Community Forums

Danny Z · 06-18-2021, 07:45 AM

Bought a new 21DBS in April 2021, had it out in hot (AC) weather for the first time last weekend - no AC. Blew 2 degrees colder than ambient. Since I live in Michigan, I have to remotely work with ORV/dealership.

Dealership informed me I could work with an in-house or a mobile tech, and gave me Kevin Kincaid's email at ORV. Asked Kevin about the mobile tech, as in-house places near me were booked up through July. I was told mobile tech fees wouldn't be reimbursed, as this was a "convenience". So I paid out of pocket ($120) for a mobile tech to come diagnose the bad unit and start the warranty process with Coleman Mach.

No big deal, I suppose. I knew buying a "west coast" brand and living east of the Mississippi would cause some issues. And I'm really not *too* upset with ORV or the dealership in Colorado about the AC unit - maybe it tested fine but went kaput afterwards.

The only bad taste in my mouth is the communication with ORV. Mr. Kincaid's customer service was prompt, but terse, short, and left me sort of grasping at straws for awhile until I came to understand the process, when it would have been nice to have been guided through it.

TonyMac · 06-18-2021, 08:28 AM

My mobile techs; I've used CCo and RV Doctor in the SLC area; BOTH charge LESS per hour than a RV shop.

Tell Kevin he can pay up to the in-house fee and you'll pay whatever is above that. Craig at CCO charges $75/hr, RV Dr charger $95, most shops charge about $150/hr and employ a few high skilled techs and some minimum wage beginners learning on your coach. Craig, who worked in a shop for 10 years, sometimes cons his dad, with 30 years of RV experience, out of retirement for the big or tough jobs.

altaclipper · 06-18-2021, 09:53 AM

Sorry that you're going through the stress of getting warrantee repairs, Danny.
I sympathize with you.
I know you'll understand that ORV didn't build the A/C unit and that for the better part of construction, ORV just installs parts and pieces built elsewhere. That said, inside one of the cabinets and/or inside the manual should be the name of the supplier and ultimately the warrantor of the A/C unit, aside from ORV. ORV just installs the unit. Aside from this, it's amazing how many suppliers contribute to our ORV's; it must be quite a jungle for ORV, trying to have enough parts/pieces on hand from all the suppliers, of whom Lippert is probably the largest.
Again, I'd consider dealing with the Coleman Mach manufacturer first, as that is probably what ORV has to do. You would just be cutting out the 'middle-man'.

Not knowing any of the details on your A/C unit, one thing I found when the temp inside our Glacier Peak wasn't changing much, I took off the interior plastic valances (4 screws) to see what I could see. I found the interior baffle plate that separates warmer air from cooler air, was not installed properly so air was just going around and around. It is just a friction-fit between warm and cool air. Also a good time to check your ductwork and see if there are any impediments to air flow. It's a long-shot I realize, but might just be a contributing factor.

Hope all goes well.

Cheers
Glen