When 'RV' stands for Ruined Vacation
RVing is a popular way for families to spend time together. Some estimates have shown that a family of four can save more than 60 percent on vacation costs in an RV versus a more traditional vacation.
But a Post Falls reader called to warn us that his RV has ruined two vacations so far and might ruin a third trip he has planned. He bought a new RV three months ago; a key part of the electrical system failed. Even though the problems were covered under the RV’s warranty, he doesn’t know when his RV will be fixed.
RVs have many parts that can fail but the issue with the RV industry is poor build quality, which leads to many warranty claims. The demand for repairs can outpace the supply of technicians, and dealer service departments are often scheduled way out. That puts the RV owner in a bind if the RV is unusable until it can get fixed. And if the dealer has to order parts, as in the case of the Post Falls reader, the repairs may be delayed even further.
The bottom line: If you’re considering an RV purchase, consider the fact that the warranty that accompanies a new unit may not be worth much since one must go to an authorized dealer for warranty service. The reader relayed stories he has heard that many dealers will not work on an RV unless you bought it from them. What good is a warranty if it is impossible to use? You might want to consider a gently used unit, which you can have worked on by any reputable mechanic you choose. But just as you’d have a mechanic look over a used car before you bought it, it’s a good idea to have a thorough inspection before you buy.
Discount plans for cellphone service
If you are a senior on a limited budget and think you are paying too much money for your cellphone service, it might be worth checking into a cheaper plan. Make sure before you switch you aren’t sacrificing service. Two major providers, T-Mobile and Sprint, offer affordable plans specifically for people who are 55 and older.
T-Mobile offers the Magenta Unlimited 55 plan for $35 per line if you set your account up on auto pay so the company doesn’t have to send you a bill. With this plan you receive unlimited talk, text and data for a low price on a major carrier. If you already have T-Mobile call 800-866-2453. If you are a new customer, visit a T-Mobile store.
Sprint offers the Sprint 55+ plan for $50 per month with auto pay ($20 per month for a second line). This plan also offers you unlimited talk and data also from a major carrier but this offer is only available for new customers and you need to visit a store.
GreatCall offers the easy-to-use Jitterbug phone for folks who are interested in an easy option, but you should be aware of additional costs with this choice. The phone costs about $100, excluding the activation fee. There is no age requirement and the plan includes unlimited talk and text for about $40 per month before taxes and fees. You can get more information by calling 800-733-6632.
There are many benefits to senior cellphone options, including lower-priced unlimited plans, better customer service and easy-to-use technology. In addition to the options above, AARP offers senior discounts on select AT&T plans.
Whether you switch to a senior plan or a low-cost provider, the best way to get the plan that is right for you is to review your latest cellphone bill and shop for a less expensive option. You should also research the reviews of the other service providers so you make sure you know how the company treats its customers.
Not-so-discounted chip-seal services
An Athol reader called to warn us to be leery of unsolicited workers coming around to homeowners offering to do work at discounted prices. She said she was approached by someone claiming to own a road and excavation service company based in Spokane who happened to be in the area working on a nearby project. He said he had leftover supplies from a chip-seal project and could offer her a steep discount to seal a parking area in front of her house.
She said the area did need to be resurfaced and thought this sounded plausible because he had the material right there and could get started right away. The problem is she didn’t get a written estimate for the work before it began. She was told she could sign the contract after the work was completed.
As it happens, the repairman only spent two hours on the job and appeared to take many shortcuts, yet he presented her a bill with what turned out to be full price. She figured this out by researching what the job would have cost had she had it performed by another company. She was understandably upset at such a “good deal.”
The moral of the story is have a clear understanding of the work to be performed and have it all in writing. Insist on signing any contract prior to the work being performed. It is harder to argue about the quality of work or the price if there isn’t a clear understanding beforehand of the work to be performed.
Also, if someone knocks on your door offering to perform a service and you haven’t had a chance to price shop, don’t feel obligated by their unsolicited offer. They’re probably counting on the fact that you aren’t sure if the price they are offering is a good one or not.
- • •
If you have encountered a consumer issue that you have questions about or think our readers should know about, please send me an email at terridickersonadvocate@gmail.com or call me at 208-274-4458.