Repairs won't be done for our next trip! What would you do?

[Hiking Girl]

Hello Everyone

Our dealer has had our 2021 240ML for A MONTH!
We were due to pick it up today and were told the refrigerator AND A/C have NOT been fixed! The dealer is waiting on parts.

Although I totally understand the dilemma the dealer is in due to COVID-19 delays, etc. I really can't see camping for 2 weeks without a refrigerator or A/C. I am heading to the White Mountains in NH.

I'm wondering what peoples thoughts are on this.
Should I ask for a loaner from the dealer? (If a car dealership can't repair your car, they typically offer one. Especially, when the vehicle is brand new and under warranty.)

Getting a loaner would be a total PIA because all of our personal items would need to be switched over . . .

Thoughts????

Thank you!
~ Kathy

[OurNewEra]

Hello Everyone

Our dealer has had our 2021 240ML for A MONTH!
We were due to pick it up today and were told the refrigerator AND A/C have NOT been fixed! The dealer is waiting on parts.

Although I totally understand the dilemma the dealer is in due to COVID-19 delays, etc. I really can't see camping for 2 weeks without a refrigerator or A/C. I am heading to the White Mountains in NH.

I'm wondering what peoples thoughts are on this.
Should I ask for a loaner from the dealer? (If a car dealership can't repair your car, they typically offer one. Especially, when the vehicle is brand new and under warranty.)

Getting a loaner would be a total PIA because all of our personal items would need to be switched over . . .

Thoughts????

Thank you!
~ Kathy

Your 'loaner' RV is also called a rental. RV dealers are NOT like car dealers. They don't provide loaners. But it doesn't hurt to ask. But be prepared for a big laugh.

Not knowing the particulars of your refrigerator and A/C problems it is hard to say what you could do. Part of the problem may be the dealer is waiting for OEM parts from the appliance manufacturer (ie dometic, norcold, coleman, furrion, etc . . .) where if I were making a repair I would look for non OEM parts. For instance if you need a control board for the refrigerator there are aftermarket control boards available from other companies for most RV appliances. If these fall under warranty repairs then they are certainly going to use OEM repair parts.

If you could provide information on what the dealer says the problem is maybe the forum members could provide some more insight on repair options. But ultimately, unless you are willing to source the parts and make the repairs yourself, or have a mobile tech make the repairs you are at the mercy of the dealer.

[Hiking Girl]

Thanks for your reply OurNewEra!

Here are more details regarding my problems
. We need a new fridge. One is on order with the manufacturer.
. We need a new thermostat. That too is on order from the manufacturer.

I'm angry because noone called to tell us the camper would not be ready today. If I hadn't called, I'm not sure anyone would have been looking at the status of the parts that were on order.

I'm wondering if I should reach out to GD for some help.

[Lane Hog]

Welcome to RV ownership. Loaners don't exist.

If the trip cant be rescheduled, innovate.

Find a small dorm or office fridge at Costco or Sam's that will be good enough (assuming you have hookups) for the trip and repurpose it later. We never have enough fridge space at home as it is.

AC is nice, but fans worked wonders when we were younger and AC didn't exist yet... or find a way to replace the thermostat yourself.

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[ckreef]

The dorm fridge is a good idea. Also a large 7 day cooler would work in a pinch.

If the AC is really just a thermostat I'm guessing you could source one and get that shipped overnight if need be. Can't be too hard replacing a thermostat.

I'm with you on the lack of communication. Almost makes you wish you didn't call and just showed up at the dealer ready to pick up the camper.

[jkwilson]

A dealer taking a month to repair something isn't even a little bit noteworthy. Even in normal times, 3 or 4 months isn't unheard of.

[Wicked ace]

A dealer taking a month to repair something isn't even a little bit noteworthy. Even in normal times, 3 or 4 months isn't unheard of.

I'm surprised they gave you a completion date to pick up even.

[orbsah]

Depending on the site you have booked, I likely wouldn't delay a trip to the white mountains due to lack of AC. A lot of the places up there have plenty of shade. Couple that w/ a fan or two and you should be OK. If you were heading out west, that'd be a different story.

Of more concern would be if you can even get your rig out of the dealership and/or what condition is it in right now? Is it all taken apart and just set aside waiting for parts? Good luck!

[OurNewEra]

Thanks for your reply OurNewEra!

Here are more details regarding my problems
. We need a new fridge. One is on order with the manufacturer.
. We need a new thermostat. That too is on order from the manufacturer.

I'm angry because noone called to tell us the camper would not be ready today. If I hadn't called, I'm not sure anyone would have been looking at the status of the parts that were on order.

I'm wondering if I should reach out to GD for some help.

Others have made some good points. Also, a lot (not all) of RV Dealers do a really bad job of communication and follow-up. Unfortuantely if you want the updates you are going to have to contact them. Do not expect them to contact you. The dorm fridge is a good option. That's what we used in our old trailer prior to purchasing our new trailer. Here is what I would do in your situation assuming your trip cannot be changed.

1. If this is warranty repairs I would call Grand Design with your VIN and verify that the dealer has actually opened a case for the warranty repairs on your trailer. I have read posts by other members that called GD to verify the dealer had opened a case and they had not. If the case is open great! If not then there's a problem somewhere, especially for warranty repairs. They may be able to help but fridges are on the 'short supply' list.
2. I would tell the dealer you are picking up the trailer and to call you when the new fridge comes in.
3. Buy a new thermostat on line and swap it out so you have A/C. They are about $50 on Amazon for the basic Dometic, Coleman and $65.00 for a Furrion.

I would say the lack of a refrigerator fridge is easier to deal with should you really, really need the A/C. No A/C is no A/C. You can use coolers or 110v small fridges for food.

I hope it works out for you. I'll be up their in September staying at the KOA at the base of Mount Washington visiting my son that lives in Boston. He'll drive up to met us. As for the A/C, you may need it. He was hotter in Boston yesterday than we were here in Central Florida. The weather world is upside down!

[Hiking Girl]

This is our 3rd RV and we never had problems like this!
These are more than new RV kinks.

We have a dorm fridge. It's going to be small for 4 people for 2 weeks. For the price I paid for the RV I shouldn't have to use coolers and dorm fridges.

Thank you for your input.

Welcome to RV ownership. Loaners don't exist.

If the trip cant be rescheduled, innovate.

Find a small dorm or office fridge at Costco or Sam's that will be good enough (assuming you have hookups) for the trip and repurpose it later. We never have enough fridge space at home as it is.

AC is nice, but fans worked wonders when we were younger and AC didn't exist yet... or find a way to replace the thermostat yourself.

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