Community Forums

Ted S. · 04-01-2013, 06:22 PM

Hello Everyone,

I was wondering if you all could give me some insight on RV service. I would like to buy a Motorhome and have it serviced locally. I currently have a popup and when I need service, I bring it locally to my dealer where I bought it. They are very good, so I stay loyale to them, I buy most all of the accessories from them off their showroom floor as well. This dealer only sell trailers however.

There are several dealers around me, but the likelihood of them having the Motorhome I am looking for is slim. I also may go 1-2 year used, so in the end I forsee buying the RV from some place or individual based on the deal, then needing to find service from some place good as local as possible based on convenience.

So my question is, is it possible to find good service even if you didn't buy the RV there? Am I over thinking this? I just want good work done and don't mind paying for it, but I am not sure how it works in the RV world.

Thanks

docj · 04-01-2013, 07:04 PM

You don't say what kind of motorhome you are considering buying, but I view RV dealers as being the last places I want to take mine unless there is no other choice. When I had my E-450-based Class C I always took it to my Ford dealer when it needed any form of mechanical service. Now that I have a DP I take it to a CAT dealer or to a regional truck center. IMHO top-notch diesel mechanics aren't hanging around RV dealers waiting to service the few DPs that drop by. I do use RV places if the problem is truly an RV-specific issue, but there aren't really many of those outside of heating and cooling systems or appliances.

Scotter · 04-01-2013, 07:25 PM

Not sure where your from but I have a great resource for repairs where I am at.
No dealers for me, just a great RV repair place that i can trust.
Keep looking , they are out there.

Ted S. · 04-01-2013, 07:39 PM

I'm considering a Winnebego Class C, I am in the Boston, MA area. I believe I can get the chassis serviced pretty easily, it's the coach or box I am concerned with. So there are independent RV shops that don't sell RVs?

denochs · 04-01-2013, 07:43 PM

RV dealerships are typically charging 100+ per hour now days. And my experience has been that they have 10 dollar per hour people working on them.

I would recommend using chassis dealers to service the drive trane and independent rv repair shops or individuals to handle the truly rv system repairs when they are not proprietary.

Dave

Mr_D · 04-01-2013, 08:11 PM

I worked part time for a local independent shop. They charge $120+ an hour. I had them do my awning replacement (insurance paid). They left one docking light hanging by it's wires and the off side furnace cover just barely attached, all four screws hand tight. No idea why it was taken off since they had no business workign on that side.
Anyway I don't recommend them to anyone!
In fact, I do my own repairs, just because of the lousy service that you get at most places. I know I can do as well as the shops, for MUCH less. If it's wrong (and it almost never is) at least it's my fault and I won't make that mistake again!

csrrsr · 04-02-2013, 11:43 AM

After purchasing our DP I found looking for good shops is as hard as looking for good used coaches. They are out there. Ask around at your local CG's and auto repair shops. There's always someone who knows somebody from somewhere that does a good job.

WeatherTodd · 04-02-2013, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ted S.

...
So my question is, is it possible to find good service even if you didn't buy the RV there? Am I over thinking this? I just want good work done and don't mind paying for it, but I am not sure how it works in the RV world.

Thanks

yes you are overthinking it. Pull into a shop with an RV... they see $$$$.
You being loyal probably wont save you much unless the business is small enough for you to make an impression.

MandG-Fun · 04-02-2013, 12:40 PM

Ted,

I've had good luck locating reputable shops here: RV Service Reviews. It will at least give you a place to start with the ability to look at customer feedback. I always take feedback with a bit of a grain of salt and do some further research on the shop.

Happy hunting...
Glenn

Go Dawgs · 04-02-2013, 04:31 PM

As for the chassis any good local auto or truck repair shop can do the work. I have a local mechanic who handles all my engine and chassis needs. If it's something he doesn't do then I take it to a specialist for that item. I made the mistake 3 years ago of taking my MH to a mechanic who only works on MH and at $110 per hour it got expensive. As for the MH itself there isn't much that most of us DIYer's can't do ourselves. If it's something I can't do then I take it to a place locally.

Ted S. · 04-02-2013, 06:58 PM

So I am liking the way this is playing out. I feel like I don't need to buy local, I could buy a good used RV and find service. I think I could get through most repairs myself, except when it gets into deep electronics and mechanicals.

UsualSuspect · 04-10-2013, 01:58 PM

If you are not buying new, I would go where you get the best deal. Used units are always sold "As is, No Warranty", so your repairs will be out of pocket unless you buy an aftermarket insurance policy at the point of sale. An aftermarket insurance policy, aka warranty, can be done by almost anyplace, most anywhere. If you are buying new, depends on the savings.