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Old 06-23-2015, 04:12 PM   #1
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Berkshire Elkhart plant

The wife and I arrived in Elkhart last night for our appointment today at FR plant to install the slide plates on the underside of the wardrobe slide before the underside went to hell. Met with Randy first thing this morning as he was waiting for me. He asked if there were any other issues they could address while they had the coach. I mentioned the kitchen slide was acting funny the last few times we closed it. Then I asked about the mystery of the front entrance door an how it stays open? needless to say they fixed it all. In addition, a few weeks ago I was closing the dinette slide and left the AV door open. "Numbnuts", that's me, crushed the door beyond all recognition. Randy put me in touch with Andy Thompson the FR parts guy. $48 and change later a new door was ordered and they even installed that today. They even threw in an extra water filter, some of the door closers/locks and a couple of new tread pieces for the entry steps. All said, 1-1/2 hours later we were on the road.
We went back to the facility at 2:00pm for a tour with the plant General manager Dave. Fascinating to say the least, fabrication and assembly is very labor intensive. They complete 7 units per week in a 5 day work week. And the workers are busting their humps.
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Old 06-24-2015, 08:58 AM   #2
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Paul,

Completely agree on the plant in Elkhart, IN. I was there a couple weeks ago and took a tour with Bill Murray. Very impressive in terms of productivity based on the size of the workforce and plant. Did they happen to show you the Berkshire 38B prototype?
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Old 06-24-2015, 10:01 AM   #3
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Great to hear about the good service at the plant. I know the tour would really be something to see. We are going to the FROG rally in Goshen and are scheduled for a plant tour. Can't wait. Later RJD
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Old 06-24-2015, 10:23 AM   #4
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great to hear..
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Old 06-25-2015, 07:19 PM   #5
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What was the fix for keeping the front door open.

When mine was new it used to stay locked open, now it doesn't. Glad to hear Randy fixed you up.
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Old 06-25-2015, 07:27 PM   #6
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Take a flat head screwdriver and spread the bushing on the top bracket. Click image for larger version

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Old 06-25-2015, 07:31 PM   #7
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Thanks Phil, I'll try that tomorrow.
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Old 06-25-2015, 07:32 PM   #8
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No problem. It seems I need to do that ever year or so.



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Old 06-25-2015, 07:39 PM   #9
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Actually, there is a plastic insert that goes in that space that keeps it secured. Contact Andy Thompson at FR and he'll ship it to you.
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Old 06-25-2015, 08:09 PM   #10
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Take a picture if you would. Mine has never had anything other than what is showing in the picture. Warren at the factory showed me how to just open that bushing up a little to keep the door open. I think that bushing is steel of some grade not plastic. Are you saying it is a part that goes over that bushing?



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Old 06-26-2015, 04:12 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Phil57 View Post
No problem. It seems I need to do that ever year or so.

It was an easy fix, thanks again Phil.
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Old 06-27-2015, 07:16 AM   #12
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I wouldn't mess with that bushing. It doesn't float (at least on mine) and is pinned to the post. My bushing broke without me even doing anything to it. Had to replace the total bracket. Even when it works, it isn't that good. Wind can easily over come it and close the door.
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Old 06-27-2015, 12:35 PM   #13
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My bushing floats, I can spin it a little back and fourth. If there is another bushing that attaches I would like to see it so I can get one.

I don't think it's made to keep the door open in winds, it's just to keep it open for loading unloading or if you have your screen door in use.
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Old 06-28-2015, 09:32 AM   #14
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I tried throwing an O-ring on the door bracket pin, that didn't help. There, I saved you guys 20c.

I need to get the underside plates installed on my Kitchen slide. Even though Elkhart is 1000 miles away, I've been strongly considering making a road trip out of it.

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Old 06-29-2015, 06:24 PM   #15
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I took the bracket completely off and used a vice to tighten up the slot the pin slides into. Has helped a bunch but as someone said I think a strong wind will still close it.
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Old 06-30-2015, 06:39 AM   #16
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Send Andy Thompson, at FR an email and ask him what part on the hinge bars that holds the door open. Athompson@forestriverinc.com. Andy is very responsive to emails.
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Old 07-05-2015, 10:45 AM   #17
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So this is a fix to keep the door open?
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