Wanderhomes South Cave refused to do warranty work

We own a Bessacarr (Swift) motorhome which we purchased new last year from an excellent dealer but unfortunately it is 130 miles away. We had decided on the model we wanted then scoured the country for which dealer had a new one in stock and this was the nearest. Being brand new to camping we had no idea about warranties etc. but knew that Swift gave a good and lengthy warranty and were a fine company which was local to us.

After reading the forum I had recognised that there used to be some issues about buying from a local dealer because generally they would not carry out warranty work if they had not sold the van. I thought that had all been a thing of the past, and certainly should be given the cost of these motorhomes and the expectation of good service from such manufacturers.

I had a local Swift approved independent repairer who said they could do all the work for us, both warranty and servicing to maintain the warranty. Unfortunately for me they have just retired and are no longer trading.

I have had some small problems whilst away on our first long holiday and telephoned a local Swift dealer, ‘Wanderhomes’ at South Cave, East Yorkshire to discuss warranty work and annual habitation service. I also wanted a cycle rack fitting so was going to spend a few hundred pounds. I telephoned and asked for the service department and was asked the nature of my enquiry. I said it was regarding warranty work and habitation servicing and was somewhat surprised when asked by the switchboard receptionist from the outset if I had bought the vehicle from them, I told them I had not. She said the lady who I needed to speak with was engaged and she could she ring me back in a few minutes. That was fine with me so I waited.

Just before 5 o’clock, and possibly closing time for Wanderhomes I received a call from the lady around two and a half hours after my initial call. She said I wanted her to call me and I thought that opening response a little strange. I immediately said I was somewhat concerned about the initial discussion with the receptionist because she had asked about where I had bought the van from and said I had heard that some dealers were reluctant to carry out warranty work if they had not sole the van initially. She immediately said that no dealer would carry out any warranty work if they had not sold the vehicle. No questions about what I wanted or what I intended doing about servicing and I was not appreciative of the response and said I would sort it elsewhere and that was the end of the conversation.

Am I to take it that the manufacturers go along with this sort of attitude, is there no onus on them to ensure their appointed dealers will carry out their warranty work. After all, the warranties are for quite some years now so are they suggesting you cannot move house if you are not willing to travel to where you bought it for servicing. It makes sense to get it serviced where you can get any warranty points rectified as hopefully the service will identify such matters.

Has anyone else had problems like this and in particular with Wanderhomes?

Regards, Roy