BougeRV Experiences?

[SantaCruzin]

Howdy all!

Has anyone here had any experience with BougeRV products? I'm generally one to pay for the name brands and the support that comes with them, but I'm hearing more and more about the shortcomings of some (i.e. Dometic). Additionally, it looks/sounds like there is decent support on BougeRV products from online reviews. At about 1/3 of the price...I'm thinking it might be worth looking into? Specifically I'm looking at their small fridge and potentially their solar panel for my FWC Kestrel.

Thanks!

 

[ckent323]

I have used BougeRV solar cables for a couple of years with no problems. Never used one of their solar panels though

 

[Rushalong]

Hi SC,
I just received a new 200 watt BougeRV Mono Solar Panel. It arrived in a previously opened box. It only had one strip of tape on one side holding the panel in the box. All other tape strips (6) were previously cut open, not from shipping. When I unboxed, I discovered one corner of the panel was smashed with a sharp aluminum edge exposed, sharp enough to cut your hand! I truly believe that BougeRV sent me a reviously returned damaged panel. It was poorly packaged in a thin single layer cardboard box. Other panels from competitors I have purchased were double boxed. I can't believe the Bouge RV panel didn't fall out of the box during shipping!
I immediately notified their customer service by txt and requested a new undamaged panel. They replied the next day and said that the damage probably won't affect the panel's performance and I needed to test it for proper function.
If defective, they said they would replace the panel ( no mention of shipping cost), or they would refund 10% and I could keep their damaged panel. Of course it's been raining and cloudy since I received the panel and have not been able to test performance yet.
I would never buy another product from BougeRV based on their business practices and shipping process. This is my 1st and last purchase from BougeRV and can not recommend doing business with them.

 

[ckent323]

Not good. Most unfortunate.

Did you buy from Amazon or direct or someplace else.

I believe Amazon has a return policy that would allow you to return it for a full refund including and taxes and shipping.

If you paid by credit card it is possible there is coverage though your card company as well. I would also take pictures of the box and contact the shipper.

I would not accept a panel damaged in shipping and I would push back hard on any efforts to get me to test it or accept it.

Last resort is your State Consumer protection agency. File a written complaint.

 

[Rushalong]

Howdy CK,
I purchased directly from Bouge RV. I was hoping I wouldn't have to escalate but looks like I will have to. I'm leaving on an extended month long journey in a few days so time to take care of "their" problem is of the essence right now.
I just want others to know my experience with then so far. I'll update as to my outcome. Thanks for your suggestions and I'll definitely take further action. Cheers!

 

[Rushalong]

Update..... Afer a few email go-rounds and my insistance on getting the damaged panel replaced, BougeRV finally agreed to replace it. I haven't received any shipping or tracking confirmation yet, but hope to soon. The jury is still out but the situation with their customer service seems to have improved. The single box shipping methods is still a major concern. Buyer beware.

 

[Rushalong]

Update to my update.... just received another email from BougeRV Customer Service. They said they would like to replace their defective/damaged solar panel but they are sold out. They said use the defective panel until they get new stock sometime this summer.
Why am I not surprised? Stay clear of this company!

 

[ckent323]

Panels come from China. With all the shipping delays and supply chain issues due to Covid along the lockdown in China I am not surprised.

I think BougeRV is a trademark of

Guangzhou Boju Information Technology Co., Ltd.

https://trademarks.justia.com/874/43/bougerv-87443572.html
Guangzhou Boju Information Technology Co., Ltd.

 

[staminsurance]

I got a small fridge from Bouge RV last year still working fine, good customer service email them and reply back within few days.

very happy with the unit.

 

[Rushalong]

BougeRV's 200 watt panel was actually manufactured in Vietnam. Probably the same shipping backlog issues there too.
If I had a "do over" I would have purchased from an established and proven supplier and would be charging my batteries by now! Nice to hear others have had good luck with their products.