If you decide to buy your next motorhome from an RV dealer for whatever reason, you will need to do a little homework to make sure that the dealer you choose will be there to give the support and service that you will require after the sale is completed. Not all dealers are reputable and have good customer service records. So choose your dealer wisely and carefully in advance of the sale. Here are some things to look for when choosing a dealer:

* Give a call to the local Better business Bureau and ask about the number of complaints filed against a dealer. If there are several of them listed, then it's a good idea to cross this dealer off your list right away.

* Find out the background of the dealer. How long have they been in business? How long has the current owner had the company? Sometimes, RV dealers are sold and the great customer support that used to be there under the previous ownership disappears when the new owners take over. So be careful when dealerships have changed hands not too long ago.

* Talk to experienced RV and motorhome owners in the area and get their impressions of the dealers you are considering. There may be local RV clubs that can help you learn more about the dealers in your area. One thing is for sure though. If a dealer is not taking care of it's customers properly, you will hear the loud chorus of complaints from local RV owners loud and clear. Keep in mind that an isolated complaint does not necessarily mean that the dealer is not worth considering, but when you see a clear pattern forming of customer dissatisfaction, it's best to stay away from that dealer altogether.

* If all else checks out like you want, make a visit to the dealer and just walk through the lot and service area to get your impression of the way they run their business. If they seem to have only a few service techs and they don't look very busy, this could be a sign that the dealer doesn't have the best service personnel. So even if they take your coach in and try to fix it you could be making several returns just to have the same problem repaired. Also just see how you feel about the overall impression that you are left with at that dealer. Sometimes, it's something that we can't even quantify, but if you just don't get a good feeling there, it may be a good idea to look elsewhere.

Unfortunately, a common complaint in the industry is that RV and motorhome dealers seem much more interested in selling you a product than keeping it serviced properly after the sale. But by doing some advance homework you can help minimize these problems before they arise by choosing an RV dealer that will continue to support your motorhome long after the sale is completed.