Community Forums

bdozer · 05-14-2019, 07:51 AM

Hello all. Would like to hear from anyone who went to the factory without an appointment and got on the "drop in" list. How long did you end up waiting and was that based on what you wanted to get repaired? We are unable to use our Ventana due to major problems with two of three slides. We have an appointment for 1st of Sept. but it is very close to a pre planned family reunion. I am retired so a trip to Nappanee at any time would be Ok. I did the "drop in " list at Freightliner in Gaffney SC and waited two days. I know factory is a lot busier than Freightliner but still would like to get our work done before our reunion. Bad enough that we had to cancel our Co.,Ut,Mt., Wy.,And SD trip this summer, hate to lose 9 months of use waiting for the appointment.

Thanks
Ray

Solo_RV_Guy · 05-14-2019, 08:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bdozer

Hello all. Would like to hear from anyone who went to the factory without an appointment and got on the "drop in" list. How long did you end up waiting and was that based on what you wanted to get repaired? We are unable to use our Ventana due to major problems with two of three slides. We have an appointment for 1st of Sept. but it is very close to a pre planned family reunion. I am retired so a trip to Nappanee at any time would be Ok. I did the "drop in " list at Freightliner in Gaffney SC and waited two days. I know factory is a lot busier than Freightliner but still would like to get our work done before our reunion. Bad enough that we had to cancel our Co.,Ut,Mt., Wy.,And SD trip this summer, hate to lose 9 months of use waiting for the appointment.

Thanks
Ray

Hi Ray-

Dropping in and waiting 2 weeks is better than waiting another 4 months.

That you seem to need deep slide work means you really can't use the coach as intended, so waiting in Nappanee looks like your best option for the time being.

bdozer · 05-14-2019, 08:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Solo_RV_Guy

Hi Ray-

Dropping in and waiting 2 weeks is better than waiting another 4 months.

That you seem to need deep slide work means you really can't use the coach as intended, so waiting in Nappanee looks like your best option for the time being.

Do you know of anyone who did a factory visit via "drop in"? You mentioned two weeks.

GaryKD · 05-14-2019, 08:45 AM

Hi bdozer,
Call and ask. Not sure you will like the answer. If you have a RVIA certified mobile tech around he should be able to get the problem diagnosed and repaired.

WulfHaslett · 05-14-2019, 08:54 AM

There was a recall on the slide out motors back a few months ago. We went to the dealership. They fixed it for us. We couldn't use our bedroom slide at all. Did you try a dealership near you if you can't get into Newmar ? It only took about 5 hrs and they were done. Works great now.

hohenwald48 · 05-14-2019, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WulfHaslett

There was a recall on the slide out motors back a few months ago. We went to the dealership. They fixed it for us. We couldn't use our bedroom slide at all. Did you try a dealership near you if you can't get into Newmar ? It only took about 5 hrs and they were done. Works great now.

I'm aware of a recall for the slide motor controllers. Was there a recall issued on the slide motors too?

TJ · 05-14-2019, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hohenwald48

I'm aware of a recall for the slide motor controllers. Was there a recall issued on the slide motors too?

I believe it was just the controller. We had that recall done several months ago. Haven't seen anything new on the slides since then.

TJ

Dav L · 05-14-2019, 10:46 AM

I'd be putting a toggle switch on that slide instead of waiting that crazy amount of time for an appointment and not getting use out of that expensive toy.

Solo_RV_Guy · 05-14-2019, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bdozer

Do you know of anyone who did a factory visit via "drop in"? You mentioned two weeks.

Hi Ray-

Two weeks was the "foggy memory" of some posts about Newmar drop in wait times from a few months ago. I understand the new service building is soon to open (may have already), the expanded Camp Newmar is partly open so things are probably different now.

As was mentioned, call ahead and ask how long the queue is.

I suppose it's a quality of life decision - cooling your heels in your coach as the queue slowly moves, or sitting at home and watching the calendar. I think I'd take my chances with getting in line for service but do what's right for you, your coach, and your situation.

TJ · 05-14-2019, 11:19 AM

I would call Newmar Customer Service and ask for Erica Miller (She's the Ventana/Ventana LE specialist) and explain your situation. Ask if there is some way that they can work you in on a standby basis since you are unable to use your coach.

I have found the Newmar CS people to be very helpful and, if you explain your situation, I'm guessing they'll do their best to help you. If they can't get you into the que at Nappanee, ask for assistance in identifying a dealer who can do the work. And, don't hesitate to ask Newmar CS to call that dealer and pave the way for you. They did that for us a while back.

Good luck.

TJ

PanJH · 05-14-2019, 11:23 AM

Hi,
I'm not sure why you're stuck on going back to the factory. Looks like you are in SC, should be a dealer or shop that can get you in . If that fails, I can attest to Independence RV in Winter Garden FL and their workmanship. I've read good things about National Indoor RV in Atlanta, but have no experience with them.

RKins · 05-14-2019, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Solo_RV_Guy

Hi Ray-

Two weeks was the "foggy memory" of some posts about Newmar drop in wait times from a few months ago. I understand the new service building is soon to open (may have already), the expanded Camp Newmar is partly open so things are probably different now.

As was mentioned, call ahead and ask how long the queue is.

I suppose it's a quality of life decision - cooling your heels in your coach as the queue slowly moves, or sitting at home and watching the calendar. I think I'd take my chances with getting in line for service but do what's right for you, your coach, and your situation.

The new Service Center has been open a while, the New Camp Newmar is not open yet and won't be for a little while.

I have not heard of a "drop in" list. They are very busy in the Service center with most all 52 service spots filled every day. If you want to try, that leaves sitting in the FHU area of the old CN or more likely, the overflow area. The overflow is electric only - they shut off the water. The overflow area can be busy too.

DGBPokes · 05-14-2019, 01:53 PM

Off thread maybe but let’s do a little math here... 53 service bays......95 day work backlog.....safe to assume average service 3 days. 1,600 Newmar rigs in need of factory service..WOW!!!

RKins · 05-14-2019, 03:31 PM

I met a lot of people in the waiting area up there and one couple was so happy, they picking up their new Ventana (FPU), a few of us were getting repairs, some were getting mods like new furniture, others were getting windshields replaced and a few were getting their routine maintenance done there. Newmar sent me a couple forms with pricing for routine maintenance. I wonder how much of their service business is just routine maintenance? I guess that could take a day or 2?