Can a 2015 be a 2016?

[greytraveler]

We just brought home a Rockwood Ultra Lite 8280WS. It was sold to us as a 2016 model. After getting it home and looking it over I see a few differences between what we have and what is advertised as a 2016. Looking at the build date it shows April 2015.

I know units for the next year are often started the year before. But more like August or September, not April.

I have contacted the dealer and am waiting for a response.

Needless to say I am not happy. It seems one cannot trust anyone these days.

[Mountndream]

My 2015 was built in April 2014 and delivered in May 2014

[greytraveler]

Originally Posted by Mountndream

My 2015 was built in April 2014 and delivered in May 2014

Ok, but there are differences, subtle, but differences that the 2016 claims that are not on our rig.

But, thanks for your response.

[Mountndream]

Originally Posted by greytraveler

Ok, but there are differences, subtle, but differences that the 2016 claims that are not on our rig.

But, thanks for your response.

Np, 2015 21fbrs have black tank flushes...mine does not.. very bummed about that

[greytraveler]

Got a call back from the dealer and was basically told to lump it. Suggested I call Forest River. Now I need to get a number and email for them. First I need a cup of coffee.

Nuts.

[Oakman]

Originally Posted by greytraveler

We just brought home a Rockwood Ultra Lite 8280WS. It was sold to us as a 2016 model. After getting it home and looking it over I see a few differences between what we have and what is advertised as a 2016. Looking at the build date it shows April 2015.

I know units for the next year are often started the year before. But more like August or September, not April.

I have contacted the dealer and am waiting for a response.

Needless to say I am not happy. It seems one cannot trust anyone these days.

Nope, you are wrong about when next year's models. Almost all manufacturers begin building next years models in March and in some cases February.

[clr]

I would look at the yellow sticker on the side of your unit first, the sticker with the vin number. It also states the year of mfr on the tag.
Not all brands and modules change to the next model year at the same time. I know Prime Time changes model year towards the end of March or the 1st of April. So you were very close to the new model year I would think.

[Mr Havercamp]

Originally Posted by greytraveler

Got a call back from the dealer and was basically told to lump it. Suggested I call Forest River. Now I need to get a number and email for them. First I need a cup of coffee.

Nuts.

Whats the 10th digit on the VIN?

Built in April of 2015 it could of been a 2016. The 2015's would of started showing up April of 2014. The 2017's are showing up right now and will have a build date of April 2016. Your 10th digit of the VIN should be a G for 2016. The only designation of model year is 10th position of the VIN, not the build date.

As far as differences in between what you received and what is advertised not much you can do with that. They have disclaimers for that everywhere such as.....

"Product information, specifications, and photography on this website were as accurate as possible at time of publication. Photographs may contain some features that are optional on your vehicle. Since we continually strive to improve our products, actual products may differ. Prices and specifications are subject to change without notice. All capacities are approximate and dimensions are nominal."

[Oakman]

Originally Posted by greytraveler

Got a call back from the dealer and was basically told to lump it. Suggested I call Forest River. Now I need to get a number and email for them. First I need a cup of coffee.

Nuts.

You are wasting your time on a non-issue.

I bought a 2008 Wildcat in April of 2007. In September of 2007 major changes were made to the front cap design of the 2008 Wildcats. While my unit and later units were both 2008 models, the two side by side looked completely different. That's the way it has always been in the RV industry.

[Ejs4029]

Ordered a Rockwood 2703 in mid April of 2015 it was delivered in June of 2015 as a 2016 Model. 10th digit of the VIN is a "G"

[Mr Havercamp]

Originally Posted by Ejs4029

Ordered a Rockwood 2703 in mid April of 2015 it was delivered in June of 2015 as a 2016 Model.

Yes sir, 10th position of VIN is G=2016. I'm betting the OP has a G also.

[raspivey]

Been doing some research on this one and my past experience along with what I'm hearing is basically, if you're built before Aug. or Sept - ish, you have the last year's model with the current year on it. I just ordered a 2017 and, after looking at one on the lot, it's identical to the 2016 model made after September. Same exact thing on my 2014 that I bought in 2013 around June. Changes get made towards fall. Model years change in the spring evidently. It's kind of confusing. On the bright side, it helps resale value a little if you don't know what you're looking at.

[Oakman]

Sometimes this issue works in favor of the RVer. There are times when early models of a year might have standard equipment that, in a cost cutting measure, becomes optional or not available at all on later models of the same year.

Don’t give yourself a stroke over this. You bought your RV because you liked what you saw so quit worrying about what RVs produced later in the year have. No one screwed you and no one is trying to take advantage of you. Please take your Rockwood out and enjoy it.

BTW, my 2013 Silverback was built in February 2012.

[dustman_stx]

Your error is in assuming that RV's are like cars in that changes are only made with year model change overs. Not the case. RV's can and do get changes throughout the year. They depend heavily upon outside sources for components, for one thing. For another, construction techniques can be modified to speed up production, as an example. I just recently sold my Mom's 2014 Rockwood 2306 TT. The gentleman that ultimately bought it started measuring and looking it over at one point before telling me it wasn't a 2306. I firmly stated it most certainly was. He said that it couldn't be because it had a slanted entrance door to the bathroom whereas the new ones he'd been looking at were straight and the brochure showed it straight. It was a design change that had been made at some point that probably sped up the construction process- 90 degree angle walls are much quicker and easier to build.

[dustman_stx]

Another example- Our Puma TT that we purchased in February 2015 had a free standing table. Nothing on the brochure or the web indicated that was now standard- had always been an option. I hate free standing dinettes. Fortunately I have a great dealer that gave me 3 of the pedestal kits to change it (RVWholesalers, btw.)

[lbrjet]

Change over each year is in March. April units begin the next model year.


2010 F250 5.4L 3.73
2011 Flagstaff 831FKBSS
Equal-i-zer 4pt 12K

[F.R.O.G.]

Greytraveler, as several others have mentioned, model year changeovers generally begin in the spring, around March or April, and some components and features can change during a model year.

Further confusion can enter in the case of motorhomes, especially in Class C models. Federal law dictates that the model year of a motorhome is the completion model year. Because we have to order and receive chassis from various suppliers -- Ford, Chevy, Mercedes, Freightliner, for example -- to have them on hand to build, it's entirely possible that a 2017 motorhome can be built on a 2016 chassis. By law, it's a 2017 model.

If you'd like more specific information on your Rockwood trailer or fifth wheel, you can call Doug Fought in Rockwood's sales division at (574) 642-5165.

[Oaklevel]

Here ya go.........

All information contained on this web site is believed to be accurate at the time of publication. However, during the model year, it may be necessary to make revisions and Forest River, Inc., reserves the right to make all such changes without notice, including prices, colors, materials, equipment and specifications as well as the addition of new models and the discontinuance of models shown on this web site. Therefore, please consult with your Forest River, Inc., dealer and confirm the existence of any materials, design or specifications that are material to your purchase decision.


Our 2013 was built March or April of 2012..............

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by Oakman

Nope, you are wrong about when next year's models. Almost all manufacturers begin building next years models in March and in some cases February.

x2

Yep, you are incorrect.
Just like the Auto industry. 2017 autos/trucks will start being manufactured this year.

All RV manufacturers have a disclaimer on their brochures and websites, that states there may be changes done at any time of the year.

[greytraveler]

OK, OK, thanks all. My mistake for thinking there some logic behind what the industry does. Well, there may be but it is what it is. And changes throughout the year does explain a lot. My fault for assuming consistency and not checking more closely the details.

To their credit the rig seems to be well thought out with some nice features not in other manufacture's even at higher prices.

So, thanks again for all the responses to a cranky old man.

GT

p.s. after a few days of nice weather it now snowing hard with at least two inches of the stuff on the deck. Another assumption on my part that summer was coming.