Jo and I went to the Fort Worth RV Show on January 9. We went primarily to see a new 2010 DRV Mobile Suites fifth wheel and talk to the factory rep who we had been corresponding with via e-mail.
Before getting to the area where the Mobile Suites were, we stopped at another dealer area and started looking at one of their large units. While we were somewhat impressed with the fifth wheel, I asked a question that got a strange answer. I asked the salesman if this brand was warranted for full-time use. His reply was, "I have NEVER met a full-timer." Then he said no more but looked at me. When I pressed for more information, he said, "As far as I am concerned, no one should ever ADMIT that they were full-timers."
So, continuing on with more looking and questions, we went outside of the unit to find that company's factory rep to answer another question. After getting that answer, I asked the same question of him about warrantying full-timers. His reply was, "Just don't tell anyone that you are a full timer."
So I then asked him, "So, you want me to lie?"
His reply was, "That wouldn't be a lie."
That from a factory representative. Needless to say, we aren't interested in that brand anymore.
We went on down to see the Mobile Suites and visited with the DRV representative. During the course of our hour and a half discussion with her, it was mentioned that while many "component" manufacturers and RV manufacturers have dropped back to a 1 year warranty on products due to the recession, DRV was still considing keeping their 3 year warranty, even if the "component" manufacturers would honor over 1 year.
After seeing the 2010 Mobile Suites, we are more convinced that they are possibly the best out there. At least for us.
Terry
thebearII said
12:56 PM Jan 15, 2010
I understand some warranties have exclusion clauses when the RV is used as a fulltime residence.
I think that is why the salesperson and rep were trying to convince you not to use the term full time.
If you stay in a motel or go on a cruise or stay with friends or family for X number of days out of each year then you would be able to claim that your not full time.
Terry and Jo said
01:39 PM Jan 15, 2010
That may be, but if I have to lie to get warranty service, then I don't think I want to deal with them. From some I've talked to, a dealer can tell by looking if a unit is full-time. Apparently based on what they see in the RV.
Thus, if "caught" in a lie, they could easily decline warranty service. I think I'll stick to a manufacturer that stands behind their units. I know that DRV does because their entire line was designed for full-timing.
This comment is kind of off-topic but I'll make it anyway. It appears to be that it is time for us to go full time. This morning, Oklahoma City had two earthquakes (yeah, I know, really tremors), so I think it's time to "get outta Dodge." (Go find some place where earthquakes don't happen.)
Terry
thebearII said
02:36 PM Jan 15, 2010
My uncle left LA to get away from earthquakes and moved to St George Utah. 5 days after he moved in there was a 5.0 earthquake in St. George.
You can run but you can't hide....
janieD said
03:06 PM Jan 15, 2010
We've even had tremors on rare occasion in Iowa (the Madrid fault). I don't want to live where there is a big risk of earthquakes but I know I will visit those places-for me life's too short for the what ifs.
Jim01 said
05:27 PM Jan 15, 2010
Terry,
You're right. You shouldn't have to lie. Go somewhere else.
From what I've seen, Mobile Suites is a very good unit. A couple of our friends have them and they really like them.
Jim
Speedhitch said
08:15 PM Jan 15, 2010
I spend more time in Wally World than I do my RV...Makes me a part timer...Case solved.
Racerguy said
08:43 PM Jan 15, 2010
The perfect solution Speedy,I like the way you think
DagoRanch said
03:07 AM Jan 16, 2010
There's that Speedy wit I've been lookin for
contra said
08:31 AM Jan 16, 2010
Terry ~
We toured a Mobile Suites at the RV show. They are VERY nice, but beyond our budget. Unfortunately , our decision was dictated by price. The Heartland rep made a similar comment to me when I asked about a full-time warranty. He didn't say to lie specifically, but he basically said don't advertise that you're living in it either. Like everything in this decision, there are always trade-offs. For us, I guess this was our trade off. From everything I've heard, no one has had problems with warranty work because they were full-timers, so I'm hoping it won't be an issue. But if I could have afforded to go with a unit that had everything we wanted and a full-timers warranty, I certainly would have done so too! Good luck in your continued search!!
-Connie
Terry and Jo said
10:15 AM Jan 16, 2010
Connie and Tracy,
I think our searching has just about ended. After a year and a half of web-browsing, RV show attending, and being a "Lot Lizard" at the various dealer's locations, we are pretty sure that Mobile Suites will be the way we go. It has certainly been an interesting experience, plus we've met some great people in the process. Many of whom are on this forum.
While the house hasn't sold yet, we may be getting closer to actually making a purchase on a DRV unit. We went to our local dealer yesterday evening and asked him to "price us out" on a unit with the options that we want.
But, since the future is always uncertain, we are going to Elk City, Oklahoma today to look at a few used DRV units. There is a guy there whose website lists 4 different DRV's. We are looking at used in the event that we decide that we can't afford the new one, although the new one would be just like we want it.
At any rate, the searching process has gone from fivers to motorhomes and back to fivers. It has gone from DRV units to others and back to DRV units. I just wonder what in the world I will do with my time once we actually make our purchase. I guess instead of researching online, I'll get up a website to share and sell my photos and work on my book. (That is a topic that I'll discuss later.)
Terry
PS: I guess I should explain to the readers that the reason honesty is important to me is my faith in God and the fact that Jo and I both work for an Oklahoma law enforcement agency.
Roz said
10:33 AM Jan 16, 2010
You are correct, Terry.
God's law is in the Ten Commandments - He did not choose to call them the Ten Recommendations.
bjoyce said
11:01 AM Jan 16, 2010
Remember it is easy for a salesperson to tell you to lie since it is second nature to most of them.
Terry and Jo said
06:47 PM Jan 16, 2010
Bill,
One of those people was the factory representative. More than anything, that was the recommendation that steered me away from that brand.
Now, having been a salesman in the past, I can honestly say that some salesmen are good ones. However, sometimes it takes an experienced or ex-salesman to tell who the good ones are. One should always remember that a good salesman will ask you questions in an effort to find out what it is that you want the product to do for you. If they quickly recommend a product without asking questions, then find another salesman or another place to shop.
We went to a used RV lot in Elk City, OK today to look at some used Mobile Suites units, just in case we have to drop back to a used one. I was pretty impressed with the young lady. While they only had 5 units on the lot, 4 of them were either Mobile Suites or Elite Suites. She said that she likes the DRV brand because they practically sell themselves.
They go to auctions to buy repossessed units and then go completely through them to make sure everything works and is thoroughly cleaned. Even though DRV's tend to be more expensive, they are really well built. She said that with each unit, they usually only last on their lot for a bit over a month before someone buys them.
This lady used to be a hospital nurse and got tired of that. She really seemed happy to be doing what she does. They are a very low-overhead business. Their home is right next to their used RV lot.
Jo and I got comfortable with her pretty quick, just because she seemed so sincere. I steered her toward Howard and Linda's website, so maybe we will hear from her in the forums sometime.
Terry
dream reachers said
10:10 PM Jan 16, 2010
Terry, I'm with you on the honesty issue. Because of our relationship with God we would not do business with a company that suggested we lie or keep quiet to not void our warrenty, that shows what kind of character and integrety the company has. When we were shopping for a trailer to fulltime in we avoided any manufacturer that would not warrenty for fulltimers. It told me that the manufacturer did not think their unit would hold up to fulltime use. We decided to purchase a used fulltime fifthwheel rather than to buy a new lower priced unit. I know that many people rv in units not designed for fulltime use and are satisfied with them. We are very happy with the decision we made. I believe you will be pleased with DRV, it was on our short list.
foxriverguy said
12:20 PM Jan 17, 2010
Terry,
You will do well to stick to your principles. If a salesman doesn't want you to buy an RV as a full-timer because of warranty issues, then the unit is just not suitable for full-timing in the eyes of the people who own the company.
Also, many, many used units are in tip top shape having had the minor or major issues corrected. And, you don't take a huge hit on depreciation. The money you save can be put to good use on other things.
Thank you for a well-written post.
Terry and Jo said
07:10 PM Jan 18, 2010
Just to add one more thing to this thread, especially since it is dealing with the quality of the people that try to sell us things.
As I mentioned earlier, I have been a salesman. I've also been a manager of a retail store with the duty of training other salesmen. With that experience in mind, let me tell you about "The Rule of 250".
That rule follows the logic that if a salesman (or anyone for that matter) does or says something wrong in selling a product to someone, it is likely that as many as 250 people are going to end up hearing about that experience. That learning may be from the offended customer or from someone else that the offended customer has told his story. In other words, 3rd, 4th, 5th hand etc.
However, if the salesman does a good job and provides the customer just exactly what it is they need and want, less than 50 will hear about the good experience.
With that in mind, let me hereby try to add to the "50". In dealing with different dealers in the Oklahoma City area (extending out as much as 250 miles) we have had good experiences with several dealers.
With motorhome research and test driving, McClain's RV in Oklahoma City has been a good dealer. We dealt with them regarding Tiffin motorhomes, specifically two of the Phaeton models.
With fifth wheel (and other trailer types) in the Oklahoma City area, I can heartily recommend Lewis RV there, and specifically Cliff (think owner of family owned business) and Artie Fenimore (salesman and sales manager). Their service department is good as well. They have a lot of brands, including Forest River, Open Range and have been a DRV dealer.
In Granbury, Texas, there is Bennett's RV. It is also family owned and Gary Whitworth is a good man. Bennett's is also a DRV dealer.
Near Springdale, Arkansas, there is Wheels RV, another DRV dealer. I haven't done as much with them, but they have always been friendly and helpful when we were there. I've also heard good things from others about them too.
DRV Suites (formerly Doubletree Suites) has some excellent people working for them. Melinda King, area representative for DRV from Texas to North Dakota has been an excellent source of information, and she is now a good friend. Dan Tauer, one of DRV's vice-presidents has also been very helpful.
With this posting, I hope that others can see that if you look around, you can find some really good dealers and salesmen. But, still be just a wee bit cautious.
But last but not least, I have had EXCELLENT help and advice from the participants of this and other forums. Thank you all so very much. May God continue to shower blessings upon all of you.
Terry
RonandJacki said
02:55 PM Jan 19, 2010
Jacki and I ran into this situation at the winter RV show here in Portland. When we were looking at and admiring a larger 5er, I asked the factory rep about the full time warranty. He said they were not rated, or wasn't positive, FT but all it would take is a receipt for one night in a hotel to bypass that situation. I wondered.
Before getting to the area where the Mobile Suites were, we stopped at another dealer area and started looking at one of their large units. While we were somewhat impressed with the fifth wheel, I asked a question that got a strange answer. I asked the salesman if this brand was warranted for full-time use. His reply was, "I have NEVER met a full-timer." Then he said no more but looked at me. When I pressed for more information, he said, "As far as I am concerned, no one should ever ADMIT that they were full-timers."
So, continuing on with more looking and questions, we went outside of the unit to find that company's factory rep to answer another question. After getting that answer, I asked the same question of him about warrantying full-timers. His reply was, "Just don't tell anyone that you are a full timer."
So I then asked him, "So, you want me to lie?"
His reply was, "That wouldn't be a lie."
That from a factory representative. Needless to say, we aren't interested in that brand anymore.
We went on down to see the Mobile Suites and visited with the DRV representative. During the course of our hour and a half discussion with her, it was mentioned that while many "component" manufacturers and RV manufacturers have dropped back to a 1 year warranty on products due to the recession, DRV was still considing keeping their 3 year warranty, even if the "component" manufacturers would honor over 1 year.
After seeing the 2010 Mobile Suites, we are more convinced that they are possibly the best out there. At least for us.
Terry
Thus, if "caught" in a lie, they could easily decline warranty service. I think I'll stick to a manufacturer that stands behind their units. I know that DRV does because their entire line was designed for full-timing.
This comment is kind of off-topic but I'll make it anyway. It appears to be that it is time for us to go full time. This morning, Oklahoma City had two earthquakes (yeah, I know, really tremors), so I think it's time to "get outta Dodge." (Go find some place where earthquakes don't happen.)
Terry
You're right. You shouldn't have to lie. Go somewhere else.
From what I've seen, Mobile Suites is a very good unit. A couple of our friends have them and they really like them.
Jim
We toured a Mobile Suites at the RV show. They are VERY nice, but beyond our budget. Unfortunately , our decision was dictated by price. The Heartland rep made a similar comment to me when I asked about a full-time warranty. He didn't say to lie specifically, but he basically said don't advertise that you're living in it either. Like everything in this decision, there are always trade-offs. For us, I guess this was our trade off. From everything I've heard, no one has had problems with warranty work because they were full-timers, so I'm hoping it won't be an issue. But if I could have afforded to go with a unit that had everything we wanted and a full-timers warranty, I certainly would have done so too! Good luck in your continued search!!
-Connie
Connie and Tracy,
I think our searching has just about ended. After a year and a half of web-browsing, RV show attending, and being a "Lot Lizard" at the various dealer's locations, we are pretty sure that Mobile Suites will be the way we go. It has certainly been an interesting experience, plus we've met some great people in the process. Many of whom are on this forum.
While the house hasn't sold yet, we may be getting closer to actually making a purchase on a DRV unit. We went to our local dealer yesterday evening and asked him to "price us out" on a unit with the options that we want.
But, since the future is always uncertain, we are going to Elk City, Oklahoma today to look at a few used DRV units. There is a guy there whose website lists 4 different DRV's. We are looking at used in the event that we decide that we can't afford the new one, although the new one would be just like we want it.
At any rate, the searching process has gone from fivers to motorhomes and back to fivers. It has gone from DRV units to others and back to DRV units. I just wonder what in the world I will do with my time once we actually make our purchase. I guess instead of researching online, I'll get up a website to share and sell my photos and work on my book. (That is a topic that I'll discuss later.)
Terry
PS: I guess I should explain to the readers that the reason honesty is important to me is my faith in God and the fact that Jo and I both work for an Oklahoma law enforcement agency.
God's law is in the Ten Commandments - He did not choose to call them the Ten Recommendations.
One of those people was the factory representative. More than anything, that was the recommendation that steered me away from that brand.
Now, having been a salesman in the past, I can honestly say that some salesmen are good ones. However, sometimes it takes an experienced or ex-salesman to tell who the good ones are. One should always remember that a good salesman will ask you questions in an effort to find out what it is that you want the product to do for you. If they quickly recommend a product without asking questions, then find another salesman or another place to shop.
We went to a used RV lot in Elk City, OK today to look at some used Mobile Suites units, just in case we have to drop back to a used one. I was pretty impressed with the young lady. While they only had 5 units on the lot, 4 of them were either Mobile Suites or Elite Suites. She said that she likes the DRV brand because they practically sell themselves.
They go to auctions to buy repossessed units and then go completely through them to make sure everything works and is thoroughly cleaned. Even though DRV's tend to be more expensive, they are really well built. She said that with each unit, they usually only last on their lot for a bit over a month before someone buys them.
This lady used to be a hospital nurse and got tired of that. She really seemed happy to be doing what she does. They are a very low-overhead business. Their home is right next to their used RV lot.
Jo and I got comfortable with her pretty quick, just because she seemed so sincere. I steered her toward Howard and Linda's website, so maybe we will hear from her in the forums sometime.
Terry
As I mentioned earlier, I have been a salesman. I've also been a manager of a retail store with the duty of training other salesmen. With that experience in mind, let me tell you about "The Rule of 250".
That rule follows the logic that if a salesman (or anyone for that matter) does or says something wrong in selling a product to someone, it is likely that as many as 250 people are going to end up hearing about that experience. That learning may be from the offended customer or from someone else that the offended customer has told his story. In other words, 3rd, 4th, 5th hand etc.
However, if the salesman does a good job and provides the customer just exactly what it is they need and want, less than 50 will hear about the good experience.
With that in mind, let me hereby try to add to the "50". In dealing with different dealers in the Oklahoma City area (extending out as much as 250 miles) we have had good experiences with several dealers.
With motorhome research and test driving, McClain's RV in Oklahoma City has been a good dealer. We dealt with them regarding Tiffin motorhomes, specifically two of the Phaeton models.
With fifth wheel (and other trailer types) in the Oklahoma City area, I can heartily recommend Lewis RV there, and specifically Cliff (think owner of family owned business) and Artie Fenimore (salesman and sales manager). Their service department is good as well. They have a lot of brands, including Forest River, Open Range and have been a DRV dealer.
In Granbury, Texas, there is Bennett's RV. It is also family owned and Gary Whitworth is a good man. Bennett's is also a DRV dealer.
Near Springdale, Arkansas, there is Wheels RV, another DRV dealer. I haven't done as much with them, but they have always been friendly and helpful when we were there. I've also heard good things from others about them too.
DRV Suites (formerly Doubletree Suites) has some excellent people working for them. Melinda King, area representative for DRV from Texas to North Dakota has been an excellent source of information, and she is now a good friend. Dan Tauer, one of DRV's vice-presidents has also been very helpful.
With this posting, I hope that others can see that if you look around, you can find some really good dealers and salesmen. But, still be just a wee bit cautious.
But last but not least, I have had EXCELLENT help and advice from the participants of this and other forums. Thank you all so very much. May God continue to shower blessings upon all of you.
Terry