DISAPPOINTED!!!!!!

[ConnieKat]

Call me dumb, but I thought SMB stood behind their product. I just contacted the Illinois bunch to try to get my propane tank reinstalled. They refused, even though the connections are all in there still....wouldn't be that tough a job.....but I don't know how to do it, and don't even know what the size originally was. Also wanted it reattached to the Starcool, and a one burner stove put back in. Didn't like their tone at all!!!! Frankly, I was pissed.
Is this common? Would you say this is why the forum exists? If so, I could really use some help by way of suggestions. Is that something the local propane guy would know how to do? If not, who else would be able to help. Still love my baby, but not so much the company at the moment.
ConnieKat

[BroncoHauler]

I hate to say it, but it's kind of hard to give you advice, or sympathy, without more of the backstory. Why do you need to have the tank reinstalled? If the tank hasn't been installed for years, there's probably concern that the overall system has been compromised (water, rust). If the entire propane system had to be removed and rebuilt, the project cost would likely be prohibitively expensive. All conjecture at this point however without facts.

This site exists to share adventures, seek advice, discuss our own upgrades, and find a sympathetic ear for problems, whether the problems are with Ford, Chevy, SMB, the Government, or those damn forum administrators!

Fill us in and we'll be happy to provide our two cents, though that's all advice is worth on many days.


Herb

[EMrider]

Agree with Herb that more info would be very helpful.

And when one uses the term "stand behind their product" that is typically in reference to something that has failed to perform within reasonable expectations.

What exactly failed?

Good luck.
R

[Ford_6L_E350]

I'm sorry to hear you had a problem with SMB Indiana. I've dealt quite a bit with them, and find they are easy to work with and will go out of their way to make a customer happy. They built my van and they dropped what they were working on when I came by 2 years latere with a problem. I had called days before to alert them I was coming and why, but they did stop work to help me out.

That said, I have got to believe either there is more to the story or you and they started off with a communications problem.

- Was the van originally built in Indiana? For you or did you buy it used?
- Why was the propane tank removed in the first place? Who removed it? Who paid for removal?
- Is something else installed where the propane tank was?
- Were the various plumbing connections capped and sealed to prevent contamination or damage?
- How long had the tank been removed?
- Would you expect them to make the Starcool functional afterwards?
- Nothing is difficult to the person who doesn't have to do it. Could be a more difficult job than you envision and right in the middle of their busy season. Could it be a timing problem with the shop?

I don't know what happened, but I could imagine circumstances that would make a shop refuse to do certain work. For instance if someone had a new van and demanded the propane be removed at shop expense. Even if you picked up a 2nd hand van like that, they might never want to see it again. But, I don't know the history of this van and that factory.

All that aside, if it is truly an easy hookup, any RV shop/dealer should be able to do it for you.

Mike

[ConnieKat]

You all make good sense. I was upset, and no the van was built in texas, but thought I might be able to get it done on an upcoming trip. You may well be right about the seasonal situation. I bought the van used and was told the propane tank, etc. was removed, but all connections were left. Since Texas did this when prev. owner picked it up, I'm assuming they did it properly (capped off, etc.). But you know how that can go with assumptions. Meanwhile, I am dealing with Texas, which I guess I should have done before. Out of my way, but it was theirs, so maybe they will do this. If not, a visit to camping world is probably in the offing. Not being very mechanically inclined, I don't know how to do this, or would try myself. Anyway, thanks for getting back to me. I will figure this out, one way or another. Just happen to like propane (especially for cooking) and it would be nice to have heat......
ConnieKat

[Silver350]

If you are not under warranty, why not call a local RV mechanic? They often come to you and are likely a lot cheaper than Camping World or the factory. Just make sure the guy is certified to work on propane systems an you should be OK.

[jage]

When I wanted an Invertor added, Indiana was the only location that said "We don't touch them once they're built." SMB West said they would do it, but clearly didn't really want the work, and Austin was gung-ho about it.

CCV is in Colorado (member: dsw4x4), might contact him to see if there is interest. I'd think anybody competent with a wrench could put it back (you need to have it properly purged before first fill which not anybody can do), it's a matter of finding someone who is willing.

[yvrr]

Originally Posted by jage

When I wanted an Invertor added, Indiana was the only location that said "We don't touch them once they're built." SMB West said they would do it, but clearly didn't really want the work, and Austin was gung-ho about it.

I've had SMB West do several upgrades and fixes including adding solar, an air compressor, and an electric penthouse. They don't necessarily want to do upgrades, etc. because it takes someone off of the line but have always been more than willing to accommodate us.