Shocked at my RV dealer!

StevL · 04-15-2016, 04:05 PM

No names here, this is a large chain store.

We recently purchased a Precept from this chain. We have a few very minor items to be repaired, I took our coach in this morning, had an appointment that was made two weeks ago.

I asked while they tended to the warranty items and add something I purchased, could you do a couple small things for me.

1. Add valve stem extensions to the outside rear tires, the extensions are like $20. saw them on their shelf.

2. Check the air in the tires.

I get a call late this afternoon telling me they didn't get to my coach today. They also needed a approval on some labor cost.

1. To add the extensions $99. labor. (Really, five minutes to screw them on)
2. To check the air in the tires and to add some if needed $66.

I'm floored, I'm having warranty work done, having an item added for $800. and I get charged to check my tire pressure? And $99. to screw on two valve extensions? I'll do it myself!

Is this how this industry works? Seems like robbery to me.

Steve

**norty1** · 04-15-2016, 04:09 PM

And they didn't even wear a mask!

Kim Gass · 04-15-2016, 06:17 PM

No.

Not in our experience.

We did a PDI with the dealer. Then we took the unit home. We found some weatherstripping that was not to our satisfaction and called the dealer. They called ten days later, the stripping was in. Made an appointment the next week

It was POURING rain. They brought the TV and TT inside and did the weatherstripping. Then we asked some questions about clarification of dewinterizing steps. They guided us through the process let us do it in their shop under their mentoring. In about 15 minutes we were done.
At NO CHARGE.

Not a large chain store. A small family owned RV business that carries just Jayco and another line. Before we bought they emphasized that their forte was service and they could not match chain stores price.. and there are no Jayco stores within 300 miles.

they have been in the business for 50 years.

Mwade · 04-15-2016, 07:43 PM

The large dealerships are in business for one reason,$$$$$$$$!!

Fairenatic · 04-15-2016, 07:47 PM

Cut off your nose to spite your face.

Edd505 · 04-15-2016, 07:56 PM

Did you get kissed first?

BigJohnD · 04-15-2016, 07:59 PM

Find new dealer to do business with in the future. BS on the charges.

ALJO · 04-15-2016, 08:01 PM

That's why I learned to do everything myself and I mean everything. I am sure that dealer didn't blink and eye. Even in the RV manufacturing industry they don't blink and eye on the poor workmanship they deliver. Because they don't have too we are buying them anyway. Keep on smiling!

tuckerdog1 · 04-15-2016, 08:02 PM

At least they waited for your approval before doing the "work" and sticking it to you.

Tuckerdog1

SouthCo · 04-15-2016, 08:03 PM

OP sorry to hear. That's why I buy from whoever gives me the best price based on what my time is worth to drive to pick it up and the selling price. Because you never know if they'll help you after the buy. Pay up front or pay later if you need them later. I have not needed them after....

No dealers are perfect. They are in business to make money. All of them. I pay more for a jayco than say a keystone assuming it's a better product and most likely will have less issues...

canadiankid · 04-15-2016, 08:22 PM

That really sucks! Very different experience here. Yesterday I was in putting on new drop hitch for my WDH and I used hours of there time. Couple different techs helped do some things, some warranty work, some just helping me out. When I went to go to the scales I realized I didn't have my battery. Without asking one of the guys ran in to get me one. My only complaint is that we didn't have a case of beer or a bottle! Otherwise I would have stayed all day and hung out.

SouthCo · 04-15-2016, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by canadiankid

That really sucks! Very different experience here. Yesterday I was in putting on new drop hitch for my WDH and I used hours of there time. Couple different techs helped do some things, some warranty work, some just helping me out. When I went to go to the scales I realized I didn't have my battery. Without asking one of the guys ran in to get me one. My only complaint is that we didn't have a case of beer or a bottle! Otherwise I would have stayed all day and hung out.

Couple of hours on hitch work at the dealer? Glad my Blue Ox is so easy I don't need more than 15 minutes with no help to adjust its height. When I upgraded my trucks receiver I dropped the height of my shank setup in minutes...

At least they helped which is great but that's a lot of time lol.....

canadiankid · 04-15-2016, 08:39 PM

Not all that time was on the hitch! Although it did take a bit cause we where fine tuning height and set it up and took it off twice. Then had to lengthen the chains. It's a blue ox too, super easy I agree. The only reason I did that there is because I store my trailer at the dealership for the winter. We also changed out the hydrolic lift for the master bed. Changed out the outdoor kitchen fridge and removed a faucet so I can have replacements ready for the first trip.

SouthCo · 04-15-2016, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by canadiankid

Not all that time was on the hitch! Although it did take a bit cause we where fine tuning height and set it up and took it off twice. Then had to lengthen the chains. It's a blue ox too, super easy I agree. The only reason I did that there is because I store my trailer at the dealership for the winter. We also changed out the hydrolic lift for the master bed. Changed out the outdoor kitchen fridge and removed a faucet so I can have replacements ready for the first trip.

[emoji1303]

StevL · 04-16-2016, 08:24 AM

Yep, I thought this was crazy too!

I'm very handy with tools, worked with my hands my entire life, other than warranty work looks like I'll be taking care of her.

We did get an excellent price IMO, based on all the 30 to 35% off MSRP we did very well.

But, being our first RV ever I really wanted to buy from a large chain. IMO I figured being a complete newbie to the RV world it's nice to have dealers all over the country.

I can't even imagine taking our new home into this dealer and it not be purchased from their chain..... that service could be really crazy and wait forever. The good news is they are 10 minutes away.

Live and learn, thx for the comments.

Steve

bedrck46 · 04-16-2016, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StevL

No names here, this is a large chain store.
Steve

You should say the name of that dealership (AKA Stealership) So others can avoid them. Yes labor rates are high but things like that are just way overcharged.

**Crabman** · 04-16-2016, 11:58 AM

66 bucks to check tire pressure and add if needed? I need to open up an air station.

Edd505 · 04-16-2016, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crabman

66 bucks to check tire pressure and add if needed? I need to open up an air station.

Have compressor will travel

StevL · 04-16-2016, 12:24 PM

Honestly my wife and I discussed opening a RV store and repair facility.

Not selling RVs, service and accessories only, the local RV center here obviously doesn't excel at either. I have been in customer service and repairs for years, I have a pretty good idea of how the public likes to be treated.

Steve

canadiankid · 04-16-2016, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StevL

Honestly my wife and I discussed opening a RV store and repair facility.

Not selling RVs, service and accessories only, the local RV center here obviously doesn't excel at either. I have been in customer service and repairs for years, I have a pretty good idea of how the public likes to be treated.

Steve

I would love to visit such a store! Aftermarket items, not necessarily "made for RV's".

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