How long is too long

Higgins · 05-02-2008, 11:38 AM

I took my new coach in to have a few minor issues resolved. Nothing really big or very labor intensive. Been in over two weeks today. Since I am new to motorcoaches, I was wondering when I should complain. I knew going in it would never be a day or two thing, but I did make an appointment, so I figured they were at least "lining" them up, it took over a week just to get it in. Any insights.

Higgins · 05-02-2008, 11:38 AM

I took my new coach in to have a few minor issues resolved. Nothing really big or very labor intensive. Been in over two weeks today. Since I am new to motorcoaches, I was wondering when I should complain. I knew going in it would never be a day or two thing, but I did make an appointment, so I figured they were at least "lining" them up, it took over a week just to get it in. Any insights.

emiddleb · 05-02-2008, 01:22 PM

First off, I'd say that at the two week mark I would be doing a "status update" call with the Sales Manager.

Without details of what you are having done, the rest would be guesswork on my part. Some shops are good, some are not. Did they give you a time estimate? Were parts needed, and if so, were they common things that should be onsite, or special things that could only be ordered from the manufacturer? And is that manufacturer still in business <g>?

Service for MHs can vary greatly. For many areas it's RV-startup-time and the shops are getting busy. I've had things fixed while I waited that I thought would take days, and I've waited a month for a part that I would have thought was simple.

I'd certainly make a polite call, ask the status, time estimate, etc.

mpurath · 05-02-2008, 01:35 PM

I would certainly call and politely ask for a status report. That way the dealer understands that you are keeping track of them.

Belgique · 05-02-2008, 02:20 PM

Maybe have a friendly "chat" with the person that sold you the coach since he/she probably extolled the quality and responsiveness of the service dept as a selling point? IMHO, 2 weeks is WAY too long to fix things for a coach at the selling dealer...maybe 2 days.

Maybe mention rvservicereviews.com in the friendly chat?

Tom N · 05-02-2008, 02:43 PM

When you made the appointment to drop it off you should also have made an appointment to pick it up.

-Tom

RoadRohrers · 05-02-2008, 03:26 PM

My experience with RV dealer service is squeaky wheel. Man, you've squeak and squeal sometimes or get pushed to back. IMHO, which is worth the price you paid.

Higgins · 05-02-2008, 05:29 PM

Well it is at the selling dealer and yes there was one part to order on the awning. I order things all the time on the web and usually get anything I want in 3-4 days. And yes I did the status update call on Friday of last week and was told what had been done and that they were "waiting on a part", and I should be out this week. Did not happen. Look I don't want to pee these guys off, the advisor was very nice and attentive to my issues, but then again there comes a time, I am ready to get rolling again.

UFO Pilot · 05-02-2008, 05:41 PM

I always tell them when I want the Coach back. Twice I pushed for a quick repair and the dealer had the parts over nited. If I don't have plans, I give them as much time as they need. This approach has worked for me so far.

Izzyblueye · 05-03-2008, 03:21 AM

Start pushing for your coach. I found a couple of times as soon as they had my coach on their lot that is right where it stayed until I put the pressure on. In fact I even received phone calls from their sales dept about trading up while it was there. Devious little devils.

John_Canfield · 05-03-2008, 04:02 AM

We never leave our coach for service (so far, anyway) - we are always waiting on it so there is a sense of urgency to get our work completed. If it takes more than one day, we overnight at the dealership or a park nearby.

If you don't have the luxury of time, then like others have suggested, you need to be the squeaky wheel. Call the service manager every couple of days and ask for a status.

robbstein · 05-03-2008, 05:19 AM

I think John has the right approach. We almost aways wait for the coach - same day pickup. I always give them a deadline as to when I have to have it back - usually because I'm going to be back on the road. Since in my case the dealer is local, if I do leave it I will drive over and check with them almost daily. Last problem I had I finally went to the service manager to resolve a part not ordered in a timely fashion problem - it was overnighted and we were back on the road quickly after that.

Always keep working with them to get you out quickly.

Robb & Sue Steinheider
Duncan the Dalmation
03 Ultimate Advantage
02 Saturn L100 Toad

Rocket Heart · 05-03-2008, 04:46 PM

Be nice but firm...call the manager and tell him (not ask) you expect to pick your coach up in 2 days as you have a very important trip to make.

2 weeks for minor repairs is rediculos (unless they're odering parts, then they have an excuse.

Squeak, squeak squeak....... GREASE!!!