campingworld vs. local guy

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Hi Everybody,
Our next big decision is who are we going to have do the installation of refrigerator and other gas hookups. We ordered the fridge from camping world, but do we drive the two hours to them for installation? I've read some threads here that make them sound very expensive. I'm happy to pay for professional expertise and quality work but paying just to pay is no good. Our other choice is local rv guy. We have been to this place and it doesn't fill me with confidence. They seem nice enough I guess, but a little sleepy if you know what I mean. Any opinions, or experience with campingworld techs out there? Thanks.

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Maggie ... this is always a tough "seat of your pants" call.

Since you are purchasing the refrigerator from Camping World, it would probably be better to have them install it.

That way, you won't get "caught in the middle" if the refrigerator doesn't work ... i.e. Your local guy saying it's the refrigerator. Camping World and the refrig manufacturer saying it's the installation.

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Having said that, there aren't many of our little fiberglass wonders out there.

The guys at Camping World are used to seeing big rigs and pop-up tent campers.

Occasionally, they are at a loss at how to install something.

Case in point, someone once tried to have Camping World install a fantastic vent fan. The installer said it couldn't be done because the roof was too thin ... well, the installer was wrong, because there is a thin shallow collar that works just fine.

In this case, your local RV guy could take a look at what you have in mind ... and give a hopefully free opinion on whether he can do the job or not ... sparing you a two-hour (four-hour round trip) drive.

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But (and there's always a but), at Camping World, you probably have a guy who is the "refrigerator specialist" who would really know the ins and outs of the unit you are having installed.

Your local guy might just stand there and itch his head.

Hey, you haven't updated your "profile" under "my home." to reflect your new rig!

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Thanks Charles, sometimes it's reassurring to hear someone else say, "tough call". At least I no longer feel like I'm overlooking something obvious. One good thing about the campingworld option is that if they can't install it I can just leave it there and get my money back. Thanks for pointing out my lack of updating... a tent? ooh yuck ptooey! We're Trillium people now.

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Well the verdict is in for us...Local Guy wins hands down. We went to Camping world to have them install a new Dometic threeway we ordered from them. We ended up returning the fridge as the technician they assigned to us was so reluctant to work on it. We then tried to have them switch our propane tanks to the new style. They told us we would need all new copper lines, new tank, and a gas detector. Also, they said we couldn't use the original furnace as it was not safe, nor the original two burner stove same reason. This would take at least three hours, and who knows how many dollars. Since it was by this time quite late in the day (we had an 11:00 AM appointment, but our guy said, "that doesn't mean anything".)and campingworld is three hours from our house we said no thanks and left. Yesterday we dropped our camper off at local guy. We said we need to switch to the new style propane tank, asked them to check furnace, stove, and running lights. We stressed safety is a priority and we'll replace what we have to. Today we picked it up. Everything works great. They love our old furnace. Love the trailer. We love them. I'm not saying campingworld is all bad all the time but this is how it worked out for us.

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Sounds like you made the right choice. Thanks for the feedback on your experience!!

:sunny

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A lot of small businesses (any type) live and die by their reputation and references. In a minute, I'd ask the small business owner for references on the type of work you want done (whether it's a new roof for the house, or working on your TT). If they refuse, or don't have any, I'd walk away. If they smile and say sure and give you a bunch...check them out. All it takes is a bit of time and maybe a couple of phone calls and can eleviate headaches and heartaches, not to mention a boatload of wasted money. I know when I'm happy with any type job that I've had done, I am willing to act as a reference---for the little guy.:reye2

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Hi
Don't ask the business for references, ask the Better Business Bureau or your local Chamber of Commerce.

When we got siding done a few years ago the company gave us lots of references but only ones they knew would give favourable replies. They didn't happen to mention any of the ones that had problems with them.

We got hosed. The work was itself was great but they charged us $1500. over the signed work order. Some of the charges were for work my husband did. It finally got settled but what a hassle.

What a sleazy operation they turned out to be yet they had given us a page of references who spoke glowing praises for them.

Isn't it funny, they don't use us as a reference.
Nancy

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Hi All
On My old Boler I had a friend who is an RV technition.He praised my unit up and down.He said the old furnace and convertor are the best ever built.Very simple to run and repair.He als has a store front and shop.I have ordered 3 Thin lites from him plus other small items and all items came in cheaper than what I had priced at a bigger store.I really don't know if we have a Camping World up here.Thats my 2cents Cdn worth.:wave

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Not all the time but I think most of the time small guys will do better work. They live on repeat business so long term relationships mean alot to them. Many times these small rv dealers/repair shops are family owned and have some very long term employees. Not saying they are all good but if you are the local guy you do not need bad local references.

Even if something is a little more if they back it up their worth it. I build machine tools and they are built right and are just about bullet proof. I am not as cheap as some others and do not look for the price buyer. If someone does not think I should make a profit fine I will let that sale go to someone else. However I have seen them come back and then they get what they pay for from me. Quality that cost a little more than quick.

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The small guy:

I use to be in another hobby (R/C Airplanes) and we always tried to support the local guy or the small guy because we wanted him to be there for us when we wanted the little things as well as the big things. If they don't get support they don't last. It is very inconvenient when you want some small item and have to order it from afar or go a long way to get it.
I would price and consider the whole job including buying the unit from the local guy and see if it comes in close. You may be surprised.