Should I buy a FR3 30DS?

[Texan Frank]

I will soon be a "newbie" to RVing as I just recently retired. I really like the looks of the FR3 30DS. However, I have been heavily researching the internet and have found numerous complaints concerning the A/C system, refrigerators, slides, etc. Any words of wisdom from existing owners of the FR3 30DS?

[leisurelarry]

I have had a 2015 30DS for nearly 3 months and 3000 road miles. No issue with slides (yet). I keep the slider cables lubed with spray on dry lubricant specifically marketed for slider cables. They run in and out quietly with ease. I have had no issues with my refrigerator running it on LPG or electricity. It maintains an average 4c at any inside/outside temperature. The initial cool down (25c to 4c) is about 7-8 hours. Just ran it at a 104f outside temp again with no problem. AC also does very well (15k) at high outsides temps. However it did trip the breaker twice in the 100f temp the other day. It does just what it is suppose to do at any setting now that I understand the mechanics of the Dometic thermostat. Most of issues have been cosmetic which are or have been resolved by Forest River or the dealer. Still have to get the steering wheel problem resolved at my next service, which the dealer will sub out to Ford.


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[z3406]

It appears that Forrest River watches these forums too and have addressed most of the issues found on the 2014's. I have a 2015 30DS and have not had any of the big issues that appeared on the earlier built units. One thing you should know is that as shortly after you purchase a FR3 you will get a letter from Forrest River with a direct contact number to use if you have issues with your servicing dealer. If I was to full time in the RV I would be strongly tempted to upgrade to the Georgetown 328DS. For about 10K more it is a lot more unit with the capability to have a built in washer drier. For driveability performing the cheap handling fix changes the driving experience from white knuckles to almost one handed.

[Marbles5]

We have had ours for over a year now and at least 15 outings totaling more than 5000 miles. No major issues all limitless stuff which dealer or myself has fixed. Attachment 61402Attachment 61403

[Bobb36]

we bought ours in February and been to Florida the first week of March and been camping every weekend since the middle of May and have had no problems with any major component's just shy of 13,000 miles.

[Texan Frank]

What about "drifting' or difficulty in steering?

[zippyzrx]

Search cheap handling fix. Doing the front sway bar makes a huge difference. It is still a big truck and not a family sedan. What i can say is that for the few issues we have had FR has stepped up and fixed each one through my dealer. Very satisfied with the results.

YMMV

[hillcountry]

We've had our 2014 30DS for 1 year. We've had some nagging issues but all have been relatively easy fixes. Justin in warranty is helpful and FR is flexible about using a local source for repairs when dealers are unavailable. For the size, the FR3 has about everything our family needs for a long weekend at the lake or beach. We use it on average about once/month. The size is ideal for navigating day-day driving, backing up, etc.

This is our first motorhome as well. What I've found is that most people say they tend to have some issues, so I'm don't think the FR3 is particularly problematic. Forest River definitely listens to their customers and sponsoring this message board is a good example. If they have problems, they address them.

Good luck in whatever you choose.

[z3406]

It's certainly drivable as delivered. The Cheap Handling Fix really helps in controlling the vehicles rocking motions. The fix took me less than an hour to do the front and the rear and doesn't cost anything. You can mostly feel the difference when other large vehicles pass in either direction. A FR3 is no different than any other F53 Ford Chasse RV they are all big with lots of side area to effect thing. Here is a link to the CHF discussion.
Cheap Handling Fix - iRV2 Forums

[TravellingBs]

We bought our 2014 FR3 30 in July of 2013 and drove it from Texas to Maine and have a few smaller trips since then. The only issues we've experienced so far is the front shade, passenger wiper blade and the upper bed breaker tripping. All were fixed by a locally authorized dealer and have had no other issues since (knock on wood). The steps work fine and the shower curtain is a little long but we haven't had many of the issues seen in the forum. Like any brand, size or price range of an RV, there will be issues that you will have to deal with. We LOVE our FR3!!!

[spicyrv]

We purchased ours over a year ago. Nearly 5000 miles so far with another 1,500 mile trip coming up soon. Everything that was wrong has been fixed without the dealer or FR putting up a fuss. I think the FR does watch to see what people are saying and make changes to the FR3 to fix the shortcomings. Examples include the shower door, underpowered A/C and adding a king size bed to the 30D.

Things that still are nagging problems are the steps, slides not working and windshield (others might list other problems). The steps continue to break on people, especially when carrying things into or out of the coach. There have been several reports of the windshields leaking, but I haven't read of that not being fixed.

In general, I think it's as good as the Thor units (maybe better), but I'd consider them as well. There are a lot of coaches in the same size and price categories. The FR3 just had more of what was important to us, so we got it. Your priorities might be different, so a different coach might be better for you.