SoCal RV Doctor

I spent nearly $ 18,000 with SoCal RV Doctor. While most of the work was done well, the solar and electrical work performed actually created a dangerous fire hazard. Beyond the shoddy work, my direct interactions with the staff and owner, Curtis Labeda, have really left a bad taste in my mouth.
I’ve posted photos in their gallery.
This timeline of events with SoCal RV Doctor details an improperly installed solar charging array.
The installation was originally completed with the incorrect wire gauge, not only was this a fire hazard but effectively rendered the solar array useless. Only after numerous discussions was the wire rerun. Upon further inspection, after receiving delivery of the RV, I documented several additional dangerous, and incorrect installation errors.
The solar combiner located on the roof was incorrectly installed. As a result, when removed the lid for inspection, the electrical combiner was filled with water. Electricity and water do not mix.
The polarity of the solar panels were reversed, a result of wiring the panels backwards.
The new length of wire was run behind the refrigerator; it was neither secured, nor protected and as a result, bare wire was exposed.
Prior to and leading up to, 9÷14÷2014
Many back and forth discussions leading up to a quote totaling approximately $ 18,000 which included a frame bracing, numerous repairs, and coach enhancements.
9÷20÷2014
I attach and diagram how the RV solar panel and charging system should be installed. I make it explicitly clear that we need to use 2 gauge wire.
10÷1÷2014
Julie responds to me, «You mentioned wanting to use the 2 gauge wire — but this gauge of wiring is too big to fit into the panels and the control board for the panels.»
10÷2÷2014 to 10÷7÷2014
During this time we exchange emails. SoCal RV Doctor tells me they need more parts or they are missing parts to install the solar panels. I order and ship the requested parts. SoCal RV Doctor tells me they don’t need the additional parts because they found them in the original boxes the solar panels came in.
10÷9÷2014
I’ve made a few phone calls to SoCal RV Doctor expressing some concerns about the electrical work being done; particularly regarding the transfer switch they installed. They also are unable to hook up all outlets to the inverter claiming the inverter that was provided cannot handle all the power.
SoCal RV Doctor follows up with an email «OK. I have been trying to get a good understanding of what is going on with the transfer switch so I can explain it to you. Yes — they did end up installing the 30 AMP transfer switch and it is linked to only on leg of the generator power. They are saying that the 50 Amp transfer switch would have allowed too much amperage to go through because of the size of your inverter?»
10÷9÷2014
After seeing photos from the solar panel install I am deeply concerned. I send the following email:
«It makes sense why the 30 amp transfer switch was run, but I would have liked to have had inverter power available to all the outlets. It appears only the kitchen, bathroom, and TVs are on inverter power now? Not the garage, or bedroom? The ACs do not need to run off inverters.
Second, and this is very important. The 100′ of wire I sent is 10 gauge, and meant for the solar panels to the combiner. It was not meant to be run from the combiner down to the battery compartment. Assuming a 25′ one way run from the combiner to the battery compartment using the 10 gauge wire that was meant for the solar panels results in a 12% voltage drop, this is not acceptable. The standard, accepted voltage drop is 3%. To achieve this, on the safe side 2 gauge wire needs to be used; I don’t mean to be difficult, but I was very clear that we needed to use 0 gauge to eliminate any voltage drop. I’ve highlighted in red the maximum wire run acceptable for 10 gauge wire; in green is the maximum one way run for 24, and 38 feet at 30 amps; the four panels on the roof are pushing closer to 36 amps. Please advise. «
I attach the following diagram, highlights my own.
10/​10/​2014
Julie at SoCal RV Doctor responds,
«I have talked to Kevin as well and tried to get some answers on all of this. He is going to look at the inverter wiring and see what could be changed to give more options for the outlets — I will get back to you on this. This may be something better talked over with you in person when you arrive to pick it up — then we can make any changes if they are possible/​
As far as the wiring for the solar panels — they keep explaining to me that nothing bigger than the 10 gauge wiring will fit into the combiner box buss bars and the interior solar controller panel. Even the option of 2 gauge wiring will not work with this application. This solar panel kit was designed for 10 gauge wiring only. When you purchased these panels were you told differently that they could accept a l

Curtis (owner) has done a great job repairing my TH. Costs are reasonable and well done.

Their customer service is very poor, I was in a bind and just damaged a part upon setting up camp, I called to see if they had the part in stock but the lady that answered the phone said she didn’t have the time to go check the shelf to verify if they had it, I offered to send a picture to her to make sure she knew what part I was referring to but she said they didn’t have a parts department and she didn’t have the time to check and I would need to come in and look for myself. This is unacceptable, I would highly recommend Murrieta Valley RV and service, the last time I bought parts from them I compared prices to Amazon and theirs were cheaper! And they were name brand parts.

Took my tent trailer in due to a cable that slipped off the pulley at left rear. They found two damaged cables after inspection and estimated the repair/​labor to be $ 575. They kept $ 100 just to do the inspection. I took same RV (2002 Coleman Niagara) to RV Super Center in Temecula. I got the job done for a total of $ 138.99. (Parts were only $ 4.95 as compared with the Doctor’s estimate of $ 75.00.) Why would I want to take my RV back to RV Doctor if they charge 400% higher? No WAY!!!

I have had two very positive experience with SoCal RV Doctor in Lake Elsinore, Ca. The management and staff there are very friendly, professional and knowledgeable
. They have worked on my Motor Coach on two separate occasions and each time the work has been exceptional. I would recommend this RV shop to all in this area. They are the best. If you ever have a problem with your Coach, see Jim Goodwyn at SoCal RV.

This is more of a review for SoCal RV Doctor’s Service Manager Jim Goodwyn than the facility itself. If you have a toy box type RV, Jim is the man to see. Jim has always been so honest and helpful that when he left his previous employer for SoCal RV Doctor, I followed him there. An honest guy in the RV business is a rare find. One time while camping in the desert, I had an electrical problem with my coach. Jim stayed on the phone with me for over an hour, walking me through my electrical system until I was able to fix the problem myself (grounding issue with Weekend Warrior’s overly small gauge wiring). Jim has been handling my RV service since around 2006 and wherever he goes, is where my business goes.

Do not take your RV to this place for repair. They do not stand behind their work and the level of integrity in the service they provide is zero to none. I ended up having to pay twice for a part they installed that failed. Should have been covered under the supposed warranty that is provided but I learned the hard way that there is none.