Utralux Leather

[Jim]

Is Utralux leather real leather? Or is is the stuff that is pealing in so many of the FlexSteel couches?

 

[J&JD]

Is Utralux leather real leather? Or is is the stuff that is pealing in so many of the FlexSteel couches?

Hi Jim,
As you have probably read, we had the peeling seat problem in our 17 DS. We are not full timers, and take very good care of the coach. Newmar replaced all after 2 years with the same crap, and of course it started peeling again. I do not know what the covering was. Our furniture is FlexSteel, so I do not know about Villa, but I am sure they are not using real leather as a base material in most coaches. Our first coach had UltraLeather upholstery, and after 11 years, there was just a bit of wear on the driver’s seat arm. UltraLeather is also manmade, but is very durable, and thusly more expensive. We just re-did the furniture at Bauer Upholstery in Iowa on our way home from the east , and are so happy to have Ultra Leather again. Hopefully Villa is using something at least a little better Judy

 

[Jim]

So Ultra leather is good, yes?

 

[J&JD]

So Ultra leather is good, yes?

It has done very well for us, and worth the extra money. I find it ridiculous for rv manufacturers to use cheaper fabric that often needs replacing. Just be sure you are getting the real thing. When you are selecting the shade, go to the UltraFabric site, and then to their UltraLeather section, and see if the names match. Judy

 

[bpaikman]

“Bonded” leather is a synthetic upholstery material made from animal skin. Essentially, they take actual leather scraps, crush them to a pulp, and then glue them together. There are no standards in place regarding how much leather (or what sort) must be present to qualify for the “Genuine Leather” brand on imported items, owing to lobbying rather than enthusiasts.
Unfortunately, many individuals buy leather items believing it to be genuine while, in fact, it is a bonded substance. These products eventually fracture and peel. This peeling and flaking is unattractive, and unfortunately, there are no effective treatments.

We always buy our motorhomes used and we've seen this frequently on motorhomes manufactured after 2012 or so. We sold our 2006 dp when it was 12 years old with 80+K miles, and the captain chairs and cloth sofa and chairs were still in excellent condition. But I have seen relatively new coaches with less than 40,000 miles and the peeling leather. "Spray on leather".

 

["EZ"]

We had our captain's chairs rebuilt using closed cell foam and covered in ultra leather that matched our new floors and carpet. We couldn't be happier with the material! It's been 3 years now and so far so good. No peeling. Still looks like brand new. Ours was installed by Classic Coach Works in Ormond Beach FL. I can't imagine them using a product that was going to peel down the road. They would go broke replacing all the seat covers!! They do HUNDREDS of coach's per year and have been in business for decades. Talk to Alan Williams the owner. 386-944-9716

 

[Jim]

So I'm just hours away from making a decision on a 2018 Dutch Star 4327 and I'm still concerned about the leather. The build sheet states "Flexsteel Ultralux Leather" but given Flexsteel's lack of accountability, I'm concerned that this may be the crap that has disappointed so many in the past.

Is there anyone who has what was advertised as Ultrlux Leather, that has had the pealing problem?

 

[J&JD]

So I'm just hours away from making a decision on a 2018 Dutch Star 4327 and I'm still concerned about the leather. The build sheet states "Flexsteel Ultralux Leather" and given Flexsteel's lack of accountability, I'm concerned that this may be the crap that has disappointed so many in the past.

Is there anyone who has what was advertised as Ultrlux Leather, that has had the pealing problem?

I looked through all of our paper work, and did not find the term Ultralux. Of course, ours is a 17. However, since it is still Flexsteel, it is definitely possible that there could be some issues in the future. However, if you really like the coach otherwise, and the price it right, you could negotiate that issue. Our bill at Bauer Rv Upholstery was $4300 to completely re-do everthing, and was done in 2 days since she has all the Flexsteel patterns. the UltraLeather looks, and feels great. Judy D

 

[Neemer]

@Jim, I suggest giving Lisa Bauer a call and discussing your concerns with her. She should know everything about Flexsteel and Newmar’s furniture coverings.

 

[sheridany]

@Jim Just do it.

 

[Jim]

@Jim Just do it.

lol, thanks Sheridany, and Neemer. But I'm not a "just do it" kind of guy when it comes to buying a motor home. Everything either makes sense, or makes money, or it doesn't happen.

But that being said, I hope this deal comes together cuz I really do like this MH.

Part of the problem is the rig is being sold out of Phoenix Arizona, and somewhere along the line, some greedy politician decided they needed to charge out of state buyers another 3% of the sales price. Presumably so that they could fund their states expenditures. Hell, I don't even live in that state, so I'm a bit irritated that they would expect me to fund their operations.

So in my case, I'll have to spend another 9K for the privilege of buying a MH simply because is being sold in Arizona. And I'm just not going to do that! So the dealer has to either eat the tax, or we split it, or I cave and absorb it myself.

And with $9 a gallon diesel looking us in the face over the next couple of years, I can assure you that I'm not going to be the one that caves. . . .

 

[sheridany]

@Jim I would be first to tell you that you should wait. There will better deals coming down the road maybe right near you. We have seen this before in 2008 and I expect there will be even more opportunities. Just my opinion.

 

[Jim]

@Jim I would be first to tell you that you should wait. There will better deals coming down the road maybe right near you. We have seen this before in 2008 and I expect there will be even more opportunities. Just my opinion.

Yes sir, I agree. In two years this RV will be selling at a fraction of todays costs. And I'm in no hurry.

But that being said, it really is a nice motor home. lol

 

[Neal]

There is no doubt that coach has Flexsteel - they may be putting something in an ad to avoid this fact, I haven't reviewed anything you may have provided link wise, just reading the thread.

Buying now is a hard NO for me. People are still trying to capitalize on where they could have been 3 months ago. Ain't gonna happen. NO one should be buying now in my opinion, not even NEW. Wait for the end of the year and revisit the opportunities. While time is no guarantee, we have to live our lives now, otherwise I would be cancelling my upcoming trip I really don't want to go on for fuel prices, but we must move forward so for those that feel the need to do it now, I support you, go for it. If you can wait, wait, we are in a decline as you all know, great deals are ahead. I've bought great things in economic declines, wait for the buyers market, we're still in the remnants of a sellers market, at least sellers want to believe that and will try.

As to the tax situation, in some places they can be delivered across a border to avoid a sales tax by the dealer, you'd then pay the tax in your state on registration. Always remember you was the buyer makes the decisions, not the seller. If they want it sold they'll go the extra mile to capture the sale.

 

[GlampDaddy]

Jim, that's a beautiful coach! And the price seems to reflect economic hard times on the part of the seller. Maybe you will find one just like it for less money next year...maybe not.