Getting your new coach home

We are considering NOT picking our new unit up at the factory. We are about 2100 miles away. Just wondering if any of you have had one delivered by drivers, or put on a transport? Any thoughts?
Doug

I believe at one time Phoenix would arrange transport, not sure if they still do but worth asking. 

How much are you willing to pay?  I'll fly back and drive it to you.

When we were in Elkhart I saw many independent delivery services hauling RVs out from the factories, so I doubt it would be hard to find someone, how much they charge is the question.

We live about 2,500 miles away and flew in to pick our rig up.  First motor home, first time ever camping.  I wish we had had a camera crew, we could have made a great movie.  An experience I definitely do not want to repeat but would not have missed for the world.  We did a lot of pre-planning, had lists for our lists and it still went sideways more often than not.  But we got home, learned far more about the rig than we would have in months at home and had an absolutely great time.  Only regret was we had to rush back to get to work before vacation expired so we were pushing 500 miles per day.  Still got home a day late but would do it again in a heartbeat.

And don't forget to sign up for the Phoenix Cruiser Travel Club once you get your paperwork.  Phoenix picks up the dues for the first year and the application should be in your rig's binder.

Hi Doug,    as inconvenient as driving it 2100 miles home would be,  we found that staying in the  P.C. parking lot overnight was time extremely well spent.    Testing and familiarizing ourselves with the rig,
and then asking and getting answers was invaluable.    A couple small issues, including a quick trip to HWH down the street for tweaking,  were taken care of immediately.    A second night was offered, but we
were satisfied.    All the employees were unbelievably helpful.    Water in the tank and 30 amp power is provided to " camp " in their lot.

Good point @Jimmer!  There is no substitute for getting the full walk through at the factory and having them adjust the odds and ends that need it.   No one is going to be able to explain how the coach works better than the guys that built it.

We stayed at a near by camp ground the first night and went back to the factory with our punch list the following morning.  Wish we had stayed over two nights as we found a few more minor things later on but time was tight and we had to get moving.

Delivery for us worked great.  It cost $1800 and was actually less expensive for us then going to the factory and driving home. We had our PC delivered to Montana last Dec.17 by Kermit's son.  He also did a great job educating us about coach features.  Also the weather was horrible last year when delivered.
 
My only concern- the past owners were great fixing warranty issues immediately. 
Now coming up on owning our PC for a year we have been trying for the last two months to get more issues fixed.

The new management has been horrible with their lack of communication and response!

Dave

Dave R, try emailing Dave Ponsler at Phoenix.  As I understand it he is now in charge of all service inquiries.  He has been very responsive to my issues.  DPonsler@phoenixusarv.com

Delivery was in house person and someone familiar with the unit. Mostly Kermits son. How it is handled now will have to be determined to see if you feel at ease with the changes that are sure to come. Price varies by distance. When we were at the red roof Inn we shared the place with many RV travel trailer delivery folks. Constantly on the move. But they were not part of the PC delivery group which was not a publicly outsourced group. We drove up with our tow car and dog and stayed till our unit was ready.  We had  a need for accurate information which was not available by e mail. Long story. Old news now.

Showing up gets you info you need and your drive out may show you early on if you have anything to be addressed. It's all a learning experience.

Thanks for all the feedback. I get the feeling that there is no more in house delivery. That would have been a good option to have someone well versed with the unit and able to give you a factory like introduction upon arrival. The coach systems don't scare me much, but the idea of buying a NEW unit and not having it function properly due to poor quality control would not make me very happy(maybe POSTAL would be a better word). If we don't pick it up ourselves  I will most likely have an independent RV inspection service take a look and make recommendations before it leaves Elkhart.
I'm still waiting for truck transport information, hopefully someone has gone this route before and will comment.

Doug

I get the feeling that there is no more in house delivery. That would have been a good option to have

Have you asked the factory about getting it delivered?

Kermits son was delivering units for the past several years. Don't know if he still does it after the buyout or not. We have purchased two new units and have always picked up at the factory. On one, we had paint problems and PC put us up in a nearby motel (free) while the problems was taken care of. And it always fun to wander around the factory looking at units under construction.
 

Yes I have asked. They have made it clear that the drivers are not employed by Phoenix, they will line drivers up though. The truck transport info is still coming. I'm doing my own research, I have friends who transport vehicles across the country a lot, it sounds like its no big deal, we will see.
Doug

Like others had mentioned, Kermit's son often did the deliveries.  I heard he would often tow his own vehicle for the return trip.

I have never seen a motor home on a flat bed truck, not sure it is even possible without the use of a loading dock.  I would be very concerned of the on/off approach if using a ramp, dragging the back of the PC getting it on the flat bed.  For that reason along with all the other good reasons mentioned by other replies, I strongly vote for flying out to Phoenix and driving the rig home yourself.  Or have jatrax do it for you.  Or someone else you trust.

Heck, depending on the month, even I might be interested.  I live 3 hours from the factory.  I'd have to rent a car to get there, drive your rig home to you, then fly home to O'Hare airport.  Being semi-retired now, I might be available and interested depending on the $.

Ron Dittmer

I have never seen a motor home on a flat bed truck

Ron, that is how how the LTV units are delivered to our local dealer.  Of course they are on Sprinters so maybe a little lighter.  I am not sure how they get them off, I've seen them in the parking lot on the flat bed but never stopped to watch.  I was told they can only order (or receive) in lots of two as that is how many go on a truck.

I was quoted 1.25 per mile by Earl about 8 months ago.

I was quoted 1.25 per mile by Earl about 8 months ago.

I assume you means 1.25 dollars per mile.  2200 miles = $2750