Sutton RV Reviews (%countItem)
Sutton RV Rating
Address: 2400 W 7th Ave, Eugene, Oregon, United States, 97402-7604
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We purchased a slide in truck camper from Sutton, we were happy with the purchase. We own a brand new one-ton diesel and purchased a camper marketed to 3/4 ton trucks. The weight posted on the camper was well within what we could haul with more than enough wiggle room for gear. A few weekends later we loaded the family for a one-night test run of our new toy, one small wife and two little kids put 1/4 tank of water and food/gear for one night. My husband wanted to make sure everything was safe so we drove it over the scales, we were over what we should be hauling and over the max capacity of our tires which is very dangerous. So with very disappointed kids we headed straight home. Obviously had we known this we would not have purchased this camper. The point of a camper is to put it on your truck, load your gear and use it. Hauling around an empty camper on the back of your truck makes no sense and no one purchases on with this expectation. We made a mistake of trusting the dealership and the manufacture that the listed weights were accurate, before we purchase our replacement camper we will insist on a scale check before we sign any paperwork. As disappointing as it all was, we held a little hope that Sutton would continue to be a good dealership to work with - nope. They made money on the first transaction, great they should but to take it back they wanted to soak us for almost six grand for a camper we have never used and owned less than 30-days. We expected to take a hit of a couple grand, but as their sales manager stated they need to make at least five grand in profits on used items and it would cost them $1500 to inspect upon return. Buyer beware if you purchases a slide in truck camper from anywhere and you value the safely of your family and other motorist insist on a scale check before you sign any paperwork and don't buy from these guys if it fits in your truck they will sell it to you with absolutely no knowledge or understanding of how to safely haul a camper.
My wife and I know first hand what hauling a slide-in truck camper can be like, we've been there and done that. We took a larger and heavier *** down to Southern California with a flatbed trailer in tow with our company truck a few years ago. We picked up our son with all his furniture and made the return to Oregon. It took me awhile to get used to driving with all that weight and mass so I can relate to the anxiety expressed in this review. We know how important it is to match the right truck with the right camper.
In our industry, it has been said that the average RV'er loads an average of 700-lbs of weight in their RV. I'm not talking about people who live full-time in the larger 5th wheels, I'm talking about the average Joe. Truck campers are more confined and a bit more restrictive.
Because we were not personally involved with the sale of this particular camper, I interviewed the sales manager who is referenced in this complaint. Yes, he did speak to the husband. Yes, the subject of Sutton RV repurchasing this camper was discussed. Yes, there was discussion about the limitations of a short-box, 1-ton Dodge 4x4 Diesel pickup's load limits. The camper weighs 2,806-lbs. The truck can haul basically 1,000-lbs above that amount before making any optional suspension improvements. The discussion with our sales manager included estimating the family's weight at 500-lbs, leaving 500-lbs of estimated carrying capacity. This customer apparently went beyond those limitations. According to what was discussed, they were over their weight limit by 300-lbs. and felt unsafe. Nobody can fault them for feeling that way, and we certainly don't either.
According to the manufacturer and our best estimate, there is 1,000 pounds of carrying capacity. Obviously, they have learned they need an additional amount of capacity based on weighing in on their local scale. What is the fix? Start with the truck's suspension and tire rating. These folks came to us with their own tie-downs and hardware, which is what is needed to keep the camper on the truck. Just from my personal experience, I would visit someone who specializes in load increases. This is not news to folks who routinely deal with hauling loads but may be to new RV'ers. The improvements could be as simple as another leaf spring or two. Seems like Dodge is noted for building a very strong truck, it shouldn't be a big leap to make an adjustment.
We noticed these folks have the camper listed on *** for sale. They made a terrific year-end purchase and should be able to sell it. However, our offer to purchase is still on the table if they choose to take us up on it. We really don't have an issue with the folks and they do have options. This is headed towards the best year the RV business has ever experienced. I just wish they could enjoy the wonderful purchase they made. We wish everyone happy trails, it's who were are.