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04-16-2018, 10:08 AM
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#1
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Junior Member
Join Date: Apr 2018
Posts: 4
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Looking at a new FR3 32DS - Problems
Hey folks. I had a FR Sunseeker years ago, and I'm looking at a FR product again.
A dealer near me has 2017 FR3 32DS for sale. I've also looked at 2018 version of the same vehicle.
Anyway, other than some internal fabrics and such, any changes between 2017/18 of worth? I didn't see any.
I did verify it is built on a 2017 F53, so it has the 6 speed transmission.
I've read some bad reviews, but I know RV's are not built like cars and some issues are possible. I know the F53 is a pretty bad chassis from the factory and I may need to do the CHF, maybe sumo springs and a few other things to get it to drive well.
But I am really interested in any specific Forest River issues you had. Stuff I can look for during a possible PDI, things to keep an eye on.
Thanks.
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04-16-2018, 02:57 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Alaska
Posts: 1,829
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Quote:
Originally Posted by apr67
Hey folks. I had a FR Sunseeker years ago, and I'm looking at a FR product again.
A dealer near me has 2017 FR3 32DS for sale. I've also looked at 2018 version of the same vehicle.
Anyway, other than some internal fabrics and such, any changes between 2017/18 of worth? I didn't see any.
I did verify it is built on a 2017 F53, so it has the 6 speed transmission.
I've read some bad reviews, but I know RV's are not built like cars and some issues are possible. I know the F53 is a pretty bad chassis from the factory and I may need to do the CHF, maybe sumo springs and a few other things to get it to drive well.
But I am really interested in any specific Forest River issues you had. Stuff I can look for during a possible PDI, things to keep an eye on.
Thanks.
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There was a change in November 2017. If it is a late 2017 should be the same.
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04-16-2018, 03:30 PM
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#3
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Junior Member
Join Date: Apr 2018
Posts: 4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rk06382
There was a change in November 2017. If it is a late 2017 should be the same.
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What was the change?
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04-16-2018, 03:42 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Alaska
Posts: 1,829
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Quote:
Originally Posted by apr67
What was the change?
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Read thread from last year:
2017 FR3 30DS Changes (Long!)
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04-16-2018, 03:47 PM
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#5
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Junior Member
Join Date: Apr 2018
Posts: 4
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Anyone know of a similar thread for 2017 - 2018?
Thanks!
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04-16-2018, 04:58 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Alaska
Posts: 1,829
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Quote:
Originally Posted by apr67
Anyone know of a similar thread for 2017 - 2018?
Thanks!
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2018 stayed the same until Dec 2017.
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04-17-2018, 02:48 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: British Columbia Canada
Posts: 556
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I have a 2017 FR3 28 DS. Six speed trans. I did a few upgrades to chassis, front and rear sway bar and reflex steering stabilizer. Did it myself, not a difficult job at all. Worth it? A big yes!. Really helped with handling and cost about $2000. My next upgrade will be Sumo Springs and maybe better shocks.
Didn't do CHF as I am a bit skeptical about that but to each his own. Not really a pleasant experience driving in high wind or rough roads but then are any motor homes? Hardly feel trucks passing either way now.
I get about 9 MPG towing a 2014 CRV, that is in Imperial gallons, US gallons would be a little less.
There was a Technical service bulletin out regarding improper downshifting. I got the software upgrade done at Ford and now it shifts down on hills, stops and shifts way better all around.
Wife and I are happy with rig but be prepared to do a bunch of small fixes, nothing major but you must be qualified to at least run a screwdriver and assorted small tools to fix the factory screw-ups. I took our huge ugly microwave out and put in a smaller one and added some lights to kitchen area. Removed TV over sink and put it inside cabinet, now we don't bump head on TV when doing dishes.
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04-17-2018, 07:39 PM
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#8
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Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2016
Posts: 24
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sink in cabinet?
Can you post a pic of sink below tv? Thank you
__________________
2017 FR3 32DS
6 x 12 moto x trailer
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04-17-2018, 09:00 PM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: British Columbia Canada
Posts: 556
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cnower
Can you post a pic of sink below tv? Thank you
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Not sure why you would want picture. Please explain. RV is not near me right now so picture is a not an option but would be interested why you want picture of sink?
Did you want to see what I did with the TV ?
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04-18-2018, 02:26 AM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Alaska
Posts: 1,829
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cnower
Can you post a pic of sink below tv? Thank you
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Kitchen sink of 32DS & TV. (Same kitchen sink as 28DS)
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04-18-2018, 06:32 AM
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#11
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Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2016
Posts: 24
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cariboo camper
Not sure why you would want picture. Please explain. RV is not near me right now so picture is a not an option but would be interested why you want picture of sink?
Did you want to see what I did with the TV ?
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Yes curious how you made sink more accessible for head clearance for anyone taller. My wife has no problem doing dishes however I can’t even wash hands without resting head on the tv.
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04-18-2018, 10:09 AM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: British Columbia Canada
Posts: 556
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cnower
Yes curious how you made sink more accessible for head clearance for anyone taller. My wife has no problem doing dishes however I can’t even wash hands without resting head on the tv.
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Sure. I removed TV and mount behind TV exposing a cabinet with no doors. It required a bit of carpentry and trim work and matching color of stain but was not that hard. Placed TV inside of cabinet and fastened inside securely with blocking. Cut out a 10"x10" opening on the end facing hallway. Area behind TV is now great place to store paper towel toilet paper etc. Also made sure it was vented properly for potential heat buildup.
I would like to show you some pictures but as motorhome is not readily available it is not possible, I may be able to get son in law to take pictures and send to me and I can pass them on. Will work on that.
Thought of removing TV and mount and moving to another location and buying some cabinet doors for cabinet but could not see another suitable location and TV wiring etc. was already in place so opted for the reno on existing location
My wife says a man must have designed this TV location. lol, she is close to 6 ft tall.
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08-08-2018, 06:07 PM
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#13
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Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2018
Posts: 4
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I think it's great you were able to remount the TV inside the cabinet. It is really a bad design. We are tall, and I can't tell you how many bumps on the forehead my family has received. I will definitely keep your design in mind, once I get all these awful repair issues and problems I have to pay out of pocket because my so-called 5 year extended warranty doesn't cover what I was told it would cover.
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08-08-2018, 06:28 PM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2018
Posts: 136
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Apr67. Read my post "worst mistake" buyer beware!!!
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08-09-2018, 01:07 AM
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#15
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Canada
Posts: 604
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Take it for a ride and watch the screws rattle out of the dash. I’m not kidding
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08-10-2018, 06:51 PM
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#16
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 154
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Hey Cariboo Camper, do you have any info on the TSB on the F53 transmission ?
Maybe that would help my gas mileage,
Bob
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2018 FR3 28DS | Boondock 99% of the time
