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FCStreamer · 05-10-2016, 11:14 AM

So TampaRV is an Airstream dealer, but I've heard that dealers don't like to service Airstreams they didn't sell. So if I need service on my AS, are there any recommended options in the Tampa/Orlando area?

Al and Missy · 05-10-2016, 12:09 PM

but I have read good reports on here about J.D. Sanders in Alachua/Gainesville. I have ordered parts from them and got great service.

Al

FCStreamer · 05-10-2016, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Al and Missy

but I have read good reports on here about J.D. Sanders in Alachua/Gainesville. I have ordered parts from them and got great service.

Al

Do you think they will service my AS even though I didn't buy it from them?

Al and Missy · 05-10-2016, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FCStreamer

Do you think they will service my AS even though I didn't buy it from them?

I talked to them about doing work on mine (which wasn't purchased there) and they didn't seem reluctant at all. Give them a call. It won't hurt to ask.

Al

ShinyPete · 05-10-2016, 12:21 PM

Yes I imagine Sanders will service your coach. We had our 2014 there 3x while it was under warranty (and we didn't buy it there) and they fixed it fine. You may have to wait for an opening as they are busy but they do good work.

Hope this helps.

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**jcanavera** · 05-10-2016, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FCStreamer

So TampaRV is an Airstream dealer, but I've heard that dealers don't like to service Airstreams they didn't sell. So if I need service on my AS, are there any recommended options in the Tampa/Orlando area?

I don't believe that is the entire story. Many dealerships need service work as it is an import piece of their income. It also leads to more sales. I think however you should not expect any priority service if you didn't buy from the dealer. Mine has always said, "I know who my customers are". That doesn't mean the care he takes when servicing your vehicle, but if the situation comes up and I need service quickly, I know he will get me in ASAP rather than get in the back of the line. In one case an owner had a heart problem at an WBCCI International Rally. My dealer as a courtesy sent an employee up to the rally to drive the guys tow vehicle and trailer home. The guy asked him how much he wanted and the dealer said no charge. I consider my customers family. We heard this story from the owner of the trailer.

He also tries to take care of those on the road who come in with problems. He understands what's it like to have a problem when on the road.

Bottom line if you need service you should get it. But don't expect him to do backflips in giving you any kind of appointment preference.

Jack

Rich Jenkins · 05-10-2016, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FCStreamer

So TampaRV is an Airstream dealer, but I've heard that dealers don't like to service Airstreams they didn't sell. So if I need service on my AS, are there any recommended options in the Tampa/Orlando area?

I do not have a positive impression of TampaRV.

We were in the market last year and went up twice from our home in Clearwater to discuss options on a 2016 AS sale. The salesman pressed us for a deal, after we specifically stated we were not discussing price. Later, we were told there 'were no' options from the factory on a 2016 FC FB.

We left and ordered our unit from Patrick at Colonial and drove to NJ to collect it.

As to service, we've had our coach in for 3 service appointments, two in AZ and one in TX. None of those asked us where we bought the unit, and all three were handled professionally and quickly. It just was not an issue.

Mrjkq · 05-10-2016, 03:06 PM

Tampa RV is part of a 4 store dealership in 3 different states referred to as RVOne. They are based in Albany NY as is there online virtual sales store RVDirect.com.

I purchased through RVDirect, complete transaction done online & I never met with a salesperson, just phone conversations, I took delivery at Tampa RV last July.

Regarding service I've never been back as my AS so far is without any issues. I've heard the appointment time is usually about 3 months out regardless of where you purchased your AS.

Jaywaltz · 05-10-2016, 04:24 PM

We concur re JD Sanders - they fit us in on our road trip and gave excellent service. We give them an A+ (along with Artie at Jackson Center).

jayseejay · 05-10-2016, 04:57 PM

JD Sanders, highly recommended. Joe

**moosetags** · 05-10-2016, 04:59 PM

I would also highly recommend JD Sanders for lomg time personal experience.

Brian

mojo · 05-10-2016, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FCStreamer

So TampaRV is an Airstream dealer, but I've heard that dealers don't like to service Airstreams they didn't sell.

I don't know where you heard this but I have been able to get service on the road from several AS dealers, with just a day or twos notice (including JD Sanders and Jackson Center). I don't have a dealer within 300 miles of where I live.

But if a dealer refused to help, or questioned where you bought, I would move on and report back to the mother ship.

Mrjkq · 05-10-2016, 06:21 PM

I made an appointment for June 1st months ago at JC as we'll be in the area. I felt something will go wrong by then & I'll get it fixed while close buy. The problem is nothing had gone wrong to date so we'll just take the tour. We're 11 months into our warranty (by then) so we can always go back. Being retired and just 1100 miles away, JC is our service center of choice, but I like what I've heard about Sanders.

Beach Bum · 05-10-2016, 06:45 PM

Sanders has no problem servicing AS not purchased there. I had all my warranty over thirty items and some other work done there with no issues. Fair price good work. Just be sure to make an appointment and let them know what you are planning to have done. They are usually booked a few weeks out.

beachbouy · 05-11-2016, 06:43 AM

We use TampaRV and they have been very good. North Trail is closer but would not service ours.

Their excuse was "We do not sell that model so they don't service them."

Talked to JC and all AS dealers are required to service any and all model AS or they are in violation of their contract/agreement.

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lewster · 05-11-2016, 07:25 AM

Another vote for Sanders. I have sent several clients there for service or warranty work and they have always been taken care of properly.

Ditto on beach bum's comments though. They are a relatively small family run shop that actually care about the work they do!!!!!

Lew Farber
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jim.waters · 05-11-2016, 10:23 AM

We bought our Interstate at North Trail RV in Fort Myers. Later we had some service there. The problem was with the Kenwood radio and difficult to diagnose. I can't blame them much.

Later I went to Tampa RV. First it took for ever to get an appointment. Second, I felt taken advantage of and over charged. Third, it didn't seem that they were very competent. I can't recommend them, even though they are convenient for me.

Glad to hear about Sanders. Wish they were closer to Tampa!

mike28 · 05-11-2016, 10:37 AM

If your only options were Tampa or Orlando, I would leave it broken! Tampa has the worst reputation. I would take mine to Sanders in Alachua. Good people to deal with. Trust me I have been to both.

Mageliza · 05-11-2016, 11:20 AM

Definitely DO NOT go to the AS dealership in Winter Park/Orlando. I bought my 2015 Bambi 16' there and they are not at all responsive. I will take it to JD Sanders and wait if I have to for service. JD Sanders is very helpful & extremely customer service oriented.

FCStreamer · 05-11-2016, 11:23 AM

That is sad to hear. I guess JD Sanders it is.

I am getting my new (to me) trailer next week from Colonial RV, and I have a positive mindset that everything will be fine. But if I ever need service, I guess it depends on whether the trailer is towable or not. If it is towable, I can take it to JD or somewhere, but if not, I will need someone to come to me. I guess that will be if there is a problem with tires or brakes. And I intend to take care of all the small stuff myself.