Beware of Highway Robbers - Dealers
The repercussions of increased supply and demand.
I own a pristine '07 Itasca Meridian (we are first time Class A travelers in our 40's). So needles to say I have some minor repairs that pop up every now and then. Just like 1000's of other people that bought a "Covid RV", I have been shocked at the massive discrepancies in dealer charges and service quality.
I am very mechanical and work on nearly everything myself. I live in Indiana and there are many dealers around so every now and then I will reach out to price out certain services, parts or advice. Some are so bad that it is borderline stealing! It has now become somewhat of a challenge where I need to repair or service something, I will go and read blogs, forums and watch youtube videos, I will then price out parts online or from the factory. Once I have it completed I will contact a dealer and have them quote me - WOW!!
I have a Blue Ox flat tow kit I got with the Itasca, all I needed was a new base plate for my F150. So literally only need the two arms and fitment needed - the RV dealer on i70 east of Indy quoted me between $2000-$2400!! I stood back and told the fella that he is out of his mind. The parts cost is $620 and the labor will take no longer that 2 hours. Lets round it off at $1000 and then look at their $2000+ charge......blows my mind. I have seen this on other services and parts as well.
I feel very sorry for people who can't work on their own riggs! It is purely insanity how RV'ers are being swindled. My advise is to really do you homework and reach out to forum groups for advise first, then go shopping for a good deal (be careful of fly by nights...since that is the other problem).
Good luck!
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