new RVs are supposed to have problems?

[robert c-THOR]

I bought a new Geneva 31V and it has been nothing but problems. Are new RVs supposed to be a total disaster with failing systems, and leaks? I was told by the manager it is to be expected.



The walk through was postponed because they needed to replace the sink due to a leak


During the walk through the water wasn't flowing and they needed to replace the pump, so pick up was delayed.


The day we picked it up we took it out and the Generator wouldn't stay on for more than 5 mins, and the toilet leaked when hooked up to city water.


While in my driveway parked we discovered water flowimg on the floor from under the slide when it was closed after rain.



I got the generator to run for about 4 hours after extensive research but had to bring the RV in for the other repairs.



Upon picking it up from the dealer I didn't get a chance to inspect the slated repairs because the generator only clicked and the service people said it needs a new starter or pump... a 7.5 hours run generator?


As I complained to the manager I stated I bought a new RV to avoid these problems and he tells me new RVs always have these issues if I didn't want problems I should have bought used.


I have never heard of such a thing and am nothing but furious with my purchase. Am I over reacting? Is this 'to be expected?'


I took it out for 1 night and the temp tags didn't even expire. I doubt this is normal.

 

[ducksface]

'Upon picking it up from the dealer I didn't get a chance to inspect the slated repairs because...'

'I have never heard of such a thing ...'


How are these true?

Yes, it's to be expected that some folks will have the same thing happen to them.

You've bought a new hobby that in its Initial form is just a starter kit.

Tell us what research you did pre-purchase, tell us your ability and tools available, tell us your level of willingness to participate.

We'll walk you through how to handle all of this and you'll take control of the situation and your happy,
Or
We'll advise you sell it now while it's worth its most.

 

[robert c-THOR]

What have you never heard of? A generator with 7.5 hours needing a new pump or starter? neither have I.


How is what true? What are uou talking about your reply is very confusing.



You will walk me through what? The RV and everything inside it is unused, and failing I haven't had it for a month I only used it for a single night, I don't know what you are going to walk me through.



I researched RVs for 5 years, settled on a class C with the specific floor plan and decided on an American made vehicle, in this case a Ford.


And are started kits supposed to not function?


I am not paying for a warranty to fix things myself and I didn't buy new to receive a non functional product.

 

[ducksface]

'I researched RVs for 5 years...'

Enjoy your new purchase.

You've answered all the questions I had.

I cannot be of any help.

 

[Mark54]

I bought a new Geneva 31V and it has been nothing but problems. Are new RVs supposed to be a total disaster with failing systems, and leaks? I was told by the manager it is to be expected.



The walk through was postponed because they needed to replace the sink due to a leak


During the walk through the water wasn't flowing and they needed to replace the pump, so pick up was delayed.


The day we picked it up we took it out and the Generator wouldn't stay on for more than 5 mins, and the toilet leaked when hooked up to city water.


While in my driveway parked we discovered water flowimg on the floor from under the slide when it was closed after rain.



I got the generator to run for about 4 hours after extensive research but had to bring the RV in for the other repairs.



Upon picking it up from the dealer I didn't get a chance to inspect the slated repairs because the generator only clicked and the service people said it needs a new starter or pump... a 7.5 hours run generator?


As I complained to the manager I stated I bought a new RV to avoid these problems and he tells me new RVs always have these issues if I didn't want problems I should have bought used.


I have never heard of such a thing and am nothing but furious with my purchase. Am I over reacting? Is this 'to be expected?'


I took it out for 1 night and the temp tags didn't even expire. I doubt this is normal.

Typical- I'd return it and get a coachmen RV.

My Tellaro has had 80 mods so far. Half are from poor QC.

I knew it was a POS when I got it, but it had the components- so I decided to rebuild it myself.

I think Thor is owned by Boeing or vice versa...

 

[robert c-THOR]

Outside of lemon laws there are few options to return it. You sign away much of your consumer rights when you buy an RV at these dealers.

 

[GTM41261]

It is sad that the industry has fallen so far on quality that you get the well it is expected that you will have issues. No you really should not I think the issue is both the manufacture and dealer do not PDI the units properly. I get it sometimes things happen but in those cases both the dealer and manufacture need to step up and make it right quickly, the quality of the product is no where as good as it was 10/15 years ago.

 

[ducksface]

Do you know the qualifying repair types needed to initiate a lemon law suit?

When doing your research did you look up lemon laws in your state and if they cover rv's?

Did you try a different repair facility or a mobile repair facility?

A pump(fuel) and a starter are about as far removed from one another as a diagnosis can be. Truly, they are polar opposite ends of the spectrum of malady.

Do you have a document you can show us so we can help with a determination of you misunderstanding or the repair guy is just plain ass stupid?

What do you do for a living so we can speak in the correct vernacular resulting from we knowing you understand the vernacular?

Do you understand the
Help us help you
theme
Or are you looking solely for commiseration?

 

[Scubawise]

I bought a new Geneva 31V and it has been nothing but problems. Are new RVs supposed to be a total disaster with failing systems, and leaks? I was told by the manager it is to be expected.



The walk through was postponed because they needed to replace the sink due to a leak


During the walk through the water wasn't flowing and they needed to replace the pump, so pick up was delayed.


The day we picked it up we took it out and the Generator wouldn't stay on for more than 5 mins, and the toilet leaked when hooked up to city water.


While in my driveway parked we discovered water flowimg on the floor from under the slide when it was closed after rain.



I got the generator to run for about 4 hours after extensive research but had to bring the RV in for the other repairs.



Upon picking it up from the dealer I didn't get a chance to inspect the slated repairs because the generator only clicked and the service people said it needs a new starter or pump... a 7.5 hours run generator?


As I complained to the manager I stated I bought a new RV to avoid these problems and he tells me new RVs always have these issues if I didn't want problems I should have bought used.


I have never heard of such a thing and am nothing but furious with my purchase. Am I over reacting? Is this 'to be expected?'


I took it out for 1 night and the temp tags didn't even expire. I doubt this is normal.

I remember being a new purchaser.
We were in Montana and called motorhome specialists in TX. We wired a 10k deposit & jumped on a plane during covid. We got there and everything was hooked up, including tvs & running. We checked as much as we could in 3 hours. Couple things fixed & hit the road.
BEST FUN PURCHASE EVER!
After driving 33k miles in 4 years, some little things & these fine folks here saved our bacon.
Just follow their advise to happiness.
Good luck Robert..


"Our planet is a tiny floating ball in the Universe with humans that have a relatively limited lifespan. Today, we as humans are alive"
"Today is a gift and why it is called present."

"When our time on this earth is done, money or material things will not matter, but the love, time, and kindness we've given others will shine and live on forever."

 

[Scubawise]

Typical- I'd return it and get a coachmen RV.

My Tellaro has had 80 mods so far. Half are from poor QC.

I knew it was a POS when I got it, but it had the components- so I decided to rebuild it myself.

I think Thor is owned by Boeing or vice versa...

You are correct thor is building a dreamliner 767 rv


I think Thor is owned by Boeing or vice versa...

 

[Scubawise]

Outside of lemon laws there are few options to return it. You sign away much of your consumer rights when you buy an RV at these dealers.

Can you trade it at the same dealer for another one that gets fully checked?

 

[robert c-THOR]

The lemon laws cover you up to 2 years but they sure do give the dealer every benefit of the doubt repairing it before a replacement or refund. One of the qualifiers is the dealer has stopped trying to repair your product.



There is no trade in not worth it with thr insta depreciation.



With WEEKS before they get to fix my brand new RV for the third time I will probably go the summer without it, as problems keep comming to light. This is the third time the dealer will have it with two weeks between each visit.



When I went to get it and the generator wouldn't turn over I said I don't care if you fixed everything else I won't bother looking now I want this RV fully functional when I come back. Thry said two weeks till they get to it.


The manager literally said if I didn't want these problems I should have bought a used RV.


So I get to pay my financing payments every month, first payment was already made as well as a 14k down payment but it sits their service yard.


Thor is absolutely unresponsive, the dealer is dismissive and procrastinating. As a first time RV owner, I have rented a dozen times, I am starting to get the impression RV manufactures are like third world plastic surgeons.

 

[EA37TS]

The lemon laws cover you up to 2 years but they sure do give the dealer every benefit of the doubt repairing it before a replacement or refund. One of the qualifiers is the dealer has stopped trying to repair your product.



There is no trade in not worth it with thr insta depreciation.



With WEEKS before they get to fix my brand new RV for the third time I will probably go the summer without it, as problems keep comming to light. This is the third time the dealer will have it with two weeks between each visit.



When I went to get it and the generator wouldn't turn over I said I don't care if you fixed everything else I won't bother looking now I want this RV fully functional when I come back. Thry said two weeks till they get to it.


The manager literally said if I didn't want these problems I should have bought a used RV.


So I get to pay my financing payments every month, first payment was already made as well as a 14k down payment but it sits their service yard.


Thor is absolutely unresponsive, the dealer is dismissive and procrastinating. As a first time RV owner, I have rented a dozen times, I am starting to get the impression RV manufactures are like third world plastic surgeons.

Lemon laws vary by state and some states only cover the chassis part of a Motorhome. Research the respective states laws.

 

[Mark54]

"The manager literally said if I didn't want these problems I should have bought a used RV."
Wow. How compassionate. Good thing he's nit my sales guy, cuz he'd be on unemployment next week.

 

[16ACE27]

What have you never heard of? A generator with 7.5 hours needing a new pump or starter? neither have I.


How is what true? What are uou talking about your reply is very confusing.



You will walk me through what? The RV and everything inside it is unused, and failing I haven't had it for a month I only used it for a single night, I don't know what you are going to walk me through.



I researched RVs for 5 years, settled on a class C with the specific floor plan and decided on an American made vehicle, in this case a Ford.


And are started kits supposed to not function?


I am not paying for a warranty to fix things myself and I didn't buy new to receive a non functional product.

You got what you failed to inspect.

New RVs are not supposed to be full of problems and defects, but the fact of the matter is: they are, all manufacturers. Your 5 years of research should have led you to that conclusion.

Teenagers are not supposed to be arrogant and rebellious, but they are. Informed people know this and deal with it.

Sounds like your dealer is a real piece of work as well.

So either beat your head against the Warranty Wall. or;
Cultivate a relationship with a mobile RV tech that will help you fix your problems and get authorized to do the work from Thor, or;
Roll up your sleeves and fix things yourself. Start a new thread here for each problem or repair you are attempting and you will be surprised how much help will be sent your way.

 

[paulwadley]

It is a tough learning curve buying a brand new RV for the first time. I went through the same thing on our first RV which was a brand new 2016 Class B from a top notch manufacturer(or so we thought). The first 9 months it was in the shop for multiple issues but I still had to make my payments. Once those issues and time went by, things calmed down and we started enjoying it. In 2018 we traded it in for a brand new Thor Siesta 24SS which was a Class C still on the MB chassis with two slide outs. Not as many issues, but we were able to develop a friendship with our local service manager who did take care of us. We knew what to expect as far as getting warranty work done by now. It can take months for approvals and parts to arrive. In 2022 we traded it in for our current coach(2022 Thor Miramar 37.1 Class A). Not as many issues but some were difficult to fix(furnace not working, generator issues, slide issues). The small stuff I took care of. Once again our service manager assisted us in a timely manner. You need to develop a working relationship at the service depart which will aide in getting through those tough times with warranty work.

Good luck and take a deep breath when it comes to getting things repaired on your brand new coach.

Paul

 

[Paddytbud]

I am sorry that you are going through this all and your dealer sounds like a piece of work. There are two things with all the issues that needed to be fixed before you took ownership that would had been the time to walk away. So at this point you need to find someone that can really work on your coach.

And you need to learn how to work on your coach. When we bought our class c in 2017 major water leaks in the front cap causing mold. Took three times fixing it, some nicely worded and strongly worded emails and conversations with the dealer. Once they that was all fixed we have been golden since.

Like what was said this forum and others are a great source of knowledge to figure things out. What you are going through we have all gone through or know someone that has. Your biggest asset is going to be your ability to fix things. You bought a warranty which can be helpful, but this isn’t a car it’s a house bouncing down the freeway. I have seen frameless windows fall out of a 1/2million dollar coach. It happens and if you think your warranty is going to help you when you are camping in the woods you are not going to enjoy this hobby. Just like a boat, snowmobile or classic car you are going to be working on them all the time.

Beginning of each season, we take a shake down trip to figure out what all is broken or needs to be worked on. I make a checklist and work on things as I can. Then the season is over and I repeat the process all over the next season.

 

[Muggs]

We on our 2nd new RV. Yes there are likely going to be issues for a number of reasons. Different manufacturers appliances/accessories all stuck in a manufactured box on top of a truck.

We started in 2016 with a Vegas 24.1. Most issues easily repaired with homeowner type skills.

The one year old class C has been fine with exception of an appliance group giving trouble. After a short time issue resolved with both supplier and manufacturer all it cost me was labor, no out of pocket expense (had it cost, would have been 2% of purchase price).

Neither of our RVs have ever been back to dealer. I need uptime and readiness. I take car of it myself, results count.

The initial key to me when buying an Rv is testing everything before leaving lot. If any inspection skipped it is nothing more than opportunity for irritation/disappointment. Skipped items are just another thing to either live with or correct.

This along with other forums are a wealth of knowledge resource. When door locks started breaking wife had understanding and skill to be ready so no fuss.

Sorry to see you face issues but you can get past with a little resolve and patience.

 

[RV Driver]

RobertC, everything you have listed here is, unfortunately, normal. The RV industry should be absolutely ashamed at the abysmal level of quality control they have.

Your sales manager’s comment about buying used if you don’t want problems is also, unfortunately, true. We have a 2006 motor home with over 150,000 miles on it now…and everything works, all the time. It took a while to get it there, but it can be done.

However, they don’t build RVs today the same way they did back in 2006. The stuff they are putting out today is terrible, especially the vehicles built during Covid in 2020 thru 2022. As Covid faded away and we got back to “normal” not much changed in the RV industry. They are still making junk.

 

[CactusJuice]

RobertC, everything you have listed here is, unfortunately, normal. The RV industry should be absolutely ashamed at the abysmal level of quality control they have.

Your sales manager’s comment about buying used if you don’t want problems is also, unfortunately, true. We have a 2006 motor home with over 150,000 miles on it now…and everything works, all the time. It took a while to get it there, but it can be done.

However, they don’t build RVs today the same way they did back in 2006. The stuff they are putting out today is terrible, especially the vehicles built during Covid in 2020 thru 2022. As Covid faded away and we got back to “normal” not much changed in the RV industry. They are still making junk.

With respect to the buying used, the best quality RV I ever owned by far was a year old Class C I bought with about 25K miles from a rv rental company. They have to make the repairs after each rental, so eventually they get things fixed and keep them that way.

That said, the problems the OP has seem excessive even for today's workmanship. It seems his dealer did not even perform a basic inspection of things to make matters worse.