It started with a call to my “award winning” service advisor at the nearest International dealer, in Phoenix. I know this since I heard it in the infomercial so many times while on “HOLD”. After much discussion they determined I did have warranty coverage but in order to receive it I would need to have the vehicle in Phoenix. Towing the 200+ miles for the motorhome was estimated at $1,150 and another $950 for the trailer. No, there was not anyone closer that could perform the repairs and towing is not covered under my particular warranty plan. It would be an out of pocket expense. Not acceptable. Then I talked to their mobile repair manager. No, he could not help either unless I would tow it in. How mobile is that? Not going to tow it 200 miles for a starter! Called a local truck repair shop. He was at the campsite in about 20 minutes. Confirmed the diagnosis, took down part numbers and went back to the shop to go to work. Within about an hour he called to say none was available locally but it could be in tomorrow morning from the Las Vegas International dealer and including the special freight it would be much less than towing to Phoenix. He also tried to get a dealer he works with to help with the warranty coverage but could not. He gave me the official term for a “rural repair” which is available to cover situations such as this. Armed with this I made the 4th call to the dealership and was promptly forwarded to the warranty specialist just by mentioning the magic term. Now we are getting somewhere. She suggested a more local non-official repair shop they work with often before she realized I had already found local help. They wanted to express the part to me. Sorry, after being turned down 3 times the part is already on the way from the Vegas Dealer.
Good to his word the local guy came to the campsite the following morning and installed the upgraded starter and we are happily motoring again. We will see how frustrating getting the check for the “pre-approved” warranty claim turns out to be. My guess is it will be less than a delightful experience.