 1/2 hours away as I do not intend to attempt to deal with my local delears again. It was without a doubt the most pleasureable service experience I have ever had.
Seeking Advice
  • Homer1's avatar
    Homer1
    Explorer
    Jun 18, 2013
    Just remember the caveat is,the dealers will have to underwrite this zone program; NO FREE RIDES unless they agree to take a lesser markup margin.
  • Chris_Bryant's avatar
    Chris_Bryant
    Explorer II
    Jun 18, 2013
    Most dealers would be THRILLED to be able to offload warranty service on to a factory service center- save them the hassles of being lied to by the factory and nickle and dimed to death on warranty work.
  • Homer1's avatar
    Homer1
    Explorer
    Jun 18, 2013
    Truck service departments are what I generally use, when going to the factory is not feasible. They generally are not fond of motor homes, but can do most of the mechanical stuff but not at the flat rate manual rate . Can't blame them a motor home is a bear to work on.
  • noe-place's avatar
    noe-place
    Explorer
    Jun 18, 2013
    The "stealership" where we bought our MH is a four+ hour drive from our home. Immediately after we bought it a few problems arose and we had to drive all the way back so they could correct their warranty mistakes. The problems we had could have been avoided had the stealership set the MH up properly in the first place. However, once we got those problems fixed we've had no more issues with the MH and we're very happy with it. I'm fortunate there's a large truck repair facility just down the street from home that that works on motorhome drivetrains, etc. :B
  • Alfred622's avatar
    Alfred622
    Explorer
    Jun 18, 2013
    x2 on Homer's idea.

    I also had amazing service at Winnebago Factory - we went there 11.75 months into our warranty to have a few little things fixed. Same experience as yours. The tech also brought our coach up to date with service items we didn't know about. I was so impressed! I'd love to buy another Winnebago but the one I have is just right for us.....
  • C20's avatar
    C20
    Explorer
    Jun 17, 2013
    Our local dealer is awesome. Get right in and out never had the same issue twice and never felt rushed when asking questions or if asked to show how something worked.

    We had the fridge recall box go bad on a trip and I called them. They do mobile service at the Kansas speedway and said they would bring the box there to save me a trip. I set up Thursday and went to get ice they came by and gave it to the dw. No charge.
  • Homer1's avatar
    Homer1
    Explorer
    Jun 17, 2013
    I concur with the o/p's factory service. Dealers unfortunately have the manf over a barrel. Sales is the number one objective and that is what the dealer does.I personally would like to see Winnebago set up zone repair shops around the country and take all servicing away from the dealers. The dealer would have to either take less of a mark up or share in the repair cost done by Winnebago. This will happen when elephants fly.
  • Cloud_Dancer's avatar
    Cloud_Dancer
    Explorer II
    Jun 17, 2013
    The dealers are NOT the factory. I have zero expectations of improvements in repair service at dealerships (on average).
    I would buy a Foretravel for that reason (factory is driving distance from where I am),.....if only I could afford it.
    The next best thing is for me to do my own repair and maintenance (so far, so good).
  • 's avatar
    Anonymous
    Jun 17, 2013
    The Factory should insist that all Winnebago dealers do what the factory does and 1. Do what they say they will do
    2. Answer the damn phone when you call
    3 call back same day within a couple hours of message
    4 Get the work done right in a reasonable amount of time.
    5 Be as energetic in service as they are when they sell the thing to you!!!
    Are you listening dealers?

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