Couch's RV Nation in Ohio
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Forum Name: Dealer Reviews and Comments
Forum Discription: Let everyone know how well your dealer treated you...
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3144
Printed Date: 28 Apr 2024 at 10:50pm
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Topic: Couch's RV Nation in Ohio
Posted By: barefoot14
Subject: Couch's RV Nation in Ohio
Date Posted: 13 Dec 2012 at 2:49pm
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Has anyone purchased an R-Pod from this dealer in Ohio? They have great prices.
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Replies:
Posted By: marwayne
Date Posted: 13 Dec 2012 at 3:37pm
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Welcome: I know there are many podders on this forum that dealt with Couch's RV Nation, I myself dealt with them but did not want to drive 7000 km to go there and pick up the pod. How ever I used there prices for leverage with my local dealer, they reduced there price by 4000$. ------------- If you want something done right, do it yourself. 2011 RP172, 2016 Tundra 5.7 Litre, Ltd. |
Posted By: Racer|X|
Date Posted: 13 Dec 2012 at 7:49pm
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There is another R-pod user group that is sponsored by Couch's. www.rpodnation.com There are a several Couch customers there...I am sure they can share their experience. X ------------- |
Posted By: Alex&Marie
Date Posted: 13 Dec 2012 at 9:14pm
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We bought our 177 from them in February. It was a very positive experience. I highly recommend them. ------------- Alex and Marie 2012 R-pod 177 2006 Toyota Tundra 
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Posted By: barefoot14
Date Posted: 13 Dec 2012 at 9:16pm
| They gave us a price but are there other unexpected costs associated with it? I've emailed 3 times since I got the price and no reply. |
Posted By: Racer|X|
Date Posted: 13 Dec 2012 at 9:38pm
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Other costs deal with your tow vehicle. Brakes, hitch, sway, etc. of course stocking the pod with toys and tools...lots to buy. ------------- |
Posted By: Alex&Marie
Date Posted: 14 Dec 2012 at 1:31am
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I agree with Racer. They didn't hit us with any hidden charges. But we did buy a few accessories in their store. Their base quoted price to us included all the options such as dome and entertainment center etc
------------- Alex and Marie 2012 R-pod 177 2006 Toyota Tundra
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Posted By: rpodcamper.com
Date Posted: 14 Dec 2012 at 1:36am
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Yes they are one of the many Forest River Dealers. Many other dealers also offer the R-Pod Family of campers for a price the same or close to their pricing. Things to factor in is how much will it cost to go and pick it up or have it shipped to you. Also ifyou need service where willyou go for service? I'm luckythat my local dealer that I have delt with for 18 years sells the R-Pod's and then came with-in hundreds of the cheapest price I came walking in with. I purchased from Stolzfus RV RT272 3280 N Reading Rd PO Box 564 Adamstown PA 19501 800-752-2988 717-484-4344 http://www.stoltzfusrvs.com/ - http://www.stoltzfusrvs.com/ I also know several others on this Forum also got theirs there also. Mine is a 2009 Model weordered in Jan 2009 and have been very pleasedwith the unit. |
Posted By: rpodcamper.com
Date Posted: 14 Dec 2012 at 1:39am
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You can search for local dealers from Forest River at http://www.forestriverinc.com/DealerLocator/Default.aspx - http://www.forestriverinc.com/DealerLocator/Default.aspx
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Posted By: Racer|X|
Date Posted: 14 Dec 2012 at 7:24pm
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When I purchased my Pod, they pretty much gave me a kit. R-Dme included, my 182g came with an outdoor grill. I negotiated the sway bar, brake control, installation, cover, upgraded 101-basic kit....such as better sewer hose, level blocks, etc. if you negotiate, they will give accessories. Trust me, you will have enough to buy. ------------- |
Posted By: this_is_nascar
Date Posted: 15 Dec 2012 at 8:40am
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They're supposed to have the lowest prices for the R-Pod, however they're far enough from me that I had never considered buying from them. Support your local businesses and see if there's a dealer closer to you.
------------- "Ray & Connie" - 2017 R-Pod RP-180 - 2007 Toyota Tacoma TRD-Off Road |
Posted By: barefoot14
Date Posted: 15 Dec 2012 at 8:57am
| We have a new local dealer, two hours away, we met them yesterday and they are great! If we decide to go with the R-Pod, we hope to work out something with them. They are very excited about adding the R-Pod to their inventory and I told them about this forum. |
Posted By: k4fcp
Date Posted: 16 Jan 2013 at 11:33pm
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So far, I have had the same experience as Alex and Mariae. They have responded, usually within hours, to all of my emails. I've also called them and always got a quick, direct reply to my questions. I'm picking my 177 up on Jan 26 and I'll let you know how that goes. So far they've been great though. ------------- Rich 2013 R-177 2013 Ford F 150 4X4 (yeah, bought a new truck)! |
Posted By: tsunami123
Date Posted: 17 Jan 2013 at 10:40am
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I bought my Pod from Couch's 2 years ago. At the time...they had a great Autumn discounted deal...with add-on accessories (R-Dome, etc.) included. There was only one Pod dealer within 200 miles of my home. And that dealer absolutely refused to discount the MSRP! So I bought from Couch's. I was unable to drive to Ohio to pick it up. They had it delivered to my home...the driver checked on the wheels/brakes/appliances. It did cost $1/mile for the delivery but even with that cost...I saved more than $3000 from what my 'local' dealer wanted. Since then two more Pod dealers have opened up...one only a 20 minute drive from me. They did the spoiler install with 'professional' results. The new dealer had larger Pod's on the lot and was willing to match Couch's prices! But I am so satisfied with my smaller Pod that I turned down his offer. But I am going to have all of my service done his shop...he said he would honor my extended FR warranty if I needed it. So...check around...there are competent and competitive dealers. |
Posted By: HuronSailor
Date Posted: 17 Jan 2013 at 6:03pm
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We found a unit at Couch's just like the one on our local dealer's lot. They matched Couch's price. A bit of difference due to delivery charges and license fees, but only a couple hundred bucks total. ------------- .: Mark & Beth :: Silverado 5.3L :: 2018 rPod 180 :. |
Posted By: Tri-Pod
Date Posted: 18 Jan 2013 at 5:43pm
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They are very nice people we worked with both them and the local dealer. But went with the local folks although couple thousand more but would have local service. In the end the offered to to cover the cost of the gas to come from TX to pick it up. They have a big advantage because they are right down the road from the factory. ------------- 2010 PR 176 sold 2012 replaced with 2013 SP 240 w outside kitchen 2012 Toyota Tundra Crew Max 4x2 5.7L V8 Me, My Honey, and Max our GSP |
Posted By: k4fcp
Date Posted: 31 Jan 2013 at 11:49am
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Couch's Nightmare!!! We notified Couch's of our problem and they basically said too bad and they wouldn't help us out with anything to get them fixed. No "We're sorry that happened", nothing except I was told that I didn't even "pay to have them connected". Luckily I do carry emergency tow lights and was able to hook those up to get home. When I got home, I found a ground wire that was over paint and rust...fixed it and the lights worked for 10 minutes. My truck wiring was fine, but every time I connected it to their converter the problems started. I later called them to tell them they may have a problem with their 4 flat to 7 connector and they told me to contact Forest River. Apparently, they could care less about the safety issues involved!! Luckily, I've been towing trailers for over 30 years, but this could result in severe consequences for someone less experienced or even me. I really don't see how they stay in business with this attitude, not to mention the legal ramifications they can incur. Bottom line is I wouldn't get near Couch's at any price!!!!!!! Am I being too picky? ------------- Rich 2013 R-177 2013 Ford F 150 4X4 (yeah, bought a new truck)! |
Posted By: rpodcamper.com
Date Posted: 01 Feb 2013 at 12:09am
| Sorry to hear you had issues with your new camper. It was good you were prepared as you were bringing it home. Does your tow Vehicle only have a Flat 4 on it? Do you have a trailer brake? |
Posted By: k4fcp
Date Posted: 01 Feb 2013 at 2:03pm
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It only had a 4 pin flat on it, but Couch's said no problem. We thought we were getting brakes hooked up as Couch's said they would take care of all the hook ups and we knew that Ohio law requires brakes on all trailers over 2,000lbs. We should have been more specific and asked if the brakes were going to be hooked up. I'm actually surprised they didn't ask us if we wanted to get a brake controller, then we would have known, but we would be spending even more money getting that corrected as well. I've never had a trailer with brakes, so I didn't know to look for a controller. We've had a Casita for over 10 years and are "spoiled" by their service and professionalism. So now we know! What's odd is that for a couple of buck ($10-20) we certainly understand that stuff happens and would have been happy. We were totally taken by surprise at Couch's attitude, from a liability standpoint alone. Yes we are having the trailer correctly wired up and controller installed. Thanks for the question, but I will have to say that it really ruined the happy feeling of a new camper. We are hoping that this is not the norm for Forest River Delaers. ------------- Rich 2013 R-177 2013 Ford F 150 4X4 (yeah, bought a new truck)! |
Posted By: rpodcamper.com
Date Posted: 01 Feb 2013 at 5:14pm
| They are not at all like the my dealer here in Adamstown Pa (Stoltzfus RV) has been great to deal with. It is very strange they let you leave with no brake controller hooked up. But also glad to hear that you are working on getting one hooked up. Don't let this sour you on the New Camper feeling! Your right off the Skyline drive and have some great camping there so get and enjoy the camper. We are here to help with any questions you may have. |
Posted By: Pam and Bob DeLay
Date Posted: 06 Feb 2013 at 8:01pm
| we have purchased two r pods from them and have had no problems at all. they honor prices and are easy to deal with. |
Posted By: The Hawk
Date Posted: 30 Jan 2014 at 11:00pm
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Awesome experience with Jeff Couchs, we bought on line from 8 hours away and it was worth the risk. They were great in helping us Canadians negotiate the import issues and were always patient with my many questions to prepare for the vehicle for the pick up and return. No one could touch their price and the extras that they threw in. Turn key situation for us. Highly recommended and worth the drive. I can see how the distance and the comments about them being busy could happen, we bought off season so they had lots of time for us, but I can see how they could get very busy and be less attentive as some of the comments mentioned. Happy Podding!! ------------- Doug and Caroline Hawkins A 178 F.R.O.G. POD (Fully Relying On God) Driving a 2009Hyundai Santa Fe Living in Caledonia, Ontario Canada |
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 31 Jan 2014 at 6:20am
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Couch's RV is where the r-pod experience began for many including my wife and I. Its also where the first r-pod forum started. Their dealership has been a big help for many in buying their r-pods in many ways. David ------------- 2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018- 2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019) 2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014) Middle Tn 2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab |
Posted By: cody91
Date Posted: 24 Feb 2014 at 12:59pm
| I just closed a deal on an Rpod from Couch's. I live outside of Ohio. Has anyone had any problems getting repair services (i.e. AC, Fridge, etc.) done with local Forest River shops once they took delivery of their Rpod from Couch? |
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 24 Feb 2014 at 3:59pm
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We bought our r-pod from Couch's and had it serviced in south Florida with no problem at Camping World. David
------------- 2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018- 2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019) 2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014) Middle Tn 2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab |
Posted By: cody91
Date Posted: 24 Feb 2014 at 4:16pm
David, Thanks for the response. Did you to call Couch to find the service center or did you just have it serviced at the closest Forest River location? Before I closed the deal with Couch some of the local dealers in my area told me I would not be able to get it serviced locally if I purchased from Couch.
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Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 24 Feb 2014 at 4:51pm
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Don't know what the problem is, but it sounds like local envy or sour grapes. I bought my pod in AL and had it serviced under warranty by two dealers in FL. One was Camping World. However, it's a good idea to call FR and clear it with their warranty dept. first.
------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
Posted By: Kokopod
Date Posted: 24 Feb 2014 at 6:57pm
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We purchased our Rpod from an awesome dealer in Salt Lake City two years ago. At the RV show we attended last week, we were visiting with them and they told us that because of the high demand for their service department, they have had to make the rule that even if they carry a certain type of camper at their store, if you didn't buy it there, they can only service it between October and April. They said that their own customers were having to wait, and they didn't think that was fair. We thought that sounded perfectly reasonable. Guess it all depends on the policy of the dealer. ------------- 2017 Jayco Melbourne 24k 2013 Premier 19FBPR Formerly-2013 R-pod 177HRE 2011 Dodge Durango Love a good road trip |
Posted By: shroomer
Date Posted: 24 Feb 2014 at 7:59pm
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We bought from Couch's last spring. They were very professional to deal with. Had it delivered from Ohio to CT and still saved us a lot of money. Local dealer said we'd never get service. They even had a flunky from FR call me and tell me to buy local. When we got the pod the brakes only worked on one wheel. I brought it into another FR dealer (slightly further away) and he handled the problem no sweat - no questions - really quickly. The threat of not getting service was hollow. Since then, the other FR dealer has handled any work, parts, etc. I'd buy from Couch again. ------------- Larry and Debbie w/Rosie the mutt. Old: '13 177, '06 Silverado V6 New: '15 Whitehawk 20MRB '14 Silverado V8 |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 24 Feb 2014 at 9:54pm
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Yup, don't worry about it. While the camper dealers are not the same as car dealers - which much service your car and often will service other brands, too - it shouldn't be hard to find a dealer that will do it.
------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
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Posted By: cody91
Date Posted: 25 Feb 2014 at 8:47am
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Thanks everyone for the responses. You've helped me comfirm my thoughts on this. I believe that Couch's RV is a reputable and successful dealership. I think there may be some local animosity in my area because they are able to offer and deliver low price deals on these units. |
Posted By: Hairy Podders
Date Posted: 31 Mar 2014 at 6:35am
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We started out looking at a local dealer who wanted to charge full retail for a stripped 178. I did some searching & found Couch's website. They emailed me a quote that was over $4,000.00 cheaper than the local dealer, for a loaded 178. Then the 179 came out. I called Brannon & he said that they had 1-179 in stock that was sold & being picked up on Saturday. We drove 4 hours to get to Couch's when they opened Saturday morning so that we could see one of the first 179's. Brannon spent over an hour walking us through several campers. Then we headed for home. After numerous phone calls & emails to Brannon in a month & a half, we purchased a 178. From the owner Jeff, to Brannon, to Mike that did our walkthrough, to Kendra in the office, everyone spent as much time as we needed to make us feel comfortable.
Are far as being busy, they have 9 delivery bays & they were delivering 11 campers on Saturday. Which is a short day for them hours-wise. We would definitely buy from them again. ------------- Darryl, Julie & Lindsey Cooper & Libby- Devoted Canines 2014 RP178 2006 Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon |
Posted By: danielppd
Date Posted: 31 Mar 2014 at 9:09pm
| Is there a comparable dealer to Couch's on the west coast (sells HRE) who's aggressive with their pricing? I'm still looking for the best deal on a 2014 182g. |
Posted By: Cap-n-Cray
Date Posted: 31 Mar 2014 at 11:36pm
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Danielppd, Did you try Blue Dog RV yet? Call and ask for Lydia, she is the Rpod Queen there. ------------- Cary 2014 RP-177 |
Posted By: danielppd
Date Posted: 04 Apr 2014 at 5:48pm
| I did, thanks. Interestingly, Blue Dog offers a lifetime warranty (as long as you do the service through an authorized service center). Any idea whether this is actually worthwhile or just a selling point that costs you more than it's worth? |
Posted By: ahefner
Date Posted: 14 Apr 2014 at 11:40am
| Just got back from Couch's and I have to say they were great to deal with. Ray was very friendly and always answered his phone even on the days they were closed. Jeff Couch was there and I was able to meet him as well. He was very friendly as well. I did learn that the reason the prices are so good is that they are a wholesaler and deal in volume sales. |
Posted By: bodie55
Date Posted: 19 Apr 2014 at 12:54am
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There is a mark up on the HRE. We opted to make the drive (from San Francisco) to buy an east of the rockies version because the price was THAT much lower, even with travel expenses. Plus, it gave us a chance to see the country along the way and show our kids an America they've never seen. I've had great customer service with them since the purchase. They're great to work with!
------------- Bay Area Crew 2013 178 Beach Pod F-150 SuperCrew ...sempre in viaggio sul mare... |
Posted By: Newsguy12
Date Posted: 06 May 2014 at 12:46pm
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This is an excerpt from something I posted earlier today that deals specifically with the excellent buying experience we had at Couch RV Nation. It's worth repeating on this string: We live 40 miles from Couch, so selecting a dealership was a no-brainer. Other dealers would say they would meet their price, but somehow always came up short. I had read a couple of posts that suggested some type of negative experience associated with Couch. I never look to make a new friend when buying something a lot of people carry--I'm shopping price, so that was my only expectation. However, the guys at Couch, from my sales guy Brian Scruggs to Brian in Service far exceeded my expectations. The sales experience was pleasant and no-nonsense. The price is what it is (the lowest), and they made some minor concessions beyond that. What hit it out of the park on our end is what they did after the Pod was delivered. As soon as we hooked up, the brakes locked on the Pod. We unplugged and then drove back to the Service area. The guys there had vehicles waiting to be delivered, installing tow wiring, etc, but they immediately began troubleshooting our issue (wait to hear what they found!). Initial testing determined the fault was not in the Pod...it had to be something from the hitch forward. Our TV is the new Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk with tow package, and outside out of factory specs, I could find nothing on the web about anyone who had actual towing experience with this vehicle. The vehicle debuted last September and no one seemed to know much about it. Even though, the Service guys at Couch quickly knew the trailer they sold me was not the issue, they dogged the problem until they found the solution. Brian in service didn't assume anything, so he began to test every component installed. I had purchased a Tekonsha controller with the appropriate Tekonsha wiring harness from Amazon. It turns out the hot and ground wires on the Tekonsha harness were reversed from the factory! Brian learned this from a Tekonsha service rep he contacted on the phone. So, when I plugged in the controller, it sent 12V to the brakes. They re-wired the plug and everything worked fine. Props to Couch! ------------- Ram 1500 5.7L V-8 Hemi 2015 R-Pod 179 |
Posted By: CyberShanks
Date Posted: 28 May 2014 at 2:51pm
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Anyone ever have a pushy experience from them? I believe I started off on the wrong foot, maybe they are just having a bad day. But in the end, I am glad I'm buying elsewhere, even if it costs a few hundred more.. I initially hit their website for a price quote to ensure the dealer I'm visiting on Saturday was in spec. I had already made a deposit on an 176T R-Pod, have financing approved and squared away with them and everything. They seem to want to downtalk other dealers saying that they cannot get the same deals and act like price is everything. It is over 8 hours of a drive for me to goto them in Ohio and just a tad over 2 hours to head to Omaha. The dealer I'm working with also has a location in Iowa that's even closer but doesn't have any of the R-Pods in stock there. I just don't like pushy sales people. Jim |
Posted By: ahefner
Date Posted: 28 May 2014 at 5:20pm
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The only person that seemed a bit off at Couch's was the paperwork lady in the back. She just seemed a bit rude but I believe that is more of her personality rather than trying to be rude. Everyone one else including the service tech in the shop, to Ray the sales man, and Jeff Couch himself was very pleasing to work with. No issues what so ever. They were able to sell me a fully loaded rPod for about 4000 less than what the local dealers best price on a barely equipped model. ------------- 2014 rPod 178 2014 Toyota Tundra 5.7 |
Posted By: CyberShanks
Date Posted: 28 May 2014 at 5:28pm
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Good to hear, I'm buying elsewhere as I said above. Probably just caught the guy on a bad day.. Jim |
Posted By: ahefner
Date Posted: 28 May 2014 at 5:30pm
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I had plans to buy near where I live. But the local dealer just couldn't come close. Had they been within a few hundred dollars I would have purchased locally. Couches was a 700+ mile drive for me. ------------- 2014 rPod 178 2014 Toyota Tundra 5.7 |
Posted By: Hairy Podders
Date Posted: 01 Jun 2014 at 10:06am
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We bought our 178 on March 29th from Couch's. Over Memorial Day weekend the propane regulator started leaking profusely. On Tuesday I called our local Forest River dealer(who does not sell Rpods)to see about getting this fixed. She said that she would check on it & call me back. No call. So I called the next day, all the while being very nice, both days. She said that I didn't buy from them , so it would be 3 weeks till they could look at it & 30 days after that till they could get a regulator". So I emailed Brannon @ Couch's & told him my tale of woe at 8PM. He responded within 10 minutes. We emailed back & forth for a bit. The next morning he texted me that he had shipped out a new regulator. I received the regulator the next afternoon! I changed it that evening & no more leaks.
I just wanted to point out that Couch's isn't just in business to sell campers & gave me service "above & beyond". Many Thanks to Brannon & Couch's RV Nation. ------------- Darryl, Julie & Lindsey Cooper & Libby- Devoted Canines 2014 RP178 2006 Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon |