Silverback 29 RE reply from factory

prairiecamper · 01-02-2013, 01:30 PM

My original post from the end of November.
(hello folks, I am new to the forum. we purchased a new silverback 29 re and after getting it home we examined the trailer a little closer, like excited new owners trying to figure out where we were going to store all our camping gear.
as I was poking around in the storage areas I found an opening approx 4 x 5 inches to the outside. this opening is located in front of the battery storage area at floor level and outward of the LH landing leg!! enquired about it to Cedar Creek and was told this was intentional!! I am totally amazed this would be intentional as its a perfect entry point for insects, rodents, etc. with access to the entire inside living area of the trailer. completely open you could drop baseballs thru there!! Anybody else out there with same model and same opening?? Thanks)

After repeated emails to forest river I finally phoned them about a week ago and left a message. They returned my call the following day. I had a long conversation with an engineer/technical service dept. To my original question about the opening in the floor near the LH landing leg, it was probably an oversight in the build process, we discussed the matter and I told him how I plan on (permanent fix) closing it up come spring, he offered some tips and we were both ok with that. Some one suggested it might be for the dryer vent in the washer dryer option, it is not. The vent for that option is on the entry door side. Now since I had him on the phone I asked tons of questions each one answered professionally and totally to my satisfaction! I now have a lot more faith in the product and believe forest river will stand behind it. I was invited to the factory which I might do someday. It appears forest river is more than willing to help people with their products. I would suggest anyone having difficulties with their forest river product to call or write their respective customer service dept. for help, speak to some one from the factory floor they know better than anyone else! In closing a Happy New Year to all in the RV community.

Oakman · 01-02-2013, 02:10 PM

I'm glad things turned out to your satisfaction.

prairiecamper · 01-02-2013, 02:37 PM

Yes now the hardest part, waiting for the middle of May to be able to go camping!

kc8lvy · 01-09-2013, 01:52 PM

I do not have my camper home yet to inspect it but I know there are other threads about this out there. Please inform us of what you and the tech came up with for a fix. Alot of us will be looking for that hole.

gkeager · 01-17-2013, 09:48 AM

Same unit, same "hole". What is the suggested fix? Love the rig but that "hole" is odd?

Goomph · 01-17-2013, 10:45 AM

Brand new units and and owners have to repair them ?

prairiecamper · 01-17-2013, 11:03 AM

I was planning on cutting some pieces of spruce (or plywood) to about 3/4 or 1 inch thick by 1 1/2 inches. On the 1 1/2 inch face I'm going to place some construction adhesive (the kind that's used in home construction, decks etc.) and place that against all the sides of the opening. Brace it into place by wedging something against it (use your imagination) until the adhesive sets. Make sure the pieces are at the same elevation around the opening. You now have a flange for a piece of plywood to rest on, secure the plywood into place on the flange by screws, adhesive etc. and caulk and/or foam the remaining small cracks. I didn't want to use screws or nails on the 1 1/2 pieces for fear of poking thru an unseen wire or have a nail poke out thru to the outside. Also after the repair is completed, from the bottom seal all the exposed wood with paint or wood preservative of some kind. This is my plan, any other suggestions for a better repair are welcome.

prairiecamper · 01-17-2013, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Goomph

Brand new units and and owners have to repair them ?

I know, I know but for me it was easier to fabricate a plan and do it myself rather than hauling my trailer to a dealer 30 miles each way leave it there, then go back to pick it up. For me least amount of my time and expense. Also I have all the tools required and the ability to do it myself. I can't speak for anyone else!

Grambo88 · 01-17-2013, 02:29 PM

I cut and fit some blue Styrofoam along with some Great Stuff foam for my holes, though I would try that for now.

sidney · 01-17-2013, 05:12 PM

Is this hole only on the 29RE or is it on all Silverback models?

Prairiecamper could you please post a picture of the hole.

Thanks

kc8lvy · 02-25-2013, 06:06 PM

I just picked up my 2013 Silverback 33rl this last weekend.
I was outside today admiring it and remembered this thread and looked and sure enough there was a hole. Looks like I will be making something also when it warms up.

prairiecamper · 02-25-2013, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sidney

Is this hole only on the 29RE or is it on all Silverback models?

Prairiecamper could you please post a picture of the hole.

Thanks

sidney
I knew there was someone that posted some pics of that opening. Try this link

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...9re-31851.html

Canada · 02-25-2013, 09:44 PM

Hi Prairie Camper, We are from Winnipeg as well, we are getting a 33RL but it is still at the dealer until we are ready to pick it up in the Spring. Could we get tog. and come and see how you fixed yours, cause for sure I will have to fix mine. If so, send us a message and thanks for all the information re this.

sidney · 02-25-2013, 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prairiecamper

sidney
I knew there was someone that posted some pics of that opening. Try this link

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...9re-31851.html

Thanks PC,

Not sure exactly what I'm looking at... but I'm guessing the openings go into the front storage compartment.

prairiecamper · 02-26-2013, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sidney

Thanks PC,

Not sure exactly what I'm looking at... but I'm guessing the openings go into the front storage compartment.

Lie on the ground beside the forward LH landing leg and look upward, it will become obvious!

prairiecamper · 02-26-2013, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Canada

Hi Prairie Camper, We are from Winnipeg as well, we are getting a 33RL but it is still at the dealer until we are ready to pick it up in the Spring. Could we get tog. and come and see how you fixed yours, cause for sure I will have to fix mine. If so, send us a message and thanks for all the information re this.

I haven't yet fixed it as I suggested in an earlier post here! We brought it home in early Nov 2012 (too cold) but will start on it when it warms up here! I have temp fixed it with blue SM stuffed into the spaces, but you can come and see it as it is now. PM me if you like or phone.

P.S. why wouldn't you ask the dealer to fix it before you take delivery?

Oakman · 02-26-2013, 11:18 AM

Yes, have the dealer fix this issue before you take delivery of the unit.

Canada · 02-27-2013, 06:50 PM

Yes, you are right, we will have the dealer fix this before we take delivery.
Again, P. C. Thanks for letting us all know about this problem.
Enjoy your new trailer this summer!!!

Oakman · 08-13-2013, 04:08 PM

I know this is an old thread but I just had the permanent fix done by the Cedar Creek technician at the FROG rally. That 4 X 5 inch opening is now sealed. While at the rally I had the opportunity to point out this opening to some of the other Silverback owners.

prairiecamper · 08-13-2013, 10:24 PM

Glad to hear you got that opening fixed at the rally Bob, how did the F.R. tech fix/seal the opening? We are planning on Goshen for 2014, does F.R. already know the dates for 2014?

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