RV FAQ: Annoying RV Repair and service problems

If there is one single hot button topic sure to raise the dander on most RVers it has to do with RV repair and service problems. Let's see if we can help work through that.

Let's answer this question from our RV Lifestyle Facebook Group from a reader named Todd, who writes:

Question 

“I'm new here and read of quality issues with new RVs and I can't understand how dealers don't see the need to fix issues like trim panels falling off while on the lot. $27,000 bucks and they don't see the need to fix it before customers see it.”

Answer

Todd’s post brought more than 80 replies, most relating RV repair and service problems. 

Matt and Trima said: “If you only knew the problems we have with RV repair and service problems for our brand new 2020 top of the line Fifth Wheel; you would never buy one and absolutely run the other way.. Delamination down the side and across the back…..

A defective roof where a pinhole was found for a leak, not to mention a roof with blisters, underbelly keeps coming undone, shower panels coming undone from the wall and leaks, and the list goes on with close to 40 items.

Oh; the washing machine has gone out twice in six months in the oven will not stay lit until after literally about the 6th to 8th time. Man, I have so many pictures and videos that it would make your head spin. Working with a lemon law lawyer right now.”

Question

What's a telltale sign that there will be RV Repair and Service problems?

Answer

Carolyn offers this advice about dealers who don’t fix obvious issues: “No one seems to take pride in their work. If they don’t fix before the sale I’d steer clear of them because they probably have crappy service dept.”

Question

What about “paperwork fees” and new units with obvious repaid and service problems?

Answer

Camilla, noting that many dealers charge a paperwork fee, says, in her case, she noted “Always fun to see the $895 “Pre-Delivery Inspection” fee on a brand new RV – but wires hanging out, moldings dangling, TV missing, coffee stain in the cabin, hydraulic arm ripped out of the screen door, etc.”

Joe says “So much demand for RV's now, the factories are rushing to produce them as fast as possible.”

Says Michael: “I have a 2019 RV, brand new on the lot I made a list of 22 RV repair and service items that needed to be fixed before I left the dealer. Now 1 year older I have trim pieces falling off, bench seat literally fell apart and I cannot stop slide out from leaking during rain!”

Question

Are RV repair and service problems the result of RV manufacturers rushing product through with shoddy workmanship?

Answer

Helen has RV repair and service problems, too: “What makes me angry is we bought a brand new fifth wheel specifically to avoid these issues. We came to the conclusion it is cheaper for the companies to rush them through and hope people don’t return them for RV repair and service work than to make them right the first time.

“What is funny is that we talked to someone we met at a campground who had a much more expensive fifth wheel than us. When we said we wish we had gone ahead and spent more money for one like his and avoided these problems he laughed and told us his sad story with RV repair and service warranty work.” 

Victoria reported: “We are shopping and I’m amazed that one lot at a local dealer was FULL of different sizes and shapes and brands of campers. I asked if we could see a couple of them and the RV dealer said those campers were waiting for RV repair and service to be fixed! The lot was full!”

Question

What's a solution for RV repair and service problems?

Answer

Chuck says: “Sadly, what this industry needs is competition from quality overseas manufacturing such as happened in the auto industry. I hate to think of the crap we would be driving if it had not been for quality Japanese cars forcing the American manufacturers to up their game. It seems to me that one good American manufacturer could provide competition.”

Our Bottom line on the topic of RV repair and service

Folks, there were over 80 RV repair and service reports like these, filed within just a few hours after Todd made his post.

These are real RV repair and service stories. True stories. They involve many different RV brands, manufacturers, and dealers.

I’m a very positive and optimistic guy. But that doesn’t mean turning a blind eye to serious issues with RV repair and service.

You can read Todd’s post and the replies by clicking THIS LINK to it on the RV Lifestyle Facebook Group. With almost 42,000 members, our RV Lifestyle Facebook page is the go-to place to find community, learn from other Rvers, share travel ideas, and get tips and ideas to enhance your RV experience.

To join is free. Check it out at https://rvlifestyle.com/facebook

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