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Travel Bird · 02-09-2012, 11:12 AM

I live in Denver but, have been checking across the country for our new AS. Is it best to stay local so one develops a relationship with a dealer when it comes time for repairs et al.? Any suggestions for honest, knowledgeable and reputable dealerships is greatly appreciated.

withidl · 02-09-2012, 11:26 AM

Back in 2001 I looked all over the Houston area and couldn't find a dealer who could answer my questions satisfactorily. Ended up dealing with CanAM RV of London, Ontario, Canada ......... completely satisfied, good people! Recently had a minor repair to the "accordian" door which required some little plastic rivets; I called them and they sent them to me at no charge.

tphan · 02-09-2012, 11:26 AM

Did you change your avatar name? Thought it was different a couple days ago...
The local Airstream dealer around these parts is Windish RV, check them out. If you're buying from a dealer, then I suppose it makes sense to go local because of warranty/defect issues. Would you really want to drive back to OasisRV in Tucson to get something fixed on the warranty?
If you're buying from a private party, then I'd go for the best deal on the model you want and consider the trip to go get it a vacation.

50KIP · 02-09-2012, 11:31 AM

It certainly pays to shop around. Most if, not all AS dealers, have web sites and post prices online. Take your time and know what competing dealers are charging. I purchased mine new out of state although there were closer dealers. I even used an East Coast dealer in the bargaining process to reduce the price I paid. Dealers would love it if everyone walked in the front door, looked at the sticker and pulled out their checkbook and paid that amount. As with cars and boats they have a large margin of profit included in the sticker price but they don't want to be selling 2011s in 2012. As far as service reliability I can't speak to that since my AS has not been to a dealer for service.

AWCHIEF · 02-09-2012, 11:34 AM

Just like with a new car purchase, warranty issues can be handled by any authorized repair facility or dealership not just place of purchase.

StreamRollin · 02-09-2012, 11:35 AM

Not to say anything bad about an AS dealer but, my wife and I stopped by there in June on a Saturday afternoon and did not feel very welcomed. Will not go back. The people in Longmont were very friendy at Windish in Longmont.
Jim

Jammer · 02-09-2012, 11:50 AM

Hi Anna.

There are several Airstream dealers who sell nationwide, with the best known being Colonial Airstream in New Jersey. While I have not purchased from Colonial Airstream, I did invite them to provide a quote before I purchased locally and gave serious consideration to their bid.

Colonial Airstream enjoys an excellent reputation. I don't remember there being any complaints about them as long as I've been following the forum, and I've been here two years.

The main thing to consider in dealing with a dealer that is not local is that you will not have the opportunity to inspect the trailer prior to taking delivery. Airforums members are divided on the importance of the pre-delivery inspection. 2airishuman, who no longer posts regularly, was a staunch advocate of a rigorous pre-purchase inspection. As I recall he had to take his trailer back to the factory for warranty repairs that were beyond the scope of what the dealer could perform, and wished he had caught them before signing papers and taking delivery.

Most trailers require several trips to the dealer for minor warranty work. Colonial has, in the experience of Airforums members, been willing to assist with minor in-warranty repairs by providing advice and parts for people who have purchased from them who prefer to complete minor repairs themselves. Most dealers find warranty work on Airstreams to be profitable and will complete it happily regardless of the provenance of the trailer.

I like my local dealer (Shorewood RV) and found their advice and assistance through the purchasing process to be worthwhile. They had units similar to what I ultimately purchased in inventory which helped my decisionmaking considerably, and their prices were fair. If you don't have a local dealer, or find their prices unreasonable, or find them to be unhelpful, perhaps a nationwide dealer is your best choice.

Travel Bird · 02-09-2012, 01:26 PM

Yes, tphan, I changed my user name yesterday!! Thanks for the response. I live in Arvada and have been working with Windish in Lakewood. Been happy with them so far and the prices have been equal to or less in a couple situations than other dealerships. I like to shop around to make sure I'm getting a fair deal. We are buying new so a dealership it is. I hear the Windish in Longmont is great but, it's the same company!!!

tphan · 02-09-2012, 01:51 PM

If you're leaning towards Windish, whether in Lakewood or Longmont (right off I-25), maybe try to get some other references for them- a past customer list?? Angieslist? Google? That's a pretty big purchase/investment, get all the feedback on them you can.
That said- I think buying local is a good thing all the way around (mine came from Ft. Collins) and I wish you luck with this! What will your 1st trip with it be?

Travel Bird · 02-09-2012, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tphan

If you're leaning towards Windish, whether in Lakewood or Longmont (right off I-25), maybe try to get some other references for them- a past customer list?? Angieslist? Google? That's a pretty big purchase/investment, get all the feedback on them you can.
That said- I think buying local is a good thing all the way around (mine came from Ft. Collins) and I wish you luck with this! What will your 1st trip with it be?

tphan, what style AS do you have? One of my friends husbands has been in the RV biz for decades. He is now a manufacturers rep but, knows the guys at Windish and highly recommends them. I think he worked at Windish during his career in sales for about a year before moving into the wholesale side of the biz. I have also been referred to Windish by several other reputable sources. But, I'm still looking at all of my options before I make the big purchase. Hmmm, my first trip depends on if I buy it locally or out of state. If I buy it locally, I think we'll stay in CO for the first couple weekend trips to get used the rig before heading to my fav place on this earth, Jackson Hole, Grand Teton and Yellowstone!!! Do you have some great suggestions in CO?

tphan · 02-09-2012, 02:16 PM

I've got a '72 Overlander, which is 27'. It was kind of a wreck.
Boy, for an easy 1st shakedown trip with no mountain towing, just to get used to pulling something that big, one place I like is the Pawnee Grasslands campground, right near Briggsdale. Spring is birding season there, so go online for a reservation or try midweek. Then there's all the State Parks near you- Chatfield, Castlewood Canyon, Barr Lake, Boyd Lake up by Loveland, etc. If you've never pulled a big trailer before, I would definitely practice somewhat close to home, on an uncrowded day, in a campgrounds that has roomy sites for you to practice the backing into the space.
Pawnee has all that, plus birds and dark, starry nights!
You're then ready for Teton-Yellowstone, and beyond. Do you like camping yards away from a big hot-springs pool? If so, pm me...

dkottum · 02-09-2012, 02:29 PM

I've purchased two new trailers locally (Shorewood RV) and been reasonably satisfied. I found a little better price on both across the country, but when I figured expense of going to get them, it was close to even. Then there is the time and hassle of making such a trip.

Warranty service? What good is great warranty service if it is a thousand miles away from home?

doug k

zigzagguzzi · 02-09-2012, 02:33 PM

I buy from my local dealer because he treats his local customers to preferrential treatment when scheduling service or warranty work. jim

Rich of SCal · 02-09-2012, 03:14 PM

Like car dealers, sales and maintenance are different departments. I bought mine in San Diego, about 90 miles from me. But I will get warranty stuff done about 20 miles away. The warranty coverage is from the company, not the dealer. I used to do that when I bought new cars. But I found quickly that the mechanics didn't care who I bought it from, and the salesmen had no interest in me or my vehicle once the sale was done. They were on to the next customer.

However, I have found it is good to get your work done at the same place and establish a relationship with mechanics/service writers. They are much more willing to correct mistakes, and sometimes give better estimates, when they know you will be coming back over and over.

The only exception would be a small dealer where the salesperson might also be the owner.