Community Forums

T46 · 10-12-2018, 08:45 PM

Being a new RVr I know I don't know what I don't know. So I am seeking input from fellow RVrs. Recently, I took my RV to a shop for wheel alighnment, and to assess why generator not getting fuel from RV tank and why e brake not working. I was told I would be informed of their findings and given quote of all work and cost of repairs for my authorization to proceed. The work was done without a report of their fingings and without my authorization and I have been billed. Is this common? Do I have any recours?

Mr_D · 10-12-2018, 08:51 PM

What does the state where the shop is say? Here in WA they have to post a sign showing the requirements. First is they have to give you a written estimate if requested. Once they give you that they can't exceed it by more than 10% (seems it comes out 9% over most times). If they exceed the 10% max then they can't place a mechanics lean on the vehicle. If you request it they also have to give you any parts removed.
But it all depends on the state laws where the dealer is.

BirchyBoy · 10-12-2018, 08:51 PM

I think it depends on where you are. Here in Colorado, my understanding is that a signed estimate is required or the shop can’t seek reimbursement. That is different if the vehicle is towed in, I think.

I think you may need to consult your local laws to see what they say. At a minimum, I’d only pay for parts but not the labor if push comes to shove.

Msmoto · 10-12-2018, 08:55 PM

Sounds like a communication error. If you did not sign to have the work completed, but only for an estimate, you may have a case. My experience has been that an estimate is always given prior to any work being completed.

Going over things twice and making certain I know what is going to happen has been useful in my experience when dealing with any service organization.

Old-Biscuit · 10-12-2018, 09:53 PM

Profile states you are from Washington PA.

Here is the PA Statue covering repairs
https://www.pacode.com/secure/data/0...01/s301.5.html

Bahamaniac · 10-12-2018, 11:51 PM

Did the work performed fix the issues?

twinboat · 10-13-2018, 04:24 AM

You need a copy of the work order to see what you said, what they wrote and if you signed it.

If it was all verbal, I think your case is stronger then theirs.

weredoingit · 10-13-2018, 07:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T46

Being a new RVr I know I don't know what I don't know. So I am seeking input from fellow RVrs. Recently, I took my RV to a shop for wheel alighnment, and to assess why generator not getting fuel from RV tank and why e brake not working. I was told I would be informed of their findings and given quote of all work and cost of repairs for my authorization to proceed. The work was done without a report of their fingings and without my authorization and I have been billed. Is this common? Do I have any recours?

If your item's mentioned were fixed not a problem. If they found unmentioned things and took it upon themselves to fix them, then I would have a problem. Theirs a local shop that I have dealt with more then a few times. They would call if they found something other then what we discussed. If I take it in to fix XYZ and they fix XYZ without calling me I don't have a problem. But if they fix XYZ and then they say we also found abc and fixed it then I would have a problem, maybe? if it was not a huge expense to fix ABC then I would be glad they found it and fixed it.

Tha_Rooster · 10-13-2018, 11:20 AM

What was the cost of repair compared to just the estimate which could be a couple of hundred.

Gary RVRoamer · 10-13-2018, 12:58 PM

First thing is to review the repair order you signed and see what you actually agreed to. You may have signed a line authorizing repairs without an estimate, despite the conversation about estimates and approvals. If you signed an agreement other than what was discussed, your case is very weak. They can say it was a discussion of alternatives and that you either agreed to no-estimate or misunderstood the final agreement.

In any case, you should have a calm discussion with the shop service advisor or manager about your understanding that an estimate would be presented for your approval prior to the work being done. See if a reasonable solution can be found. Don't get into an uproar until you are sure there is a problem. Especially if the work did indeed need to be done (solved the problem).

wingnut60 · 10-13-2018, 06:11 PM

1) Is the alignment correct? Did you get a before/after printout?
2) Is the gen getting fuel now? Working?
3) Is the e-brake now working?

If all the answers are yes, and cost was not out-of-reason, then leave it alone and get everything in writing next time about being contacted. Many, many times I have taken a vehicle in for work and asked for updates, only to be called when it was done. Never felt taken for a ride--just service advisors too busy to handle things correctly.

What exactly are you unhappy about? Cost? Work not done correctly? Or just not being kept in the loop?