Flexsteel exit

[MapNerd]

Nice job @BGMAC . That came out really well.
We’re still a ways out from doing it and would only do so if we plan to keep the coach for a long time. Kind of waiting for them to get so stained or torn up that we can’t look at them anymore.

Right now it’s sort of the situation where we know it’s there and it bothers us, but no one else does unless we point it out to them.

Currently, we think we somehow lucked out and bought our last coach first, or at least one that we’re going to drive til the wheels fall off. Assuming we still feel that way 2-3 years from now, we’ll bite the bullet and have a shop do it.

 

[Neal]

@MapNerd my boat had light colored upholstery and I'm OCD and hated keeping it clean. I changed the upholstery color in my VTDP for this reason, wish I would have stayed with the creme color though, it would look better but then again, that OCD problem. I could never get the leather cleaned but my detailer did. He used a mix of oxy and water I think it was. I also used a magic eraser at times, some say it can be a little abrasive to use caution, but it's an option. I'm no expert in cleaning anything!

 

[MapNerd]

@Neal oxy is a good thought. I was also going to look into getting a small steam cleaner that would work for leather. Maybe that would help too. Magic Eraser is an interesting idea as well. Can’t hurt so we’ll give it a shot.

If I were smart, I would have bought a couple cans of leather scotch guard and sprayed em down on day zero.

 

[MapNerd]

Stumbled across this video today. The google box always knows what’s on my mind. I don’t know that I’d do it but it was certainly an interesting watch...

 

[NWIP]

“Interesting announcement as Newmar has agreed to replace all my furniture coach due to the ongoing issue material flaking. This condition has been going on for over 5 years and still not resolved. I don’t know how this is profitable for Flexsteel as they have to cover the cost of replacement or Newmar as they have the labor cost of replacing. Now I have to wonder what happens when the new furniture has an issue?“

UPDATE-I was informed that with Flexsteel’s departure from RV business, Newmar is looking for alternative to fill their orders. Once Newmar makes a final decision they will advise me of my options in having furniture replaced. Looks like replacing with Flexsteel is no longer an option which doesn’t really bother me.

 

[TJ&LadyDi]

That's encouraging, @NWIP. I'm guessing that Newmar finally got to the point where dealing with Flexsteel was simply a no-win situation. That will probably put a dent in Flexsteel's bottom line, if not a large hole that may sink the ship.

TJ

 

[Neal]

It may also be that Flexsteel is no longer going to supply Newmar with any backfill and Newmar is going to have to bear the burden. I'm just hoping that future Newmar owners never have to deal with this flaking saga again.

 

[MapNerd]

“Interesting announcement as Newmar has agreed to replace all my furniture coach due to the ongoing issue material flaking. This condition has been going on for over 5 years and still not resolved. I don’t know how this is profitable for Flexsteel as they have to cover the cost of replacement or Newmar as they have the labor cost of replacing. Now I have to wonder what happens when the new furniture has an issue?“

UPDATE-I was informed that with Flexsteel’s departure from RV business, Newmar is looking for alternative to fill their orders. Once Newmar makes a final decision they will advise me of my options in having furniture replaced. Looks like replacing with Flexsteel is no longer an option which doesn’t really bother me.

I got the same response in regards to replacing my drivers chair because the footrest doesn’t (and never has) worked properly. They said they were consulting with a local shop which I assumed to mean the company that is replacing Flexsteel. I can’t recall their name at the moment but it was in the 2021 model announcements.

Anyway, the real question is what that means for replacements. I had my dirvers chair repaired at North Trail once already. The repair didn’t last a day and it’s been broken since FPU. I am now insisting on a replacement of that chair. But if they can’t get it from Flexsteel, doesn’t that mean they can’t match the fabric?

if that’s true, I see a whole lot of Flexsteel furniture being replaced throughout a whole lot of coaches.

 

[Neal]

Sorry Newmar, this problem has been around since 2015 and you made no changes to correct the problem. You should eat this and fix it.

 

[FL-JOE]

Newmar (or Flexsteel) replaced our two front seats at about the 20 month mark due to flaking on the driver's seat. The different color piping was "unavailable" so even though the passenger seat hadn't started flaking yet they replaced them both so they would match.

What worries me now is what happens in year 4 or 5 when the rest of the Flexsteel furniture starts flaking in the coach?

 

[MapNerd]

What worries me now is what happens in year 4 or 5 when the rest of the Flexsteel furniture starts flaking in the coach?

That’s one of my main concerns which is why I’m aiming to get them to replace it all if they can’t replace the drivers chair and match the fabric. Did I mention the co-pilot chair is also showing signs of imminent failure?

 

[sheridany]

Well this is going to be interesting as Newmar is replacing the furniture in my coach next week. I may be SOL if it fails again. Given how long it took to get the furniture made shipped etc, (months) I may opt to have it recovered at an RV furniture shop as I doubt Newmar will replace it again since I am out of warranty.

 

[FL-JOE]

That’s one of my main concerns which is why I’m aiming to get them to replace it all if they can’t replace the drivers chair and match the fabric. Did I mention the co-pilot chair is also showing signs of imminent failure?

I'm thinking you would have some leverage with a 2020 model. When we were at the factory last year I'm guessing over a third of the units there for service had one or more pieces of furniture being replaced. I didn't personally speak with any of those coach owners but I would have a hard time believing they were all paying for the replacements.

 

[ARD]

@TJ&LadyDi I plan on having a discussion about that but not real optimistic. When I did build sheet back last year I asked about getting Villa as their recliners fit tall people better and I was told not a chance. I think it’s one of those things Newmar does for model distinction.

Hopefully, Newmar will take care of you. When I talked to Midway RV I was told the 2021 Dutch Stars will have the Villa furniture. The luxury line will also have Villa, but a mo betta Villa.

 

[ARD]

That's encouraging, @NWIP. I'm guessing that Newmar finally got to the point where dealing with Flexsteel was simply a no-win situation. That will probably put a dent in Flexsteel's bottom line, if not a large hole that may sink the ship.

TJ

Actually, it was my understanding Flexsteel said they were going to stop supply in the middle of Newmar's production and Newmar was sent scrambling to find alternate supplier.