Warranty Service

[DeltaRon]

Where do most AS owners get service on their units? I live in GA--there are no AS dealers. Closest dealer is 4 hrs away in TN. If we buy, we will probably go thru Colonial in NJ-1,000 mile trip. I'm concerned, especially in first two years, that I will need repairs and have to haul it to NJ. Any ideas out there before I commit to a new AS.


Sent from my iPad using Airstream Forums

[SteveSueMac]

Hi. Where are you buying? Sounds like you're buying new so that would be your first line of defense. I live in CT and bought in MA but have had work done at the factory in OH and will likely check out Colonial in NJ as they seem to be one of the top, most knowledgeable dealers. That's of course for Airstream warranty items and Airstream specific repairs. Many of the systems/appliances are common to the industry and don't require Airstream-specific knowledge.

I was worried about the sparse location of dealers but frankly a 4-600 mile drive isn't actually such a bad thing and I wish I had known that before choosing by closest location.

Good luck!

[DeltaRon]

Buying from Colonial, a good 1,000 mile hike for service. There is a dealer in Knoxville TN, but wasn't very encouraged with their response to not buying there but only getting service. Scarcity of dealerships is dampening my AS enthusiasm.


Sent from my iPad using Airstream Forums

[SteveSueMac]

Originally Posted by DeltaRon

Buying from Colonial, a good 1,000 mile hike for service. There is a dealer in Knoxville TN, but wasn't very encouraged with their response to not buying there but only getting service. Scarcity of dealerships is dampening my AS enthusiasm.

Sent from my iPad using Airstream Forums

Well, that's an important part of the process and if a deal breaker for you, you should probably buy a different brand.

All I can say is in my experience - I didn't like the idea of a long drive for service either but long drives have not been a bad thing for me. And post-warranty, 90% of the stuff I'll be thinking about can probably be done by the RV dealer 15 minutes from my house (and I'm learning a little as I go too :-).


Everyone's mileage varies - if it's going to be a dissatisfier, go with a different option that makes you feel more comfortable. The goal is camping after all, not necessarily an Airstream.

Good luck!

[PharmGeek]

Well - just buy one out of warranty and if need work done find a good place more local?

We have 5 hour drive each way to dealer - I plan on taking it in once if not twice during my warranty period I'm guessing - not too big a deal in the grand scope of the costs associated with buying something new and so costly

If you buy new assume one or more trips for repairs will be needed

If that is a deal breaker don't buy it for sure - but that would not rule out gently used

And if gently used bothers you then buy new and just pay for repairs locally out of pocket

We have aluminitis bad and there could be no sub

Good luck! I wish there were more service centers too!!!!!

[AWCHIEF]

OP, you are about 300 miles from DeFuniak Springs,Fl home of Dixie RV a new Airstream dealer. Closer than Colonial.

[paiceman]

Depends on what you need work on. If it's an appliance any authorized RV dealer for that appliance can do warranty work on it, ie A/C, Refridg etc but many do not want to and don't have to as their warranty work pay rates are low. What I've done in the past when I had one under warranty was go to a non AS dealer, asked them to service the A/C under warranty and I would pay them the difference between what the A/C mfg paid them under warranty and what their shop rate was. They gladly did the work and did a great job.

Good luck