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Forest Grump · 03-18-2015, 08:35 PM

After 51 days at Giant RV in Colton we were told the warranty work on our 2014 Thor Coach was complete and ready. Nothing really complex just stuff that bothers you. Rear camera wasn't working 100% of the time after warranty repair work still doesn't work 100% of the time. Inverter was on-beeping, low voltage warning. They had turned the inverter on, on off switch pretty easy to figure out and they had it plugged into 120v. Wiz kids, hope the transfers switch worked.

I have two J305H-AC Trojan batteries which were fully charged when we dropped them off. There is a BatteryMinder frequency desulfinator attached. I had hard wired a Xantrex inverter in, with its dedicated transfer switch, yield to any other AC source and its own sub panel. When we picked up the coach 9.5 volts on the multimeter on the coach batteries. I told them when I dropped it off that I wanted them to keep the batteries charged. I also told them several times that I would not pick the coach up till all 8 tasks were completed.

Giant says the delays are Thors's in sending parts. This is not accurate. I know when Thor shipped each part and when Giant received them. Problem was Giant failed to order most of the parts then when they arrived they couldn't find them. When I took it in, day 1, supposedly they had all the parts with the exception of a ceiling panel and paint. They wanted me to pick up the coach after they had completed 4 of 8 tasks. Nope I wanted 8/8.

Their electric guy, was confused by the two 6v batteries and why the stock converter wasn't charging the batteries when they had plugged it in the night before. He was totally confused by the inverter. The Service Writer said he never said that he would keep the batteries charged. The Service Manager said they don't keep any of their RV batteries charged. He was not aware you can test the operation of an converter by unplugging the 120v, if you have 12v when plugged in converter works, if 12v lights go out when you unplug it at 9.5v batteries - dead batteries. The Manager Mr. "Brick", was thoroughly confused by my setup, confirmed they don't charge any batteries on their RV's and twice asked what the BatteryMinder thingee was, twice in a minute I told him what it was. The third time he asked in the same minute I told him it had not changed since I answered the first two times. [moderator edit]

They said they wouldn't replace the batteries because of the battery minder and the inverter installation. Then they really got upset with my comments and told me to leave or they would call the sheriff, big deal. They were mocking me as they walked away like two little bullies having fun. I told them one was a liar and they were both clowns.

So you decide if you would like to buy an RV from Giant or to have it serviced at Giant. I guess I'm not going to be going back there. I've had the batteries charging with the top of the line Schumacher Automatic Charger since I got home and things are looking pretty good so far.

So I will file a formal complaint tomorrow with Thor and with Costco.

Forest Grump · 03-18-2015, 10:14 PM

I realize that RV owners can be very passionate about their RV's and biased against dealers so I tried to write the above as impartial as possible but that is really hard when you have to explain to a dealership manager what a thingee is 3 times in a minute. I think I got the coach batteries charged, we will see if they hold overnight. Now I have a new problem, no coach 12v unless generator is running. Fuses and breakers fine, coach solenoid shut off seems to open and close but no 12v when turned on. I have 12v inside when the generator is on. Turn it off 12v goes off. I think there is a reset under the hood, will check. The converter is working. The inverter also works so all transfer switches are working, 120v. I haven't checked to see if 12v works when the coach is plugged into 120v, think it does.

UncleBilly · 03-18-2015, 11:34 PM

What a mess. Sorry too hear your problems with dealer and your rig. I'd have no problem getting in either ones face if they continue to screw up. Sad it has too be this way, but may be the only way too get stuff fixed! Good luck...

1996 Country Coach Intrigue 😜

Tom N · 03-19-2015, 07:44 AM

I don't understand how you can expect factory warrantee service after you made many electrical modifications.

TQ60 · 03-19-2015, 09:27 AM

Depends...

If op added equipment to the mh snd it was installed per manufacturer guides then it may not be issue.

If said new equipment is not touching any part of the "warranty work" then it should not be a concern either.

The rv servicer should know what the common items were and understand how they relate.

They also should be able to show why or why something impacts the warranty.

Worst case would be for shop to state the warranty item failed due to aftermarket work and they restored to stock and eorks fine pay us $$$ but since it still is wonky it seems this place may not understand how to insert light bulbs let alone more complicated stuff...

Rich and Cork · 03-19-2015, 05:49 PM

I don't understand what you were doing with your electrical system?

Forest Grump · 03-19-2015, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom N

I don't understand how you can expect factory warrantee service after you made many electrical modifications.

I expect Giant RV to keep my batteries charged when it is being serviced for a period of 50 days for an estimated 14 day repair.

Forest Grump · 03-19-2015, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TQ60

Depends...

.
If said new equipment is not touching any part of the "warranty work" then it should not be a concern either.

The rv servicer should know what the common items were and understand how they relate.

They also should be able to show why or why something impacts the warranty.

Worst case would be for shop to state the warranty item failed due to aftermarket work and they restored to stock and eorks fine pay us $$$ but since it still is wonky it seems this place may not understand how to insert light bulbs let alone more complicated stuff...

I spoke with Thor this morning and comment about my Trojan 6v's and the BatteryMinder were wow you "are smart". He knew what everything was including the BatteryMinder which they like since it has results similar to an equalization without the high voltage, heat and gassing. In other words they approved, no warranty issues. As for the batteries being dead the only way to try to recover them was like I did with a separate 12v charger. No problem with them.

As for the addition of the Xantrex inverter they asked why I did not put in an inverter/charger, can't win everything. Putting in the inverter, additional transfer switch and sub panel not a problem. Wanted to protect the inverter with the T switch and to isolate the usable circuits (not the AC or Converter). Overdid it they said, great work, no problem. Gave me the names of really good standalone converters if I wanted to change the existing one out.

I really like the Thor coach and to morrow I am going to retime the slide.

Sent me all kinds of drawings, wiring, Jensen Radio etc.

Thanks Thor.

Winepress · 03-19-2015, 06:23 PM

For that period of time I would disconnect the house batteries. I'm sure they have a lot of RV's in various stages of repair. This would require moving units around. To expect that they would keep all connected, not knowing what is running in each unit is not realistic.

I do think you should be treated with respect, no matter what. They should inform the customer that their RV will not be powered up during the service visit.

Your RV should be a delightful experience, hope you get everything fixed and you are able to enjoy your RV.

brobox · 03-19-2015, 06:27 PM

What does Costco have to do with it? Did you get a bad box of raspberry's?

Forest Grump · 03-19-2015, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brobox

What does Costco have to do with it? Did you get a bad box of raspberry's?

Got the motorhome through a Costco discount.

Mr_D · 03-19-2015, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Forest Grump

Got the motorhome through a Costco discount.

But you bought it from the dealer, not Costco. All they did was provide a connection between you and the dealer.

Forest Grump · 03-19-2015, 07:26 PM

Yes they collect a fee from Giant for each coach they sell. Costco should know there is a problem in this link since they direct you to Giant not the competitors next door.

Forest Grump · 03-19-2015, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rich and Cork

I don't understand what you were doing with your electrical system?

We normally camp in Forest Service Campgrounds which have no hookups. I was upgrading the motorhome to accommodate 120v appliances via an inverter which necessitated serious upgrading of the Harris battery etc. This is a very common upgrade.

We can run the TV, a hair dryer, toaster, microwave all via the batteries and inverter without having to start the generator thus respecting the quiet times, no generators, of these beautiful locations.