Warranty Work

[BigJohnD]

Has anybody had any dealings with getting a non-FR service center approved for warranty work? Just curious. We have a small independent RV Repair / Upgrade shop close by that is very good at what they do, don't care what brand it is and are very easy to work with. I don't trust ANY of the FR dealers / service centers near by, but I do trust the work by the independent as he's done a good bit for me. What I like, is there is no haggle over brand or where you bought it. I know FR says they all are supposed to do warranty work regardless of where you bought it, but we all know how that goes. Honestly, if FR wouldn't approve the work at this independent, I would pay him out of my pocket to know it's done right.

[Emptypockets]

Yes, I also use an independent rv repair service for warranty work. First I contacted FR described the repair I needed done & who I wanted to do the work. Took the unit to said shop they diagnosed the problem & they got the okay from FR to do the repair. Repair was done - I paid the bill & sent it to FR & with a week got the check from FR for the repair.
The main thing to remember is communicate with FR warranty dept & have repair shop get the ok to do the work. FR just needs to know the cost - in my case FR didn't haggle over the price of the repair, I am sure they know what most repairs should run.

[BigJohnD]

Thanks Everett / Joan. Good to hear.

Do you have some good contact info for the warranty department?

We don't have any issues at the time, but should the need arise, I wanted to cover my basis. Looking to purchase a CC fifth wheel in the next year, and the independent is who I'd rather use should we need something done.

[awwall]

BigJohn, look up user "BClemens". He checks in to the forum quite often. I am pretty sure he is a rep for the Class "C" coaches and could steer you to the correct person.

[NO3putt]

Had some work done by a non-FR dealer, the key is communication with FR and approval before hand. After approval we paid for the work, sent the reciept to FR and they sent a check.

[bubbles]

When I had a lippert system issue (slides, levelers, steps etc.) I went directly to Lippert and by-passed FR. My dealer is 90 miles from home, nuff said. Lippert allowed me to select my own repair facility (one that would abide by Lippert warranty policy of course). It was very easy and no paperwork for me except signing for the warranty work accomplished. I have gone directly to the manufacturerers several times with no problems. So, it can be done.

[BigJohnD]

Thanks for all the replies. I've met Brian Clemens in person, good guy so I'm familiar with his assistance. I'm sure he could help. Might shoot him a PM. Figured I'd post here first since I was sure some owners had done it before. A lot of it comes down to the new fifth wheel. There are some dealers I'd like to buy from, but NO dealers that I care to have service done at. I'm sure lots of people have been in those shoes. Well, if I can get warranty work done at my preferred shop, then I'll buy where ever the best deal is. See where I'm going with that? I know FR wants everybody to buy local, but I just can't always do that cause local is sometimes the highest. I don't like giving away money that much. I've dealt with Dan Evans, Rick Black and April Conner at the FR service center in Elkhart. Was up there a couple of months ago getting some warranty work done. Not sure if these are the same people I'd need to get in touch with or not. Kind of curious who others have dealt with within FR?

[rabraz]

I realize this does not really answer the question but I had heard bad stories about warranty service from dealers where you did not purchase your unit. Having purchased mine from RVW in Ohio I was very concerned about having to find a dealer here close to home who would treat me and my rig right. My first need for service I went to Camper Clinic II in Buda TX. About an hour from the house. I cannot properly convey what a great bunch of people these folks are. Treated me just like a family member. These folks know their stuff. Took care of the problem and had my trailer back to me in very short order. It was not long after that my unit developed a leak at one of the skylights. Got the same great service again. I cannot say enough good things about these folks at Camper Clinic II in Buda TX.
Wishing everyone Happy Trails!

[BigJohnD]

Good to hear. I'm assuming camper clinic is an independent shop and not a dealer? Buda, tx isn't THAT far from us. I really want to stay away from our dealers. Not all, but most are biased toward their product (rightfully so) and of course they ask if you bought there, which you know what that leads to. The small shops like ALL business and do better work, cause the focus is strictly on repairs and service, not sales.

[rabraz]

Well, they are a Forest River Dealer which is why I mentioned this really did not answer the original question. But I wanted to let everyone know that I found a dealer that did not seem to mind that you did not purchase from them. They seem to be more interested in providing a great service experience. At least that has been my experience with them.
I hope you find the shop that fits your needs and wish all Happy Trails.

[BigJohnD]

Thanks for that info rabraz. It is good to hear that experience. I know there are those few good dealers with good service dept, but they aren't easy to find. I had that great experience in Texas before with 2 different Mobile Scouts. That dealer doesn't sell what I'm looking for though. I might check the one you mentioned out as a possibility beings they're not too far away.