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Kazoo Tom · 08-12-2006, 06:16 PM

We hear so many horror stories about dealers I thought it only fair to post a positive experience I had this past Friday.

I had previously posted asking advice on removing awning fabric from my A&E awning. I got many good answers and access to the proper instructions. As I could not find any help around when I needed it, I contacted several local dealers. One dealer quoted a price of $185 and change to remove the fabric and replace it after it was repaired. Another dealer was more reasonable, quoting a total of $75 for the same job. Of course I went there.

The dealer is Cloverleaf RV in Schoolcraft, Michigan. My appointment was for 9:30 a.m. I got there at 9:25 and they were ready and waiting for me. I was allowed to stand by and watch the work, and learn exactly how it is done. My intent was to take the old fabric to a canvas shop and have a tear repaired.

The shop had several awning fabrics in a warehouse. One was a brand new fabric with a metal weather guard that was ordered for another customer and refused. It was offered for $80. How could I say no.

To make a long story shorter. I ended up with a new awning fabric, a lesson in maintaining the awning at a very reasonable (bargain)price. Good people, great prices and friendly prompt service.

One thing I discovered, before a possible disaster. While the old awning worked fine (I thought) it was virtually silent in operation. When the awning was apart we discovered that the ratchet assembly was badly worn out. It too was replaced. The moral; if you don't hear a ratcheting noise when lowering or raising the awning, have it checked. The lobes on the ratcheting assembly were almost completely worn out. I don't know how it possibly was able to remain locked.

Kazoo Tom · 08-12-2006, 06:16 PM

We hear so many horror stories about dealers I thought it only fair to post a positive experience I had this past Friday.

I had previously posted asking advice on removing awning fabric from my A&E awning. I got many good answers and access to the proper instructions. As I could not find any help around when I needed it, I contacted several local dealers. One dealer quoted a price of $185 and change to remove the fabric and replace it after it was repaired. Another dealer was more reasonable, quoting a total of $75 for the same job. Of course I went there.

The dealer is Cloverleaf RV in Schoolcraft, Michigan. My appointment was for 9:30 a.m. I got there at 9:25 and they were ready and waiting for me. I was allowed to stand by and watch the work, and learn exactly how it is done. My intent was to take the old fabric to a canvas shop and have a tear repaired.

The shop had several awning fabrics in a warehouse. One was a brand new fabric with a metal weather guard that was ordered for another customer and refused. It was offered for $80. How could I say no.

To make a long story shorter. I ended up with a new awning fabric, a lesson in maintaining the awning at a very reasonable (bargain)price. Good people, great prices and friendly prompt service.

One thing I discovered, before a possible disaster. While the old awning worked fine (I thought) it was virtually silent in operation. When the awning was apart we discovered that the ratchet assembly was badly worn out. It too was replaced. The moral; if you don't hear a ratcheting noise when lowering or raising the awning, have it checked. The lobes on the ratcheting assembly were almost completely worn out. I don't know how it possibly was able to remain locked.

chasfm11 · 08-12-2006, 07:50 PM

Tom, I'm glad that you had such a good experience. Sometimes, the low bidder comes with a poor customer satisfaction result and I'm glad that didn't happen to you.

I've always believed that people who know what they are doing and understand the risks of a particular job will be able to do it at a lower cost that someone who lacks experience with that job. I've seen a lot of bids with a "fear factor" built in to handle possible contingencies that weren't clearly understand. I also understand that with the wide variety of RVs and awnings, it not possible to have done every combination to gain complete expertise.

I just wish I could find similar shops around me. They seem very few and far between. Whatever you do, hang onto yours.

Gary Krieg · 08-13-2006, 04:20 AM

Please go to http://RVServiceReviews.com and record your service experience. This is the only place on the internet where RV owners can document their RV service experiences. There are over 1240 reviews nationwide and in Canada.