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Old 11-25-2015, 05:18 PM   #1
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2013 Forester 3171DS Standard Options

I am looking at buying a 2013 3171DS and with a simple phone call, Forest River was great and provided me the original build sheet. A couple of questions that I am hoping someone can answer. I am sure that I seen an attachment somewhere that outlined what all came standard on the units, but cannot seem to find it now in my searches.

1) The VIN number is for a 2012 E450 cutaway chassis, but the dealer is telling me this is for a 2013 Forester. I understand the build time, so its possible the story makes sense, I just have never heard of this. Also, for financing through a bank, is this considered a 2012 (as I presume the title will be for a 2012 Ford) or for a 2013 model?

2) I have the original build sheet, but curious as to know what else is all installed on the unit outside of additional "paid" options. I won't be able to see the unit for probably a week, and if I can get enough information, I may give a down payment first to secure the unit. Things like Arctic Package (which i presume includes the heated tanks), seatbelts in the "kid-zone", airbags, etc.

3) Has anyone ever towed a decent sized boat with one of the 32' units. I have a 22' Yamaha boat (probably 4K - 5K lbs when fully loaded). I know the unit is certainly capable of it (I have a 2012 Winnebago access with the same engine). Obviously, the 3171DS has a fairly small CCC for such a large unit and would be curious to know actual owner experiences.

4) Finally, and thanks for staying around this long... Is there anything I have come to expect on my Winnebago Access 26Q that I will be losing if I make the move to a Forester 3171DS?

We were originally considering the Forester 2691S, but they seem very difficult to locate. The 3171DS was kind of our second choice, but apart from the boat, is probably even better for our type of travel and entertaining.

Thanks in advance,
Brian
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Old 11-25-2015, 10:23 PM   #2
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Answer to no. 1.

It is common for the chassis and coach to be different model years. The RV industry changes model years months before the automotive industry. I saw several like that when we were RV shopping. Our year model 2011 Sunseeker was built August, 2010 on a 2010 Ford chassis that was built June, 2010. In addition, the chassis may be on the lot for months before it is used.

Our DMV used the coach serial number since Forest River completed the vehicle.
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Old 11-25-2015, 10:35 PM   #3
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We have the 2016 3171DS and we pull a 20ft Searay cuddy cab, that weighs around 5000 lbs loaded with trailer. We live out west and have to pull one long grade getting out of the valley. Speed was down to 40mph. On the flat running around 65 mph, we really didn't know it was behind us.

Also, our chassis is 2015 and the coach is 2016. It was insured and registered as a 2016.
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Old 11-28-2015, 08:14 PM   #4
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Something to check is the towing weight for the E450 chassis, I beleive they recently changed it from 5000 lbs to 7600.
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Old 11-29-2015, 03:40 PM   #5
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This is link for a 2013 forester brochure, I have a 2013 sunseeker.
http://www.westernrvcountry.com/comm...es/mak7031.pdf
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Old 11-29-2015, 04:36 PM   #6
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Tow capacity

Quote:
Originally Posted by tlf65 View Post
Something to check is the towing weight for the E450 chassis, I beleive they recently changed it from 5000 lbs to 7600.
The Ford E350 chassis tow capacity is rated at 5,000 lbs, the F450 Chassis is rated at 7,500 lbs.
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Old 11-29-2015, 10:03 PM   #7
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I am not sure if Brian from Forest River, regularly reads these posts as he may be the only one that can help. That being said, if anyone else knows the answer, please feel free to assist. A Brian from Forest River (not sure if it is the same one or not that is on this board or not) provided me the build sheet for a unit I am looking at purchasing (but have not yet seen).

1). The build sheet shows an option 34–1178 which is for an outside entertainment center. The option was $315, so I'm quite certain there is no TV. Is this the exact same thing just with no TV installed?

2). It is a 3171DS that does not have the TV installed (on a swivel mount) above the bunk for viewing in the main area. Would all the wiring and connections be there in a place where a TV could just be purchased and installed with minimal effort to mimic the factory installation?

Thanks again,
Brian
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Old 11-30-2015, 01:05 AM   #8
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The 2016 is standard with a TV on a swivel in the overhead bunk. The outside TV is an option. Don't know what was standard for the 2013 year.
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