Author Topic: recomendation Alice Springs  (Read 3244 times)

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Offline woftam

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recomendation Alice Springs
« on: April 05, 2017, 01:33:51 PM »
Finally hit the road on Saturday heading to the NT for work. Been on cold rations since as first night out when I find the gas stove doesn't want to work. Now in Alice catching up with friends until Saturday. Looking for somewhere to take the camper to get the stove looked at. Anyone got any recommendations ? Please, I'm sick of sandwiches and wraps for tea.
Thanks in anticipation.

Got on to Google while waiting for the washing to finish. Have turned up 3 possibilities. In no particular order -
Empire trailers
Centre Trailer Hire
JC's Caravan Repairs - one review, not what you would call favourable from a customer service point or regards pricing but the work was done speedily and efficiently.

Any comments welcome.
« Last Edit: April 05, 2017, 02:16:01 PM by woftam »
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UIZ733

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Re: recomendation Alice Springs
« Reply #1 on: April 05, 2017, 02:31:28 PM »
Why not buy one of those cheap canister stoves to keep you going, and wait until settled in NT for repairs?

Offline Pete79

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Re: recomendation Alice Springs
« Reply #2 on: April 05, 2017, 02:33:31 PM »
Given that it's just a gas stove wouldn't any gas fitter or appliance repair shop be able to look at it for you?

Sorry, I don't have any specific answers for this one, just trying to help widen your search and hopefully get better result.
Good luck.. :)

Offline chester ver2.0

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Re: recomendation Alice Springs
« Reply #3 on: April 05, 2017, 02:45:41 PM »
I have used JC for a minor repair a while back
Not overly friendly but once you get on his good side they were great

I think the issue is with them is a lot of people turn up to Alice want a repair done and want it done overnight as it is throwing the minute by minute itinerary out
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Offline glenm64

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Re: recomendation Alice Springs
« Reply #4 on: April 05, 2017, 05:24:00 PM »
Gas stoves are pretty basic.
If theres no gas at the stove check the bottle has gas, the reg is letting gas through, jet isnt blocked.
Start at the beginning and see where gas isnt and there is your problem.
Most common fault is reg.

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Offline woftam

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Re: recomendation Alice Springs
« Reply #5 on: April 05, 2017, 05:31:26 PM »
Well spent a fruitless few hours going around town. Started with the two trailer places who advertised "all camper trailer repairs" but neither had a qualified gasfitter and therefore wouldn't touch it. Tried three plumbers (as they were all certified gasfitters as well) - no joy, not in their line of work. Called into Kleenheat who supply to see if they knew anyone - again no joy.
Ended up going to Desert Dwellers who offered to have a look but after multiple questions have offered the opinion it's probably the regulator and advised it's a $50 part and you don't need certification to replace it. So I'll probably go back in the morning for them to look.

UIZ733 unfortunately not an option as I'm going to be working in a remote community. The nearest sizeable town is Katherine and that is a days drive away.
Pete79 I hadn't thought of appliance repair places.
Chester I wasn't condemning him purely from one bad review, especially an internet one. I think you are right and I think people are a bit sensitive these days when told some home truths. I was more concerned about the pricing aspect. Interestingly no one I spoke to recommended him.
Glen have checked as best I can and as far as I can tell the gas doesn't get past the regulator.

Well we shall see what tomorrow brings.
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Offline marvellous_matt

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Re: recomendation Alice Springs
« Reply #6 on: April 05, 2017, 05:31:37 PM »
desert dwellers (elder st) did in the old store, not sure if they do in the new premises. One of the caravan places down off ross hwy have lots of caravan spares, but you might need to do the trouble shooting your self first, I don't think they do service.

Offline krisandkev

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Re: recomendation Alice Springs
« Reply #7 on: April 05, 2017, 06:33:25 PM »
Had to take our van to JC last year and I was amazed at their attitude.  Yes, they did complete repairs on our stove, but I had to bit my tongue a lot...  I don't know how they get any customers, just so rude.   Kevin
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Offline SEADOO

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Re: recomendation Alice Springs
« Reply #8 on: April 05, 2017, 07:08:59 PM »
It's like most places in the NT.

I've lived in Darwin and my dad lived in Alice.

Your standing there with your dick is in your hand and you don't have any other choice.

They will ream you up the back door and treat you accordingly.

Why, where else are you going to go, and they know it.
« Last Edit: April 05, 2017, 07:10:50 PM by SEADOO »

Offline woftam

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Re: recomendation Alice Springs
« Reply #9 on: April 06, 2017, 03:02:05 PM »
OK so I've been back to Desert Dwellers. Bloke had a quick look and confirmed what I was thinking - gas wasn't going any further than the regulator. Bought a replacement and some plumbers tape. Half an hour to swap it over, couldn't reuse the original bracket so had to fit the one that came with the replacement so that added a bit of time. All good I can cook again.

Quote
but I had to bit my tongue a lot...  I don't know how they get any customers, just so rude.
One of the people I spoke with yesterday referred to them as Mr & Mrs Pitbull. Said when he had no option but to refer people to them he felt really bad. So I am happy I have not had to make their acquaintance.

Quote
Your standing there with your dick is in your hand and you don't have any other choice.

They will ream you up the back door and treat you accordingly.
I lived and worked in Alice for 6 months back in 2012 and have stayed there for a few days multiple times when travelling in the NT. I have found most people genuinely helpful. For instance, with this issue I would say 80% of the places I visited at least took the time to listen and when they couldn't help offered suggestions and directions to somewhere they thought might. The other 20% just said "no, can't help".
Seadoo I have struck the attitude you describe on a couple of occasions but it was with issues where, as you say, you don't have any other choice. Where it has been an obviously "discretionary purchase" and they know you can walk away then attitude has never been a problem.
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