What makes a good dealer?

[7husker]

My wife and I want to trade out 2007 Keystone and upgrade to an Airstream. We bought our Keystone 100 miles away because we got a smoking deal. We know realize that we want to upgrade again - yes it is still a smoking deal. We live in central NC. One Airstream dealer is 85 miles west - another dealer is 120 miles north. Probably a dealer in SC. How can I tell which company to visit? I want knowledgable sales people, quality inventory to choose from and professional treatment. Any suggestions on where to go from Central NC? I am not afraid to travel.

[cameront120]

I see a lot of people talk favorably of Airstrem of Arkansas on these forums. Is that too far?

[wolverine]

Originally Posted by cameront120

I see a lot of people talk favorably of Airstrem of Arkansas on these forums. Is that too far?

We bought our Airstream from Airstream of Arkansas, got a great deal, and have gotten exceptional service from them as well as other AS dealers during our travels.

[Jaxon]

Originally Posted by 7husker

My wife and I want to trade out 2007 Keystone and upgrade to an Airstream. Any suggestions on where to go from Central NC? I am not afraid to travel.

Colonial Airstream is in Lakewood, New Jersey... heard alot of good things about them and they probably have one of the best websites on Airstreams (superior to the mothership). Great photo layouts on each unit they sell.

[lsinclair]

Several suggestions, reseach where you receive the best deal, know how you want your AS equipped and inquire about service after the sale!
A service department whose techs receive regular training from AS and have longevity with respective dealership and receive high marks from customers is a big plus for "good service". Your willingness to travel the distance to a dealer who offers such service is also a factor. If the selling dealer has a service dept equal to the best that would be a great one-two punch for the customer. Having years of experience in the automotive service side, I cautiously sift through what any salesman has to say. Too many throw out a line with a sinker that's sure to take you straight to the botom.
Good luck, Larry

[bobfowler]

...Especially with a NEW trailer, you want a dealer with a first rate service department. No rig, not even Airstream, is perfect from the factory. You'll want a dealer whose service department is up to the task of making your rig right. Also important is how well the service department can resolve issues with the factory (read that as cutting red tape). Colonial in Lakewood NJ does that all VERY well. They are a bit far from you in NC, but they are an excellent yardstick by which to measure other dealers.

[Silverhobby]

The AS dealer in Kernersville, NC is a top rate facility. Sales, service, and the parts department are the most proficient I have found. I am glad to live only 100 miles away. Dan in the parts department is most helpful and will ship anything out to me in just a few days.

[vswingfield]

Just got off the phone with Gene (Airhog1) at Airstream of Arkansas. The most I have bought from them is a couple of cups when I was searching for a used 34. A couple of small parts, too. They treat me like a valued customer. I consider them friends.

Other friends have had service done there. Everyone has been pleased with their dealings.

They are big forum supporters, too.

[ScottW]

We have purchased two new Airstreams from Gene at Airstream of Arkansas. Nice prices, nice people (friends!) and a great service department. Worth the drive.

[Silvertwinkie]

To me a good dealer is one that:

a) doesn't rip you off
b) knows the product
c) has good service folks that can repair and repair well

Though I have no exp with any of these I am about to mention, I have heard great things about Airstream of Arkansas and Ace Fogdall in Iowa. From what I have heard both meet or in more cases exceed the bar.

I bought our first from R and R RV sales in Gilman, IL. Not sure they are even still in business...not shocking. Paul Sherry RV seemed ok when I got my Safari, but a change of the guard happened after 2004 and the deals were not all that great any longer. Not sure they had a great service center either, but then again, with the factory right downt the street......

[Foiled Again]

I've also heard good things about your local N.C. dealer. I bought mine at Safford RV in Virginia. Adequate but no prizes.

Colonial in NJ is also very good. Not an impossible drive from NC, but I'd avoid I-95 towing if possible.

Paula

[FordTruck]

Our Safari 27 FB SE is our second AS purchased from Safford RV in Thornburg VA. They've been in the RV business for decades. Although they have SOB's, they really know Airstream.
PM me if you'd like and I can give you the name of our salesman.

The first one was absolutely flawless. The current one had a faulty connection on the hot water heater.
They fixed it in a jiffy.
Also gave me really good advice on some 'non-warranty' things I wanted to do with it.

[7husker]

I appreciate the info - especially on the local guys. With a potential trade in and the price of fuel, it would take alot for me to motor down to AK or up to NJ but we shall see. Thanks again.

[waltero]

I've been to the Greensboro dealership twice for service on a vintage AS,

I was happy with the service.....

[RivetED]

Originally Posted by bobfowler

...Especially with a NEW trailer, you want a dealer with a first rate service department. No rig, not even Airstream, is perfect from the factory. You'll want a dealer whose service department is up to the task of making your rig right. Also important is how well the service department can resolve issues with the factory (read that as cutting red tape). Colonial in Lakewood NJ does that all VERY well. They are a bit far from you in NC, but they are an excellent yardstick by which to measure other dealers.

One of the issues I had with our new Airstream was the 'infancy' problems. Over the past few years I've come to understand that Airstreams are hand-built, semi-custom units that most often need to be 'tweeked' during the generous warranty period. The SERVICE DEPARTMENT is the area most important to your ultimate enjoyment of the product.

[TennisMan]

Look for a (service) dealer that is -primarily- an Airstream-focused dealer. I bought mine from an RV mega-dealer and they know very little about the "quirks" of an A/S.

I took my '07 to Middle Tennessee Airstream for repairs/warranty work and they were excellent because they have dealt with the product for a long time.

So, perhaps buy from the mega-dealer and then have it serviced at an A/S-focused dealer, or buy and service it at the same A/S-focused dealer.

As others have stated, there -will- be punch-list work that has to be done to your new rig; I've had twelve things fixed so far (and counting)

Lance