My RCI experience

[4OYOTER]

This is a review of my recent experience with RCI. I am NOT saying this was a terrible experience, but I am saying that I believe RCI has some room for improvement.

On April 19th I placed an order for a set of 5th gen sliders. I ordered them bare, as I was hoping to have them a bit sooner and not wait for powder coating. RCI’s website states approx. 1-3 week lead time. On Wednesday May 17th, I emailed Josh to inquire about my order. I received a quick response from Josh stating that my sliders were being built over the weekend and would likely ship on the following Monday (May 22nd).

Another week goes by without a shipping confirmation, so I email Josh again on May 29th. I told him its not a big deal, but that his website says 1-3 weeks and it has now been almost 5 weeks. I ask if it would be possible to have their 10% off Memorial Day promo applied to my order. I already used the 5% T4R code, so I was asking if it was possible to receive the other 5% for another $29.75 off. I do not receive an email back from Josh, until I receive an automated shipping notice on May 31st stating that my sliders were shipping. No response to my additional discount request. One of my sliders arrived on June 5th, and the other on June 6th.

I emailed Josh on June 6th with a few questions on my sliders. I wanted to make sure I received all my hardware. One of my boxes looked like it was accidently torn open during shipping, then taped back shut. This box had no hardware in it, while my other box had a bag of hardware attached to the slider. I also did not receive any instructions. RCI’s website states that instructions will be included. I still have not received an email back from Josh.

It took 6 weeks for my sliders to ship. This is double the statement made on RCI’s website. While I understand 6 weeks is not an unreasonable lead time in this industry, maybe RCI should update their website to better reflect an accurate lead time? If I purchased these during a group buy it would be a different story, but I did not. I also get the impression that Josh is selective in which emails he replies to. Some get a quick response, while others go without a reply. Yes, I could call and figure out the answers to my questions, but my schedule is busy and email is sometimes much more convenient. And yes, I’m sure I can figure out how to install the sliders without instructions and figure out if I have all the hardware myself. But, it is nice to be able to receive an answer from a company who built the product, before I begin the installation.

I will also add that some of the welds on my sliders don’t seem to look very clean. I am not a welder and know close to nothing about welding. But I did show the sliders to a few friends who weld. They said the welds ”Aren’t the best”, or “could be better”. I will attach a few pictures. If these welds are nothing to worry about, please disregard this portion of my review.

 

[Inv4drZm]

I'm glad you didn't feel the need to bash RCI, but instead just stated the facts. I'll agree, not the best experience.

With regards to the welds, you could tell they were done with inexperience or no expectation for good craftsmanship like they were done in a hurry. I could have welded them just as good, if not better.

 

[4OYOTER]

I'm glad you didn't feel the need to bash RCI, but instead just stated the facts. I'll agree, not the best experience.

With regards to the welds, you could tell they were done with inexperience or no expectation for good craftsmanship like they were done in a hurry. I could have welded them just as good, if not better.

Thanks for the reply. Do these welds question the durability/functionality of the sliders? Or is it merely cosmetic?

 

[Inv4drZm]

Thanks for the reply. Do these welds question the durability/functionality of the sliders? Or is it merely cosmetic?

I'm not a professional welder, but my guess is no. The filler plate has missed or thin welds, but it should still hold up. The out-of focus welds on the first picture look very inconsistent like they were welding blindfolded. There is enough weld area there, though, to make up for the inconsistency. Take a look at the backside of the mounting plates to inspect the size of the blue heat-affected zone, this will give you an idea of the amount of penetration the welds have.

Shorter answer, I suppose it probably does effect the strength, but to what degree? For normal use, you will be fine.

 

[4OYOTER]

Thanks for the info!

 

[4OYOTER]

I sent [MENTION=90834]joshp767[/MENTION] these pictures.. Hoping to at least get a response back.

 

[Presa Canario]

I sent [MENTION=90834]joshp767[/MENTION] these pictures.. Hoping to at least get a response back.

No updates?
I just got off the phone with RCI. I asked them if I ordered sliders and full skids if they would be ready and to me before I left for the weekend of the Summit. The guy told me it would be close, but yes I should have them. Reading this doesn't give me a good feeling.

 

[Utlityman]

I personally wouldn't be happy with the service for the lead time.Maybe and hopefully they'll hold up well during your exploration into the wilderness.The least he could've done was answered your email or perhaps made a personal call.Im sure the sliders weren't cheap and for service and quality like that I'd want my money back.Just my 2cents

 

[4OYOTER]

I personally wouldn't be happy with the service for the lead time.Maybe and hopefully they'll hold up well during your exploration into the wilderness.The least he could've done was answered your email or perhaps made a personal call.Im sure the sliders weren't cheap and for service and quality like that I'd want my money back.Just my 2cents

Agreed! I still haven't received any response..

 

[Wookiemonster]

you and me both, Was missing hardware in my order literally called dozens of times, left a voice mail and 2 emails and no one ever returned back. Said F it and bought the hardware myself, almost sent the sliders back, but with amount of time I waited initially and then would have to wait again for a different manufactuer , I felt Id be screwing myself over more then making a point. It is really frustrating with many of these companies, they just don't have the manning and it really makes for a terrible customer service experience....

 

[Utlityman]

Agreed! I still haven't received any response..

Just out of curiosity why did you not buy from C4 fabrication?they put out a really nice product that's well thought out and was a cinch to install. I love my sliders and they're welding is pretty nice as well.I had no problems with communication with them if I had a question they would get back to me the next day usually,anyway sorry to hear your experience was subpar to say the least.I almost bought there sliders and I'm glad I didn't the group buy came up and did some research and as they say the rest is history.

 

[4OYOTER]

For anybody wondering, I still have not received any response from RCI. I'm going to be in the market for skids soon.. I planned on getting more RCI armor, but will definitely take my business elsewhere after this experience.

 

[trailbikerider]

FWIW, I ordered a front 3/16" steel skid for my '02, and received shipping notification a couple days later. It was to my house within a week of ordering it.

 

[Drunner97]

I'll go ahead and throw my 2 cents in.

I've ordered stuff during 2 group buys, and once outside of a group buy.

The first group buy I had a hard time with the communication. I was waiting for my skids and sliders to get delivered in time for a trip and wasn't really getting a good response out of Josh. I did eventually get him on the phone once and got some answers. Skids showed up in plenty of time but since the 4th gen sliders were new there was a delay on getting them. I literally got them 3 days before my trip and still had to paint/install which I finally wrapped up the night before I was leaving. Wasn't the greatest communication, but whatever, I got my parts.

Second group buy went through without a hitch for the most part. I got my gas skid quickly. However I was also misshipped a skid for another vehicle. It sat in my garage for almost 2 months until I finally threatened to throw it on Craigslist if I didn't receive a shipping label for the return. That one was painful.

Third time was recently. I fully expected a 4 week wait on a powdercoated steel skid to replace the Aluminum one I recently destroyed by slamming into a boulder that I didn't see. I received the skid within 1 1/2 weeks of my order. No communication needed so no issues there.

While RCI's communication isn't the best, the prices and product are hard to beat.

That being said, your welds look like shit. Everything I've gotten from RCI looks way better than that.

 

[4OYOTER]

[MENTION=123332]Drunner97[/MENTION] thanks for your 2 cents. Apparently Josh has no intention of acknowledging my review. None of my emails or phone calls have been returned.