2018 Forest River RV Salem Hemisphere Lite 286RL

[hoogy]

Thinking of purchasing this model. what are the good and bad

[tkgraves]

Originally Posted by hoogy

Thinking of purchasing this model. what are the good and bad

I bought a new 2016 of this model, had three issues to date, bathtub cracked, was replaced under warranty, spring shackles had plastic bushings and no way to lube, were worn completely out, in two years, had to replace with brass and heavy duty parts with grease fittings, hairline cracks in front cap, had fixed under warranty, but came back in two years, but have not grown any larger, just thin surface cracks, 3 of them about 4 inches long, bought from Coach rv in Ohio, picked up and pulled to N Dakota, no real issues on that trip, 6000 miles total. Only other minor issues were most screws that hold things into wall panels were stripped, had to install hollow wall fasteners in many places such as valance panels, blinds etc. had awning screws pull out and could have been my fault, tried to get awning in real tight when closing and did not realize it would not stop pulling closed as long as I held switch in. Also as with any rv must check rooftop for cracks, scrapes from limbs etc, do not ever want a water leak!!!!, one thing wife don’t like is steps at entrance feel bouncy but is like most 5th wheels, fairly high off the ground, overall love it and would buy another, one issue I should mention was the specs on it said it weighs 8,400 lbs, it was 9,400 lbs empty, so I was overloaded for my truck at the start, be sure and verify that

[Sailor Bill]

Originally Posted by tkgraves

I bought a new 2016 of this model, had three issues to date, bathtub cracked, was replaced under warranty, spring shackles had plastic bushings and no way to lube, were worn completely out, in two years, had to replace with brass and heavy duty parts with grease fittings, hairline cracks in front cap, had fixed under warranty, but came back in two years, but have not grown any larger, just thin surface cracks, 3 of them about 4 inches long, bought from Coach rv in Ohio, picked up and pulled to N Dakota, no real issues on that trip, 6000 miles total. Only other minor issues were most screws that hold things into wall panels were stripped, had to install hollow wall fasteners in many places such as valance panels, blinds etc. had awning screws pull out and could have been my fault, tried to get awning in real tight when closing and did not realize it would not stop pulling closed as long as I held switch in. Also as with any rv must check rooftop for cracks, scrapes from limbs etc, do not ever want a water leak!!!!, one thing wife don’t like is steps at entrance feel bouncy but is like most 5th wheels, fairly high off the ground, overall love it and would buy another, one issue I should mention was the specs on it said it weighs 8,400 lbs, it was 9,400 lbs empty, so I was overloaded for my truck at the start, be sure and verify that

I have a 2017 Hemisphere and biggest problems to date are #1 the slide outs have a cheap plastic bottom corner protectors that just fall apart and allows water to penetrate the flooring material , #2 is the ducting system for the furnace is not put together very well and was full of sawdust, # 3 the roofing material seems to be shrinking and pulling loose from the edges (I keep it clean and use decor roof seal ) , #4 the screws that hold the wheel well trim constantly back themselves out allowing them to flap in the wind while traveling down the road .