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Almaden RV
Categories: Automotive Auto Repair Automotive RV Dealers Auto Repair, RV Dealers [Edit]
494 Phelan AveSan Jose, CA 95112
(408) 289-9442
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 8 am - 5 pm
Sat 9 am - 2 pm
Dougg K. said: "GIC Car Clinic is an awesome auto shop. They have excellent customer service. They're honest. And, they drive you home and back to the shop. I was truly shocked when I brought my Lexus in asking for a change of struts and for new…" read more »
20 reviews for Almaden RV
20 reviews in English
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Review from wayne s.
Milpitas, CA
Updated - 5/24/2012
Went here after going to Leales (see my review) anyways after talking to Larry and told him what was wrong he told me it was the inverter they replaced it and works fine now great service and the Tech called me on my phone to talk me through what he found,Chris the owner delivered the coach to me and went through all repairs with me great service
Also I just brought the coach back with some problems and Chris called me and said no charge .....other places seem to keep charging you Chris and Larry are so honest I rate this 5 stars everyone there is Great1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/5/2011
Went here after going to Leales (see my review) anyways after talking to Larry and told him what was… Read more »
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Review from Mark P.
Fremont, CA
12/30/2011
I've been reading the reviews calling these guys crooks and cons but have to disagree.
In my experience while dealing with them for about a year and a half when they were the only authorized warranty center for my RV I drew another conclusion.
The bottom line is their line employees do sloppy work and management does not have a system to check the quality before it leaves the shop. All it would take is for a senior employee to check each job before it left the shop.
I found metal shavings on the carpet of my brand new motorhome after they replaced a couch motor. Loose screws, bits of wood things like that. It's as if the technician said "o.k. I've fixed the problem, time to move on." No thought to picking up a hand vac and cleaning up.
Had a outside bracket replaced and they did not trim a rivet correctly not allowing the bracket to do it's job. Had an exterior light sealed because of moisture inside, they sealed the light but left the existing moisture in the lens. It's kind of like giving an eight year old a job to do but not teaching them how to follow through.
Well I sold that motorhome and now I don't have to go here with my new rig. It would have been easy of them to nail down my business for future purchases but I decided once my warranty expired I'd never be back. -
Review from Patti O.
San Jose, CA
6/16/2011
We took our motorhome there to replace the awning and to replace the head on the tv antenna. The work was done promptly and efficiently. In addition, they called us to say that the tv antenna head did not need to be replaced. They spent extra time explaining to us what would correct the tv reception problem without spending money to replace a part that didn't need to be replaced. They also took time to rewire the anntena cables through the walls to keep the wires from hanging down or along side the cabinet.
While there the tech "Joe" took time to show us added features and installed a handle for us.
We have a saying in our business. "It is not customers that make a business successful, it is the return customers that make a business successful. Almaden RV Is most certainly our "go to" shop for RV work. We highly recommend them.
Sal and Patti
San Jose, CA -
Review from Jackie R.
San Jose, CA
2/26/2012
We found we had hard water deposits everywhere and so they did a complete flush out of our system. Plus a couple of other minor issues that I needed fixed. Rod kept me informed via phone on the progress. He even took pictures to show me what he found. I'm very satisfied with Alamen RV.
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Review from Pete S.
Lubbock, TX
10/18/2011 2 photos
We have a quad slide HitchHiker. Have had problems with rubber roof on rear slide ripping for about 3 years now. Have had it into 4 other repair facilities, including the NUWA factory in Chanute, KS. None of them were able to solve the problem. I took our rig to Almaden on Monday10/10/11. Spent 8 hours there. All they did was put a patch on. Got back to our site, put the slide out & instant rip again. Called Chris at Almaden. He said bring it back in the morning. I took it back, spent another 8 hours. This time they made the correct adjustments and replaced the rubber this time. At this point everything seems to be good. Only giving 3 stars because I had to go back a second time. 57 miles round trip. I would go back to this facility. The people there, especially Chris, were very courteous and friendly.
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Review from Chris C.
San Jose, CA
2/15/2012
In response to Tim D. of San Ramon, CA review of Almanden RV. First and foremost Tim we would like you to come back to Almaden RV Service & Repairs so we can rectify your alleged complaint, bring all of your documentation. All work completed and done at Almaden RV carriers a 90 day warranty on labor and whatever the manufacture warranties their material. If you in fact had a warranty issue you should bring it to our attention.
Also Tim D. we would like to clear up the false statements made by you. You wrote two negative reviews for two RV repair shops regarding roof repairs during the same time frame; how is it you had your RV in two different shops at the same time? We do not ask customers for down payments or to pay in advance.
ICE has never been to Almaden RV; nor have they written Chris or anyone else here at Almaden RV a ticket. Tim D. you need to educate yourself regarding how ICE works. They do not issue tickets they remove the undocumented immigrants; hold them at a detention center and deport them if necessary.
It is very apparent that you have never been to Almaden RV Service & Repair as there is no back for our employees; our shop and yard are open here and we have nothing to hide. How would you know what we pay here? That is confidential information. You should not repeat second hand information. Also there is a steep penalty for slander on the Internet; that may be addressed at a later day. -
Review from Steve B.
Sunnyvale, CA
11/11/2010
Welcome to Almaden RV! Bob, let's spin the big ol' Wheel of Excuses:
BBBBZZZZZZTTTTTT-tick-tick.....tick:
"A couple of my guys are out sick, so it will be next week"
BBBBZZZZZZTTTTTT-tick-tick.....tick:
"Yeah, it's all done, we are just waiting for some parts to come in, maybe next week"
BBBBZZZZZZTTTTTT-tick-tick.....tick:
"We got really, really busy this week. I think your job might be done next week"
Unless you want to play the "When is my RV going to be done?" game, avoid Almaden. They have a massive disconnect between what you hear on the phone versus what's actually been done. In my case, a relatively simple job that was supposed to take a week took over three, with all the reasons given above, plus some other creativity. And several of the jobs were not even started. I didn't pay for those and wasn't asked to. They somehow ended up being just scratched off the work order with some mumbling by Almaden about "miscommunication".
Spend about five minutes in their office and you might see the cause of such sloppiness. Almaden RV is still doing things old-school with paper work orders and expanding file folders. Straight out of 1970. Others calling about the status of their rigs get the "can you hold please, we're trying to find your paperwork". They seem to lack any decent system for ordering parts in advance, scheduling shop time, and managing workflow and customer calls. Their phones only seem to take incoming calls, because in the 3 plus weeks my trailer was there, I never once received a call from them about the status. -
Review from Douglas V.
Santa Clara, CA
7/3/2010
On the phone or in person these folks will find your part.
I called and they said they would have a few of the parts I needed but recommended another place for those hard-to-find parts.
Stopped by and they ended up having everything I needed - and more.
Haven't used them for repair but wouldn't hesitate in the future. -
Review from Kelly W.
San Jose, CA
5/16/2010
If I could give this establishment ZERO stars, I would. The worst possible company I have ever had the displeasure of dealing with. The owner Chris is especially rude, arrogant, obnoxious and extremely unprofessional on every level.
Last year we took our new-to-us 1995 Coleman Pop-up camper to have a once over by Almaden RV. We asked them to check all systems, fix a bunk-end and repair a hole in the water tank. We were called back and told the camper was done. We went back two different times because the repairs were either not done properly or were done poorly. Finally, we pick up the camper. Once home we hook it up and water starts pouring from the "fixed" water tank. Fed up, we disputed the credit card payment. Once Chris (the owner) agreed to fix it free of charge we agreed to pay the bill.
Fast forward one full year and we return this month to have the water tank once again fixed. Chris (the owner) again agreed to fix it, no charge. Because we're complete idiots we decided to have them pack the bearings and replace the front electrical cord used to tow. Total cost a little over $450. We asked them once the water tank was fixed to check the water systems. The water pump, kitchen and shower faucets needed replacement. Additional cost: $500. We said thanks but no thanks, put the camper back together and we'll take it home. Chris (the owner) then demanded, before he hung up on us, that we would have to pay cash only. He didn't tell us cash at any other time. We decided to call the police. Two hours later and more conversations, we were told by the police that it was a civil matter. Next day we went back, paid cash, and brought our camper home.
Side note: while I was waiting for the police a couple was ready to take their large RV home. They loaded up, pulled through the driveway, stopped, the wife walked to the office, pulled the "tech" guy out to the drive way and he began kicking the tire rim. I watched as he told the driver to pull forward as he kicked the tire rim again and again. The "tech" finally walked back to the office. I guess his kicking fixed the problem. Until the driver walked back AGAIN to the office.
Do not under any circumstance take your RV, Pop-up or child's wagon to get service at Almaden RV. The absolute worst!
I would like to point out that I have never in my life felt such discrimination. This would never have happened to a man. Even the male police officer agreed. Sitting in a parking lot with 100's of RVs well over $100,000 each and this owner was harassing us for $456.00. -
Review from Gary S.
San Jose, CA
Updated - 11/29/2011
I've never met Chris or any of the other employees at Almaden RV before I brought my 2011 Tiffin Phaeton in for warranty repairs there a couple of months ago. I had a good experience with them that you can read about if you click on "filtered reviews" at the bottom of the page of accepted reviews. I guess the software algorithm decided I was happy for the wrong reasons.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/14/2011
I purchased a new 2011 RV with an "In-Motion Satellite" system. Three months ago I subscribed to… Read more »
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Review from Mark W.
San Francisco, CA
10/18/2010
Good parts selection (they had the part I was looking for), Jose the technician was great and Chris the owner was helpful. A little pricey $100 per hour, but they did a good job.
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Review from Jeremy M.
La Mesa, CA
4/15/2011
Chris, Candice and Joe are great people to work with. They saved us while we were on our road tip from San Diego to Oregon. We started to smell that bad electrical smell and discovered we were having a problem with our fridge. We were approaching San Jose and called a couple of shops all who really didn't want to help, except Almaden RV. Candice said come on in first thing in the AM and she would have a guy take a look. In the end Chris and Joe had us all fixed up and out of there in about an hour and half.
These guys know what they are doing and really bend over backwards to help us along our way. Thank you Almaden RV! -
Review from Troy B.
San Jose, CA
8/10/2011
Took my new toy hauler bought from See Grins here to fix because this is the warranty shop for See Grins. These guys went out of their way to complete the needed repairs in a timely manner. Also had great industry knowledge in getting the parts needed to complete the repairs. Will definetly return!
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Review from Bruce R.
San Jose, CA
6/1/2010
As others have already pointed out, avoid Almaden RV. I've taken my rig there three times, only to be disappointed in some way, either by quality of repair, cost or the time they took to complete the job. Their labor rates is some astronomical value and while I know vehicle service in general is more costly in the bay area, they are well above and beyond what I would consider reasonable. There has to be a less expensive RV repair shop in the area.
Last time I had mine service for some relatively minor items they held on to it for two weeks. I was wondering why they hadn't called after a week, so on the 8th day I called and Chris reported oh yea, we're just about finished as if they were just about to call. It still took a few more days for them to actually work on the job, so it's likely it sat for a week. Amazing. -
Review from Russell C.
San Jose, CA
9/10/2010
Seems that people on Yelp only do reviews when they're pissed off. So here's my honest review of Almaden RV.
Many years ago I had a Honey motorhome with an intermittant electrical short. After two trips to Alpine (Out of business, and not without reason) I took it to Almaden and they fixed it in less than 2 hours. Never had a problem. I had air bags installed there and never had a problem.
Fast forward 10 years and we now have a Montana 2955. It caught fire due to an electrical short so I arranged for it to be towed to Almaden. On the way it FELL off the truck! Inside it looked like a squashed can. (23K in damage) I was sure it would be totaled but Almaden put it back together better than original with self resetting breakers at all high current charge points new wiring & converter and an electrical panel near the batteries very professionally done. They added gussets & welds to the places the frame was showing stress, even though that was not included in the damage. Most of the cabinetry in the front end had to be rebuilt and it's good as new. Better than new.
I've been going there for years and have never been disappointed. -
Review from Leanna C.
Reno, NV
5/9/2011
Wow...I cant believe the negative reviews for this repair facility. I wonder if people really knew how difficult it is to give GOOD service in an industry that gives such terrible service from the manufacturers. In this business NOTHING is easy. Chris is a stand up guy and cares about what he is doing. Does that mean everything is going to go according to plan...NO. Running RV Service is much like PRACTICING MEDICINE or LAW. These units are not cars and nothing will go smooth. Once folks understand that then their expectation will come down to earth so they wont be dissappointed.
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Review from Ken B.
Los Altos, CA
11/5/2010
Sorry to read about all the negative posts. My experience with Almaden RV has been awesome. For over ten years I've taken my 33ft. Southwind there for service/repair and each time the work performed was outstanding. They were the only ones to correctly diagnose a faulty water heater relay ($50.00 for parts, no labor charge). Due to a road accident they replaced the gas tank (no small job). They replaced, and upgraded, my Dometic fridge and had to modify the cabinetry to make it fit. You couldn't tell it was modified, it looked like factory. The roof service they did saved me from a impending leak. Repeatedly Chris has given me advice about what to buy, which vendors to use, even when I don't buy through him. From my experience the only place I go for RV repair is Almaden RV ... and no, I don't work there, and no, I'm not related to Chris or any member of his staff.
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Review from Tony C.
Santa Clara, CA
8/2/2010
I placed an order last week through an employee by the name of chris. He said that he would get back to me to let me know if they can get the order for me... 24 hours later he tells me he can get it in, "next day air". I said yeah, works out for me. So the next day I call in, they say they have it and i stop by to pick it up.. The nice lady hands me the box and i open it and there was an extra box in it that i didn't order. I mention it to her and she makes the easy fix by refunding the money back into my card. Then comes in Chris with a short mans mentality telling me that it was a special order and that I need to take it. But the nice lady already refunds me. So now he says,"fine that if he doesn't sell it by Christmas that he will be sending me a gift. storms off like a little girl and calls me an "F%&*ing A$$hole and all i seen when he stormed off was the glare that shined from the back of his bald head as he slams the door to the garage... I asked the nice lady if he just called me an F'n A$$hole and she said No! but she apologizes for him... I give this place a 1 star because of his short man attitude and his bad customer service.. might have been a 4 maybe 5 but he ruined it... people looking to get some RV Work done, check out http://lealesrvauto.com its just down the street... happy RVing
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Review from Meng S.
San Jose, CA
7/12/2010
Fixing old RVs is an art and experience is what gives you the best chance of keeping a complex machine like a motorhome working. We have brought our RV to Chris for the last 15 years and I can say that if it was not for him, the old motorhome would have died years ago. I have always found Chris to be friendly and knowledgeable and he has always stood behind his work even when my old MOHO has been temperamental and unpredictable. The best think I can say about Almaden RV is that its been around for a long time, and you don't survive in this economy unless you have sound business practices which they certainly do.
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Review from sheila d.
Saratoga, CA
5/28/2010 1 photo
I had an awning arm break on my horse trailer. I called and they said I could bring it down so they could make an assessment. which they did. I did not have an advanced app't. They tried to replace the arm with some extra used parts which was okay with me.
Unfortunately, it didn't fit and had to order a new part which since has been replaced. They went the extra mile that day I drove in the first time and took much of their time...the second time I went in to have the new part installed was a positive one for I had many other questions.. They were more than happy to answer questions and to go to the parts catalog, locate what I may need, and to confer with others to address those questions/concerns.
They also gave me an estimate on future work I might have done along with part numbers so I could just call in...give them the part number...and they would order it beforehand. A time saver for me.
Overall, I was very happy with my experience and will go back again.
