Service nightmare

[Ceveritt101]

Hey y’all, looking for some guidance here-
Bought a new Forest River a handful of months ago and took it in for minor repairs that fell under warranty. Long story short it was there for two months and when we reached out about a timeframe of when we could pick it up we got the run around about the service department not knowing if it was finished. We got it back last week and took it out and not one thing from our walkthrough had been fixed and to make matters worse, the toilet was installed incorrectly and instead of draining into the black tank it was filling up the underside of the trailer. I am shocked we are dealing with this and I am fearful for my two kiddos health (their room is right above the mess) should we use it moving forward. We don’t know what to do- if we give them the opportunity to fix it I do not trust them because of our experience with them “fixing” our trailer the first time. I’ve heard of others having to hire lawyers in order to have the entire trailer replaced but that seems like a tall order for the dealership. Any suggestions are welcomed!

 

[MapNerd]

Have a lawyer send them a letter. That usually gets things the proper attention and due diligence.

 

[Bob K4TAX]

From a corporate point of view, anytime a customer has their lawyer send the other party a letter or even threaten to do so by phone, it is most often immediately turned over to the corporate law department. They are experts at dragging things on for years.

The best suggestion is for you to put everything to your knowledge, every issue, and every concern, in writing and deliver it to the selling dealer with a copy to Forest River Customer Service. Be nice, professional, and patient.

 

[MapNerd]

From a corporate point of view, anytime a customer has their lawyer send the other party a letter or even threaten to do so by phone, it is most often immediately turned over to the corporate law department.

That part I agree with. I have had different experiences though in that I have usually found that their corporate lawyers told someone to do whatever I asked just because that is cheaper and it’s not worth their time to drag it out. As long as your demands are reasonable and follow some basic logic, I find it works in most cases

 

[Bob K4TAX]

Yes, in many cases it is better to "just pay it" than fight it. However, getting to someone that has the authorization to do that is often a challenge. Hence, the reason I suggested putting the issues in writing and sending or delivering to the dealer and to Forest River Customer service. It is Forest River that can put pressure on the dealer to "get things done".

 

[AbdRahim]

You can also, politely (really politely) suggest or ask if FR could return it to the factory and fix it themselves. They have a shop that does this.

 

[Kevin D Pem]

I would suggest as many pics as you can muster of the problems. Document with witnesses to the problems, and how long they have had your rig without addressing the issues. Join as many rv forums as you can find. Publish the problems with all those forums and let forest river know what you have done. Let them know you plan on weekly follow ups how things are advancing.

In your posts call others to action. Either they will work hard to fix the rig, will buy it back, or go broke with the bad reputation they deserve. I suggest this because it looks by your post you have been more than reasonable.

 

[Old Bubblehead]

Contact the manufacture customer service and see what they are willing to do. If there are manufacturing defects, such as the black tank drain issue, they should offer a path to restoration of use. Follow the guidance offered, catalog every defect and get agreement between parties on what is covered and how it will be resolved.

There is no set it and forget it solution to RVing. The state of play is the squeaky wheel gets the grease. The more a PIA you are the more urgency the dealer has to move you along. if you love your rig, want to be able to enjoy it next season, you will have to be hands on in a heavy way.

Best of luck

 

[Vinni]

Hello Campers. We ordered a new 2021 RockWood Ultra Lite 2882S. We used the retailer who offered the best price. Of course the closer to factory the better the prices are. Manufacture in Indiana retailer in Ohio. Ok bobtail to Ohio pickup 5th wheel coach Vacation for a month see sights comping on the way home. Well unfortunately we encountered some issues. (1) Window valances were either missing fasteners or had been stripped from being overnighted. Then they put screws in wall next to bracket to temporarily hold it to wall. (2) Glass stove cover hinge fastener fell out while traveling. (3) Refrigerator light doesn’t stay in wall of refrigerator Faulty tabs wont hold. Refrigerator also runs hot while in travel on propane 54+Degrees. (4) Sewer Black water valve doesn’t seal properly every time I remove cap outer a cup of raw sewage comes out. (5) Water pump switch in compartment Quit working. (6) The controller center A/C inverter Button on controller Doesn’t turn off or on the inverter. (7) Closets Doors are missing catches to hold them in place during travel. There are pilot holes in frame but no catches. Don’t no how long they are supposed to last. (8) Celling fan blade bracket broke while traveling. (9) Front compartment Led light switch has failed. (10) Protruding screws were LP Hose connects for outside grill. Ouch! (11) Trash and screws left in floor ductwork. (12) Wood trim at some cabinets stamped with excessive gaps Exposing raw wood. This leads one to question Quality Control? (13) Gouges in flooring covered up with Repair Tape to cover up. They missed one to. This is not a ranting. These are Factually documented with pictures. I believe that the factory is supposed to fix for the problems for the first year.

 

[Bob K4TAX]

Oh boy! Live and learn. As I've stated before "new does not guarantee good, only guarantees new". From experience, I would NEVER start out on a trip, vacation, or whatever with a new trailer, airplane, boat and etc. Always get it home, live with it a week or two at home where you should determine that any inconvenience would not be a trip or vacation killer.

Folks, I'm not bad-mouthing Vinni, for he did is what many would do. Please engage common sense before starting with a NEW whatever. Now he has a bad taste in his mouth for the nice new travel trailer, brand, model, or specific unit. I can't blame him.

Purchasing new, at the dealer, spend the number of hours {yes hours} going over every detail, with clipboard, pen, and camera in hand, and confirm every item or system works as it should. If it doesn't............usually there is a 3 day "right of rescission" clause in every contract. Leave it at the dealer until it is correct.

Just be sure it is perfect to your expectations before you tow it away from the dealer. Don't let your exuberance overshadow the event of getting a new travel trailer.

 

[Bob K4TAX]

Hello Campers. We ordered a new 2021 RockWood Ultra Lite 2882S. We used the retailer who offered the best price. Of course the closer to factory the better the prices are. Manufacture in Indiana retailer in Ohio. Ok bobtail to Ohio pickup 5th wheel coach Vacation for a month see sights comping on the way home. Well unfortunately we encountered some issues. (1) Window valances were either missing fasteners or had been stripped from being overnighted. Then they put screws in wall next to bracket to temporarily hold it to wall. (2) Glass stove cover hinge fastener fell out while traveling. (3) Refrigerator light doesn’t stay in wall of refrigerator Faulty tabs wont hold. Refrigerator also runs hot while in travel on propane 54+Degrees. (4) Sewer Black water valve doesn’t seal properly every time I remove cap outer a cup of raw sewage comes out. (5) Water pump switch in compartment Quit working. (6) The controller center A/C inverter Button on controller Doesn’t turn off or on the inverter. (7) Closets Doors are missing catches to hold them in place during travel. There are pilot holes in frame but no catches. Don’t no how long they are supposed to last. (8) Celling fan blade bracket broke while traveling. (9) Front compartment Led light switch has failed. (10) Protruding screws were LP Hose connects for outside grill. Ouch! (11) Trash and screws left in floor ductwork. (12) Wood trim at some cabinets stamped with excessive gaps Exposing raw wood. This leads one to question Quality Control? (13) Gouges in flooring covered up with Repair Tape to cover up. They missed one to. This is not a ranting. These are Factually documented with pictures. I believe that the factory is supposed to fix for the problems for the first year.

Actually, it is the dealer that is authorized and paid by the factory to repair any failed items during the warranty period. Of course the less "warranty money" the dealer spends on parts and labor becomes more money in the dealer's pocket. Hold the dealer's feet to the fire with documented writing and pictures. It is going to take time as they will be slow. Also, copies to Forest River Customer Service will let them know "their dealer isn't doing a good job".

I was associated with the marine boat business for years. I know how the game is played.

 

[Vinni]

Actually we stayed 1st night locally to retailer At the lake so that anything that was retailers responsibility could be and was addressed. I do believe the 1st year is manufacture responsibility. And we had a great vacation despite issues. Much easier vacation bobtailing SoCal to Ohio than dragging travel trailer all that way. How could anyone anticipate this? Reading forums Quality craftsmanship is a thing of the past.
also when a manufacture adds options Solar/inverter to a electrical system there responsibility is the system function is as per the owners manuals provided. Not the case due to mismatched system that doesn’t interface correctly.

 

[Vinni]

By the way we ordered this coach talking directly with manufacture about solar option. Can’t blame anyone at retail dealer. Bottom line they saved thousands compared to California retailer. So did we in fuel costs doing the bobtail thing one way.

 

[Bob K4TAX]

Without reading the dealer agreement, that is the agreement between the factory and dealer, it is usually defined it is the dealer's responsibility to repair or replace items under the warranty. It is not a Factory Warranty. Normally, the factory will hold back money to pay for dealer repair or warranty work. The factory is only responsible for what they built and/or supplied. Any options or accessories and "dealer prep work" added ex-factory is the responsibility of the dealer.

Appliances such as stove, AC, water heater, tires, battery, and such will each have a warranty separate from the travel trailer. Again it is the dealer's responsibility to make these things right.

 

[Vinni]

Not my problem. We ordered this coach all options were factory installed. Factory has warranty responsibility for the period of one year after delivery to retailer. Any warranty beyond the first year is purchased from 3rd party. Appliance warranty's at best are one year. But all are coach manufacture responsibility for period of one year. Retailer only installs LP tanks, Battery’s Hose kits,, dealer prep. Non of them are the issue. Before having anything done manufacture has to agree to pay for repairs. That is why it is so difficult to get a retailer who didn’t sell coach to work on it.

 

[Bob K4TAX]

Remember I wrote, that the agreement is between the factory and the selling dealer. And you said, "That is why it is so difficult to get a retailer who didn’t sell coach to work on it." Sorry to say but it is your problem. I hate to hear or read where anyone gets in the middle on a warranty issue.

 

[Old Bubblehead]

Wish you luck.

You can be totally right, and never achieve satisfaction.

All these dealers are dealing with multitudes of folks with varying levels of issues. Each customer believes they are priority number one. The warranty approval, claim, reimbursement processes vary by manufacture but all are usually described as onerous, inefficient, slow, and difficult.

Identify what victory looks like for you and manage your expectations following that path.

 

[Kevin D Pem]

No matter how you stack it, when the dealer signed the rig in for repairs he or his agents agreed to fix it. 2 months and no repairs? the owner of the rig is not being unreasonable, should not be bullied into thinking the dealer is right in any way. If there was any reason for the company to feel they would not be able to get it worked on in a reasonable amount of time they should have been upfront about scheduling the work.

Me thinks the company needs to be charged a fee for using this rig as a stage prop. It's very presents on the lot can mislead others into believing they are busy and being responsible.

 

[Vinni]

Remember I wrote, that the agreement is between the factory and the selling dealer. And you said, "That is why it is so difficult to get a retailer who didn’t sell coach to work on it." Sorry to say but it is your problem. I hate to hear or read where anyone gets in the middle on a warranty issue.

Hi Bob. So you wrote all the contracts between Manufactures and dealer. We’re do you find the time? Since most coaches sit on dealerships lots for months wildling down on any end users claim time for claim against manufacture responsibility. Question Bob is the manufacture responsible for assembly of components provided to dealer to function as a fully functional compatible system? Or is the dealer responsibility to make it right? What we have created here is known as the great escape for both parties. Dealers and manufacture. Not such a good job for the end user. PS. To all Go power and WFCO are not compatible to interface together “quote Per Go Power Rep” Call them. Notice in pictures how they left out the cable between inverter and controller. Yes the cable comes with inverter. Someone needs to make a state for what is right even when owners didn’t make that agreement. How about some end user opinions .

 

[Bob K4TAX]

For some 15 years, I handled warranty claims between the factory and dealer for a particular industry. On an international basis too, I might add. I was in the factory and dealt with the dealers. Many times the dealer didn't process the warranty claims, paperwork, and such. They ordered parts that were charged to their warranty account. When the warranty claims were processed by the factory, the dealer warranty account was credited. Unfortunately, if the dealer didn't do the paperwork and didn't file claims for the work, their warranty account hit a credit limit and the dealer could no longer get parts. They of course blamed the factory, telling the customer they couldn't get parts from the factory.

I would likely get a call from a very angry customer. I would look into it. That means call the dealer and have a firm discussion. Either the dealer resolves the customer issues or the factory would send a technical support person or team to resolve the issue and then bill the dealer. Trust me, the dealer didn't want any part of that deal as it was very expensive. I then called the customer and assured them the dealer would resolve the issues to their satisfaction. As to the factory, the dealers work between the factory and the customers. Factories build products and normally don't provide service.

I'm not down on dealers. On more than one occasion I spent time showing, teaching, and explaining to dealers how they could make good money doing service work, be it warranty or non-warranty. And how it makes for great customer relations. Both the dealer and the factory wins.

Yes, it is normally the selling dealer that confirms the final delivery configuration and gets the unit ready for the customer. This is referred to, in most cases, as "dealer prep". Someone pays, either the factory or the customer. It is one of those "fees" associated with the sales agreement. In other words, a fee to clean, check, adjust, repair, and assure all systems are working correctly. Of course, the less the dealer does, the more money in their pocket, and the customer is the one that suffers. Labor and parts cost money.

There are many different methods to fairly compensate the dealer for their work. In some cases, the factory will hold back money for the dealer to do warranty work.

But still, in automobiles, boats, airplanes, and many other items, the dealer is responsible to the customer. One exception is where direct sales take place. Meaning the customer buys direct from the factory and no dealer is involved.