RM'S RV Service

RM'S RV Service, located at 2916 Gibson St, Bakersfield, CA 93308, USA, functions as a specialized "Auto Repair Station" within the broader category of recreational vehicle (RV) services. Unlike standard auto repair shops focusing on passenger cars or even commercial trucks, RM'S RV Service is dedicated to the unique maintenance and repair needs of RVs, including motorhomes and travel trailers. This introduction aims to provide local RV owners and enthusiasts with a detailed understanding of this service provider, encompassing its operational environment, the range of services it offers, its distinctive features, and insights drawn from contrasting customer experiences regarding its service delivery and responsiveness.

RM'S RV Service is situated at 2916 Gibson Street in Bakersfield, California. Bakersfield, a major city in the San Joaquin Valley, is a significant hub for travelers and residents alike, particularly those who own RVs, given its proximity to national parks, recreational areas, and major travel routes. The location on Gibson Street suggests an area that is accessible for larger vehicles like RVs and travel trailers, likely within a commercial or light industrial zone that accommodates such specialized service facilities.

A dedicated RV service center like RM'S RV Service would typically feature:

• Spacious Service Bays: These are designed to accommodate the varying sizes of RVs, from compact travel trailers to large Class A motorhomes. The bays often have high clearances and specialized equipment for RV chassis and house systems.
• Outdoor Parking/Storage: Ample space for RVs awaiting service, drop-off, or pickup is crucial. This dedicated area ensures ease of maneuverability and secure temporary storage for these large vehicles.
• Specialized Tools and Equipment: This includes diagnostic tools for RV-specific electrical systems (both 12-volt DC and 120-volt AC), plumbing system testing equipment, appliance testing equipment, specialized tools for roof repair, and chassis service tools appropriate for various RV platforms.
• Parts Department: A well-stocked inventory of common RV parts and accessories, or efficient access to suppliers for specialized components, is essential to facilitate timely repairs and minimize customer wait times.
• Customer Waiting Area/Office: A comfortable space for clients to consult with service advisors, discuss repair needs, and wait during shorter service appointments.

One customer review mentions a "really nice RV park just three blocks away," which suggests a convenient environment for travelers who might need to stay overnight while their RV is being serviced. This proximity to accommodation can be a significant benefit for out-of-town clients experiencing breakdowns, offering a place to stay while their vehicle is being repaired. The existence of RM's RV Mobile Service and Parts, as indicated by a BBB listing, also suggests that the business may offer mobile repair capabilities, allowing technicians to service RVs at the customer's location, which significantly enhances convenience for those unable to bring their RV to the shop.

As an "Auto Repair Station" specifically for RVs, RM'S RV Service would provide a broad spectrum of repair and maintenance services covering both the automotive (chassis) and the "house" (living space) components of recreational vehicles. Based on typical RV service offerings and the insights from customer reviews, these services likely include:

• Electrical System Diagnostics and Repair: As highlighted by a customer who had an "electrical problem," this is a key service. It would involve troubleshooting and repairing both the 12-volt DC system (for internal lighting, pumps, fans, slides, etc.) and the 120-volt AC system (shore power, generator, outlets, major appliances), including converters, inverters, transfer switches, and battery systems.
• Appliance Repair: Servicing and repairing RV-specific appliances such as refrigerators, furnaces, air conditioners, water heaters, microwaves, and cooking ranges. This includes diagnostic testing and component replacement.
• Plumbing System Repair: Addressing issues with fresh water, grey water, and black water systems, including water pumps, holding tanks, toilets, faucets, shower systems, and leakage detection and repair.
• Roof and Sealant Maintenance: Inspecting, repairing, and resealing RV roofs and exterior seams to prevent leaks, which is a critical aspect of RV ownership for preventing water damage and structural integrity issues.
• Slide-Out System Repair: Diagnosing and fixing problems with hydraulic or electric slide-out mechanisms, which are complex systems prone to issues if not properly maintained or if components fail.
• Chassis Maintenance and Repair: For motorhomes, this would encompass standard automotive services such as engine diagnostics, oil changes, fluid flushes, brake service, tire rotation and balancing, suspension repair, and steering system maintenance. While the focus of customer reviews leans towards RV-specific house issues, a full-service RV repair shop typically handles these chassis-related services as well.
• Accessory Installation and Repair: Installing or repairing various RV accessories, including awnings, satellite dishes, solar panels, entertainment systems, leveling systems, and tow hitches.
• Warranty Claims Processing: As evidenced by one customer's experience, RM'S RV Service attempts to process factory warranty claims. This can be a complex and time-consuming process involving detailed documentation and communication with RV manufacturers.
• Preventative Maintenance: Offering routine checks and services to prevent common RV problems and extend the life of the vehicle and its systems, and ensure readiness for travel.

The provided customer reviews offer a stark contrast, highlighting both potential strengths and significant weaknesses of RM'S RV Service, which ultimately define its operational features and reputation:

• Urgent Service Accommodation: The willingness and ability to "work us in immediately" for an electrical problem while a customer was traveling demonstrates a commendable responsiveness to emergency situations. This is invaluable for RVers on the road who rely on their vehicle's functionality for travel and living.
• Effective Problem Solving: The technician "tracked down the problem and got us back on the road," indicating competent diagnostic and repair skills, especially under pressure. This highlights their capability to resolve critical issues efficiently.
• Strong Customer-Centric Approach: The customer's feeling that the business operates "in a way I surely wish the rest of the world would run" reflects a highly positive service experience, characterized by professionalism, empathy, and effective resolution. This type of service fosters significant goodwill and long-term trust.
• Convenience: The mentioned proximity to a "really nice RV park just three blocks away" further enhances the customer experience, turning a potential breakdown into a manageable stopover for travelers.

• Protracted Repair Times: The most significant concern raised is the extremely long repair duration – "months went by and no word," culminating in picking it up "7 months later with 3 items fixed" out of 13. This indicates severe issues with project management, resource allocation, or workflow efficiency for complex or warranty-related jobs.
• Poor Communication and Lack of Progress: The customer "heard in Dec NOTHING had been done yet!!!" after bringing the trailer in August. This lack of proactive communication and apparent inaction over extended periods is a major red flag for customer satisfaction and transparency.
• Excuse-Driven Culture: Robert (presumably the owner or a key manager) is described as "the king of excuses why he doesn’t get work done ie the holidays, too many repairs, lost a guy etc." While some external factors can affect timelines, a pattern of continuous excuses without transparent solutions or revised timelines erodes trust and frustrates clients.
• Warranty Claim Issues and Financial Disputes: The manufacturer denying many of his claims, including diagnostic fees, and the shop attempting to make the customer pay "ridiculous $1,400 diagnostic fees on a factory warranty job" points to potential difficulties in handling warranty processes and a problematic approach to billing, especially when repairs are incomplete or not covered. This can lead to significant financial strain and disappointment for the customer.
• Incomplete Work: After seven months, only "3 items fixed" out of 13 items listed for repair is a clear indication of a failure to deliver on the promised scope of work, leaving the customer with an unfinished vehicle.
• Inconsistent Service Quality: The drastic difference between the two reviews suggests either highly inconsistent service delivery, a change in management/staff over time, or that certain types of jobs (e.g., immediate emergency fixes) are handled far better than complex, prolonged warranty jobs.
• Broader Negative Pattern: The statement "We have since met other RV owners that had the same bad experience" indicates that the negative experience is not isolated, suggesting systemic issues within the business that prospective customers should be aware of.

A search for "RM's RV Mobile Service and Parts" on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website shows it is "NOT BBB Accredited" and lists a phone number (661) 412-7983, which differs slightly from the one provided in the prompt. This might suggest a mobile-focused operation alongside or instead of a fixed shop, or it could indicate an older listing or a slightly different entity. The conflicting experiences underscore the importance of checking multiple, recent reviews and perhaps direct communication and detailed clarification before committing to extensive repairs.

Given the conflicting nature of the customer reviews, any promotional information for RM'S RV Service would likely focus on its positive attributes while potentially needing to address or mitigate concerns that might arise from negative feedback.

• Highlighting Responsiveness for Emergencies: If the ability to "work us in immediately" for critical breakdowns is a consistent strength, this would be a significant selling point, especially for transient RVers who prioritize quick resolutions to get back on the road.
• Emphasizing Mobile Service Convenience: If mobile repair is a primary offering (as suggested by BBB listing), promoting the convenience of on-site service can attract customers who prefer not to move their RVs to a shop for certain repairs.
• Showcasing Problem-Solving Skills: Highlighting their capacity to "track down the problem" and provide effective solutions, particularly for complex electrical or system issues.
• Addressing Warranty Claims: If they continue to handle warranty work, clearly communicating their process, expected timelines, and potential challenges associated with manufacturer approvals would be crucial for managing customer expectations and building trust.

The phone numbers provided for RM'S RV Service are (661) 319-7929 and +1 661-319-7929. Given the significant concerns raised in the negative review, potential customers should use these numbers to engage directly with the service center. It would be advisable to discuss specific repair needs, clarify estimated timelines, understand communication protocols, and get a clear understanding of their approach to warranty claims and billing upfront. Asking for a detailed written estimate and clarifying the full scope of work and payment terms before any work begins would be prudent steps to manage expectations and avoid potential future disputes.

RM'S RV Service at 2916 Gibson St, Bakersfield, CA, is an "Auto Repair Station" specializing in RV maintenance and repair. It clearly possesses the expertise and responsiveness to be a highly valuable resource, as demonstrated by one customer's experience of immediate, effective, and "best ever" service during an electrical emergency. This highlights their capability to deliver excellent service in certain critical situations. However, another customer's lengthy, frustrating, and ultimately unsatisfactory experience with warranty repairs, characterized by extreme delays, poor communication, and disputes over diagnostic fees, presents significant concerns regarding consistency and project management for more extensive jobs. This stark contrast suggests that while RM'S RV Service may excel in certain urgent or straightforward repairs, it might struggle with more complex, long-term projects, particularly those involving warranty claims. For local RV owners, RM'S RV Service offers specialized expertise in RV systems, and potentially mobile repair options. However, it is strongly recommended that customers conduct thorough due diligence, including checking recent reviews beyond the provided ones, discussing expected timelines, and clarifying all costs and warranty processes in advance, especially for extensive or complex repairs, to help ensure their experience aligns with the positive rather than the negative testimonials.