Community Forums

DSL417 · 02-22-2021, 04:37 PM

Trying to replace my coach batteries with either AGM or Lithium. Thought those of you considering using General RV for service.

First, they informed my that for subject service, battery replacement, one hour per battery at $199/hr, since I didn’t buy my RV from them. Ridiculous in terms of time...and rate.

FWIW, that is Lithium or AGM...now AGM is just a straight switch...maybe one hour labor. Lithium a little more as a DC to DC converter has to be done, not included in quote. In any event, $1600 labor for eight batteries...may want to consider versus other alternatives, although at that price I’m sure the wrenches used to tighten the bolts on the terminals are gold plated!

chuckftboy · 02-22-2021, 05:54 PM

General RV is not in the battery business and probably only sell them for convenience or replacing when servicing an RV. With the price they quoted you, they sell very few batteries.

There are battery shops that only sell batteries that may be a better option. There are also a lot of automotive shops that would be happy to sell you AGM's, and install them, not so sure about lithium though.

Dutch Star Don · 02-22-2021, 08:46 PM

Wow....If I lived closer, I would do it for $300 and be done in about two hours, especially if they're on a tray. I could hire a day laborer for $50.00 and watch as he did it..

Outbound · 02-22-2021, 09:52 PM

After that quote I would put them on my DO NOT call list.

EcoRick · 02-22-2021, 10:05 PM

I purchased two RV’s from General RV in one year. First was an impulse Tiffin gasser and the second was a custom Tiffin Phaeton. I erroneously thought I should purchase from a dealer close to my house so I could easily have warranty work done. While waiting for the Tiffin build, I asked for a price from General RV for a Blue Ox/Air Force One brake system. Their price was over $7,5000. I received a quote for $4,600 from a service shop 20 miles from the dealer.

After taking delivery I drove it to the service shop for the tow package install. Received a call 2 hours after they started work on it informing me I had 2 air lines crimped and melted. I emailed my sales rep and this was his reply:

“I talked to service about this yesterday. I do not know what you should do and I don’t know if it is safe to drive. I am not sure if Finnigans is certified to work on Tiffin motor homes? When a non certified dealer messes with a coach, being Tiffin or anyone other manufacturer, it usually results in warranty issues. They will have to do their best to work with Tiffin to try and get those lines resolved.”

Taillight warranty. Worse part was they jammed an extended warranty on me which would have fixed this if Tiffin wouldn’t. Thank goodness Tiffin was great. Resigned that I’ll be driving to a red Bay for service.

Skip Y · 02-24-2021, 03:44 PM

Have bought coaches from General in MI as their prices are very reasonable. However, their service leaves "something to be desired". Therefore, our last 2 coaches have been Winnebagos where we can go to the factory for service. When we took delivery on our present one we told the salesman "Thanks you'll never see it again"

mrpardee · 02-24-2021, 04:26 PM

I had a broken AC unit under warranty and called the Salt Lake City store. They told me if I didn't purchase it there they couldn't help me,

FunnwithGunn · 02-25-2021, 11:33 AM

Generals RV's service is the absolute worst. For the short time we owned our Tiffin and had to deal with them was the most frustrating. When you show up they act like they are doing you a favor by letting them service you ! My sales guy is the best and we have become friends over the years but when we decided to switch to Newmar, I went to a dealer 200 miles away because General didn't carry Newmar. When they did get the Newmar line he said I could get a great price. I told him I was sorry, price is one thing, but I have to live with the rest of your company forever, but please inform your management I couldn't buy from you because I would have to deal with your service department. My brother in law had an even worse time and found out we were on " the secret list " of customers that are difficult and expect them to do their job. I know there is a shortage of techs but a place like General has enough clout to start a school to train people.....sad

sledhead · 02-25-2021, 04:29 PM

I have a General close to my home in michigan but avoid going there, just don't like them
, I've found a couple of mechanical repair shops near me to do work I don't or won't do myself , and I've so far been able to do all the coach repairs myself, but I did find a battery shop close to my Milford home that installed new batteries in my american eagle for $20 labor, although just lead acid, they did a great job , even replaced a couple of cable ends and tolaiiy cleaned and painted the battery tray as well. It pays to shop.

2000 American Eagle

Mr_D · 02-25-2021, 04:39 PM

Well, their choice to charge what they want. Your choice to go somewhere else.
Simple!!

**NLOVNIT** · 02-25-2021, 06:58 PM

It's pretty common knowledge RV dealers are on the high side for shop rates, so that price should be no surprise. You will nearly always find better rates at independent shops.

Barneyb · 02-25-2021, 07:20 PM

Worst experience I ever had with any of our last 5 RV’s was with General RV, I learned my lesson.

sj · 02-25-2021, 08:46 PM

The one time i went to General RV for service was no problem. They fixed what needed done quickly and under warranty. It was minor, tho.
At purchase, their intro to my new toyhauler was useless - this is the fridge, this is the bed etc. Figured I'd get the info from manual (ha!).