Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 03-21-2016, 12:00 PM   #1
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 1
I'm so disgusted, I made a big mistake!

When does Forest River model years change over? We bought a Rockwood 8311WS from dealer stock. It was listed as a 2016. Now I realize the floorplan is a 2015 and is not the same as what is shown on the website for a 2016. Forest River built a 2015 and played with the numbers and vin and called it a 2016. I did not realize until we got the trailer home last weekend. Then I saw pictures of the trailer on the dealer website with green leaves on the trees in the background. So, it can be no later than September, the trailer must have been built last August at the latest. It sat on the dealer yard for 5 months through a hard winter, and it shows. Rust showing on any metal parts/frame. I can't find a build date on any of the paperwork. Oh, and the quality . . . it must have been built on a Friday afternoon. Already warranty issues that dealer is trying to get resolved with Forest River. I feel like I just took a gut punch on this trailer. Have not made the first payment yet and I'm wishing some would take it off my hands. I don't feel like I got a new trailer.
vic743 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-21-2016, 12:09 PM   #2
Phat Phrog Stunt Team
 
TURBS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Iowa
Posts: 34,507
I'm so disgusted, I made a big mistake!

Late 15's are built as new 16's until they change to 16 floor plans, nothing new


Any car or truck sold after the 6th month is considered the next model year.


2008 2500hd Duramax
2015 Columbus 320RS
2016 nights camped "0"
2015 nights camped "34"
TURBS is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-21-2016, 12:12 PM   #3
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 248
The build date on my Heritage Glen is on a plate on the left side towards the front by the weights of the trailer.

I also noticed there are 2 different models for every year. I looked at. 2016 Heritage Glen in September on dealer lot and ended up ordering a 2016 from the factory and there are several differences between the 2.


Eastlake, Ohio
2013 F-350 Turbo Diesel
2016 Heritage Glen 368rlbh
Dinostop is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-21-2016, 12:12 PM   #4
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,219
I'm so disgusted, I made a big mistake!

I have a build date on one of the outside weight stickers. The change over is in March most every year, meaning anything built after 4/1/15 or so would be a 2016. Floor plans can change at any time, not just at model year change overs.


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

2011 Flagstaff 831FKBSS
2010 F250 4X4 5.4L 3.73 LS
EQUALIZER E4 1200/12000
lbrjet is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-21-2016, 12:14 PM   #5
Phat Phrog Stunt Team
 
TURBS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Iowa
Posts: 34,507
I'm so disgusted, I made a big mistake!

Oh, never go by a brochure!
Build date is on yellow sticker on left side of unit.

2008 2500hd Duramax
2015 Columbus 320RS
2016 nights camped "0"
2015 nights camped "34"
TURBS is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-21-2016, 12:23 PM   #6
Site Team
 
Flybob's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 15,266
If you look at any of the literature, it says subject to change without notice. You said you purchased from a dealer lot so I assume you looked at the unit and liked the floor plan before you said yes to the deal, if the vin says 2016, then at trade time it is a 2016, Because of sentence one, even if ordering new from the factory based on a brochure, you can not always be guaranteed it will look like that when you get it. Don't ruin what could be good camping experience over this. Just as in TVs and autos, model years don't change on Jan1.
__________________

2015 Freedom Express 248RBS
TV 2015 Silverado HD2500 Duramax
TST Tire Monitors
Honda 2000I + Companion
2 100W solar panels
Flybob is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-21-2016, 12:38 PM   #7
Senior Member
 
BamaBob's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Whereever our Berkshire is Parked!
Posts: 7,082
Quote:
Originally Posted by vic743 View Post
When does Forest River model years change over? We bought a Rockwood 8311WS from dealer stock. It was listed as a 2016. Now I realize the floorplan is a 2015 and is not the same as what is shown on the website for a 2016. Forest River built a 2015 and played with the numbers and vin and called it a 2016. I did not realize until we got the trailer home last weekend. Then I saw pictures of the trailer on the dealer website with green leaves on the trees in the background. So, it can be no later than September, the trailer must have been built last August at the latest. It sat on the dealer yard for 5 months through a hard winter, and it shows. Rust showing on any metal parts/frame. I can't find a build date on any of the paperwork. Oh, and the quality . . . it must have been built on a Friday afternoon. Already warranty issues that dealer is trying to get resolved with Forest River. I feel like I just took a gut punch on this trailer. Have not made the first payment yet and I'm wishing some would take it off my hands. I don't feel like I got a new trailer.
Vic,

Which Forest River RV did you buy?
__________________
Bob & Anne-Marie [BamaBob & 6 Actual]
| 2017 Berkshire XLT 43A with Ultrasteer Tag | Blue Ox Avail + KarGard II |
| SMI AF-1 Air Brake | 2016 Jeep Cherokee Overland TOAD | Pedego Bikes |
Nights Camped: 2013 - 242014 - 422015 - 56Jul 2016 - Fulltime
BamaBob is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-21-2016, 12:42 PM   #8
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Franklin County, PA
Posts: 3,522
I'm so disgusted, I made a big mistake!

I purchased my GreyWolf 26rr in August of 2015 off the dealers lot. He offered us that we could order one from factory but would be much later in delivery date. We were anxious and liked the one we bought.

In September I looked at the units the dealer ordered back in July when he would have ordered ours if we went that route, and there were many little things different between the two units.

I think the manufacture has basic plans but they will use what they have available. So if they ran out of any old supplies they will start using New Years parts. If they have leftovers parts from previous years they will use those up first.

Our dealer told me he could put an order in for two or three units at the same time and when they come in they most likely will not be 100% alike due to above explanations. They could be the same or they may have slight variations. That's why he said if we really liked everything about the one on the lot to get that one because he could not guarantee the ones he ordered would be the same. We know now that was not just a sales pitch.

I'm glad we got the one we did. I would have been happy with the one that was slightly different but we are happy with the one we got.
__________________
2019 Puma XLE 27QBC Toy Hauler
2005 Honda VTX 1300
2002 Goldwing 1800GL CSC Trike
2020 Ram 2500 Crew cab 6.5 bed

Ron & Shirley (Empty Nesters)
rmac04401 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-21-2016, 12:42 PM   #9
Georgia Rally Coordinator
 
aceinspp's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: GA
Posts: 24,355
You bought it with a floor plan you liked so just cause it's is a 2016 with 2015 floor plan should not be an issue. Most new vehicles bought hardly change in out side appearance or interior but every few years. Just change build date. I would just go with what you got and enjoy your camping. Later RJD
__________________
2020 Shasta Phoenix SPF 27RKSS (sold)
2018 Dodge Ram 2500 6.4 3:73 gearing. Traded 2015 Chevy 2500 6.0, 4:10
Traded 2015 30WRLIKS V-Lite
Days camped 2019 62
Days camped 2020 49 days camped 2021-74 2022-40 days 2023 5 days
aceinspp is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-21-2016, 12:48 PM   #10
Senior Member
 
The_Rhino's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 670
I always double-check the model year & VIN before signing... For one car they entered the VIN incorrectly so hard-telling what mess that would have created...

Quote:
Rust showing on any metal parts/frame.
FR uses frames that have rust from day one because the frames sit out in the elements for months/years before assembly, the paint is inadequate, and people keep buying new TTs with rusty frames anyway... One of the reasons we bought our used TT vs. new was because new TTs had about the same rust as our 3 year-old TT...

Also, I prefer buying off the lot & having my pick of the litter vs. ordering one to be built... Even though you may not get the latest/greatest update you know what you are getting from your thorough inspection. I spent 2 hours looking-over our TT before making an offer & we spent another 2.5 hours having the PDI done. During the PDI they dealer addressed all of my concerns & we left the lot happy campers - pun intended!

We have now had 2 years of trouble-free camping although I need to fix my fridge before year 3 begins...
__________________
2011 RAM 2500 ST Crew Cab 5.7 Hemi
2011 Primetime 3150BHD Touring Edition
Days camped in 2018-25
2017-31; 2016-36; 2015-37; 2014-31

The_Rhino is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-21-2016, 12:48 PM   #11
Senior Member
 
JustB_Rad's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 677
I bought a 2016 in June of 15...and of course the late 16's have some nice options I wish I had. If I had waited til now, I'd have those options, but of course the 2017's will have more and more and more.....it's how they get you to trade up!
__________________
2016 Grey Wolf 26DBH following a 2014 RAM 1500 Outdoorsman

Life is good...Live it!
Nights Camped - (2014) - 16 in 6 trips (2015) - 20 in 6 trips
(2016) - 21 in 7 trips
(2017) - 12 in 3 and going seasonal for at least the rest of the year!
JustB_Rad is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-21-2016, 12:49 PM   #12
Phat Phrog Stunt Team
 
TURBS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Iowa
Posts: 34,507
I'm so disgusted, I made a big mistake!

Quote:
Originally Posted by BamaBob View Post
Vic,

Which Forest River RV did you buy?

Second line shows a rockwood 8311


2008 2500hd Duramax
2015 Columbus 320RS
2016 nights camped "0"
2015 nights camped "34"
TURBS is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-21-2016, 12:53 PM   #13
Senior Member
 
BamaBob's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Whereever our Berkshire is Parked!
Posts: 7,082
Quote:
Originally Posted by TURBS View Post
Second line shows a rockwood 8311
DOH! Thanks Ron!
__________________
Bob & Anne-Marie [BamaBob & 6 Actual]
| 2017 Berkshire XLT 43A with Ultrasteer Tag | Blue Ox Avail + KarGard II |
| SMI AF-1 Air Brake | 2016 Jeep Cherokee Overland TOAD | Pedego Bikes |
Nights Camped: 2013 - 242014 - 422015 - 56Jul 2016 - Fulltime
BamaBob is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-21-2016, 01:04 PM   #14
Site Team
 
Flybob's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 15,266
One thing you will find with RVs and rust. It only matters at trade in. When the dealer was appraising our trade-in, he kept pointing to small rust spots and explaining that they would impact the trade in value. When I pointed out some rust spots on the new one during PDI he said " all RVs have some rust spots it doesn't impact performance". I laughed and just hit them ( rust spots) with spray paint when I got home.
__________________

2015 Freedom Express 248RBS
TV 2015 Silverado HD2500 Duramax
TST Tire Monitors
Honda 2000I + Companion
2 100W solar panels
Flybob is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-21-2016, 01:32 PM   #15
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: eastern NC
Posts: 1,783
IMO, I think you had a real advantage in finding the one you liked on lot and not rolling the dice on an ordered purchase,....before we bought our Micro Lite 25KS, I did extensive internet research and discovered that same model/same year could differ in several ways, and some of those differences were deal breakers to us,...and I mean things like the outside storage areas could differ and that is something you have no control over on an order sheet, you are at the mercy of what the factory puts on your trailer, ........went to PA. from NC to look at 23'er, but found exactly what we liked in the 25KS that we bought,......happy trailering
__________________


fella10 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-21-2016, 01:50 PM   #16
2021 Forest River 26FKBS
 
jeffdawgfan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: North Georgia
Posts: 37
If you liked it when you bought why do you not like it now just because the numbers are different? Prime example. My wife and I were ready to pull the trigger on a brand new Lance 2285. Was going to run us around 33-34K with options. The Monday before were going to purchase we stumbled upon a 2014 Coachman Catalina 25RKS Deluxe (was actually built in 2013) that was in mint condition and had been used less than a dozen times over one summer. We paid about half what the Lance would have been. The floor plan was almost identical, same size. I would have to say that the Lance has better quality control and a little better fixtures but for the difference in price I can fix a lot of things since I am handy with tools. Yes, there was some rust on undercarriage, yes, I had to pull and replace some caulking, had to replace a breakaway switch and put new tires on. For less than $1K in parts, paint, and caulk I feel like I have a TT almost as good as the new one were looking at. Newer is not always better...if you know what you are looking at.
__________________
Official caretakers of Sasha, Blakely, Cooper, Abby the King Charles Cavalier Spaniels. (We just drive their camper around for them)

2021 Flagstaff Ultra Lite 26FKBS. 2019 RAM 1500 Laramie 4x4 for Tow Vehicle.
jeffdawgfan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-21-2016, 04:29 PM   #17
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Leech Lake, MN
Posts: 238
So can't a person order a new RV with the options, colors and trim that you want?
__________________
2003 GMC 2500 HD 8.1 & ALLISION TRANSMISSION
2000 SIERRA 30 ft FKSS
hondo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-21-2016, 04:43 PM   #18
Senior Member
 
Ford Idaho's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Idaho
Posts: 9,839
Quote:
Originally Posted by TURBS View Post
Late 15's are built as new 16's until they change to 16 floor plans, nothing new


Any car or truck sold after the 6th month is considered the next model year.


2008 2500hd Duramax
2015 Columbus 320RS
2016 nights camped "0"
2015 nights camped "34"
Not always, I ordered the 250 in September of 2010 it is titled as a 2010.

For 2011 Ford switched from the no DEF 6.4 to the needs DEF 6.7.
__________________
2016 F350 6.7L LB CC Reese 28K 2014 Chaparral Lite 266sab
"Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety." 2014 19 days camping 2015 17 days camping201620 days camping
Ford Idaho is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-21-2016, 04:55 PM   #19
Site Team
 
Flybob's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 15,266
Quote:
Originally Posted by hondo View Post
So can't a person order a new RV with the options, colors and trim that you want?
Not always. Standard items not specified in a contract can change and is some cases the material you ordered for the trim may not be available any longer so they will use something close. You can refuse it when it arrives, but there are no guarantees.
__________________

2015 Freedom Express 248RBS
TV 2015 Silverado HD2500 Duramax
TST Tire Monitors
Honda 2000I + Companion
2 100W solar panels
Flybob is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-21-2016, 04:58 PM   #20
Senior Member
 
Brother Les's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: BoCoMo
Posts: 2,784
Quote:
Originally Posted by hondo View Post
So can't a person order a new RV with the options, colors and trim that you want?
As McDonalds' used to say...... You Can Have Anything You Want.....

As long as it is on the Menu.....

If not.... it is an add on and subject to high up charges or an answer of 'Sorry, does not come on this model'....
__________________
Brother Les

2013 Forest River Salem Hemisphere SBT312QBUD

2001 CrewCab F-250 7.3 PowerStroke Diesel
SuperChip, BTS transmission, 6.0 Trans Cooler
Brother Les is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Forest River, Inc. or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:03 PM.