Mettadas
Ontario
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A year ago when we started looking at RVs one dealer impressed upon us the importance of choosing a dealer with a good service department, because dealers absorb the cost of warranty work and so are generally not willing to do such work except on units they themselves sold.
The dealer we are talking with now, and may want to buy from, tells us that it's just like buying an automobile in that the dealers charge warranty work back to the manufacturer and are happy to repair units bought elsewhere because of that.
We are not planning to spend much of the next year anywhere near where we live now, so this is an important matter to us. What's the truth of this situation?
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Mallo
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Mettadas wrote:A year ago when we started looking at RVs one dealer impressed upon us the importance of choosing a dealer with a good service department, because dealers absorb the cost of warranty work and so are generally not willing to do such work except on units they themselves sold.
The dealer we are talking with now, and may want to buy from, tells us that it's just like buying an automobile in that the dealers charge warranty work back to the manufacturer and are happy to repair units bought elsewhere because of that.
We are not planning to spend much of the next year anywhere near where we live now, so this is an important matter to us. What's the truth of this situation?
The truth?
I bought in Texas, lived in PA at the time, had work done in PA, LA, KS... I think that's it. Never had issues with warranty. (Now full disclosure the work in KS was at the factory).
You may have to call around to get the work done in a timely manner but beyond that it's not that big a deal.
Mallo
Eloise - 2000 F350 7.3 DRW XL, Reading Flatbed, King Ranch Leather, AIS, MBRP 4" Ex
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Rick & Cheryl
Texas
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This exact issue played a major part in our decision. We wanted to be sure that our manufacturer would authorize payment for warranty work to other outlets other than our original dealer. We have had two occasions where on the road we needed warranty work and each time our mfg, ok'd the repair. Since neither time were they a part of the dealer network, we paid the tech, and then were reimbursed by the mfg.
I was also told that our mfg reimbursement rate for warranty work was more than adequate to cover expenses and profit both. If the mfg wont pay for warranty work, I'd look elsewhere. I think the first dealer is fibbing to you to get your business using false statements.
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avan
Sioux Falls, SD & Livingston,TX
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During our FTing, we've had 2 rigs built. Both times we sent spec's for what we wanted and for the custom work to about a dozen dealers and asked them to email back their bids. We took the lowest bid without regard for location. What the 1st dealer told you was pure BS. Maybe that dealership practices servicing only what they sell but most don't - even if they say they do. It's a pure pressure tactic to help you ignore the fact that their sales price is not competitive.
We found that warranty work, or other work for that matter, was minimal for both units. Most of the components in a rig are vendor supplied - Dometic, A&E, tires, axles, etc and most of those vendors have approved shops all over the country - associated with dealer and not - and you'd be able to use them. Further, if you are on the road and have a mfr associated warranty item, you mfr will be more than capable of finding a shop to help you and, if you find one you want to use that is an independent repair facility, the indy can easily call the warranty mgr at the factory and get approved once they discuss price and work qualifications.
Much warranty work is not of an emergency nature and since we would travel through or near Elkhart at least annually on one of our cross county treks, we'd have the factory's service center take care of our rig whether it was for warranty items or just maintenance like caulking etc. It's good for both parties, they get to tempt you with 'what's new' and you get to know, personally, the service and parts managers and other folks who can help you with questions when on the road.
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davelinde
Kissimmee, Florida
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I have purchased two RV's online from out of state dealers. Both times local dealer tried to justify their higher prices with the "we will service you" angle. The dealer does NOT absorb repair costs under warranty - the manufacturers absorb those costs. Dealers may not like to to this work because of paperwork, delays, low rates etc... but oh well.
Dave Lindemulder
Tammy, Mark & Kirsten
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RETIREDHSTEACHER
EASTERN L.I.
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A lot of excellent answers.
I bought my rig 3hrs away from home to save $8000. I wanted to buy from my home dealer but they wouldn't budge on price.
I was worried but had heard a lot of good things about my manufacturer, so went ahead and did it.
Many people buy from their local dealer for the service but I think that a lot are weekenders who come home on Sun. night.
I have been to Alaska 6 times and go to FL every winter, etc., etc. Every single problem that I have had that I couldn't fix myself happened thousands of mile from home.
My advice is to call your manufacturer's service dept. Tell them your problem and where you are and let THEM recommend where to take your rig. All day long they hear complaints from customers who have had their rigs repaired. They know the GOOD and the BAD service departments.
BTW my local dealer welcomed the warranty work on my rig and because of that, I store my rig there even though it costs more.
Ed
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skipnchar
Topeka Kansas USA
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Joined: 12/17/2003
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My advice would be for you to purchase a different BRAND of RV if that brand doesn't PAY the dealers for warranty work. First of all, it's unheard of for this to be the case and also ILLEGAL since the warranty is issued by the manufacturer not the dealer. The bottom line is that the dealer lied to you to try to get your business. Now ask yourself what ELSE he's willing to lie about to set the hook? Then go elsewhere to purchase your RV. A dealer with a GOOD service department will make good money on warranty work but dealers who frequently have to do a job two or three times to get it right will loose their shirt. THOSE are the dealers who only work on the units they HAVE to work on.
For what it's worth: MOST ALL RV warranties can be serviced by totally non affiliated RV techs just as well as the authorized dealers. The only difference is that YOU will need to attain the repair authorization instead of the dealership being the point of contact with the manufacturer. SOME dealers want your repair work badly enough that they will ALSO be the contact point with the factory even though they're not a dealer. THOSE are the kind of dealers you need to be looking for.
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Mettadas
Ontario
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Thank you all for clearing this up for me. Fortunately the RV we are looking at is NOT with the dealer that gave us the questionable story.
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