My crusader has the dreaded white fade cap

[Todouble]

I had heard that if it started fading before the 2 year mark of sale they would cover it. After 2 years it's on you! Not sure if that's there hard and fast rule or what though?

[EXGMTech]

Originally Posted by tstillman

I have to challenge your opinion about the approach. When manufacturer claimed the damage fell under the clause "all surface damage caused by environmental effects voids the warranty".

Just what approach would you use to challenge that claim.

I was never told that, I simply approached a rep @ a local RV show & explained what was going on....he agreed it should not happen @ 16 mos. old. He told me he would pull some strings & see what he could do. It took numerous phone calls but I got the repaint......I never blasted anyone...that's the approach I was speaking of.

[tstillman]

I'm glad you had a company rep that stood behind you. At 16 months in, I was told I was lucky it lasted that long. But sorry you're on your own. (From the company). My dealer did what he could but was stone walled too. I'm just glad not everyone has had to deal with Oregon factory folks.

[another_newfie]

I had zero issues getting my rig dealt with. I feel extremely fortunate, my dealer is just outstanding. Rick simply asked that I bring the rig into the dealer so that they could take pictures and submit the claim. I took them myself and forwarded them to the dealer. Within 24 hours I was authorized. Initially they were going to only authorize the repair up to a particular amount, which my dealer ensured me they could get the painting done with. However; that would not have included the decals. I then reached back out to PT and the decals were sent free of charge.


I do actually believe the approach has something to do with the results. I think PT has latitude in how they deal with these issues. It's obvious that in the case of this fading out they are handling each case individually. That's not to say it is right or wrong.


I did report the issue the very first time I saw it, last winter. I then followed their requests of first trying to wash/wax it etc. I took pictures all throughout the process and sent them all as part of the claim.

[tstillman]

I did the same trying to work through the problem via my dealer. He stood by us until Forest River shut the door on negotiations.

At no time did I approach this resolution showing aggression or to place blame of poor workmanship.

I really believe that given a chance to do the right thing, a good company will step up. I have since learned that's not always the case. I won't change my approach because I've been proven right more often than not, and I can live with that.

[irishrv]

Originally Posted by tstillman

I have to challenge your opinion about the approach. When manufacturer claimed the damage fell under the clause "all surface damage caused by environmental effects voids the warranty".

Just what approach would you use to challenge that claim.

Although you are posting in the prime time area your rig is not prime time so that accounts for the different warranty approach. Most who have dealt with prime time directly are getting this covered within a certain number of years. Considering there is a 1 year warranty I think they are extending within reason but that is no comfort to those who fall outside the coverage window.


2014 295rst champ te
2009 2500hd GMC d/a

[tstillman]

Understood, I thought I was on the Forest River users group.

Again I'm happy to know that somewhere in this industry quality customer support exist.

Happy Holiday to all. I'll slip out the backdoor of this thread.

[wicked1]

It is a shame that FR doesn't always take care of this, ran into a neighbor camping they have a 2012 and at the Frog event FR agreed to replace their entire nose while they were there even paid one night for a hotel? I guess it depends on who you talk to and what mood they are in.


2014 F150 FX4 Crew 4X4 EB
2015 Roo 23IKSS

Sent from my iPhone using Forest River Forums

[Todouble]

So I got my rig back yesterday and it was painted but not how I thought it was going to be done nor how the service advisor explained it to be done either. They just masked off my old decal and painted the hole front cap all around it. Is this how everyone else got there front cap painted under warranty? I was told they would remove old decal and paint, clear coat, then install a new graphic??

[EXGMTech]

Originally Posted by Todouble

So I got my rig back yesterday and it was painted but not how I thought it was going to be done nor how the service advisor explained it to be done either. They just masked off my old decal and painted the hole front cap all around it. Is this how everyone else got there front cap painted under warranty? I was told they would remove old decal and paint, clear coat, then install a new graphic??

Ekk gads no way! My old decals removed, repainted (single stage) & new decals. I wasn't happy about the single stage but beggars can't be choosers. Still looks a ton better than before.

[Todouble]

I didn't think masking it off was correct. Thanks for confirming

[rracer5]

Originally Posted by Todouble

So I got my rig back yesterday and it was painted but not how I thought it was going to be done nor how the service advisor explained it to be done either. They just masked off my old decal and painted the hole front cap all around it. Is this how everyone else got there front cap painted under warranty? I was told they would remove old decal and paint, clear coat, then install a new graphic??

NOT the right way that's for sure! Eventually, the paint may start to peel & lift around the edge of the decal because you can never sand close enough to the decals to get proper adhesion. I would go on record with your dealer that you're not happy.

[another_newfie]

That is most definitely wrong and in the long run will cause more issues than you can shake a stick at.


I will pick up my rig in 2 weeks, if they tried that on me I'd not tolerate it.

[Todouble]

Great! Can't wait to battle it out some more with my dealer. I'll keep you posted.

[wicked1]

Originally Posted by Todouble

I had heard that if it started fading before the 2 year mark of sale they would cover it. After 2 years it's on you! Not sure if that's there hard and fast rule or what though?

That is horrible, I was just looking at a 2013 290RLT which has the faded cap and when I told the dealer it was a deal breaker, and they said all they would do is compound it, but would not even consider fixing it. I am not sure what it would cost on your own to replace or repair the cap and then get all the decals but I would assume that would cost several thousand dollars?

[another_newfie]

I pick up my rig in the morning. I was told by my dealer that the decals are not a match for what they took off, but they think they will look OK. If I am not pleased I'll remove them or some of them to make it look the way I want. I did ask if it was completely painted and they confirmed it was. We will see.

[irishrv]

Probably the set for the white trailer with brown cap. That's what I got and they look fine.


2014 295rst champ te
2009 2500hd GMC d/a

[another_newfie]

Picked up the rig this morning and overall I am pleased. The paint job is reasonably good. They didn't do as quite a neat of a job of masking around the edge of the cap as I would like. There is bleed into the caulking etc. Not overly bad though. The actual paint job itself seems good.

PT didn't send an exact match set of decals compared to those that were removed. My dealer did a good job of installing what was sent. They were forced to cut some slits out of them to make them adhere properly around the curved parts of the cap and I think they did OK. Considering this did not cost me one cent I cannot really complain, especially since my rig is 2.5 years old.

It took quite a bit of legwork on my part between PT and my dealer to make this all happen but not once was I under the impression that PT wasn't going to stand behind their product.

This is now in the rearview. Time to get camping, we are heading to our annual NYE trip a few days early. Sadly there will be no snow to camp in, but the unseasonably warm weather will be a nice treat.

[rracer5]

Originally Posted by another_newfie

Picked up the rig this morning and overall I am pleased. The paint job is reasonably good. They didn't do as quite a neat of a job of masking around the edge of the cap as I would like. There is bleed into the caulking etc. Not overly bad though. The actual paint job itself seems good.

PT didn't send an exact match set of decals compared to those that were removed. My dealer did a good job of installing what was sent. They were forced to cut some slits out of them to make them adhere properly around the curved parts of the cap and I think they did OK. Considering this did not cost me one cent I cannot really complain, especially since my rig is 2.5 years old.

It took quite a bit of legwork on my part between PT and my dealer to make this all happen but not once was I under the impression that PT wasn't going to stand behind their product.

This is now in the rearview. Time to get camping, we are heading to our annual NYE trip a few days early. Sadly there will be no snow to camp in, but the unseasonably warm weather will be a nice treat.

[EXGMTech]

I wasn't overly pleased with how mine came out, as I'm very picky with body work/ paint finishes but......it looks a ton better than it did before & it only cost me about 1/2 tank of fuel with drop off/ pick up so yes I'm satisfied.....got 4 coats of wax by the end of this season & now covered.