Factory Warranty versus Local Dealers - RV-Dreams Community Forum

Big Charlie · RV-Dreams Community Member

Factory Warranty versus Local Dealers

Racerguy · RV-Dreams Family Member

Charlie,My Cedar Creek is a Forest River product.The only major problem I had was an axle problem which was repaired and improved upon by Forest River without a problem at all.The problem was pretty exclusive to 2005 to 2008 models and from what I have heard the 2010's like yours have a totally different and better setup.Getting a good Dealer is a crap shoot with any brand and I feel could be improved upon by Forest River themselves in an edict to the Dealers.In their defense they do make so many different brands it may be difficult but that doesn't help when you need to have something done.

I too have found a few minor "fit and trim" problems that I attribute to normal assembly line work( did that kind of work as a young man) that was missed by the final inspector.I have taken care of those myself like you did with the panel by the TV.We have been full time now almost 3 months and in talking to many people the ones who are honest have many of the same complaints even with some of the higher end units.I think we just have to remember Forest River caters to the lower end and middle price range area and go from there.You will find most people will tend to brag up their particular brand.Over all I am very satisfied with ours and would buy this brand again.You might try Googling your particular trailer and see if you can find a forum that is helpful.I found one that is Cedar Creek specific.Good luck and enjoy yourself.

p.s. been there done that on the antenna.I now listen for the clunk on the roof when lowering it then also do the visual.

-- Edited by Racerguy on Saturday 17th of July 2010 10:02:52 AM

NorCal Dan · RV-Dreams Family Member

My instructor pilot taught me to do a final walk-around from a distance. I do the same thing with the RV. I can see the roof (sat dish/bat wing antenna's) as well as under (leveling pads/power cord). If I were close to the RV it would be impossible to see these items. I also do a walk-around whenever we stop, like a rest area. It never hurts to check the toad connections, tires, slide-outs, etc.

I did want to mention that the light bulb problem you noticed happens to me. I remove/re-insert the bulb, I think they rattle loose when we travel. If that doesn't help you can remove the fixture and check the wiring.

As for your problems, I can't imagine any rig that wouldn't have some issues in the first few months. Hope you find a good dealer to get the items on your list fixed.

Mallo · RV-Dreams Family Member

I'm going to skip the Forest River portion of the program and go to the real meat of the issue.

Local dealers who only service units they sell.

When we bought our Hitchhiker I was told by the local dealer they would not service it as they didn't sell it. OK fine.

Nu Wa has been very good about working with me to find local service techs who can and will do warranty work on my unit even though those techs don't work for companies that sell Nu Wa product.

A lot of what goes into these units is made by someone else. Often only two or three companies supply the entire RV industry (Fridges come to mind) so any RV dealership and or RV service company can fix most of the things on your unit.

Heck if not for the fact that the repair is cheaper done at the factory the repair for the damage done to by front cap by a moving truck would of been done at a boat repair shop. (Cheaper by a lot to replace the front cap and yes insurance is paying but a stronger repair as well).

The only times a tech has worked on my unit with any association to the Nu Wa supply chain is when I'm at the factory.

Since Forest River is being co-operative ask them about taking it to a none Forest River dealer it's always worked for me.

Mallo

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Well, your signature says "Big Charlie" but your profile says "Jim", so I'm slightly confused.

(By the way, that is not a NEW condition.)

Oh, the high-dollar units have their problems as well. We got our Mobile Suites by DRV Suites on May 7 and took it back in on June 7 to fix the few problems that we had found with it. (At this point, the term "GE" is a new curse word.)

Another thing to consider. Take a look around your area for other RV repair facilities. For instance, we have one in Oklahoma City that is not associated with any kind of dealership. However, they were known of by a DRV factory rep that we got to know in our research process. It may be that once you find an unaffiliated repair facility, Forest River may recognize them to do your repair.

That said, it would really be a bummer to have to do that process if one were traveling all the time and needing repair facilities.

My wife, Jo, just suggested that perhaps we should all get acquainted with the factory reps for the products we buy. Then perhaps a quick phone call or e-mail would get a referral to an unknown (by us) dealership or independent facility. (I think I'll go put our rep's name in my cell phone.)

Anyway, good luck with the repairs. Just don't sweat the small stuff.

Terry

Luvglass · RV-Dreams Family Member

I'm sure different manufacturers have different policies, but if you are going to full time and travel you can expect to have issues when you are nowhere near your dealer and maybe not even a dealer that carries your brand.

Carriages policy is for you to find a repairman or facility that can fix your problem and then call them for authorization. The 2 or 3 times we needed to do this during the warranty period were handled without problem or fuss. We've been traveling constantly and have never even been back to the dealer we bought from.

BTW, there are very few unique parts in any RV, and just about any certified RV tech can repair anything on any brand or model. You should see what your manufacturers warranty policy is. Hopefully it's not necessary to befriend anyone for favors.

K & E · RV-Dreams Family Member

We are having a similar problem with our Jayco Designer. We are in Wisconsin but bought it from a dealer in Michigan because they had the model we wanted at the best price. We have had a number of small issues that needed to be covered under warranty. Our local dealer refused to do any warranty because we didn't buy it there. All Jayco dealers are required to do warranty work on any Jayco regardless of where it was purchased per their agreement with Jayco. However, I will not ask Jayco to force a dealer to do work after they give me attitude.

Gillettte Interstate RV in East Langing Michigan (where we purchased the unit) has been awesome with helping us. They have shipped a number of items to us and Kevin has just installed/replaced them himself. Now, our awning fabric is tearing and that's not something he can fix himself.

I have contacted the next closest Jayco dealer and have been waiting over a month for the fabric to arrive. I think I am getting the run-around. My next step is calling Jayco service and having them find me a dealer that will fix it in a timely manner. You can believe Jayco has heard from me how unhappy we are with the dealers in our area.

This is our 5th new Jayco. We have always been extremely satisfied with their products. After this, we will probably look elsewhere next time we buy. Good service is a must!

Good luck to you aww