My FWC dealer went bankrupt last week, and I pick it up tomorrow.

[MattC]

I have wanted one of these for a long time, but could never see one in person.
Finally found a dealer (American RV) in Tigard Oregon, thats about 3hrs away from me.

So I bought one from them at the RV show in Portland.
It was actually a model they had on order for stock, and I was still able to select all the options, so I got it a lot faster than if I had ordered it.

I have been super excited about it, it's been sitting at the dealer since Oct 31, and I am scheduled to have it installed tomorrow.

but he gives me a call 2 days ago saying that the dealer is closing down because of bankruptcy.
He will still be able to deliver and install, but my check from the credit union needs to be made to FWC instead of to American RV.

Getting the check re issued was the easy part.
My biggest concern is if I have any major problems with it that require warranty work.
not looking forward to having to navigate any customer service drama that my occur because of all the confusion.

We shall see

 

[kkug]

Please let us know what happens !

 

[RC Pilot Jim]

Your warranty is with Four Wheel. At worst you will have "a fun drive to Woodland to have the work done". At best they will contract with a shop in Portland to do the work.

Questions or concerns check with the factory.

 

[MattC]

I know all the warranty is through FWC, and the reason I had to change the check is that I am buying it directly from FWC now, instead of the dealer.
but if i have to take it to FWC to get work done
That's an 11hr drive!!!

 

[RC Pilot Jim]

That's a bummer. Bankruptcy isn't necessarily bad if the dealer stays open through a reorganization...unless he is going to close his doors.

That said I hope everything continues to operate through the early stages of ownership.

 

[Mark G]

Get the number of their best mechanic so you can hire him directly if you need to. Not the cheapest way to go but it could save you time.

BTW, not much goes wrong with these things. My 2000 Eagle has been in the shop one time 'cause of my own error.

 

[Wallowa]

Yikes...too bad, Tigard seemed to have a thriving business...does anybody know why they went under? We bought our Hawk from there Spring 2016...great service...nice guy running it, Jeff Martin.

Doubt "reorganization" for such a small business will occur. Is this an issue with FWC sales/service?

 

[DesertDave]

For what it is worth, I bought mine from the factory in Woodland, which due to traffic is 3 hours away. I have had two things come up under warranty, the mounts for the exterior roof lifts, and a leak at the yakima tracks.

In both cases the factory was very happy to have me go there and they would fix the issues. But 3 hours each way, plus fix time, equals an entire day. So in both cases they rapidly sent me everything needed to do the repairs myself and I did them, in a couple hours, at my leisure.

My point is that many warranty issues are minor and the factory gives you the option on how to get the work done. I like having a choice and driving, for me, is a lot less fun than using tools.

 

[XJINTX]

The dealer here in Texas closed right after we made our purchase and delivery. Not bankruptcy just was not working out for him. I have had little or no issues. The guys at FWC have stepped up with every stupid question I have had and with the little issues I've had too. Sorry for your closure but you can and will still enjoy the Camper!!! See you on the trails soon

 

[Squatch]

Get it while you can! Don't sweat warranty stuff unless you have a reason to.

Many of us bought ours used with no warranty and no dealer anywhere near. No regrets.

 

[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.

 

[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.

 

[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!