At last week's rally concerns were raised about Ford dealerships not able or willing to service our Ford chassis. I mentioned that my local dealer had a service bay specifically dedicated to motorhome service and said dealership will be a short drive away from the 2026 rally at Clerbrook RV Resort in Clermont.
Today I took one of my vehicles in for service and spoke with the Service Manager and the General Manager about these concerns and also the concern that Ford does not seem to support RVers anymore.
This is what I learned today:
Ford is still fully committed to the RV community driving around our continent on their chassis. Many, but not all, Ford dealerships are addressing the lack of service capabilities by building new facilities specifically for trucks and RVs.
Jarrett Gordon Ford is currently constructing an 18-bay facility at their location at I-4 (exit 55) and US 27
This building will have the capability to perform all chassis and mechanical work including generator service.
It will have a full wheel alignment system for motorhomes.
It will be equipped with a large parts department. Since there are only a few unique engines and transmissions, it is expected that any parts will probably be on hand to expedite repairs.
They are also installing 50-amp power for customers who need to have work done that will take more than a day plus power at each workstation so the rig can be plugged in to keep the refrigerator working while being serviced.
I suggested they all a potable water spigot on the outside of the building for customers who may need to top off their water tanks while there. I also suggested they contact Henderson to become a dealer for their lineup of items to improve the ride as well as the SuperSteer. They are also considering to be a baseplate dealer.
They are aware of many of the needs for RVers and asked me if I would help them set up a world class facility to service our community which I accepted and will meet periodically with them as the work progresses. We spent time reviewing the construction today and I suggested a few things they may want to change. It is expected to be completed in March of 2025.
The GM also offered to supply someone to our rally next year to discuss RV Chassis Maintenance with the group and even bring a chassis for show and tell. They also offered to supply some discount service coupons for us. Once they complete this large facility, they will need to book sufficient work to keep it operating so I am confident that their offers are sincere and can be mutually beneficial. We can get a qualified service facility in the heart of Florida, and they can get a large enough client base to make it profitable.
Jarrett Gordon Ford is one of six of Ford/Lincoln Dealerships in Central Florida in the same family. Two members of the ownership team sit on the Board of Directors for Ford Motor Company. While I know the local owner, I don't know either of the two on the board but was told that my call would be excepted if I want to share our concerns about the perception/reality of how we are being serviced.
I will recap any concerns you wish to share in this forum and relay them to one of the members of the Board so we can try and improve the product and the service we experience.
