So I put the van in for its first service...

megcam

megcam

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Finally got 1000kms up in the van so with 2 weeks away at the end of June thought I'd get it in for first service. Rang the service arm of the local dealer only to be told they could fit us in the end of July. No good says me so they refer me to another company nearby. They can do it the following week, excellent. Organise some time off work in the morning, hitch up and tow the van for 30 mins in peak hour traffic. Leave them a list of warranty stuff 1) no mains water since new 2) cupboard latch under sink doesn't engage 3) awning leaks over dinette window 4) smoke alarm faulty - has used 2 batteries in 6 months. Take more time off work and pick up van that afternoon, drive home in peak hour traffic and park the van in near darkness.

Next weekend I think you beauty, isn't warranty a wonderful thing, lets have a look at what they've done. Plug in hose... still no mains water. Cupboard door still only engages in 1 out of 8 presses but at least they've bent the striker plate so the door rattles when closed now. Hasn't rained since so not sure about the awning but there is a giant knob of silicon visible near the sailtrack so they tried. To fix the smoke alarm they billed me $9.95 to supply and install new battery.

So this weekend I've pulled the innards out of the non retun valve at the hose connection and installed a John Guest check valve just inside the cupboard, spent another $9 on a new cupboard latch and fixed the bloody things myself.

Think I'll put all the faulty bits back in prior to the next service just before 12 months and see what happens next time :playball:
 
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Bellbirdweb

Bellbirdweb

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Could be why they were easy to get in to for a service

Around 2 month wait for a decent service in Sydney (actually there is a wait for the ordinary service as well)
 
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Crusty181

Crusty181

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megcam said:
Finally got 1000kms up in the van so with 2 weeks away at the end of June thought I'd get it in for first service. Rang the service arm of the local dealer only to be told they could fit us in the end of July. No good says me so they refer me to another company nearby. They can do it the following week, excellent. Organise some time off work in the morning, hitch up and tow the van for 30 mins in peak hour traffic. Leave them a list of warranty stuff 1) no mains water since new 2) cupboard latch under sink doesn't engage 3) awning leaks over dinette window 4) smoke alarm faulty - has used 2 batteries in 6 months. Take more time off work and pick up van that afternoon, drive home in peak hour traffic and park the van in near darkness.

Next weekend I think you beauty, isn't warranty a wonderful thing, lets have a look at what they've done. Plug in hose... still no mains water. Cupboard door still only engages in 1 out of 8 presses but at least they've bent the striker plate so the door rattles when closed now. Hasn't rained since so not sure about the awning but there is a giant knob of silicon visible near the sailtrack so they tried. To fix the smoke alarm they billed me $9.95 to supply and install new battery.

So this weekend I've pulled the innards out of the non retun valve at the hose connection and installed a John Guest check valve just inside the cupboard, spent another $9 on a new cupboard latch and fixed the bloody things myself.

Think I'll put all the faulty bits back in prior to the next service just before 12 months and see what happens next time :playball:
Click to expand...
I experienced a similar issue around the 1000km service after one long weekend away. Dealer Service tried to feed me the same line about 2 months out for warranty work. I just dragged the Behemoth back down there without a service booking and informed them its not a warranty claim, it would have to have worked at some point to be "warranty" .... its the DOA crap they delivered, and nothing to do with warranty.

Either fix it or refund me ... they fixed it.

Im relatively happy to wait for non essential issues, but no way will i wait for issues that stop me being able to use it to its full potential. Setting my bar high early, we all know now where we stand now and we have a great relationship. (ha ... or at least from my perspective we do)
 
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megcam

megcam

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In a lot of ways I've got myself to blame. I don't kick up a stink and get the issues fixed unless the cost or time effort from me in doing so is more than just fixing it myself. I generally just don't go back to the business that gave no service.

It's all good though cause now i have a good understanding of the plumbing on the van so if something fails while we're away I'll be better placed to fix it :). Just hate the niggling doubt that creeps in... if they did that with a door latch, how good a job did they do inspecting the bearings....:concern:
 
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Drover

Drover

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I'm guilty of ignoring warranties due to the above post's comments, new car, van warranties, other equipment etc I used to worry about the what if ??? but after 40 yrs and the occasions I've had to fix what some so called "professional" didn't do I fix it myself, self taught mostly and have found time, money saved and a lot less hassle and worry..................and the example of friends who religously get the service done by the dealer and things break or cost humungous amounts have dispelled any doubts I had.
I know many can't do it themselves but service by someone competent who you trust is better than trying to keep a warranty alive by using a place stipulated as they may be the cause of the warranty claim by dodgy work.
And always check your wheel nuts after a service, please I've seen so many loose wheels after servicing.....thats cars and vans.
 
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