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lafla · 02-06-2017, 09:36 AM

Thank you, forum members, for the valuable feedback. While we are not the OP, we have been following this thread keenly, as we really do want the Flying Cloud we ordered, albeit with reservations. Since our backpacking days are gone, this is our retirement gift to ourselves, the culmination of years of dreaming, researching, shopping, saving.

So, an update! We expressed our concern and request to our dealer reps over the weekend, and have had very positive (and quick) feedback from them, as well as from the regional Airstream rep. They have scheduled us for the pre-delivery inspection and demo this week, with the full payment due afterward if we are satisfied with the trailer. This is very encouraging, and we'll post another update afterward.

Joellen · 02-07-2017, 05:49 AM

Sorry for not replying to this thread that I started. I have been following it daily and have been thankful for all the suggestions. "Lafla" has provided a solution that I hope will work for us too! I am calling our regional Airstream Rep today to see if he can arrange a similar solution for our delivery.

Our delivery is schedule for April 25 so we have some time but also will not know for sure how smooth it goes for a few months.

lafla · 02-14-2017, 02:57 PM

Delivery Update: We're very pleased to report that the delivery of our new 2017 Flying Cloud 25' was accomplished as promised by the dealership sales rep. Not sure how she pulled it off, but she arranged an exception to the dealership policy requiring full payment prior to pre-delivery prep, inspection, and demo. The window guard replacement was well done (no rivets involved) by the service/prep department, and everything was in working order and ready for us to check over. Afterward, we made full payment and completed paperwork, and the Airstream is now ours. We spent the night in her, right on the dealership lot, and brought her home the next day.

We are grateful to our sales rep, and the prep department (and possibly other unidentified parties), for responding to our concerns and accommodating our request to bypass the pre-inspection payment policy. It would have been heartbreaking to us to walk away and have to start over with another dealer even farther away.

StrmyWeather · 02-15-2017, 04:56 AM

Congrats on your new AS. Enjoy!

switz · 02-16-2017, 07:36 AM

Enjoy the experience. The fun of making it truly your own begins now.

Mollysdad · 02-16-2017, 08:01 AM

There's one fact. After they're paid, nothing else will be addressed, at least in a timely manor. I had a few small things in my last RV, I didn't want to complain and guess what? I got to fix them myself.
Also, unless you've had a few RV's the first day is overwhelming. There's too many systems to comprehend everything in a few hours. How does the thermostat work? The TV's, and water tanks, and tire pressure, and hitching and un-hitching, and lighting the stove and turning on the gas....even the curtains.
I like the idea of going to a nearby campground overnight or two.

kb0zke · 02-16-2017, 08:48 AM

The dealership we bought our mpg from owned a former KOA right next door. They insisted that we spend the first night there and left us the home number of someone who lived close just in case we had a problem. It seems to be common practice for dealerships to provide at least one night of free camping, either on the premises or at a campground nearby, for those who buy new. Don't know about those who buy used.

**jcanavera** · 02-16-2017, 10:31 AM

My Airstream dealer provides full hookup sites on premise. His standard is that you come to pick up your trailer, they have it all set up for you on his full hookup sites. At that point they spend about 3 hours with you going over all the operational aspects of the trailer. You spend the rest of the day and overnight getting familiar with your trailer. The next day you report any issues or problems which are fixed right away. Only after that process is done do you sit down to do the final paper work. Once that's dowe they will hitch up with you, and will do a test drive to verify that brakes and hitching system are properly functioning.

I've bought two trailers from this dealer and find it's probably the best buying experience we have ever had on any RV.

Jack

AWCHIEF · 02-16-2017, 11:10 AM

My local dealership also offers a night with hookups at their lot.

louwomrn · 02-27-2017, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcanavera

My Airstream dealer provides full hookup sites on premise. His standard is that you come to pick up your trailer, they have it all set up for you on his full hookup sites. At that point they spend about 3 hours with you going over all the operational aspects of the trailer. You spend the rest of the day and overnight getting familiar with your trailer. The next day you report any issues or problems which are fixed right away. Only after that process is done do you sit down to do the final paper work. Once that's dowe they will hitch up with you, and will do a test drive to verify that brakes and hitching system are properly functioning.

I've bought two trailers from this dealer and find it's probably the best buying experience we have ever had on any RV.

Jack

Who is the dealer?

Rgentum · 02-27-2017, 03:16 PM

Tell them, "We've consulted our lawyer about the matter, and she has advised us defer making any further payment on the trailer until after our inspection of the unit and the completion of any repairs to our satisfaction." Your dealer is in business. They know your legal rights, but it's up to you to express and hold the dealer to them. Your dealer is attempting to get you to enter what's known as a "contract of adhesion," legalese for a one-sided contract against a submissive buyer. Resist!

**jcanavera** · 02-27-2017, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by louwomrn

Who is the dealer?

Bill Thomas Camper Sales, just west of St Louis.

Dragline · 03-18-2017, 08:14 AM

Taking delivery next week on 17 FC 28 twin and I thought I would lean on the vast knowledge & experience from the members. Is there specific ?'s that I should ask & specific things I should check prior to finalizing the delivery, I'm hoping the dealer does a pre check, but I'm wanting to ensure that all components are working properly and that I'm shown all the ins & outs of the all the systems, is there certain things that is recommended I do prior to arrival? is there ?'s I should ask or things that I should check that others wish they had.
Thanks All!

Foiled Again · 03-20-2017, 03:39 AM

the CRAP that some dealers will try is just amazing. I ran into the same attitudeon an unrelated product abouta week ago. In my best "dumb rube" voice I responded...

Golly gee, that don't seem quite right? Ah hear thar's this thang called the internet or sumthin' And that anyone kin tell the whole world 'bout scoundrels and grifters like you'uns...

Then switching to Katherine Hepburn, I added, "My dear, do you really think that it's wise to deal with LITERATE customers in that fashion? Especially ones who arrogant enough to think that there are a dozen other establishments who are willing and eager to actually EARN and DESERVE my trust... and business?

When making any big purchase, no matter how gushingly eager you are, always remember.... Curb Your Enthusiasm! There is a manufacturing line where they're making more of them... and there is always another place where you can buy that same thing. I've only once put money down without getting all of the money and delivery issues are put into writing first... a hard lesson.

The dealer who "made an exception to his normal terms" didn't really. He would fold to anyone who got assertive, but that type always thinks about sales as "one and done", never about referrals or return business. It might not even be a bad idea to threaten to involve law enforcement regarding a deposit that was extorted under false pretenses.

I do know an HVAC contractor who has left a slime trail in this market for 25 years... in his heart he is still a sociopathic ba%$@@ but his Google reviews have steadily improved... because he simply had to clean up his act to stay in business. He hates being "a pansy" and he's bewildered that his profits keep getting steadily better. Wants to be a killer even when farming clearly works better. Some people are just wired that way.

Paula

PaulG_4307 · 03-20-2017, 04:26 AM

Camper Clinic II in Buda TX has been my dealer for our Airstream 22 Sport and Flying Cloud 27fb. Mike Corso in sales makes sure everything is perfect prior to full payment. Service after the sale has been excellent. Warranty Forever program covers everything for as long as you own your Airstream for $175/yr annual checkup. Notify Airstream what your dealer is attempting to do to you! Smells stinky compared to our experience.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I537 using Airstream Forums mobile app

Tiger Tail · 03-20-2017, 07:51 AM

I would call the head office of Airstream and see if this is a practice they agree with.

Joellen · 03-21-2017, 06:20 AM

Well....after listening to everyone's consistent advice .... we contacted Airstream yesterday....they are looking into our situation and will get back to us....

I'll let you all know what happens.

MWBishop · 05-15-2017, 01:19 PM

Put down a deposit and ordered a new AS in February.
Now AS is due to arrive at dealership this week.
Dealership wants full payment before I even leave home must less before walk-thru/demo/inspection.
Is this normal or even within reason?
Sounds pretty shady to me.
Almost willing to walk away from deposit and go somewhere else.
Advise?

MOS · 05-15-2017, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MWBishop

Put down a deposit and ordered a new AS in February.
Now AS is due to arrive at dealership this week.
Dealership wants full payment before I even leave home must less before walk-thru/demo/inspection.
Is this normal or even within reason?
Sounds pretty shady to me.
Almost willing to walk away from deposit and go somewhere else.
Advise?

I would not do it ! You pay for when you pick it up and after your inspection.
I had a dealer try to add cost to the deal before my pick up .
Walked away from it all and went someplace else with a better deal .

GMFL · 05-15-2017, 01:36 PM

This is very shady but it is not the first time I've heard a dealer try to get full payment for a trailer before walk through or inspection. One thing you may want to do is report this to the Airstream factory as they may be interested in knowing that one of their dealers/representatives is treating new customers the way they are. PLEASE DO NOT PAY any money beyond your deposit until you are completely 100% satisfied with the trailer. And I would definitely notify someone be at the Better Business Bureau or Airstream personally and notify them of your situation.