When your RV needs maintenance or repairs, you may wonder whether you should take it back to an RV dealership or choose an independent RV repair shop.
Both can have a place in the RV industry, but understanding the differences can help you decide where to take your RV.
RV Dealerships Are Often Built Around Sales
Many RV dealerships are designed around selling new and used RVs, financing, trade-ins, parts and service. Their service departments may also handle manufacturer warranty repairs for the brands they sell.
If your RV is new and has a problem covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, the selling dealer or an authorized warranty facility may be the appropriate place to start.
Independent RV Repair Shops Focus on Service
An independent RV repair facility typically doesn’t depend on selling RVs. Its primary business is diagnosing problems, performing maintenance, completing repairs and installing upgrades.
Depending on the shop, services may include:
- Roof inspections and repairs
- Slide-out service
- Electrical and plumbing diagnostics
- Appliance repairs
- Wheel bearings and brakes
- Suspension and axle repairs
- Leak and water intrusion repairs
- Solar and battery upgrades
- Preventative maintenance
- RV inspections
Because repair is the primary focus, an independent shop may work on many different RV manufacturers and systems every day.
What About RV Warranty Repairs?
This is an important difference.
A dealership that sells your particular RV brand may already be authorized to perform that manufacturer’s warranty work.
Independent repair shops may or may not participate in a manufacturer’s warranty program. Before scheduling warranty work, ask whether the facility is authorized or whether prior approval is required.
For customer-pay maintenance, repairs and upgrades, owners often have more flexibility in choosing where their RV is serviced.
Experience Matters More Than the Sign
Whether you choose a dealership or independent repair shop, ask questions about the facility’s experience with the repair your RV needs.
Does the shop regularly diagnose that system? Do they document their work? Are they familiar with your type of RV? Do they perform the repair in-house?
The right choice isn’t always simply dealer versus independent shop. It’s finding a facility with the experience and capabilities to properly diagnose and repair your particular concern.
Which Should You Choose?
If you need manufacturer warranty work, contacting your selling dealer or manufacturer may be the best starting point.
If you’re looking for preventative maintenance, diagnostics, repairs, inspections or upgrades, an experienced independent RV repair facility can be another great option.
Most importantly, don’t wait until a small RV problem becomes a major repair.
Looking for an Independent RV Repair Shop?
California RV Specialists LLC in Lodi focuses on RV service, maintenance, diagnostics, repairs, inspections and upgrades.
We help RV owners maintain and repair their travel trailers, fifth wheels and motorhomes without selling RVs.
California RV Specialists LLC
200 S. Cherokee Lane
Lodi, CA 95240
209-263-7040
When you need RV service, choose a facility based on the work you need, the shop’s experience and its ability to properly diagnose and repair your RV.
