Dynamax DX3 Delivery Disaster

We would like to share with you our very frustrating experience of the delivery of our newly bought RV Dynamax DX3 to home Florida for the final fine tuning and preparation for our long awaited Around America Trip. We were very excited to pick it at Grand Rapids, Michigan. Unfortunately, the excitement turned into disappointment very quickly. However, there were still good moments during our sad journey worth sharing them with you.
Useful Links:
RV Driving School - www.rvschool.com
John Mayleben RV Blog - whereyatblog.wordpress.com
Chapters:
0:00 - Intro
1:05 - Dynamax DX3 Walk Through
5:10 - RV Departure to Florida
6:15 - Detroit / Ann Arbor KOA Holiday
8:04 - RV Driving School with John Maybelen
17:45 - Freightliner, Dexter, MI
19:17 - Lebanon / Cincinnati NE KOA Holiday
20:21 - Freightliner, Walton, KY
20:58 - Cincinnati, OH
23:02 - Air Departure to Florida

[@ronque23]

You’re very brave posting your experiences here! I hate that such a nice couple who just want to enjoy their years in the great outdoors had to go through this. When I get the money to buy an RV that I intend on living in for years, traveling, I’m not so sure I’d get a brand new anything. Either an older model or a custom built in a 4x4 pickup chassis. But I also know I’ll have to learn how to troubleshoot as many things as I can. RVs are tricky and none are perfect for life. God speed!

[@TM-tw1py]

What a lovely couple!

[@kennethnorris8340]

Beautiful RV. I am sorry about all you are going thru to find happiness. However, sometimes beauty is only skin deep as my Mother said. I enjoyed your video around my home town of Cincinnati. There is a lot to do here and you got to see a lot of it. Be blessed in the future.

[@CC-gt3ro]

When you get a new rv, you must simply do a few camping test trip locally to check all the features. Only when everything seems reliable, a big trip can be planned. Same with a new car. There are so many things to test; battery reliability, solar panels, slides, fridge, doors, cooktop, window insulation, tank insulation, truma heating, engine, propane inside outside, tv, antennas, tank flush, shore power, water systems, generator, hydraulic leveling, everything must be well tested locally in few trips. If you go right away after buying it, of course you would get in trouble. There is always something, even to learn the features it take times.

[@raymondgriffin1397]

Sorry about your experience with your new RV. We bought a class c Thor WS31 and had problems from the get go. On day of pick up things were wrong. They fixed the issues, we picked up again and 1 1/2 days later back to the dealer. We picked it up again and finally went on a trip, less than 30 days to help family in hurricane ridden Louisiana to help family. We returned home and dropped off our unit at the dealer with a repair list of 50 plus items to be repaired. Some small, small big items. Long story short and 8 1/2 months later, Thor is having to buy it back. While sitting on the dealers lot it started falling apart. The fiberglass front cone was cracking and the ceiling panels were warping and buckling, so told them to keep it and refund our money. That is supposed to happen soon, it has been approved. Good luck and safe travels.

[@ron4622]

It's interesting to note that certain companies sell RVs, and they have young representatives explain how to use them. However, it seems that they may not have checked the RV before it was purchased by the customer. It's possible that this could cost several hundred thousand dollars. On the other hand, my personal experience with purchasing an RV from Sunshine State RV in Gainesville, FL was amazing. They allowed us to stay for two nights, answered all our questions, and gave us a thorough three-hour walkthrough. It's an incredible place, and I'm sorry to hear that you didn't receive the same level of attention.

[@williamsneedjr4129]

Congratulations on your new rv and very sorry about your RV problem

[@LooksDownFromHeaven]

It's beautiful. Thank you for posting the video

[@mikejackson2888]

I just found your channel and started watching because my wife and I are looking at Super C RVs and want to learn as much as possible. This certainly is making me take a longer look and I want to do a lot more research. I will watch the 2nd part of the delivery video and see how it goes. Thank you for being honest with your issues and putting it out there.

[@rgarri6396]

Do yourself a favor, don’t get a RV if your not 100% hands on person. Nightmare ready to happen.

[@annemarieleone6394]

If you buy anything new or used its worth getting an inspector. As someone who has Rv’d 40 years I can tell you they all have a “shake down” time usually first trip and you find things. In the past those were minimal but as time and technology has changed and the COVID coaches that were rushed I have seen so many new with issues. RV inspectors will test all of that.. make it part of any deal that you will not take delivery until its done and things fixed.

[@rwujek]

Love the color of you DX3. We bought a 2 year old Dynaquest XL and had issues also. Having worked them all out, just know that it’s worth the hassle. Hang in there Some day this will all seem like a bad dream.

[@rayjansen6712]

Great instructor, very helpful. 😎🇺🇸

[@lynncollins5049]

I love your RV the exterior and the interior is fabulous I am so sorry you didn't get to start your trip this year..I am new to your channel and I will keep watching because I can't wait to see when you guys get on the road I will be enjoying your trip with you

[@jag524]

The DEF system is a problem. I have an older Dynamax without it and am doing everything I can to keep the rig in good shape so i can keep it for another decade at least. I also own diesels with the DEF. They cease to function on a regular basis. The UPS truck maintainers next door also hate DEF. If the vehicle sits for a while the fluid will crystalize in the injector and its a no go. Best of luck with your beautiful rig...

[@DaveLaymonphotography]

I am sorry you guys are having such a hard time with such an expensive piece of equipment. The parts shortages and factory delays, both chassis and RV sides of the house, can increase expectations of what SHOULD be delivered. But the reality is that lack of parts and knowledgeable technicians (many retired during this lock down mess) are creating all sorts of issues for repairers around the country. Personally working in the automotive collision industry, I see these back logs first hand. From everything I have seen, Dynamax is going to take care of you as best as humanly possible, but they need patience, grace and understanding, as much of your frustration is out of everyone's hands. I look forward to seeing your travel videos as you embark on this grand adventure.

[@keithmatthews7823]

wow i'm really sorry that you guys had to go thru this in the 1st week of ownership. what a shame. what it comes down to is quality control. everything is built so fast. no takes the time to make sure is done right the 1st time. thanks for sharing. k matthews

[@audiecarter8886]

OMG what a nightmare so sorry for you.

[@horizon42q]

Holy cow! What a beginning! I hope everything works out. Have fun Go RVing. That dealer has to be the worse, the PDI was terrible. I bought 4 Class A Motorhomes. Every PDI was 2-3 hours with an expert. My last PDI was at least 3- 3 1/2 hours and I have 23 yrs of experience

[@rayjansen6712]

Sounds like you made the most of it, really sorry that you experienced mechanical issues on a new rig.

[@Far2hip]

A lot of folks get discouraged in that initial sort out period with their first RV. If you have ever owned a big vehicle or vessel like this, you know very well that there will be issues right out of the box. You can buy a 10 million dollar yacht and there will be sorting issues to deal with. Brand new $400,000 car hauler? Same deal. But it’s definitely the responsibility of the dealer to make this point VERY clear that a fresh built vehicle of this sort is to be expected and it’s not always a good idea to plan an entire trip leaving right from the factory. Actually, the best plan is to put together a weeks getaway in relatively close proximity to the dealer. If anything goes awry you can get to them quickly. It sucks, but it’s a fact of life with all of these factory builds. Hope you don’t get disillusioned from the experience. Once it’s all sorted and settled, it’s usually a good long time before you have any real problems. Unless of course you don’t keep up with the regular preventive maintenance. Always remember there is a service truck under your RV and they need regular attention the same as if they were delivering produce instead of carrying a house on its back.

[@StuffYouShouldKnow1]

oh no, so far our new Freightliner is working fine, just had the electrical issue no one could solve on the phone. ugg... finally got it fixes. We documented on KZbin as well, Rod's Random Reviews. Thanks for sharing. Good luck!

[@cybershanks]

I feel for them as well, our new XL has been great, as an owner of one of these coaches, I can say with confidence that Dynamax goes above and beyond to both try and make things right the first time as well as support them after delivery. Sometimes there are things out of their control, both of these sound related to Freightliner. Glad it seems they're sorted out.

[@BlueBustard]

VERY sorry for your disappointing experience. Honestly, I can't imagine that the dealer didn't discover that problem during their prep work. We bought a 2022 DX3 in Iowa and drove it 1800 miles back home to Western WA towing a Ram 1500. The trip went very well save a few moments here and there trying to remember how to work certain things. Then my wife came down with shingles and all of our summer plans went awry as well. Hope next year is better for both of us!

[@user-er6pt5mr2d]

I question whether many dealers really do any serious prep work to a new rig. I think it is always best to hire a 3rd party inspector to check the rig out before signing on the dotted line. It is amazing what a dealer will do when they don't have the money yet.

[@Marcel1130]

You would think they could deliver a stellar unit built for you. They should bend over backwards to correct problems but once they have your money you end up waiting on them Covid disrupted supply chain and caused many delays. I sold my Coach a few weeks ago after 3 years of traveling as it is no longer enjoyable like it use to be when Covid hit everyone decided to buy a camper and campgrounds soon filled up. We like traveling at our pace and not having to be at a certain place at a certain time. Good luck and I hope you enjoy traveling our beautiful Country as we have.

[@terrytinagero777]

A great patient teacher.

[@spboyes]

What a shame. I was looking forward to seeing you guys drive around the country. I have been close to committing to an RV but always backed out.

[@VideoByPatrick]

My 2005 Dynaquest still has intermittent starts, and that's after new starters. It sounds like the starter's attached solenoid is intermittent. I just deal with, usually starts by third try.

[@davidescobar5366]

I'm no mechanic or truck expert but I have heard that diesel engines once you drive them for a good period of time say over four hours non stop you have to idle the engine for a good ten to fifteen minutes before you turn it off so the engine can cool off. Maybe this is what is happening to the Freightliner? You get to a destination after hours of continuous driving and you just simply turn off the engine which is why it won't start back up. Of course sales people and such are not truck drivers or anything themselves so they might not even have heard of these things.

[@greggcarlson9823]

You can stay in a lot of hotels and travel by car for a lot less and fewer headaches!!

[@rrrrkoop2776]

gorgeous coach. is your engine noisy when the clutch fan kicks in. our Jayco Seneca is terribly loud when it kicks in.

[@reneefrance6921]

So sorry for your troubles. I would like to know do you get reimbursed for all the hotel stays and flights back and forth? So sad I was looking at this exact model.

[@mariannejensen349]

Could recommend the Rv'ing101 series, by Angie, from National Indoor RV Centers

[@philipmason3218]

That's really bad for such an expensive vehicle. I know you said the same but right from the off things didn't go well. Having that young man attempting to do a proper hand over was painful to watch. It may be different here in England but I'd have dropped it off at the dealer and rejected it as not fit for purpose.

[@UltimateAnarchy]

Hate to say it, but there are 3 responsible parties here. The dealership not doing a proper pre-delivery inspection was the first. These guys are so lazy and only interested in the sale, not interested in actually checking anything out for the customer before they arrive. The second was Dynamax's quality control team who should have tested all the systems before it was even delivered to the dealer. And third, as the new owner, you really should have tested all of the systems thoroughly yourself while it was still at the dealership. This is what we do every time we buy a new coach. With the invention of the internet, especially KZbin, there is simply no excuse not to do the research on your new coach and learn how all the systems work well before you take ownership. It's up to the consumer to learn how it all works so you can do the testing yourself, and have any issues taken care of AT the dealership BEFORE you head out on your trip. You should also factor in a few days at the beginning for any repairs instead of planning to start a massive trip right from the dealership.

[@PRESA25]

As a business owner the first thing that caught my eye was the kid in sweat pants and a sweatshirt doing walk around. Terribly unprofessional. I would never have an employee not dressed appropriately. Not picking on his age because I have seen many young people act like professionals. He clearly is not ready for that job. Shame on the dealership for allowing that to happen. This is a high ticket item and the transfer of ownership needs to be handled professionally.

[@danielbabcock7004]

Yeah if i was buying a smaller/cheaper travel trailer from a mom n pop place, i wouldn't mind, but the big bucks you spend on a Super C definitely deserve a certain level of professionalism

[@rayjansen6712]

Fellow Floridian..... I'm still looking at class C coaches. Do you still like your decision on the coach.

[@user-er6pt5mr2d]

It is sad that this industry in particular has so many issues with their products and to make it worse the service on the coach is usually awful and its hit or miss on the chassis side and worse you are dealing with two different entities that can get into a finger pointing game and always the customer suffers. I have been looking hard at a dynamax rig but after a lot of research I am having reservations about making a move in that direction. Did you think about having a 3rd party inspector inspect the rig prior to doing the paperwork?

[@Louie..]

I have a question. What does it mean when the dealership said to turn off chassis? Thanks

[@summertimervrovers]

There is a tumbler to switch off chassis electric wiring.

[@DynamaxRVs]

Just to add some context. Once we were made aware, our local Freightliner rep called the Freightliner dealer in KY, to let them know that the proper diagnosis was a bad starter. We have seen a handful, and as you have seen, they are very tough to identify as they look like other issues. They also only do it after it has been driven enough to get it to a certain temperature. We take all of them on a 30-60 minute test drive. We identify most of them, but clearly not all of them through that process. Our rep called, let them know it was a starter, also gave them a list where to find them in stock (since they are on back order).

[@jeffkirk738]

Look and see where my DX3 is now! You also forgot to mention the complete failure of the DEF system and the fact that parts for the DD8 are much harder to get than the Cummings!! BTW-it is currently at Freightliner Service Center in Peach State Truck Centers McDonough GA. 20 days and still cannot get this motorhome 1300 miles back to Sarasota FL!!

[@DynamaxRVs]

@@jeffkirk738 I was not aware of any DEF failure. Now that I know where it is, I have again reached out to our local Freightliner dealer to see if there is any way they can provide assistance. Freightliner is traditionally very responsive which is exactly why we use them. Unlike normal RV chassis that can be weeks if not months to get in, FL treats these like commercial trucks. I personally just did 7 nights and 1000 miles round trip in our brand new, first off the line 32KD Europa, with zero issues. I know that does not solve your problem, but your situation is the exception, not the norm and we will do everything we can to help.

[@DynamaxRVs]

@@jeffkirk738 This is the response I got back from our local dealer that we had reach out "Jeremy in the service department at Peach State, Jeff is in line as a waiter, Jeremy was hoping to look at the unit this afternoon. Jeff should be in good hands as Peach state is an Elite and Oasis dealer" This was the 2nd. "I spoke with Savanna at Peach State, Jeff has picked up the unit and the repair is complete. Peach state had replaced the inlet NOX sensor." Hopefully this puts that chapter behind you.

[@davids8048]

Oort you had to deal with so many issues on a brand new rig. Makes one leery about buying new.

[@quagmiredavis4117]

I read all these issues with new POS RVs i enjoy my wonderlodge with cat power Older yes but I'm without Def bullshit and on back order parts no water leaks Reliable kitty power and you put key in ignition it starts .. I would get my money Back from Freightliner rv center no sense spending that kind of money for issues. I had newer RV 2020 and I had issues with starting and engine controls i made Dealer buy unit back and purchased wonderlodge no issues

[@0311rog]

Pre delivery inspection was probably not done right.

[@user-fy4ip9wy5e]

You guys have a lot more patience than I do

[@TeslaNoobber]

this is why i haven't bought one. i;'ve learned to just file lemon law if you can and rent.

[@michaelmartinez4017]

My wife and I fully sympathize with your frustration(s). At roughly 1/3 of a million dollars, you expect a certain level of refinement... A certain level of quality control... A certain level of guarantee. It's understandable that a little thing here or a little thing there might arise while doing your initial shake down of your new beautiful Super C. But, let's be rational about your experience thus far. You guys are the end consumer. I'll be the first to admit that mechanical things can (and do) go wrong or break. However, let's be honest. This is simply an unacceptable and increasingly more common occurrence with Dynamax. My wife and I are in the market for a Super C and initially eyed a Nexus brand Super C. After reviewing several hundred reoccurring complaints, we as potential customers were dissuaded from their lackluster track record. That convinced us to look elsewhere and brought us to Dynamax. We love the furnishings, the style and overall better reviews from Dynamax owners. We truly wish to be as independent in about a year as you guys. We're very close. My wife and I highly are interested in the Dynamax Europa 31SS but after watching your experiences thus far, we are left second guessing our investment into this company. We sincerely hope this headache of yours is properly taken care of and you are able to convey your future ownership experiences in an highly positive updated report.

[@jeffkirk738]

Thanks Michael! Jury on Dynamax is still out! Not sure any of the other manufacturers are any better!! The one thing for sure, its not like buying a car!!! Will keep you posted, keep watching.

[@BlueBustard]

Our 2022 DX3 has had no issues (so far,) and drives extremely well. I think the biggest problem is that Dynamax was bought out by Forest River... Cheap Charley Motors buys Rolls Royce.

[@dichesari]

Go nack and drop it at the dealers. Its THEIR PROBLEM! And by the wa... please tell us what dealer is it so nobody goes there. I mean they coul at least go out and meet you guys and pay for all the expenses

[@dichesari]

Whats with this rv in america still still putting everything brown poo color? So old school. Options people options or more and note people like is the trend now, are going to keep importing them from europe

[@steveatnyc10]

Sorry I hope you pick a winner next time. But unfortunately I don’t think they exist.

[@cybershanks]

They do exist, and Dynamax is one of them. These are Freightliner problems, and, it looks like they just got dealt a bad hand from beginning. Starter and DEF header will likely take care of them for good.

[@steveatnyc10]

@@cybershanks without the freightliner moving the Dx3 is not moving.

[@steveatnyc10]

Renegade is the best way to go for that type of class. More money but built like a tank.

[@cybershanks]

@@steveatnyc10 guess what, Renegade uses the exact same Freightliner chassis, so it wouldn't be moving either... They're both built on Freightliner M2-106.

[@steveatnyc10]

@@cybershanks Well Freightliner is pretty big with the 18 wheelers nationwide so I’m surprised with the quality issues. But I never heard of Renegade having problems. Never read about it and all their reviews have been pretty good . Costs a lot more then a DX3. Also I read some reviews on the DX3 from owners online who were disappointed with their purchase. From what I read all of them have problems. But at the gate on delivery day that would not be working for me especially after a large investment.

[@loromas63]

I have been researching RV ownership for years with the intent of purchase. The lack of industry standards tells me it's a very bad investment. All the channels I have followed involve significant breakdowns, bad service. No thanks.

[@johnjohnmcclane1818]

Shoulda bought an old Blue Bird.

[@keithcring8011]

NOK sensor. Lol.

[@sonny5973]

Sorry...but that's normal these days ,it's two years of hell.

[@dom6561]

L'amérique dans toute sa triste splendeur.C'est pas avec ce genre de personnes que le monde va s'améliorer.Continuez vos inutilités et votre décadence.C'est la génération suivante qui vous remerciera.Pauvre de vous.Triste pays.

[@roybrochu5409]

The dealer you bought the RV from should be ashamed of themselves.

[@davidhannan2023]

People need to check out the dealerships they buy from just as much as they check out the actual RV. Make sure you buy from dealership that stands behind the customer and equipment and does a really good job at the PDI, never should’ve left the dealership without making sure there’s no leaks everything works properly.

[@tonepoem4438]

Manufacturers take notice: this dealership with malevolent intents, shouldn’t be representing any big RV manufacturers?

[@jarredholt5037]

What a pos RV…good luck in your next adventures

[@cybershanks]

This is an intermittent problem with a starter, and apparently an issue with a DEF header mandated by our worthless EPA. While it sucks, it looks like it has been fixed. I'm going out on a limb and saying what a worthless response you had here...

[@jarredholt5037]

@@cybershanks going out on a limb is the dumbest thing I have read today…if your going to say something…say something intelligent instead of grabbing something out of the air to see if it sticks

[@caesar1295]

Well I know now not to buy a Dynamax RV ever, bad service from the time you arrived to pick it up. Someone with some knowledge about the RV should have spent time explaining everything thing to you and answering all your questions but they sure took your money with no hang ups. I sure hope they paid for all your inconveniences. The guy hired to help you get set up and learn how to drive was a professional he sure makes Dynamax look like a inept fly by night incompetent company. Sorry for your troubles and cancelled vacation.

[@josephkey9042]

The problems are Freightliner problems, not specific to Dynamax. When they picked it up, it started and worked properly. It’s a mechanical device and sometimes they break. The M2 Freightliner chassis is used by multiple RV manufacturers, Renegade, Jayco, Newmar and others. It is one of the most widely used trucks in the market.

[@caesar1295]

@@josephkey9042 They bought the RV from Dynamax not Freightliner can you explain the the lack of knowledge not given to the buyer at the time the buyer picked up the unit. I’m sure the buyer lost money due to break downs ext. hotel rooms, unable to stay in Rv at service center, cancelled reservations, and their vacation having to be cancelled. We’re the buyers reimbursed for their losses? Not a good look for Dynamax.

[@josephkey9042]

I, too, feel their pain and I am not trying to minimize what they went through. However, to blame Dynamax, the manufacturer of the RV portion of the rig for Freightliner problems and then to generalize and say “I know now not to buy a Dynamax RV ever”, is a bit harsh IMHO. Every Dynamax is driven under it’s own power to the selling dealership, so the unit cranked and ran well enough to get it to the dealership, the dealership was able to crank the unit and drive it around the lot and the customer was able to crank it on more than one occasion. It was an intermittent problem. If it didn’t happen while at the factory or at the dealership, how would they have known about the issue? I would not be happy had the same thing happened to me, but it has to be put in perspective. I also agree with you that the dealership fell way short in the delivery of the unit, which I believe is very common in a lot of RV dealerships. Whether purchasing a $30K new car or a $500K motorhome customers deserve a top notch, informed, customer focused delivery. With all the various systems on an RV it truly should take several hours to fully explain everything to the customers satisfaction. I own a Dynamax built on a Freightliner chassis. While my rig, like most new RV’s, had a few issues when new, I have to give a huge shout out to Dynamax customer service. They have always been responsive and willing to help in EVERY situation. I doubt you could find better customer service anywhere in the industry. We love the performance, quality and style of our Dynamax.

[@BlueBustard]

@@josephkey9042 Ditto. We love our new DX3.

[@cybershanks]

@@BlueBustard We are loving our new XL as well. People are quick to blame Dynamax it seems.. Personally, I think they are one of the better companies out there. They stand by their product, listen to customers, and actually care about them. $.02

[@jrambo7495]

The intro song is super ANNOYING!!!!

[@blackcatrose4257]

I don't care I'm still getting one. Learn about them. It's not the RVs malfunction. It's operator error. Learn how to work stuff geesh