My real irritation is that the Forest River Dealers (authorized warranty centers) don't want to do the work. They say I should take the rig bACK TO THE DEALER WHERE I BOUGHT IT -- that's a 9-10 hour drive (one way) from where I am temporarily set up. That dealer says he honors the warranty for units he didn't sell all the time. Forest River says the same thing. The only two local guys I talked to are giving me serious push back. I dropped it at one of them because he agreed to fix the A/C, the critical system failure, but will go through the original dealer for the rest when I get back from this trip.
Approx 6 months in, I have identified a handful of small issues and now one critical system failure -- the Air Conditioner. The little things are more irritation than real problems, and I have to give Forest River kudos for their customer service in authorization it all under warranty with no push back. To be fair, one problem may well have been my own doing. I owned up to that up front, but the factory rep covered it in the name of good customer service. So my only criticism of Forest River -- specifically the XLR series -- is that a six month old unit shouldn't have a half dozen problems already.
Here are the minor issues: Would like to hear from other Forest River owners -- especially XLR -- about the quality of their rigs.
(1) The main awning hand strap. While retracting the awning the strap handle broke (threads broke where it was sewed on to the strap) and I found myself holding just the strap in my hand.
(2) There are twin propane tanks with an auto-switching valve. After about half of the left tank is used, pressure tends to drop to a point where the hot water tank won't stay lit. It is no problem to relight, just doesn't always stay lit with the pilot-less ignition system. Result is I have to refill both tanks at least twice as often (or sooner) than I should have to.
(3) The propane auto-switch doesn't work. To use the right tank, I have to disconnect the left tank hose and reconnect to the right tank. Manually switching the valve to the right doesn't do anything. Once I reconnect, it works fine but again the problem at number two above comes in to play, and I can never use more than about half the tank.
(4) Mini halogen lights built in under some cabinets and in the top of the LR slideout. One appeared to burn out, but before I got around to replacing it (after a couple of weeks) it mysteriously started working again. Doesn't give me a warm and fuzzy!
(5) Trim around the 32" LED in the LR. Found it loose and said to myself -- Good, it's removable so I can easily get to the connections behind the TV. As soon as I handled it, however, it came off in my hand and I saw it was stapled to the cabinet with really short staples. Unacceptable workmanship and it makes we wonder what else is stapled on!?! I put it back with velcro and now I can easily get to the back of the TV. Should have come that way in my opinion.
(6) Gear crank system to raise and lower the digital antenna mast. Following my very first overnight stay, I thought I followed the directions as briefed by the dealer when I accepted delivery. Drove away and knocked it down on a low branch, snapping the mast. This is the one I probably screwed up. The factory warranty guy was quick to call in jammed gears and authorized the repair, so kudos to Forest River here. Lesson learned: Always include the roof line when I do the final visual inspection before towing anywhere.
Thanks, Bic Charlie
Racerguy said
09:59 AM Jul 17, 2010
Charlie,My Cedar Creek is a Forest River product.The only major problem I had was an axle problem which was repaired and improved upon by Forest River without a problem at all.The problem was pretty exclusive to 2005 to 2008 models and from what I have heard the 2010's like yours have a totally different and better setup.Getting a good Dealer is a crap shoot with any brand and I feel could be improved upon by Forest River themselves in an edict to the Dealers.In their defense they do make so many different brands it may be difficult but that doesn't help when you need to have something done.
I too have found a few minor "fit and trim" problems that I attribute to normal assembly line work( did that kind of work as a young man) that was missed by the final inspector.I have taken care of those myself like you did with the panel by the TV.We have been full time now almost 3 months and in talking to many people the ones who are honest have many of the same complaints even with some of the higher end units.I think we just have to remember Forest River caters to the lower end and middle price range area and go from there.You will find most people will tend to brag up their particular brand.Over all I am very satisfied with ours and would buy this brand again.You might try Googling your particular trailer and see if you can find a forum that is helpful.I found one that is Cedar Creek specific.Good luck and enjoy yourself.
p.s. been there done that on the antenna.I now listen for the clunk on the roof when lowering it then also do the visual.
-- Edited by Racerguy on Saturday 17th of July 2010 10:02:52 AM
NorCal Dan said
01:20 PM Jul 17, 2010
My instructor pilot taught me to do a final walk-around from a distance. I do the same thing with the RV. I can see the roof (sat dish/bat wing antenna's) as well as under (leveling pads/power cord). If I were close to the RV it would be impossible to see these items. I also do a walk-around whenever we stop, like a rest area. It never hurts to check the toad connections, tires, slide-outs, etc.
I did want to mention that the light bulb problem you noticed happens to me. I remove/re-insert the bulb, I think they rattle loose when we travel. If that doesn't help you can remove the fixture and check the wiring.
As for your problems, I can't imagine any rig that wouldn't have some issues in the first few months. Hope you find a good dealer to get the items on your list fixed.
Mallo said
05:16 PM Jul 17, 2010
I'm going to skip the Forest River portion of the program and go to the real meat of the issue.
Local dealers who only service units they sell.
When we bought our Hitchhiker I was told by the local dealer they would not service it as they didn't sell it. OK fine.
Nu Wa has been very good about working with me to find local service techs who can and will do warranty work on my unit even though those techs don't work for companies that sell Nu Wa product.
A lot of what goes into these units is made by someone else. Often only two or three companies supply the entire RV industry (Fridges come to mind) so any RV dealership and or RV service company can fix most of the things on your unit.
Heck if not for the fact that the repair is cheaper done at the factory the repair for the damage done to by front cap by a moving truck would of been done at a boat repair shop. (Cheaper by a lot to replace the front cap and yes insurance is paying but a stronger repair as well).
The only times a tech has worked on my unit with any association to the Nu Wa supply chain is when I'm at the factory.
Since Forest River is being co-operative ask them about taking it to a none Forest River dealer it's always worked for me.
Mallo
Terry and Jo said
03:19 PM Jul 18, 2010
Well, your signature says "Big Charlie" but your profile says "Jim", so I'm slightly confused.
(By the way, that is not a NEW condition.)
Oh, the high-dollar units have their problems as well. We got our Mobile Suites by DRV Suites on May 7 and took it back in on June 7 to fix the few problems that we had found with it. (At this point, the term "GE" is a new curse word.)
Another thing to consider. Take a look around your area for other RV repair facilities. For instance, we have one in Oklahoma City that is not associated with any kind of dealership. However, they were known of by a DRV factory rep that we got to know in our research process. It may be that once you find an unaffiliated repair facility, Forest River may recognize them to do your repair.
That said, it would really be a bummer to have to do that process if one were traveling all the time and needing repair facilities.
My wife, Jo, just suggested that perhaps we should all get acquainted with the factory reps for the products we buy. Then perhaps a quick phone call or e-mail would get a referral to an unknown (by us) dealership or independent facility. (I think I'll go put our rep's name in my cell phone.)
Anyway, good luck with the repairs. Just don't sweat the small stuff.
Terry
Luvglass said
06:05 PM Jul 18, 2010
I'm sure different manufacturers have different policies, but if you are going to full time and travel you can expect to have issues when you are nowhere near your dealer and maybe not even a dealer that carries your brand.
Carriages policy is for you to find a repairman or facility that can fix your problem and then call them for authorization. The 2 or 3 times we needed to do this during the warranty period were handled without problem or fuss. We've been traveling constantly and have never even been back to the dealer we bought from.
BTW, there are very few unique parts in any RV, and just about any certified RV tech can repair anything on any brand or model. You should see what your manufacturers warranty policy is. Hopefully it's not necessary to befriend anyone for favors.
K & E said
07:25 PM Jul 18, 2010
We are having a similar problem with our Jayco Designer. We are in Wisconsin but bought it from a dealer in Michigan because they had the model we wanted at the best price. We have had a number of small issues that needed to be covered under warranty. Our local dealer refused to do any warranty because we didn't buy it there. All Jayco dealers are required to do warranty work on any Jayco regardless of where it was purchased per their agreement with Jayco. However, I will not ask Jayco to force a dealer to do work after they give me attitude.
Gillettte Interstate RV in East Langing Michigan (where we purchased the unit) has been awesome with helping us. They have shipped a number of items to us and Kevin has just installed/replaced them himself. Now, our awning fabric is tearing and that's not something he can fix himself.
I have contacted the next closest Jayco dealer and have been waiting over a month for the fabric to arrive. I think I am getting the run-around. My next step is calling Jayco service and having them find me a dealer that will fix it in a timely manner. You can believe Jayco has heard from me how unhappy we are with the dealers in our area.
This is our 5th new Jayco. We have always been extremely satisfied with their products. After this, we will probably look elsewhere next time we buy. Good service is a must!
http://www.forestriverinc.com/nd/default22.asp?location=rv&unittype=&page=floorviewertt&model=305V10&choice=xlr&nav=rec&name=2907&series=XLRVFW
My real irritation is that the Forest River Dealers (authorized warranty centers) don't want to do the work. They say I should take the rig bACK TO THE DEALER WHERE I BOUGHT IT -- that's a 9-10 hour drive (one way) from where I am temporarily set up. That dealer says he honors the warranty for units he didn't sell all the time. Forest River says the same thing. The only two local guys I talked to are giving me serious push back. I dropped it at one of them because he agreed to fix the A/C, the critical system failure, but will go through the original dealer for the rest when I get back from this trip.
Approx 6 months in, I have identified a handful of small issues and now one critical system failure -- the Air Conditioner. The little things are more irritation than real problems, and I have to give Forest River kudos for their customer service in authorization it all under warranty with no push back. To be fair, one problem may well have been my own doing. I owned up to that up front, but the factory rep covered it in the name of good customer service. So my only criticism of Forest River -- specifically the XLR series -- is that a six month old unit shouldn't have a half dozen problems already.
Here are the minor issues: Would like to hear from other Forest River owners -- especially XLR -- about the quality of their rigs.
(1) The main awning hand strap. While retracting the awning the strap handle broke (threads broke where it was sewed on to the strap) and I found myself holding just the strap in my hand.
(2) There are twin propane tanks with an auto-switching valve. After about half of the left tank is used, pressure tends to drop to a point where the hot water tank won't stay lit. It is no problem to relight, just doesn't always stay lit with the pilot-less ignition system. Result is I have to refill both tanks at least twice as often (or sooner) than I should have to.
(3) The propane auto-switch doesn't work. To use the right tank, I have to disconnect the left tank hose and reconnect to the right tank. Manually switching the valve to the right doesn't do anything. Once I reconnect, it works fine but again the problem at number two above comes in to play, and I can never use more than about half the tank.
(4) Mini halogen lights built in under some cabinets and in the top of the LR slideout. One appeared to burn out, but before I got around to replacing it (after a couple of weeks) it mysteriously started working again. Doesn't give me a warm and fuzzy!
(5) Trim around the 32" LED in the LR. Found it loose and said to myself -- Good, it's removable so I can easily get to the connections behind the TV. As soon as I handled it, however, it came off in my hand and I saw it was stapled to the cabinet with really short staples. Unacceptable workmanship and it makes we wonder what else is stapled on!?! I put it back with velcro and now I can easily get to the back of the TV. Should have come that way in my opinion.
(6) Gear crank system to raise and lower the digital antenna mast. Following my very first overnight stay, I thought I followed the directions as briefed by the dealer when I accepted delivery. Drove away and knocked it down on a low branch, snapping the mast. This is the one I probably screwed up. The factory warranty guy was quick to call in jammed gears and authorized the repair, so kudos to Forest River here. Lesson learned: Always include the roof line when I do the final visual inspection before towing anywhere.
Thanks,
Bic Charlie
I too have found a few minor "fit and trim" problems that I attribute to normal assembly line work( did that kind of work as a young man) that was missed by the final inspector.I have taken care of those myself like you did with the panel by the TV.We have been full time now almost 3 months and in talking to many people the ones who are honest have many of the same complaints even with some of the higher end units.I think we just have to remember Forest River caters to the lower end and middle price range area and go from there.You will find most people will tend to brag up their particular brand.Over all I am very satisfied with ours and would buy this brand again.You might try Googling your particular trailer and see if you can find a forum that is helpful.I found one that is Cedar Creek specific.Good luck and enjoy yourself.
p.s. been there done that on the antenna.I now listen for the clunk on the roof when lowering it then also do the visual.
-- Edited by Racerguy on Saturday 17th of July 2010 10:02:52 AM
Local dealers who only service units they sell.
When we bought our Hitchhiker I was told by the local dealer they would not service it as they didn't sell it. OK fine.
Nu Wa has been very good about working with me to find local service techs who can and will do warranty work on my unit even though those techs don't work for companies that sell Nu Wa product.
A lot of what goes into these units is made by someone else. Often only two or three companies supply the entire RV industry (Fridges come to mind) so any RV dealership and or RV service company can fix most of the things on your unit.
Heck if not for the fact that the repair is cheaper done at the factory the repair for the damage done to by front cap by a moving truck would of been done at a boat repair shop. (Cheaper by a lot to replace the front cap and yes insurance is paying but a stronger repair as well).
The only times a tech has worked on my unit with any association to the Nu Wa supply chain is when I'm at the factory.
Since Forest River is being co-operative ask them about taking it to a none Forest River dealer it's always worked for me.
Mallo
(By the way, that is not a NEW condition.)
Oh, the high-dollar units have their problems as well. We got our Mobile Suites by DRV Suites on May 7 and took it back in on June 7 to fix the few problems that we had found with it. (At this point, the term "GE" is a new curse word.)
Another thing to consider. Take a look around your area for other RV repair facilities. For instance, we have one in Oklahoma City that is not associated with any kind of dealership. However, they were known of by a DRV factory rep that we got to know in our research process. It may be that once you find an unaffiliated repair facility, Forest River may recognize them to do your repair.
That said, it would really be a bummer to have to do that process if one were traveling all the time and needing repair facilities.
My wife, Jo, just suggested that perhaps we should all get acquainted with the factory reps for the products we buy. Then perhaps a quick phone call or e-mail would get a referral to an unknown (by us) dealership or independent facility. (I think I'll go put our rep's name in my cell phone.)
Anyway, good luck with the repairs. Just don't sweat the small stuff.
Terry
Gillettte Interstate RV in East Langing Michigan (where we purchased the unit) has been awesome with helping us. They have shipped a number of items to us and Kevin has just installed/replaced them himself. Now, our awning fabric is tearing and that's not something he can fix himself.
I have contacted the next closest Jayco dealer and have been waiting over a month for the fabric to arrive. I think I am getting the run-around. My next step is calling Jayco service and having them find me a dealer that will fix it in a timely manner. You can believe Jayco has heard from me how unhappy we are with the dealers in our area.
This is our 5th new Jayco. We have always been extremely satisfied with their products. After this, we will probably look elsewhere next time we buy. Good service is a must!
Good luck to you