2019 fr30ds

[mike1254]

Thinking about buying a new 2019 FR30DS. Do any of you have any good or bad opinions of this coach. I have always had a 5th wheel but I am sick of hooking up . Guess I am getting old.

[2beans]

Originally Posted by mike1254

Thinking about buying a new 2019 FR30DS. Do any of you have any good or bad opinions of this coach. I have always had a 5th wheel but I am sick of hooking up . Guess I am getting old.

Don’t do it, I did and wish I still had the 5th wheel and truck.
The workmanship is not very good and takes a act of god to get a response from the factory.

[edm]

We have had 5th wheels. travel trailers. and motor homes. We have a 2016 fr3 30ds that we purchased new. The rig is very handy to use and to maneuver into small spaces. The factory has been very good about all of our issues. I feel forest river has bent over backwards for us on the issues we have had.

Good luck..

[2beans]

I have not been happy with the experience with the factory.
The artificial leather seat overs came apart, would not replace them, had to purchase $285. and install them. I have replaced both slide gearboxes $140.ea for parts shop wanted $600. to one, watched a YouTube and did it myself in 30 minutes.
Added front steering stabilizer and Firestone airbag system to help with the sway on the road.
There is Quality workmanship issues, with all RV manufacturing, just be prepared to take care of them as the seller doesn’t want to help or keeps your rig in the shop so you can’t enjoy all the money you spent to travel around the country

[2beans]

em, what issues did you have with your FR3.
How many hours and phone or emails did you spent solving your issues.

[mike1254]

Thanks to all who replied. Still not sure weather to sell my truck and 5th wheel yet . Truck is a 2014 F250 4WD FX4 XLT Custom wheels and tires. Bought it brand new and I only have 20,000 miles on it. Looks brand new. 5th wheel is a Heritage Glenn 377R 39ft lots of room but in California there are a lot of places they will not let me in because I am to long. 54FT when hooked up. Kind of sucks. I get that stuff breaks. Driving in hurricane and earthquake conditions , something is going to break. I guess I will figure it out. I like the 30DS a lot, Pretty much inexpensive entry level Class A for sure. I can get it in California for 93K. Mark up on all rigs is a joke. Thanks my friends. I will figure it out.

[2beans]

With the investment in your truck, have you given any thought to purchase of smaller 5th wheel there many 30 to 32 footers
Mine was a 31’ fit easily into NPS and you will not have to pull and/or buy a toad
We pull a small toad > 3000# and get 6 to 7 mpg.
What every happens, enjoy your life Rving

[CC Traveler]

Mike1254, We have had our 30DS for almost 3 years and 22,000 miles. We have enjoyed it. As with most, we have had some repairs during warranty period, but have survived.

We have had all types of campers and this is the one that fits us now. Analyze why you want to change. For us it was the security of a M/H, Ease of hook-up, King Bed that is useable while traveling and a shower size that is functional. This floor plan had all of this and did not break the bank. We had a 2015 F350 Crewcab Duelly and a large Lance Camper. Did not regret changing for all the above reasons.

The 2019 has improved the bedroom slide with more floor space and added the washer/dryer capability that is nice that our 2017 does not have. Also, really like the 33DS with the fireplace and large TV, but obviously is 3 feet longer.

If it is just size, then think about it, as our 30DS with our tow vehicle is 52' long when connected, but 32' when disconnected. Hope this helps.

[edm]

2beans.

I had many conversations with the factory warranty department and they took care of all my issues. We had cameras go bad, roof was replaced, door lock failures, radio go bad, front side windows needed to be replaced. There were other things but all of them have been taken care of. We now have 35000 miles on the rig and all is good.
My experience with them is if you treat them nice they will treat you good.

Good luck.

[colourful64]

Cheapest junk on the market stay away from the fr3 ... I have one

[robo44]

We've enjoyed our FR3, also live in California, we've had no issues with getting into State Parks or other locations with our 33DS. The Pro's so far outweigh the Con's. We've had our 1st year issues had the RV 8 Months. Has zero issues with Warranty or contacting Forrest River. They've been excellent and even can contact the West Coast Rep via email for any issues. I am a little disheartened by some of the quality issues and craftsmanship. Also a bit surprised that surface rust undercarriage is so pervasive right off the lot.
Different set of concerns between the 2, gas, tires & insurance costs, but glad we have the class A.

Best of Luck