First experience with Smith Center

[bigmichael]

I'm happy to report our first experience with Smith Center was all that people said it would be.

We were to hit the road in our new rig, but had a few items we had found in the first week or so that needed fixing. I called, explained to Jack that the dealer was about 150 miles west of us, and we wanted to head south for the beginning of our Full timing adventures. Explained that as we were leaving from MN we could come through Kansas. He indicated they were booked through Nov in the service bay, but to stop and they would try and work us in somehow.

A day before we were to arrive, the furnace quit. I called Jack again, explained the situation and asked if there was any chance we could get in a day early to see if we could get heat. Again, very accommodating, he said come on in and we will at least get you heat for the night. We did, and they did. Then they just hooked us up each night for a couple nights at the bay, and worked through the other issues.

We toured the plant, became very centered in our life by visiting the geographic center of the USA, and generally relaxed and let them assure us they would get things right! And they did.

So now we are off, planning to spend about a month sitting still in Alamogordo NM, and getting to learn, live, and explore our new rig. (and if any of you have suggestions for the area, besides whites sands which we intend to do) please feel free. Eating, sightseeing, entertainment, we'll treasure them all.

Later.

[bigmichael]

I'm happy to report our first experience with Smith Center was all that people said it would be.

We were to hit the road in our new rig, but had a few items we had found in the first week or so that needed fixing. I called, explained to Jack that the dealer was about 150 miles west of us, and we wanted to head south for the beginning of our Full timing adventures. Explained that as we were leaving from MN we could come through Kansas. He indicated they were booked through Nov in the service bay, but to stop and they would try and work us in somehow.

A day before we were to arrive, the furnace quit. I called Jack again, explained the situation and asked if there was any chance we could get in a day early to see if we could get heat. Again, very accommodating, he said come on in and we will at least get you heat for the night. We did, and they did. Then they just hooked us up each night for a couple nights at the bay, and worked through the other issues.

We toured the plant, became very centered in our life by visiting the geographic center of the USA, and generally relaxed and let them assure us they would get things right! And they did.

So now we are off, planning to spend about a month sitting still in Alamogordo NM, and getting to learn, live, and explore our new rig. (and if any of you have suggestions for the area, besides whites sands which we intend to do) please feel free. Eating, sightseeing, entertainment, we'll treasure them all.

Later.

[Endeavor2BnC]

Mike & Jean,

Congratulations on your new Excel & welcome to the family. Good luck on starting your new life's adventure. It's a blast, especially in the TKE model. I'm a little prejudice though.

We had a very similar experience this past summer in SC. Everyone is so helpful and nice. Sure am glad I own an Excel after hearing some stories from other folks.

Are you planning on stopping anywhere else in NM? If you're coming down I-25, I'd detour at Socorro to the VLA, Very Large Array". It's where they made the movie "Contact" It's very unique to say the least. You can stay at Montosa Park, http://www.montosarvpark.com/ outside of Magdalena, NM on Hgy 60. They are a Passport America park so it's $11.50 for the 1st night. Then stop at the Magdalena Cafe and get the Green Chili Cheese Burger. Best we've every ate.

If you're coming into Albuquerque down I-40 from SC, stop in Moriarity at RV Sales and meet Ralph, Kathy, Jill & the rest of the Excel team there. Tell them I said "HI".

Alamogordo has a museum at the top of the hill. Besides that and White Sands there's great desert & mountain scenery. Las Cruces is close, Ruidoso for the "Inn of the Mountain GOds", El Paso's not too far and then just more great scenery all around in the mountains.

Most of all have fun, travel safe, take lot's of pictures and smell the roses. We'll hopefully see you down the road.

The best to you both.

[MakinSmoke]

Welcome Big Mike and Jean,
Ain't it great? Most of us have had the same kind of experience and I am really happy you are now one of "us". You are embarking on an adventure that, for us, has been the best of our lives. All our best to you and Jean.

[evan0810]

We lived in Roswell,NM for 7 1/2 yrs. I still miss it. Make sure to visit the space museum and Sunspot while you are there. And for a great hamburger-Blake's Lottaburger.
There is a UFO museum in Roswell as well as an art museum. Ruidoso is a nice town for shopping. And Lincoln if you enjoy old west history. Except for the asphalt and power lines it is just like it was when Billy the Kid hung out there.
Have fun, Ed

[clspds]

The museum in Alamogordo is the NM Museum of Space History and is well worth the visit. While in Alamogordo we had lunch at Hacienda Family Restaurant and it was very tasty. We even purchased some of their fresh salsa. Very good. If you visit Las Cruces, you must see Historic La Mesilla - a quaint little town just south of Las Cruces. While there do you yourself a favor and eat at LaPosta Restaurant. Excellent Mexican cuisine. A great place for lunch is Andele which is also close to La Mesilla.

We plan on spending the month of November exploring New Mexico after a "pit stop" in Smith Center.

[Bob Martin]

I also had my 1st experience with Smith Center a couple of weeks ago and I must say I was impressed. I currently own SOB of 5ver but am considering purchasing an Excel. I stopped at several dealers and the plant on a trip from ND to NM, even made a side trip to a state rally in Chama NM and met the owner and his wife. If you get a chance, during your NM travels, stop and have a meal at Rutillio's in Belen, the absolute best New Mexican food there is.

Have a good trip,

Bob M

[Rsteabag]

We too also had our first experience at Smith Center. We were very pleased with Steve who was asinged to do our repairs. Steve was a very compentant employee who knows the Excel trailers top to bottom and cares about the quality of his work. He did everything he could do to get you out each night so you could stay in it. The lounge in the repair center is every thing that you could want to pass time while there. Mr Yenne and Ed were very accomodating and acessible to talk over your repairs. They have 30 and 50 amp hookups with cable. There is a couple of water spigots that could be used also. Make sure you park at the back of the center as it is a lot quiter out there, no road noise like out front. Be reminded they start work at 6:30 AM every day and quit at 4:30 PM.

[rockintom]

I'm posting a link to information about PI's Smith Center Service Center. Virg, did the compiling and I updated it near the bottom of the page. I think this would really help the first timers! Nothing like experience! Things to know about SC Service Center.

[BookIIRoadtrash]

I was in SC on the 23rd of Sept. The reason I stopped was I did not want to wait in Sheldon Iowa for the part I needed. It was about 130 miles out of my way. Darren did my work and was very professional and an excelant craftsman. He was firm about not doing anything I did not have on the list, so with a little muscle from Steve, I got everything done. I had my unit outside and was inside with Darren most of the time and he didnot care. Also at RV Central they do not care if I go in the shop and go inside my home to watch them. I feel this is great in the sence that if I had a stick home and needed a serviveman to fix something, I'd let him in and show him where to go and watch him fix my problem. So I feel that when I take my home to a service dealer I am going in their shop and be in my home while they fix my problem. It is my home and I will not have anyone tell me I can not get in the shop area and be with my home. Anyway I am getting off topic, Smith Center is a nice clean midwestern town and you can tell they have community pride, and I think they are far enough north to have some of our northern morals rub off!

[MakinSmoke]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">and I think they are far enough north to have some of our northern morals rub off! </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

[Still Working "NOT"]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by MakinSmoke:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">and I think they are far enough north to have some of our northern morals rub off! </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
</div></BLOCKQUOTE>

And very true for the most part. We still have our problem children.

[clspds]

We just left Smith Center after our first visit to the Service Center. We believe that Jack has a very competent crew. Everyone working in the Service Center knows what they are doing. Darren worked on our rig and I have to echo the sentiments posted above. He is a very fine person to work with. He went out of his way so that we could stay in our rig each night. Even though Ed was getting ready to go on vacation, he took the time to go over a few questions that I had about my entertainment center. The facility is first class and they are very busy. I would suggest that you document very precisely what you need done before you get there to expedite your repairs as others are waiting for your spot. We had a great time visiting with other Excel owners in the Customer Lounge. The plant tour is very interesting. The town of Smith Center is a nice little Mid-Western town. The Mexican omelet at The 2nd Cup Cafe cannot be beat. Duffy's Steak House and Lounge is a great place for dinner. Now we can head south to warmer weather.

[rockintom]

Thanks Paul for the update...I told you about the breakfast at the 2nd Cup......good chow and nice folks....rockin' wouldn't lie about something that was about food!!! Glad it all went well. Enjoy your time in south TX! rock