Frustration with local service facility.

[mkm98584]

Our 5th wheel has been in the service center almost every time we return from a trip. There have been issues mostly small ones, the dimmer switch falling apart again, door not locking properly, a window that hasn't worked properly since we purchased the unit, shore power cable falling apart, table came loose (pulled the screws out, skylight leaking, roof fan not operating, and a few others.

My latest frustration is around the flooring, the service center had to replace the flooring because when they reinstalled the table, they used screws too long. First time the slide out went in and out, 2 large cuts in the flooring. They replaced the flooring, they did not put it in properly, so they replace it again. We traveled to Texas, when we got there, there was water under the sink, they had broken the drain pipe from the sink. I replace the broken pipe (kept the pipe to show them). Now we are concerned that there maybe water damage in the subfloor. They replaced the floor again. When we went to pickup the unit, the slide out flooring was hitting the side of the island. The island was not put back in the right place. Their solution was to move the island again. Now there is a screw hole right outside the island base. So that means there are at least 3 sets of holes when the island has been installed over and over.

Seems to me that there is a significant issue with service facilities getting and keeping quality techs and yet they are charging $200 per hour for work. Maybe they should spend a little more for good quality techs (if they can find them).

 

[Hoopy Frood]

Maybe there's no one else you can go to, but I sure would be looking hard. Probably after the first time it had to go back to repair what they screwed up the first time. There are some decent dealers out there, I think so anyway.

 

[mkm98584]

Maybe there's no one else you can go to, but I sure would be looking hard. Probably after the first time it had to go back to repair what they screwed up the first time. There are some decent dealers out there, I think so anyway.

There are other shops, one small and a new Camping World that just opened, however this all started with warranty work which I am stuck using them, and the whole flooring issue they caused and they are replacing it on their dime. Just getting a little frustrating. Monday we should hear what they will do to fix their latest error.

 

[jkwilson]

There are other shops, one small and a new Camping World that just opened, however this all started with warranty work which I am stuck using them, and the whole flooring issue they caused and they are replacing it on their dime. Just getting a little frustrating. Monday we should hear what they will do to fix their latest error.

You don’t have to use the dealer for warranty work. A mobile tech just has to get approval from GD before doing the work and GD will reimburse except for the service charge. You might have to pay up front and wait for payment, but it’s less of a pain than dealing with many dealers.

 

[Riverbug]

No amount of free warranty work would get me to go through that, but I have the time and inclination to deal with just about anything that comes up. If you have the time and ability to work on some of these things yourself after the warranty is up, I think you'll be happier doing it yourself than dealing with all that nonsense. I did various fixes on our 22MLE and 23LDE that certainly would have warranted bringing the unit back under warranty for most people. But I'm much happier having done the work myself. Been through that nonsense plenty of times over the years; enough to learn from their mistakes.

 

[jkwilson]

No amount of free warranty work would get me to go through that, but I have the time and inclination to deal with just about anything that comes up. If you have the time and ability to work on some of these things yourself after the warranty is up, I think you'll be happier doing it yourself than dealing with all that nonsense. I did various fixes on our 22MLE and 23LDE that certainly would have warranted bringing the unit back under warranty for most people. But I'm much happier having done the work myself. Been through that nonsense plenty of times over the years; enough to learn from their mistakes.

For some reason, I could never see hooking up the trailer, hauling it 125 miles, leaving it for a long while and having someone less qualified and much less careful than I am do a repair, then hauling it home. Being free wouldn’t make it sound better.

 

[Soundsailor]

As others have said, if you can fix it yourself you will be much happier. Next best is a mobile tech.

 

[RV2600RB]

Yeah, car dealerships aren’t any better either. My thoughts are that they are paying just over minimum wage. So, you get what they pay for.
Fix it yourself if you’re able.
Rich

 

[Wileykid]

I made a mistake using a dealer. Just find a good independent trailer place, there survival usually depends on good work. And a bonus is they will work on it in a reasonable time, not months.

 

[Mechanic Bob]

I would also reach out to GD. Possible, nothing will become of it, but there is always hope.

 

[Jomani]

I would never take my rig back to that dealership. I went through something very similar, and ended up calling in a reputable mobile tech to evaluate and document everything. Their report combined with a video I made finally (after many calls to GD) got the attention of the right person at GD. They covered the cost of the mobile tech and almost all of the cost of the final repair at a different GD dealership 200 miles away.

It doesn’t take much of a water leak to cause major damage, especially if the flooring has been replaced. If water was able to make it to the insulation under the floor, the colorplast needs to come down and everything properly dried and cleaned.

 

[mkm98584]

Update.
Picked the unit up yesterday. They moved the island so it covered the screw hole and the slide out floor is just touching the island. In the parking lot went to raise the unit to connect up got low voltage alarm on the Lippert control, no big deal, knew the original battery needs to be replaced and I already have a spare mounted next to the original, so I figured after sitting at the dealership for 3 weeks without shore power, i figured it was still on the original. Got home and checking today, no the dealership had already moved the cables to the spare, they just didn't tighten the nuts.
Then I put the stairs out and could not close the door. Seems that after they replaced the flooring they put the stairs back in, but they put the hinge up against the door sill, which puts the steel plate at the top of the stairs too far out hitting the door and preventing it from closing. I had to move the hinges.

I have no confidence that this place knows what they are doing and I would not recommend that anyone use the Layzdays in Strawberry Plains Tennessee for any work.

 

[RV2600RB]

Yeah, Lazy Days in Tucson, AZ is pretty much the same way.
Rich

 

[mkm98584]

Update.

After fixing the stairs, the under countertop lights did not work. What it ended up being is when they put the island back in, they wired it up wrong so I had to flip the connections. Just another example of not checking your work.

 

[Mechanic Bob]

Update.

After fixing the stairs, the under countertop lights did not work. What it ended up being is when they put the island back in, they wired it up wrong so I had to flip the connections. Just another example of not checking your work.

Sorry for your Bad Experience.
It is all too common these days with a lot of services.
Had my tires balanced and rotated. I would hope that at least the tires would all be close to the same pressure. NOT EVEN close. Then, could not get the wheel cover back on properly.
Similar issues with the dealership servicing our other car.

 

[RV2600RB]

I don’t have any dealership service my vehicles.

 

[Redapple63]

Update.

After fixing the stairs, the under countertop lights did not work. What it ended up being is when they put the island back in, they wired it up wrong so I had to flip the connections. Just another example of not checking your work.

Unfortunately, your experience is not unique. I agree with the others, never take it back to that dealership. Find a good mobile tech who you can trust. They will come to you, and you get to see how they work, and when they leave your issues should be properly resolved.

I also agree for you to fix whatever you can on your own.

Thanks,
Bill