the fun part hasn't been much fun

[joppa]

I spend months getting the house ready to sell, researching the RV lifestyle, 5th wheels, motorhomes, datastorms, toads and finally settle on a handful of coaches. Now it's time for the fun part seeing, touching, driving and buying my dream coach... darn it turns out trying to see these models particularly Newmar product is a most difficult task.

When you do find one to look at you've got a 1 in 5 chance you'll have a professional, experienced salesperson, to many of them are lacking passion, energy and knowledge.

I live in Massachusetts so limited dealer options in New England. Though there is a pretty darn good CC, Tiffin & TS dealer the only Newmar dealer here doesn't sell above the DSDP.

I fly to Tucson on business and plan an extra day to shop RV's. No Newmar's above DSDP except a used Essex at Beaudry's.

This week I had a business trip to Ft Lauderdale. So last week I called North Trails RV to validate inventory and set an appointment with a sales rep. I change my flight so I can go into Ft. Meyers, book an extra nights hotel drive 175 miles out of my way, arrive at dealer and you guessed it... The Sales Rep no longer works there and units I want to see are not there. Another sales rep is polite but not very engaging after a bit he makes some half-hearted attempts to help but the whole experience is weak at best. When I suggest driving one he doesn't seem to ready to make that happen.

I've neen lurking here quite a while and have learned a great deal. Jetsmania also spent quite a bit of time with me on the phone and was very helpful. Sorry about that wildcard game Go Pats!

Also sorry my first post is just venting... Gadzooks not so sure Newmar has a very strong dealer network.

So now going down to Tampa RV show. Looking forward to meeting Newmar regionals. Have seen the dealer suggestions made by some of you in the past. After the show think they will be next stop.

Do hope to leave that show knowing exactly what we want if we don't... I think I'll start looking at boats.

[joppa]

I spend months getting the house ready to sell, researching the RV lifestyle, 5th wheels, motorhomes, datastorms, toads and finally settle on a handful of coaches. Now it's time for the fun part seeing, touching, driving and buying my dream coach... darn it turns out trying to see these models particularly Newmar product is a most difficult task.

When you do find one to look at you've got a 1 in 5 chance you'll have a professional, experienced salesperson, to many of them are lacking passion, energy and knowledge.

I live in Massachusetts so limited dealer options in New England. Though there is a pretty darn good CC, Tiffin & TS dealer the only Newmar dealer here doesn't sell above the DSDP.

I fly to Tucson on business and plan an extra day to shop RV's. No Newmar's above DSDP except a used Essex at Beaudry's.

This week I had a business trip to Ft Lauderdale. So last week I called North Trails RV to validate inventory and set an appointment with a sales rep. I change my flight so I can go into Ft. Meyers, book an extra nights hotel drive 175 miles out of my way, arrive at dealer and you guessed it... The Sales Rep no longer works there and units I want to see are not there. Another sales rep is polite but not very engaging after a bit he makes some half-hearted attempts to help but the whole experience is weak at best. When I suggest driving one he doesn't seem to ready to make that happen.

I've neen lurking here quite a while and have learned a great deal. Jetsmania also spent quite a bit of time with me on the phone and was very helpful. Sorry about that wildcard game Go Pats!

Also sorry my first post is just venting... Gadzooks not so sure Newmar has a very strong dealer network.

So now going down to Tampa RV show. Looking forward to meeting Newmar regionals. Have seen the dealer suggestions made by some of you in the past. After the show think they will be next stop.

Do hope to leave that show knowing exactly what we want if we don't... I think I'll start looking at boats.

[Phelpo]

Joppa, what are you really looking for? I live 8 minutes from North Trail, inventory is large for this part of the country.

I have heard only good thing about Independence
Rv around the Orlando area.

Phelpo

[Paul Heuvelhorst]

joppa,
Just a suggestion... if you are having that much trouble getting a dealer to show you what you want and showing interest in closing a deal with a highly motivated customer (as you seem to be), perhaps this is a good indication of what you can expect AFTER you buy that product. My suggestion, for what it is worth, look at a different manufacturer who has a dealer network motivated to support the customer and the product he/she buys.

Best wishes as you move into this new phase of life.

[rebelsbeach]

Joppa, I have been dealing for the past two days personally with the owner of North Trails and a VERY knowledgeable salesman named "Diesel Dan"....While I am personally very happy at the Essex and below level with Susan Dwyer of Howard RV,if I were in the Fort Myers area I would call Dan Cutting. His cell is (239)707-0209.
I'm not sure what coach you're in the market for but if you're in the Fort Myers area you might give Dan a call.

[RVDude]

Bummer...
A rocky road even before you get in the driver's seat. Not good. I feel for you.
I bet you'd be more than pleased at Howard RV Center in Wilmington, NC.
Positively top rate and you've even heard it from others on this forum.
I'll buy you dinner if you are not pleased.
www.HRVC.com 800-852-7148
Tell 'em I sent 'ya if you meet John Howard, Jr. or his head of sales Tom Partner. Both will be at many upcoming shows. Maybe you can arrange to meet them at one of those shows in a city near your travels?
Boats? Man, that's a whole 'nutter ball-o-fun! Stay a land-yacht-lubber!

[rebelsbeach]

Just a note....the "dealer network" at Newmar is certainly alive and kicking as I can attest to...When I was Essex shopping I called and spoke personally to the owner of Coachlight in Carthage,MO and I ended up buying from Howard RV in Wilmington,NC where I dealt with Susan but have since been there for service and been to lunch with John Howard,JR.....John's a second generation owner with his sister of a dealership his father started.
The dealer network lives on with the Erp family at North Trail,where Alan Erp runs the day to day operations of the dealership his father started.

["007"]

The only two Dealers I would deal with in NE would be Arlington RV in East Greenwich R.I. 401-884-7550 and Mountain Road in Sabattus, Maine 207-375-4091.
There is a new dealer Mountain Vally REC. Gorham, NH 603-466-3868 but I have never dealed with them.
Good luck in your quest.

[Mike and Claudia]

Here is a link to Newmar's Service Centers

Pay particular attention to the <span class="ev_code_GREY">PLATINUM DEALERS.</span>

My thinking is that if they do SERVICE well, that they might do most things well.

Worth a try?

[JavaJelly]

I selected my dealer based on Platinum rating and CSI recognized. Have been thoroughly disappointed with the dealer, not Newmar (yet, factory visit in Feb).

I trust the opinions of this forum more than anything.

However, I will say that I have heard absolutely the worst about North Trail and the best (most recently in this forum).

[JasonD]

The closest Newmar dealer to us only sells up to the DSDP also. They explained that Newmar requires a dealer to sell at least 3 units of a certain model a year. The dealer says they can't sell that many "high-line" Newmars, so they don't order them.

We ended up going to Beckley's in Frederick, MD. An indifferent dealer BUT they gave us 26% off MSRP no problems.

[joppa]

Thanks All... Like I said I was just venting. Quit smoking about three weeks ago and think I'm still a bit edgy.

I'm pretty excited to be doing this and there really is no rush, so I intend to do it right.

I do hope to be behind the wheel by spring.

Given all the first year problems I read about in these forums... no matter the brand or price catagory

I'll take my time selecting a brand and a dealer that are committed to customer satisfaction.

Suspect I'll be reaching out to this group again as I go through the process.

Go Pats!

[Jetsmania]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Go Pats! </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Hi! Still sticking it to us Jets Fans Good Luck this weekend. Paul