So, after feeling just a little over my head on generators, and the numerous electrical glitches on the GB, DW & I decided to let the dealer take a look at it. (I'm good at mechanical stuff, but I can also recognize when things are not in my area of expertise)
We dropped it off last week, with the agreement that they would be looking at it, starting that monday. I am a big proponent in taking your time and fixing things completely and properly, rather than the "just make it work" attitude. I told them we were anxious to get out and start using it, but given the electrical issues and the generator not starting, I knew it wasn't safe to drive long distances. I said, "Take your time, keep me posted and let me know what needs to happen and we'll take it one step at a time."
Monday afternoon came and DW got a call from our service advisor, Troy. He said he dispatched the coach to his most seasoned tech, Greg. In less than 1 hour, Greg had the generator running.... roughly. Greg recommended that oil changes on both the genny and the coach engine were l-o-n-g overdue, and we agreed to have a complete service on both to bring up to snuff. The electrical issues had not been tackled at that point, but I was thinking... one concern, per day, seems pretty reasonable....
Before I left for work Tuesday morning, I stopped by the service department to check in with Troy and Greg and discussed options about chasing down electrical issues and how much time would be invested in diagnostic, before the search would be called off and a more direct repair approach would be taken... to rewire the tail of the coach.
In the service bay, Greg was performing the oil change on the genny, and was elbow deep in your typical "engine dirt". I stuck my hand out to shake his, and he politely tried to refuse, saying that his hands were dirty. I said, "I dont care. Dirt doesn't scare me." He then heartily shook my hand, genuinely and pleasantly surprised by my desire to make that handshake. From that moment on, he knew I was a "regular guy" and could talk to him about the mechanics, and not have someone staring at him, like a monkey doing a math problem.
Greg agreed that he would diagnose, chase, and test the wiring for no more than 2 hours, and then call me with a status update. After that we would be better able to "make the call" to just gut it and start over with the lights.
I left for work and thanked Greg for his current and future effort, and then left him alone to do his work.
--4 Hours later--
DW calls me and asks if I have heard anything, and I said no.
I call out to Troy and ask for a status update. He connects with Greg who comes in, and says. "The generator is running, but not completely smooth. You should probably run some seafoam through it, and that should take care of it."
"What about the lights?" I ask.
"I've got some magic happening here. I have the headlights working, and the hazards..... I think I almost have it solved, but since I was on a roll, I didn't want to stop to call, sorry."
"As long as things are starting to work, I won't take up any more of your time and let you get back at it." I replied.
An hour later, Troy calls me back and says, "He's got it! Everything is working. He wants to let the genny run for a couple of hours, if that's ok with you."
I tell him, "Let it run.... We've got to burn off the older gasoline in the tank to help it run smoother anyways. Whats the total bill?"
Troy says that he'll have to pull out his abacus, do some figuring, and call me back with a total.-- never a good sign.
Twenty minutes later, he calls me back and gives me a figure which was less than half of what I was expecting.
DW and I went down to the service department and picks up the coach. DW went into the cashier to settle the bill, and I went directly to talk to Greg. He showed me the amount of finesse to give the genny to get it to start, and run. He also gave me some ideas for cleaning the fuel system which will save me some $$. We walked into the coach and the AC was blowing cold, keeping the inside at about 72*. Lovely.......
I am so pleased at the level of service, the quality of work and the honesty of Greg, who I feel, isnt being paid nearly enough for his knowledge and expertise.
Now, who was this dealer, you ask?
Tom Raper RV, in Fairfield, Ohio.
I have heard some horror stories about pricing and labor rates, but when you know you're in over your head, it's worth it to have that kind of expertise and experience working for you. It also helps to make the "personal connection" with the guy that's doing the work.
Would I go back? ABSOLUTELY!! They will continue to get my business for parts, accessories, etc.
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