210urs Tire wear - Bent axle -Keystone service is awful

[Campnow]

I've had some really bad tire wear on the outside edge of all 4 tires. Had under 2k on the trailer at this point. Something was obviously off. After doing alignments on cars when i was young it was obvious to me its probably the camber. Called keystone and explained the issue. they deflected and did want to talk to me and sent me to a dealer they recommended. After a 2 month wait for an appointment to get it in to the dealer for them to look at it. Service advisor agreed something did not look right. Took another week for them to get a form from keystone to measure the axles. The measurements really only measured the rough location of the axles. They deliberately left off required measurements that would diagnose the problem The dealer tech took it upon himself to say nothing is wrong and then keystone promptly denied warranty claim. Then the dealer gave me a bill for doing nothing to help nor an honest effort to document or diagnose the actual problem. Makes you wonder if the dealer and keystone were in cahoots together to reject the claim.


So i took it to a truck/trailer axle place, they took one look at the tires and said it must be the camber. they measured it in 5 minutes and confirmed. They were super helpful made a printout for me to document it. They didn't even charge me. I will be going back there to complete the repairs.



I submitted photos of the tire wear with the depth gauge, the measurements of the camber to Dexter and they took care of me no arguments, no unnecessary questions. Just pride in their product and backing it.



Just wow how Keystone and Keystones dealer network are failing to take care of their customers. At one point both the dealer and keystone both said "its in the manual that owners should take new trailers to get the axles aligned"..... wait what?!!! That is ridiculous to require that for a new trailer or any vehicle for that matter. Just shows they are aware they are pushing out substandard products and craftsmanship.

The fun with customer service these days. Yes its industry wide. This is my first and last keystone. I suspect i wont have it another year or two as things are already falling apart after one season of use. I had a jayco before this for 10 years, and honestly they always took care of me in the end.

[notanlines]

Why did you fail to return the rv to your selling dealer for axle service?

[firestation12]

Originally Posted by Campnow

I've had some really bad tire wear on the outside edge of all 4 tires. Had under 2k on the trailer at this point. Something was obviously off. After doing alignments on cars when i was young it was obvious to me its probably the camber. Called keystone and explained the issue. they deflected and did want to talk to me and sent me to a dealer they recommended. After a 2 month wait for an appointment to get it in to the dealer for them to look at it. Service advisor agreed something did not look right. Took another week for them to get a form from keystone to measure the axles. The measurements really only measured the rough location of the axles. They deliberately left off required measurements that would diagnose the problem The dealer tech took it upon himself to say nothing is wrong and then keystone promptly denied warranty claim. Then the dealer gave me a bill for doing nothing to help nor an honest effort to document or diagnose the actual problem. Makes you wonder if the dealer and keystone were in cahoots together to reject the claim.


So i took it to a truck/trailer axle place, they took one look at the tires and said it must be the camber. they measured it in 5 minutes and confirmed. They were super helpful made a printout for me to document it. They didn't even charge me. I will be going back there to complete the repairs.



I submitted photos of the tire wear with the depth gauge, the measurements of the camber to Dexter and they took care of me no arguments, no unnecessary questions. Just pride in their product and backing it.



Just wow how Keystone and Keystones dealer network are failing to take care of their customers. At one point both the dealer and keystone both said "its in the manual that owners should take new trailers to get the axles aligned"..... wait what?!!! That is ridiculous to require that for a new trailer or any vehicle for that matter. Just shows they are aware they are pushing out substandard products and craftsmanship.

The fun with customer service these days. Yes it’s industry wide. This is my first and last Keystone. I suspect i wont have it another year or two as things are already falling apart after one season of use. I had a jayco before this for 10 years, and honestly they always took care of me in the end.

As you have learned, keystone didn’t fabricate your axles. This is also true of all the many other appliances in your camper. You should also have received an owner’s packet containing information of use, warranty and contact numbers. You finally did what you should have done in the first place, which is contact Dexter as well as take the camper to a business capable of measuring and fixing. The selling dealer is doubtful to have any in house capability to measure or fix axle problems. Your misdirected frustration towards Keystone should be re-evaluated. Your camper’s warranty doesn’t work the same as buying a new car does. I’m certain Jayco didn’t fix your camper for free during those 10 years of ownership. Frankly I’m surprised that after 10 years of camper ownership, the process of getting things fixed is not more intuitive. The blessing in all of this is that you will likely have the opportunity to sooner than later, buy upgraded tires which will prevent a nasty tire failure resulting in collateral damage to the wheel wells.

[Campnow]

I am within reason to expect the manufacturer Keystone in this case to take more pride and stand behind what they provide. Especially a new trailer with an obvious defect. For example you wouldn't expect to take a new tow vehicle back to lets say maybe Ford example with a defect and have them deflect and tell you to talk to the parts manufacturer such as dana axles, not our problem. Yeah didn't think so. My business partner and i ran a construction firm for 30 year. We never made excuses for shoddy work that a subcontractor may have done which was inevitable from time to time. We owned up to it and made it right. I dont think its unreasonable expect the same from others when i drop alot of money on a trailer.


I never said Jayco fixed everything for free over the years, but they were always helpful, coordinated repairs when necessary, and informative when i requested info when i preferred to do things myself. The few warranty issues i did have they owned up to things when it mattered. Instead of steering me in the right direction Keystone right from the get go was evasive and deflective. I sensed on the phone i wasn't the first nor last to call with this issue and they were well aware of it but played dumb. Both the dealer and Keystone denied there was an issue when it was proven there was. Frankly it was disgusting how blatant they were about it. Dexter responded completely differently. Keystone could have simply said, oh yes, you should call Dexter axles there super helpful. But Keystone did not even do that.



I'm not one to take my vehicles in for warranty claims for every little issue, i personally don't want the hassle or time wasting. I prefer to just fix myself. But bent axles and worn out tires with very low mileage is unacceptable both in quality and costs to replace axles and tires.



I think you should evaluate why you feel the need to defend Keystone and defend poor customer service. With your proposed logic Keystone can willingly sell a defective part, but heck is not there problem because they didn't make the part. Take that logic a step further ford selling a truck with broken brakes, yeah thats not gonna fly. For the price people pay for these things the manufacturers should take more pride in their product and conduct themselves with integrity. Epically in the so called "warranty period" which as you seem to know means nothing to Keystone.

[dutchmensport]

Contrary to the way you feel, firestation12 has it, pretty much, correct.

The RV industry is absolutely nothing like any automotive industry, or any construction, or retail industry. It's an animal all to itself.

Yes, it's not right. But, especially, over the last 10 years, RV manufacturing and "quality" and been flushed down the toilet for higher profits. Yes, it's not right, but it is what it is.

Also, unfortunately, you will find that every RV manufacturer is pretty much in the same boat now too.

You did the right thing by starting with the RV dealership. But it does sound like your dealership is the one at fault, not Keystone.

Your dealership is kind of like your family general practitioner doctor and your insurance company. The doctor can make a recommendation to a specialist, but the insurance company can come back and deny the procedure (which happened to my wife several times, or even deny a claim). It simply is not right, but it is what it is, even when the doctor says the procedure is necessary. It's a battle then to prove to the insurance company the procedure is necessary and valid. It often comes down to how much the doctor is willing to go to battle with the insurance company to "prove" the procedure is necessary. (again, this happened to my wife, at a tune of $35,000).... My wife's company has a "health advocate" benefit who went to bat for her. It took 8 months, but she won. The insurance finally paid.

So, this entire process, REALLY falls on your RV dealership. And it sounds like you have a pretty bad one. Keystone only follows the directive of the dealership. And if the dealership does not provide the right information, or neglects information, or fails to push back a little, Keystone is programmed to simply deny. And it sounds like this is exactly what happened. You have a really bad dealership.

You did do the right thing by finding a different avenue and as you pointed out, "Dexter" came through.

And yes, I'd be looking for a different dealership repair shop.

[JRTJH]

Originally Posted by Campnow

... Called keystone and explained the issue. they deflected and did want to talk to me and sent me to a dealer they recommended. ....

Originally Posted by notanlines

Why did you fail to return the rv to your selling dealer for axle service?

No answer yet on "why didn't you go back to your selling dealership" ?????

I'd suspect that when you "side-stepped the warranty process" by not going back to the dealership where you bought your trailer, and called keystone rather than let your selling dealership (who has a vested interest in your satisfaction) you wound up at a dealership that had no interest in satisfying you (keeping you as a customer) but rather was "volunteered by Keystone" to do work at below shop rates again..... Simply put, that dealership wanted you "in and out ASAP"... So, they did the least they needed to do to get you out the door.

As stated by Dutchmensport, "I'd be looking for a different dealership repair shop". Not returning to your "selling dealership" may have been the first step down your "road to being unhappy".

That does NOT mean that I'm attempting to "justify or excuse" what you faced, rather, it's just the way the RV industry is these days. Like it or leave it, you're not likely going to change it, so learn to work within it or you'll keep being frustrated and unhappy with the way you are being treated by an industry that is nothing like the automobile industry or any other "word of mouth industry where customer satisfaction means company growth"...

Right now, the RV industry has customers lined up with money in hand to buy everything they can push out the door. To be frank, Keystone doesn't much care whether they sell the next one to you or the guy standing in line behind you... To them, it seems like their motto is: "Move on, we're too busy to be bothered by your problems".....

I know that "ain't the way to treat paying customers" but you've got to admit, it ain't our business and we don't get to change the way Keystone operates. Like it or leave it, that's about all you can do at this point. The only "self satisfaction" you might get from all of this is when you buy your next RV, don't buy from Keystone, or for that matter, from THOR (who owns Keystone). You'll feel better and the next guy in line behind you will get the trailer when you walk away.....

[Campnow]

That was the selling dealership. I did not side step the warranty process by being proactive with Keystone right from the start, it was good faith effort on my part. I tried to work with them and did what they the told me to. I initially wanted to go to a more reputable shop but keystone required me to use their preferred partner in crime. Wasted months of my time waiting on dishonest dealer/keystone relationships to deliberately fail to properly diagnose the problem. I can't imagine what it is like for people who cannot fix their own property. Like i said the only reason i pursued the warranty route for this it was NEW, and was an expensive defect to eat the costs for so early on.





Interesting to me how many are quick defend it as it is what it is. From what i see the sales lots are full again, and have been for at least a year now. Perhaps a shift at some point when all these new rvs that sold the past few years create a glut of difficult to sell rvs and the industries reputation of poor quality becomes more widely known to the public.


Based on the comments here of course the RV industry has no incentive to change if the consumers do not demand accountability and better service.

[sourdough]

I guess I'm confused. In the initial post you said you reported the issue to Keystone (should have been the dealer) but they didn't want to talk to you, deflected and sent you to a dealer THEY recommended. Then on about how they didn't measure anything right, left off numbers intentionally, the tech took it on himself to tell Keystone nothing was wrong, gave you a bill and questions about collusion to reject your claim. Lots of stuff. In your last post you said you took it back to the selling dealership? Which one? The dealer is your problem.

You did sidestep the warranty process when you tried to start with Keystone; they don't operate that way and most others don't either. They advise you to work with the selling dealer and in lieu of that send you to someone else if that's what is required. You have to remember that Keystone (or any other RV manufacturer) is working blind so they depend on the dealership to advise them of the problem and recommended solutions - they don't depend on the customer to diagnose nor recommend repair procedures. If you receive a warranty claim denial you can always escalate that, and, if it's a situation with your axles such as this was you can completely bypass Keystone and file a claim with Dexter. During the first 12 months Keystone is simply doing the owner a favor and making the warranty claims with the manufacturer of the component for the owner. Those claims are based 100% on what the "tech" tells them....and yours told them there was no problem - dealer issue.

You can be mad at Keystone all you want but it's wasted time, you should be aggravated at the dealer that told them you didn't have a problem....whether it was the selling dealer or a "recommended" dealer which we don't know.

[JRTJH]

Originally Posted by Campnow

...

Interesting to me how many are quick defend it as it is what it is. ...

Based on the comments here of course the RV industry has no incentive to change if the consumers do not demand accountability and better service.

Interesting that your selling dealership treated you that way. That is not what people typically report on this forum.

It's not being "quick to defend", rather it's a statement of the reality of the RV industry. Back in the mid 90's the industry crashed and again around 2007-2008 it crashed again. Those were "lean times and about half the RV factories closed their doors. Those who survived had some very lean profit years and share holders lost their butts in the process. Brookshire/Hathaway, THOR and Forest River had the "big bucks" to buy up damn near all the industry. There is no "competition" since they all started around the same time and have essentially the same end goals and there's enough ready to buy customers to keep all of them busy at full capacity. In other words, there's no incentive for any manufacturer to excel in quality. So, they all "buy from Lippert, Dometic, Coleman and build approximately the same trailer in different colors and different "equipment combinations".. By that I mean to illustrate that they are all built the same way by the same workforce in the same/similar plants using the same techniques and parts. About the only difference is colors and some features. Same floorplan, one brand will give you a tub, the other a shower. One will use a Thetford toilet and Dometic refrigerator the next will use a Dometic toilet and Norcold refrigerator.

About the biggest "real difference" (if you can consider it such) is that Grand Design has a "customer first warranty" (but you pay about $5K more for the trailer) while Keystone saves you that $5K in a lower MSRP, but you may end up with a hassle getting anything repaired that isn't clearly a warranty issue.

Forest River and Jayco fall somewhere in the middle, but look very closely at construction and workmanship. In comparable price ranges and floorplans, they don't seem as "homey and inviting"... That may not matter when towing, but on the first rainy afternoon spent in the trailer, when DW starts pointing out how much things would change if we just add "this or that or both".... And we all know that if DW ain't happy and content, nobody is happy or content....

There's no "right for everybody" trailer brand and certainly there's problems that could be fixed by all trailer brands.

The reality (as I see it) is that it matters not whether you buy a Keystone for $5K less than a GD and wind up putting $5K into repairs or spend the extra and buy a GD for $5K more and they fix it "their way on their time line", in the end, you typically wind up with the same "functional trailer for close to the same price"..... The difference is whether you have to spend more money on Rolaids and Tums by letting the system get to you or not..... For me, I'll pop the top on a cold one and chill before I let any manufacturer ruin my day. YMMV and that's OK, somebody has to keep the complaint lines open and busy, it just won't be me, not with RV problems.....

Remember also, that Airstream's 30' Classic starts at $190K and goes up easily to well over $200K by the time you get the options you'd want in that type trailer. And, every (did I mention, EVERY) Airstream dealership has a service department that handles things that break, don't work or need to be "fixed from factory mistakes".... BTDT and I'll never own another Airstream. That's partly why I now own a "cheap old Cougar" that cost less than 20% of my last Airstream. YMMV

[sourdough]

Originally Posted by JRTJH

Interesting that your selling dealership treated you that way. That is not what people typically report on this forum.

It's not being "quick to defend", rather it's a statement of the reality of the RV industry. Back in the mid 90's the industry crashed and again around 2007-2008 it crashed again. Those were "lean times and about half the RV factories closed their doors. Those who survived had some very lean profit years and share holders lost their butts in the process. Brookshire/Hathaway, THOR and Forest River had the "big bucks" to buy up damn near all the industry. There is no "competition" since they all started around the same time and have essentially the same end goals and there's enough ready to buy customers to keep all of them busy at full capacity. In other words, there's no incentive for any manufacturer to excel in quality. So, they all "buy from Lippert, Dometic, Coleman and build approximately the same trailer in different colors and different "equipment combinations".. By that I mean to illustrate that they are all built the same way by the same workforce in the same/similar plants using the same techniques and parts. About the only difference is colors and some features. Same floorplan, one brand will give you a tub, the other a shower. One will use a Thetford toilet and Dometic refrigerator the next will use a Dometic toilet and Norcold refrigerator.

About the biggest "real difference" (if you can consider it such) is that Grand Design has a "customer first warranty" (but you pay about $5K more for the trailer) while Keystone saves you that $5K in a lower MSRP, but you may end up with a hassle getting anything repaired that isn't clearly a warranty issue.

Forest River and Jayco fall somewhere in the middle, but look very closely at construction and workmanship. In comparable price ranges and floorplans, they don't seem as "homey and inviting"... That may not matter when towing, but on the first rainy afternoon spent in the trailer, when DW starts pointing out how much things would change if we just add "this or that or both".... And we all know that if DW ain't happy and content, nobody is happy or content....

There's no "right for everybody" trailer brand and certainly there's problems that could be fixed by all trailer brands.

The reality (as I see it) is that it matters not whether you buy a Keystone for $5K less than a GD and wind up putting $5K into repairs or spend the extra and buy a GD for $5K more and they fix it "their way on their time line", in the end, you typically wind up with the same "functional trailer for close to the same price"..... The difference is whether you have to spend more money on Rolaids and Tums by letting the system get to you or not..... For me, I'll pop the top on a cold one and chill before I let any manufacturer ruin my day. YMMV and that's OK, somebody has to keep the complaint lines open and busy, it just won't be me, not with RV problems.....

Remember also, that Airstream's 30' Classic starts at $190K and goes up easily to well over $200K by the time you get the options you'd want in that type trailer. And, every (did I mention, EVERY) Airstream dealership has a service department that handles things that break, don't work or need to be "fixed from factory mistakes".... BTDT and I'll never own another Airstream. That's partly why I now own a "cheap old Cougar" that cost less than 20% of my last Airstream. YMMV

I was intent on getting a GD when I purchased this trailer. Talked to the owner of the GD dealership I would deal with...they're very proud of what they have. Their pricing is ridiculously high for what you get (a Keystone model) and their hyped warranty/customer service? He said "as an owner of a GD you understand that any warranty work you need will take a minimum of 3 months to look at" - Sorry....I'll buy Keystone all day long; their the same trailer in most respects.

[RV Vacation]

Originally Posted by Campnow

That was the selling dealership. I did not side step the warranty process by being proactive with Keystone right from the start, it was good faith effort on my part. I tried to work with them and did what they the told me to. I initially wanted to go to a more reputable shop but keystone required me to use their preferred partner in crime. Wasted months of my time waiting on dishonest dealer/keystone relationships to deliberately fail to properly diagnose the problem. I can't imagine what it is like for people who cannot fix their own property. Like i said the only reason i pursued the warranty route for this it was NEW, and was an expensive defect to eat the costs for so early on.



Interesting to me how many are quick defend it as it is what it is. From what i see the sales lots are full again, and have been for at least a year now. Perhaps a shift at some point when all these new rvs that sold the past few years create a glut of difficult to sell rvs and the industries reputation of poor quality becomes more widely known to the public.


Based on the comments here of course the RV industry has no incentive to change if the consumers do not demand accountability and better service.

.
.Precisely why the RV industry (including dealerships) has gotten away with the shoddy work they sell. Because the general RV public just lays down and accepts it for what it is.

FYI we owned a Jayco 5th wheel our first few years of full timing and at no time did I have trouble getting answers about repairs or needed parts from Jayco directly. Our problem was the dealership from which we purchased the unit. The ole finger pointing game don't ya know. It was Jaycos fault the parts were not available or, Jaycos fault the labor cost was not covered. It's been four years since we traded our Jayco so I do not honestly know if that be the case now. Thor now owns Jayco too.

Sorry to hear of your experience getting your problem corrected but it sounds like you can now breath a sigh of relief knowing your issue has been properly addressed by a qualified mechanic and not some tech from a rv tech school.



Be well, safe travels, your friend and mine.

John

[chuckster57]

not some tech from a rv tech school.

Do you know what is taught at “RV tech school”?

I have taken on-line and in person training, and I can tell you it can be VERY technical and it’s on the STUDENT to learn and apply.

I don’t really think it’s fair to make a blanket statement like that.

[sourdough]

Originally Posted by RV Vacation

.
.Precisely why the RV industry (including dealerships) has gotten away with the shoddy work they sell. Because the general RV public just lays down and accepts it for what it is.

FYI we owned a Jayco 5th wheel our first few years of full timing and at no time did I have trouble getting answers about repairs or needed parts from Jayco directly. Our problem was the dealership from which we purchased the unit. The ole finger pointing game don't ya know. It was Jaycos fault the parts were not available or, Jaycos fault the labor cost was not covered. It's been four years since we traded our Jayco so I do not honestly know if that be the case now. Thor now owns Jayco too.

Sorry to hear of your experience getting your problem corrected but it sounds like you can now breath a sigh of relief knowing your issue has been properly addressed by a qualified mechanic and not some tech from a rv tech school.



Be well, safe travels, your friend and mine.

John

I think it's a mistake to think that the RV manufacturer is going to just work with an individual and "send them parts" at their request, that's not how it's supposed to work. Owners that think that then try it are going to be in for disappointment and frustration I'm afraid. From the Jayco warranty manual:

HOW TO GET SERVICE
It is normal to expect some warranty service during the term of this
Limited Warranty. To obtain warranty service the owner must do
the following:

HOW TO GET SERVICE
It is normal to expect some warranty service during the term of this
Limited Warranty. To obtain warranty service the owner must do all of
the following:
1. Notify an independent, authorized dealer of Jayco, or Jayco, of
the substantial defect in material or workmanship attributable to
Jayco, within the warranty coverage period designated above;

The above statement is on every model of Jayco RV whether towable or motorized. It's the very first thing they stipulate. The above says you can report the issue to Jayco which you can do with Keystone but clause 3 stipulates it has to go to a dealership. I have had Keystone send the dealer parts and they then supplied them to me to do my own repairs but I did that through the SM at the dealership.

As far as the manufacturers getting away with shoddy workmanship and the RV buying public "laying down" and accepting it, I think the RV buyers don't care. Those boom/bust cycles for RV manufacturers and dealers were the same for the buying public. That didn't matter when it was over they wanted an RV; a "bigger" RV; more bling; less cost; less weight. They wanted to pull the Taj Mahal with a 1/2 ton - and still do. You can't have your cake and eat it too so we've got what we've got. There are options out there for folks that don't want to have issues with their RV or want to be treated like royalty....they just need to plop down 4-500k to 1M and proceed on. They won't do that....they don't want to spend the money or can't. Instead they want to pay 30-50k and get a product, and get treated, like they spent 500k....won't work that way in this world. Unfortunate? Of course. A fact of life? Yes. Is the RV buying public clamoring for the manufacturers to continue putting out what they've been putting out? Absolutely.

[GlasNav]

In the early 1990s, we were heading to Northern California from Baton Rouge with a brand new 33ft Cobra, now part of the Forest River / Rockwood group. While passing thru Albuquerque we had a blow out and shredded tire. I pulled behind some highway cones on I-40 in a construction area and changed the tire, also noticed the camber was way out. Found a pay phone and contacted the dealer and explained the situation called back as directed and was given a number to call at the manufacturer for warranty items. Made the call, was given instructions on where to go to have it examined that afternoon. The tire and axle place identified the issue as a failed drop axle but wasn't able to address other than the tire that day. Called the warranty line and they did the leg work for finding the nearest replacement axle, which turned out to be Flagstaff. The next day we went to Flagstaff which was along the route and the axle was replaced. The only thing they wouldn't replace was the spare that we used between Albuquerque and Flagstaff, instead they sent a check for the wear the tire received between the two locations.

[RV Vacation]

Originally Posted by chuckster57

Do you know what is taught at “RV tech school”?

I have taken on-line and in person training, and I can tell you it can be VERY technical and it’s on the STUDENT to learn and apply.

I don’t really think it’s fair to make a blanket statement like that.

Howdy Chuck,

First and foremost I will tell you I was speaking to the individual that just delt with a "Tech" and it is quite obvious, the "Tech" was out of his specialty zone because a second opinion by an "expert", revealed there is/was an obvious problem causing the issue.

Second, I am not new at owning an RV. Purchased our first unit in 1975. In that time, I have delt with many repair services and many of those, well before "Tech School" was ever heard of.

Third, I believe I should not have to pay for some "Tech" to diagnose/repair my RV when I can do that work myself. Therefore I feel parts of any type should be made available to me when and where I need them. Be they under warranty or not.

Forth, I refuse to "just laydown" and accept "the industry standard" for shoddy unreliable work or materials and I do not buy that "well that is just the way it is".

So you see Chuck, I was showing my support for the individual posting the initial comment on this thread. He was turned down for a warranty claim by the manufacturer, based on a "Tech" report. That same tech (I believe), now proven to lack proper training or experience. In my book that "Tech" should have admitted his lack of expertise. Not doing so further proves his incompetence.

My resume Chuck, includes years of experience as a technician in health care and educational facilities. Also over the years I remodeled 7 residential homes from the roof down, including all the utilities. Those homes belonged to my wife and I which we put back on the market. My mechanical experience Chuck, stems from 20 years as a truck driver/equipment operator. I might add before the age of 14 I was rebuilding small engines, starters and generators. By 16 I was bending wrenches in a local garage rebuilding car engines. That being said Chuck, I must say, I have never ever attended "RV Tech" school. Sorry.

So does all that time and experience qualify me to service RVs. Not in my book, at least not on your or someone else's RV.

So long story short Chuck, I was not making any broad statement. Just agreeing with a man who has every right to make his feelings known.

Be well and safe travels,

John
[exit soapbox]

[RV Vacation]

Howdy Sourdough,

Yep, it is possible because I am in the process of doing just that. Getting parts under warranty sent directly to me allowing me my own repair.

One of selling points for our Montana was just that. Parts will be shipped to you.

Not looking to create a disturbance among those accepting the RV industry for what it is but, it is what it is.

My issue(s) with our furnace is exactly like the problem(s) I have read about on forums like this, as well as talking to other Keystone RV owners. The only difference between those problems and my problem(s) is the year or the model of the RV. I have been speaking to a Montana owner 4 lots from me and he is giving me advice regarding his furnace issue. I'm all ears I said then listened as he told me it is likely the "sail switch" or the "circuit board". Thank you very much I said and may I ask what year your Montana might be? Yes he said, his RV is a 2020. How about that, our RV is a 2023 and still the very same problem(s) preventing the furnace from operating. I'll be darned, who knew??

With a bit of a chuckle, I ask if he would make a list of all the problems he has experienced, so I can order parts and get a step ahead of any future repairs. Darn I wish I would have kept my mouth shut.


Be well and safe travels,

John

[chuckster57]

Originally Posted by RV Vacation

Howdy Chuck,

First and foremost I will tell you I was speaking to the individual that just delt with a "Tech" and it is quite obvious, the "Tech" was out of his specialty zone because a second opinion by an "expert", revealed there is/was an obvious problem causing the issue.

Second, I am not new at owning an RV. Purchased our first unit in 1975. In that time, I have delt with many repair services and many of those, well before "Tech School" was ever heard of.

Third, I believe I should not have to pay for some "Tech" to diagnose/repair my RV when I can do that work myself. Therefore I feel parts of any type should be made available to me when and where I need them. Be they under warranty or not.

Forth, I refuse to "just laydown" and accept "the industry standard" for shoddy unreliable work or materials and I do not buy that "well that is just the way it is".

So you see Chuck, I was showing my support for the individual posting the initial comment on this thread. He was turned down for a warranty claim by the manufacturer, based on a "Tech" report. That same tech (I believe), now proven to lack proper training or experience. In my book that "Tech" should have admitted his lack of expertise. Not doing so further proves his incompetence.

My resume Chuck, includes years of experience as a technician in health care and educational facilities. Also over the years I remodeled 7 residential homes from the roof down, including all the utilities. Those homes belonged to my wife and I which we put back on the market. My mechanical experience Chuck, stems from 20 years as a truck driver/equipment operator. I might add before the age of 14 I was rebuilding small engines, starters and generators. By 16 I was bending wrenches in a local garage rebuilding car engines. That being said Chuck, I must say, I have never ever attended "RV Tech" school. Sorry.

So does all that time and experience qualify me to service RVs. Not in my book, at least not on your or someone else's RV.

So long story short Chuck, I was not making any broad statement. Just agreeing with a man who has every right to make his feelings known.

Be well and safe travels,

John
[exit soapbox]

It sure read that way. Anyway, I will wholeheartedly agree that there are lots of “techs” that shouldn’t be. Same goes for any field, and I too have never taken my rv’s to be worked on starting with my first one in the 1970’s. I have worked on cars starting in 1970 helping my father, currently have my own auto repair business that has been in business for over 40 years.

[Camper rand]

1000 km tires toast dealer sent me to dexter sent pictures
and had me get alignment $400 and tires $350 for two my cost Dexter sent new axle and paid for the tires but not the alignment Dexter told me not to check alignment on new axle or warrant would be off ( don’t understand this) so I guess I will keep an eye on the new tires in the spring for excessive wear All my other trailers and I have had many had 0 issues

[firestation12]

Originally Posted by Camper rand

1000 km tires toast dealer sent me to dexter sent pictures
and had me get alignment $400 and tires $350 for two my cost Dexter sent new axle and paid for the tires but not the alignment Dexter told me not to check alignment on new axle or warrant would be off ( don’t understand this) so I guess I will keep an eye on the new tires in the spring for excessive wear All my other trailers and I have had many had 0 issues

I’m not understanding what this is trying to say. Can someone interpret this for me?

[Bill-2020]

Originally Posted by firestation12

I’m not understanding what this is trying to say. Can someone interpret this for me?

Sure… my edits/additions are in all caps, I’m not yelling at you. And I’ll include some punctuation as well.

1000 km tires ARE toast NOW. THE dealer sent me to dexter. Then I sent pictures TO DEXTER
and THEY had me get AN alignment. IT COST ME $400, and tires COST ME $350 for two, AT my cost. Dexter sent ME A new axle and paid for the tires but not the alignment. Dexter told me not to check THE alignment on new axle or warrantY would be off (I don’t understand this), so I guess I will keep an eye on the new tires in the spring for ANY excessive wear. All my other trailers, and I have had many, had 0 issues LIKE THIS.

…whew…