31 replies to this topic

[scappoosebrad]

Just talked to Jeff Martin, local manager of American RV in Tigard... he said their company had a "parts division" that was not doing well... confirmed that the company will probably be filing for bankruptcy and not reorganizing...but he felt that 4-Wheel will probably find another distributor in our area since the market is very strong in PNW...he predicted that there may be a new area distributor by the first of next year...stay tuned...

[fourwheeldrivekc]

What a shame.  We bought our Swift from Jeff in July and had a great experience.  Very sorry to hear about it. 

 

I wonder about their "sister" site in Asuza, CA?

[MattC]

Picked up this morning.

I like it.

They were 2.5 hrs away, hopefully if someone picks up the FWC brand, they will be a farther north.

[park]

It's a FWC, chances are you won't have any problems.  I've had mine for 5 years, heavily used in all conditions, and not one problem.

Edited by park, 11 November 2017 - 04:11 AM.

[Durango1]

Denny Saunders in Jackson Hole is 12 hours from me and is always available. when I call. FWC quality is legendary. 

 

Don't sweat it. Enjoy! (Sioux and I just got off five days on the White Rim Trail in Utah and had a blast!)

 

Steve

[adamxcl]

I run a company that is connected to the industry so this is just a general statement and not about FWC dealers, but RV camper dealers are not always the best business people. The industry goes up and down. Dealers open and close all the time. Even ones that seem like they should be doing great business. They can be mismanaged or who knows what else. Many might be strong for years and then the economy goes down and they are gone within weeks. I wonder how a place can falter that fast but it’s because it was a palace built over a house of cards.

[Wallowa]

How interesting.

I am scheduled for installation at the American RV Tigard Oregon dealer middle of next month.

After ordering my Swift model (at the September Portland RV show) and receiving no follow up contact I called Tigard, on the second attempt was informed of the "bankruptcy" or "re-organization" as it was further explained (via emails to 4Wheel and Jason Villalobos the regional sales rep) to me by the factory in Woodland.

Cutting to the chase...

I am assured of my order, it's due date to arrive in Tigard (Portland area) and the scheduled installation date.

I am now dealing directly with Jason Villalobos the regional sales rep, who seems to be the most straight forward and communicative with regards to my concerns, excepting of course the 4Wheel personnel in Woodland who are clearly on it.

Anyone with current feedback on their experience with the American RV shop in Tigard will be much appreciated.

Our experience at the Portland show where we ordered the camper was slightly weird. The salesman Jeff Martin seemed more focused upon what he wanted... as opposed to what we wanted.

 

 

Ouch...seems you got caught in the gap...as stated in post #7 Jeff Martin was very upfront with us and offered very concise and helpfully information about each of the many options we added to our '16 Hawk ...he never pushed and seemed only to point out factual points on each option; positives and negatives...we never felt we were merely getting a "sales pitch"...

 

In short, we trusted him....a rare commodity in today's world of "show me the money" world...

 

But we each have our unique perspectives and evaluations....

 

Phil

[Advmoto18]

In so far as the warranty is concerned...FWC only warrants the manufacture and assembly of the camper, not the components manufactured by other companies and installed by the factory.  As such, those components are covered by the manufacturer's warranty.

 

The factory has excellent quality control.  You don't hear too many (I've not heard one) where something the factory made and assembled has failed during the warranty.

 

The same can't be said for components from other manufacturers.  To date, I have had to replace the hot water heater T-stat twice (~$15 at any RV center) and the hot water heater ECU (potted board;  ~$115 at Amazon).  While both items were under warranty, trying to get into an authorized repair center for warranty work can take weeks.  An impossible event when traveling so best to learn how to DIY and bite the bullet on cost.

 

My hot water heater began to fail when in AZ.  I had to stop by AT Trailers (FWC dealer) for some other product and they graciously took a look at the failing unit but had neither the parts nor authorized by the factory to conduct such a warranty repair since it isn't covered by the FWC warranty.

 

I also had to replace the exterior shower faucet assembly due to a crack and leak.  I probably did not get a total and complete drain before freezing temps.  And, you have to buy the entire assembly from the manufacturer, not just the pipe;  about $75.  

 

If I had a major warranty or repair issue with my Hawk, such as roof or soft side, I would make the effort to have the factory make the repair.  Same goes for adding rack tracks to the roof after purchase, which I now want.  I will stop by the factory and have them do the work...some day.

Edited by Advmoto18, 23 November 2017 - 12:48 PM.

[CougarCouple]

Good morning Advmoto18
I would like to comment on the warranty of Suburban water heater. After installing one started having intermittent lightning problems. Read the warranty, seemed straight forward. Called Suburban got the name for repair in Cody Wy. When RV dealer found out it was warranty said it wasn't worth his time, but I could pay him an collect from Suburban. Back in Vegas called Suburban again getting name of the local Rv dealer, picked one. By this time I had discovered the small ignition Circut board had two cold soilder points. There is a tester which will pass or fail a Circut board, willing to bet good repair tech has one. So I trot on down explain the situation, says no problem looks at board and takes m/n and s/n when he returns has one in his hand, and starts paperwork. Gets done an asks me for $125.00. I said if you read Suburban warranty it expressly forbid me from collecting on warranty work from them. Parts guy says, well that's how we do it here. Last call to Suburban ( by the way helps to ask the name of whom you speak with) I ask the woman ( we are on first name bases now)on the other end what do I do, as their dealers don't seem to want to follow the warranty process.
She sent me email with return label, couple weeks later I have a new board. New board looks way better than old one. Was this experience a bummer with out a doubt. However I believe this shows manufacturer's do stand behind their products. Read your warranty, product manufacturers really do want to help the consumer.

It's sad to see a local business fail, the chance of another filling the void is great. Forums like this one are a fantastic asset for all involved.
Happy Thanksgiving to all !

Russ

[Escapepod]

MattC:

   I can sure relate!  I was all set to pull the trigger on a Grandby through American RV in Azuza, CA.  I had just talked to the sales mgr the previous week.  On my last call, I was told the company was "going out of business".  After that, I turned to the factory in Woodland, and have an installation set for early March (would have been sooner, but the F350 I ordered is just now getting built!)  FWC has been great to work with, and I look forward to the install day.  I ordered the F350 because I also tow a 19' travel trailer, and wanted plenty of cushion on the GAWR and GCWR.  Good luck, and enjoy your new camper!