Community Forums

Steady Eddie · 05-08-2006, 07:19 AM

The answer to all of this, from a consumer's

viewpoint is to simply be a "smart-shopper"

and buy used.

Then, 90% of all the rig's problems will have

been sorted thru by the P.O. and if you do

have a problem, you can ask around and find

the very best local RV Shop.

Then, when you call the Shop for an appt.--

you spread it on very thick...you tell them

that you heard they did the very best work in

the area, blah, blah....

Believe me, it works....

Just one reason to buy used--IMHO

swany · 05-09-2006, 06:07 AM

I did start out to buy used. I decided that I would find a 2 year old TT in nice condition and go that route. The problem with that is that after much shopping and pricing I discovered that the difference between a 2 year old and new price wise was minimal. So I began shopping new. After deciding which make and model I wanted the first place I checked for price was TACOMA RV. Through the shopping process I priced several dealers in several states. I only found one that was higher priced than TACOMA RV. For the privilage of being a "TACOMA RV" customer I would have had to pay several thousand dollars more for my TT!

The dealer I bought from (Russ Dean) called around and found a local company to do the repair for me. So the hassel is not that huge and I still have the several thousand dollars in my pocket to by gas with.

Kazoo Tom · 05-09-2006, 09:46 AM

It looks like your problems have been solved as far as getting things done. Now you can start having some fun in that new RV.

powerboatr · 05-09-2006, 11:19 AM

i think it would be nice for my selling dealer to to do my warrnaty work, but they are simply interested in selling not fixing,
three of my four warranty issues I fixed with parts provided by the manufacturer.
I am tickled pink with my level of service.

Dutch Star Don · 05-09-2006, 06:29 PM

If you bought a Ford in Oregon and took it to Washington to have warranty work done, I doubt you would be treated this badly. Maybe someday the RV manufaturers will get it right. I purchased a new motor home from a dealer that is about 200 miles away because the local dealer didn't have the model I wanted (discontinued). Should I be punished by the local dealer because there is only one left in the state.

I explained this to my local dealer and luckily they have treated fairly well.

swany · 05-10-2006, 07:36 AM

Hey, it's all good. I know where to buy RVs, parts and service and I know where not to. This seems to a topic that draws plenty of comments. TACOMA RV is off of my list and I have told everybody I know. That's that.

If you see a camper out there with a 27' outback and a blue Ford pickup, drop in and say hey.

"007" · 05-10-2006, 10:51 AM

powerboatr, you will find that you do get better service like the DIY kind its what alot of us have found and you can't argue with that.

mr smokey · 05-10-2006, 12:23 PM

RV service, warranty service,consumer protection, product liability,It dosen't exist in todays RV world. From coast to coast, its the same. If you purchace your unit from him , the dealer may give you a little edge on getting service. But the priority in the service bays, and technicians time, is still going to be, 1. Deliver and prep. the new units, sales items like hitch work next, then the quicky fixs like, light bulbs and fuses,then the warrantee, work ,if it looks like a guick fix, as far as the rest, they will want you to schedule it just before they lay off in there slow season...

The manufacturers goal is to build and ship as many units as they can, for as little money as it takes. They do have to set a MSRP , price for the units, and they do have to offer a warrantee on there units...But as far as how it is serviced, and how much it is sold for they will not get involved....The RV service industry is lost in the growth, and they do not know how to service in todays environment. they do not have the knowledge or facilities to service full timers or travelers..Out in the Mesa Arizona area, the mobile RV service is starting to grow, but they to are unaware of our service needs and, when we need the service. You can't offer 24 hour 7 day service and then not answer your phones. You can't pick and choose only the calls you wan't to take...I guess the only answer to this problem, is take a good service technician with you to the PDI, and end the sale, or a least hold it up until all problems and issues are solved, before turning over any money...<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> </pre>

SMIES · 05-10-2006, 05:33 PM

I purchased my motorhome out of state but found a local dealer who is more than willing to do my warranty (Craig Smith RV - Gallion, Ohio). They have been great; their service manager Rod is knowledgable and who go to bat with the manufacturer.
The service is first rate; only one item which required a second visit to fix.
I just retirned home from a five month and 9,000 mi trip and didn't have any issues with the items they fixed.
I'll definitly consider them when it comes time to purchase another unit.