Does Anybody Have... - Page 5

Mr Sunshine · 04-07-2018, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DanM

Bob
I new to the board and have not yet purchased an RV but have been doing research for over 2 months. I've found 2 vehicles that I believe will fit my lifestyle and budget, but the problem I have is service. . I researched service online and 2 good sized regional dealerships had service complaints of 205 and 285. Camping world had an unbelievable 2105!! Most of Camping Worlds were service related and serious, similar to what you posted. And Thor didn't seem too responsive. You may have to up your game
Dan

Welcome to the forum, Dan. You nailed the problem w C W, but we found Thor responsive with the few warranty issues we had, including a windshield replacement (not uncommon with early 2016 Vegas/Axis). Some C W may be OK, but the reviews here and elsewhere are alarming! Run away!

Bob Denman · 04-07-2018, 10:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chance

If the predominant pattern that many post about repeats, you’ll suffer through a long period of this crap, they’ll eventually get around to fixing most things, then you’ll slowly forget the agony you went through, and finally you’ll start to post how great Thor was in fixing everything, how crappy the dealer was, and how clever and persistent you were in getting things corrected.

Hang in there. In time most owners report getting things fixed.

That would work for me... But my Missus (

) has the memory of an elephant, and the disposition of a Pit Viper that has been stepped on!

Mustang46555 · 04-07-2018, 10:16 PM

Did your missus have a long lost sister in Indiana by chance? I think I married her! LOL!

saddlesore · 04-07-2018, 10:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mustang46555

Did your missus have a long lost sister in Indiana by chance? I think I married her! LOL!

Well.... My DW is a twin......

Mo_Mike · 04-08-2018, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Denman

That would work for me... But my Missus (

) has the memory of an elephant, and the disposition of a Pit Viper that has been stepped on!

Bob, it is so disheartening to read about what should have been an extremely happy and (at least semi) enjoyable experience of having a new RV and being able to "hit the road"

We almost bought our VEGAS/AXIS from CW two years ago (thank God they were higher) and bought from a more local dealer ( if you can call a Berkshire Hathaway company local) Our experience with our dealer on service wasn't bad, and THOR was great. However, in the two years since we bought the coach, the number of RVs for sale at our dealer looks to have easily doubled approaching triple what they had on the lot two years ago.

However, with their increased sales, their service facility (which was overbooked two years ago) must be a horror now.

With the increased number of RVs being sold, I wonder why there aren't more "service only" shops coming into existence. Some that might even help to outsource THOR and other dealer warranty issues (since, for the dealer it seems warranty work isn't a priority)

Just a thought over Sunday morning coffee...

**revjeffrey** · 04-08-2018, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mo_Mike

Bob, it is so disheartening to read about what should have been an extremely happy and (at least semi) enjoyable experience of having a new RV and being able to "hit the road"

We almost bought our VEGAS/AXIS from CW two years ago (thank God they were higher) and bought from a more local dealer ( if you can call a Berkshire Hathaway company local) Our experience with our dealer on service wasn't bad, and THOR was great. However, in the two years since we bought the coach, the number of RVs for sale at our dealer looks to have easily doubled approaching triple what they had on the lot two years ago.

However, with their increased sales, their service facility (which was overbooked two years ago) must be a horror now.

With the increased number of RVs being sold, I wonder why there aren't more "service only" shops coming into existence. Some that might even help to outsource THOR and other dealer warranty issues (since, for the dealer it seems warranty work isn't a priority)

Just a thought over Sunday morning coffee...

Very well said and true. Could you imagine opening a service only repair shop within a block of Camping World.

Chance · 04-08-2018, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mo_Mike

....cut....

With the increased number of RVs being sold, I wonder why there aren't more "service only" shops coming into existence. Some that might even help to outsource THOR and other dealer warranty issues (since, for the dealer it seems warranty work isn't a priority)

Just a thought over Sunday morning coffee...

Historically the RV business has been very cyclical. I’d guess it’s probably a risky investment, although repairs may be less so.

Every time the economy stumbles, we stop buying discretionary items, and luxury items like RVs get hit hard. We also stop taking as many vacations, and put off fixing things that can wait.

Instead of starting a completely new business from the ground up, I’d also guess it’s easier for established dealers to expand theirs since they already have infrastructure in place. And like RV manufacturers, they are limited by lack of available trained employees. I think the best employees who have families that depend on them often avoid cyclical jobs for fear of inevitable layoffs.

Bob Denman · 04-08-2018, 01:56 PM

I agree: when money "tightens up": these industries dry up...

Independent shops (that can find co-existing alternate services) may be a better bet...
But yeah: I'd LOVE to see an independent repair shop open up across the street from a Camping World!

That would be a wonderful thing to watch happen!

Chance · 04-08-2018, 02:21 PM

One way to avoid service is to do like a friend of mine is attempting. He just purchased an old classic motorhome and completely gutted the interior. His plan is to rebuild with all-new modern appliances, electronics, etc.

If it works I suppose he’ll be able to do all of his own repairs. It’s a lot like people who build their own van conversions, but much larger. I kind of envy his project — wish I had the time to try it myself.

Bob Denman · 04-08-2018, 04:40 PM

I wish him the best of luck with this project!

But some of us (

!!) have all of the mechanical skills of a hamster...

99dart · 04-08-2018, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chance

One way to avoid service is to do like a friend of mine is attempting. He just purchased an old classic motorhome and completely gutted the interior. His plan is to rebuild with all-new modern appliances, electronics, etc.

If it works I suppose he’ll be able to do all of his own repairs. It’s a lot like people who build their own van conversions, but much larger. I kind of envy his project — wish I had the time to try it myself.

My hat is off to anyone with the time, talent and energy to do something like that. But, does he have the time and a camping vehicle to enjoy in the mean time? I hope he is young enough to enjoy it by the time he gets it done. Just sayin'.

Chance · 04-08-2018, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 99dart

My hat is off to anyone with the time, talent and energy to do something like that. But, does he have the time and a camping vehicle to enjoy in the mean time? I hope he is young enough to enjoy it by the time he gets it done. Just sayin'.

You also forgot money, which can get pretty expensive; and it’s not something that’s normally financed. And when done, chances are it’s worth less than you sink into it.

He’s relatively young. In the south where you can work year-round, my research shows most DIY van conversions take less than a year. This motorhome is quite a bit larger than a van, but not necessarily that much harder to convert. Mechanically it will need some work, and being old and unique in design will be challenging. I expect 2 years should about do it — more or less.

I think it’s a really cool project, and already told him that if he gets bored with it, over his head, or can’t find the time, to let me know because I’d consider buying it from him.

99dart · 04-08-2018, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chance

You also forgot money, which can get pretty expensive; and it’s not something that’s normally financed. And when done, chances are it’s worth less than you sink into it.

He’s relatively young. In the south where you can work year-round, my research shows most DIY van conversions take less than a year. This motorhome is quite a bit larger than a van, but not necessarily that much harder to convert. Mechanically it will need some work, and being old and unique in design will be challenging. I expect 2 years should about do it — more or less.

I think it’s a really cool project, and already told him that if he gets bored with it, over his head, or can’t find the time, to let me know because I’d consider buying it from him.

Yup, it would be like doing a home remodel out of your savings. Unless a person re-financed their home and used some equity money to remodel their MH. There's an idea. In the car restoration guys get in over their heads all the time, then the car sits for years torn apart.

Bob Denman · 04-08-2018, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chance

...I think it’s a really cool project, and already told him that if he gets bored with it, over his head, or can’t find the time, to let me know because I’d consider buying it from him.

Why, you sly dawg!

You've already sewn the seeds of doubt, and are waiting for a great project rig to land in your lap!

I am in awe of your ingenuity!

Bob Denman · 04-10-2018, 03:47 PM

UPDATE: We're still waiting on the vinyl graphics to appear...

But I did get a call from the Dealership's General Manager, and he admitted that our situation was just not acceptable.
I also got a call from Ron at Thor: He said that the slow-moving parts should get to them on April 20th, and they'll overnight them to the Dealer.

So my fingers are crossed, and the Missus isn't growling as loudly,,,

jpmihalk · 04-10-2018, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Denman

UPDATE: We're still waiting on the vinyl graphics to appear...

But I did get a call from the Dealership's General Manager, and he admitted that our situation was just not acceptable.
I also got a call from Ron at Thor: He said that the slow-moving parts should get to them on April 20th, and they'll overnight them to the Dealer.

So my fingers are crossed, and the Missus isn't growling as loudly,,,

Glad to hear that Thor and the dealer are following up finally. Best of luck and we hope you will be ready when we invade NY next month!