Flaking Upholstery

[Neal]

Too many stories I'm hearing of flaking upholstery and I'm not sure if it's limited to Flexsteel. I once thought it was a particular generation such as 2015 Newmar's but I'm hearing of it happening even in 2017's. The lesson I'm learning is taking extra precaution of the upholstery such as keeping the sun off of it (shades down) and treating with 303 or if anyone has something better. I'm just cautious of the sun and wear and tear. Use extreme caution with these upholstered items in coaches. Not sure how long it's been going on.

 

[CoreyinWP]

Know the problem well.

 

[CoreyinWP]

@FL-JOE Welcome to the new board! I believe I read you had your captains chairs replaced. Any chance you could post a picture of what the new ones look like. I am heading in the same direction.

Thanks

 

[Neal]

@CoreyinWP have you considered an interim cover up of sheepskin covers?

Blondie's Pit Stop | RV Sheepskin Seat Covers

blondiespitstop.com

 

[FL-JOE]

CoreyinWP, I'll have to investigate the whole pic posting deal on this forum. Our interior is white, even though the exact Flexsteel name of it is something a little different. It all has darker colored piping, similar to your photo.

The flaking was not nearly as bad as what yours is. Newmar agreed to replace driver's side which had the minor flaking. Since Flexsteel no longer had the darker colored piping Newmar agreed to just replace both seats at the factory. We were several months out of factory warranty.

The new seats look exactly the same as the old, until you examine them closely. The material is a much heavier grade and the whole seat cushion and back is much firmer that the original.

I think Newmar redid their specs to Flexsteel on these seats and that is why Newmar simply replaced my seats instead of recovering them. I suspect if I closely examined a 2020 Ventana I would find the exact same heavier material being used.

 

[Neal]

I'll have to investigate the whole pic posting deal on this forum

If you're using a computer/web browser just click the Attach Files button and select any and all pictures in one shot. If you reply then they will be added as attachments. But you can also click the option to insert the pictures inline as thumbnails or full size images. Explore and have fun, it's easy, very powerful.

 

[FL-JOE]

Thanks Neal for the tip. It was easy!!!!!

 

[CoreyinWP]

Thanks @FL-JOE . Look good, They still have the pebble texture I see. Still working on Newmar to replace mine

 

[FL-JOE]

We first noticed my driver's seat had a couple flaking spots around maybe last June or July. I contacted CS at Newmar and sent them photos in an email. It took them a few days to get back to me at first.

I would hope they would take care of yours 100% free of charge. You are the original owner, right?

 

[CoreyinWP]

I am not original owner. I am still hopeful!

 

[FL-JOE]

I would be hopeful that Newmar would step up since it is obvious there was a defect in the material.

 

[sheridany]

This is what is happening on my furniture. I have been talking to Newmar about it

 

[FL-JOE]

If you are the original owner I am guessing they will completely replace instead of sending it back to Flexsteel for a recovering job. If not the original owner then it will be interesting to see what they will do.

 

[Bill Hunt]

Too many stories I'm hearing of flaking upholstery and I'm not sure if it's limited to Flexsteel. I once thought it was a particular generation such as 2015 Newmar's but I'm hearing of it happening even in 2017's. The lesson I'm learning is taking extra precaution of the upholstery such as keeping the sun off of it (shades down) and treating with 303 or if anyone has something better. I'm just cautious of the sun and wear and tear. Use extreme caution with these upholstered items in coaches. Not sure how long it's been going on.

It’s not only Flexsteel, our 2017 Ventanna LE recliners are peeling. We have an appointment at Southaven RV in Southaven MS December 30 for replacements. Newmar stepped up but as far as I’m concerned it should never have happened.
It took 8 weeks for them to be delivered to the dealer.
I hope these will last longer than the originals.
I no longer drink the Newmar cool aid.

 

[Neal]

@Bill Hunt who is the vendor of your chairs? Isn't Flexsteel in yours too?

 

[Joe Hogan]

Too many stories I'm hearing of flaking upholstery and I'm not sure if it's limited to Flexsteel. I once thought it was a particular generation such as 2015 Newmar's but I'm hearing of it happening even in 2017's. The lesson I'm learning is taking extra precaution of the upholstery such as keeping the sun off of it (shades down) and treating with 303 or if anyone has something better. I'm just cautious of the sun and wear and tear.

It would be interesting to determine if it is UV exposure that is degrading the material. Or is it simply wear and tear. Or both. Some folks have no issue for years and years, others have problems fairly quickly. Of course without access to manufacturers fabric source and Lot numbers there is no way to determine if it is QC or some other reason.

 

[Bill Hunt]

@Bill Hunt who is the vendor of your chairs? Isn't Flexsteel in yours too?

Mine are Lambright. I’m in Memphis now to have both recliners replaced.
Southaven RV ordered them in October. Hopefully we’ll Be done quickly tomorrow because all they have to do is swap them out. We have reservations in Jackson MS tomorrow morning.

 

[Bill Hunt]

It would be interesting to determine if it is UV exposure that is degrading the material. Or is it simply wear and tear. Or both. Some folks have no issue for years and years, others have problems fairly quickly. Of course without access to manufacturers fabric source and Lot numbers there is no way to determine if it is QC or some other reason.

Mine were not due to UV exposure. My coach is always stored inside when not in use. Newmar said it was due to a bad batch of material.

 

[BGMAC]

We had the problem too. Not the best but my wife re did the seats for about $18 a seat for materials "scrap pieces". They are Flex-steel.

 

[Jim]

Wow, what a difference! She's a keeper!