Quality issues..... Long

[Platokidd]

Originally Posted by Great Horned Owl

The problem with the RV industry is that there are too many manufacturers making entirely too many different models. The result, is that there are not enough units of any single model being produced. These things are essentially "hand crafted." Under these conditions, it is virtually impossible to establish any meaningful quality assurance procedures.

Having worked many years as a Director of Quality Assurance in the medical device industry, I have some knowledge of the field. Amongst quality professionals, Quality in a product is not judged as good or bad. Rather, quality is judged as degree of conformance to specifications.

Does anybody think that you can find a single RV manufacturer who has written specifications for such mundane processes as how to hang the kitchen cabinets, or how to run the wires from the converter to the batteries. The crafters (I hesitate to call them assemblers) can't comply with the specifications, because there are no specifications.

I don't quite understand why this situation persists. I have no doubt that GM, Ford, and Toyota each produce more vehicles per year that the entire RV industry. Despite this, alt three of them put together probably don't offer as many models as does Forest River (including subsidiaries).

I understand that RVs are more complex than autos, and that more different styles, floor plans, options, price ranges, etc. are inevitable. However, is there any valid reason for Forest River to continue producing essentially the same unit under two or three or four different names?

One would anticipate that as the industry matures, there would be a shake out. Oddly, any such shake out is taking far longer than what should be expected.

The bottom line is that we should not be surprised by the absolute lack of any quality control. I'm still trying to figure out how Puma (one of Forest River's Palomino brands) managed to get my fresh water tank so full of sawdust, that it took 3 days to drain when the valve was opened.

Joel

If its damaged / then dont install it
If you break it puting it in / take it out
If you see a problem / fix it or tell someone who can. not just let it go.
Think that would solve half the qc problems.
Yes there are those boarder line judgement calls on qc.
Fix the obvious ones and educate the workers on the floor.
I like to see what they reject.
Word of mouth goes a long way.
What I tell my guys is to do it right the first time! Take pride in your work.

Plant Manager for 2 company's. over 20 years for diamond tooling Co.and 10 years for a anti friction co.

[Tom Wolf]

Wow, and I thought that we had problems with ours. We had our Nash for 8 years without any problems. Just didn't need the bunk bed model anymore and it weighed 8300 dry compared to the Rockwood at 5717 dry.

Because of this forum, I have started to look more closely at ours and am finding more issues that I would like. Cannot get a straight answer from either the dealer or FR about what all the extended warranty will cover. We bought the extended 5 year warranty which we were told is better than the factory warranty. Time for them to step up and prove it.

[scionkid69]

Good morning. I have been hesitating on my opinion but here it goes. We just purchased a 2013 Mini lite 23 foot travel trailer. We have been very unhappy with the quality of work. The antenna was broke when we brought it home, the stove knob was broke, the shad over the sink was broke. Know we noticed one of the seals on the side connecting the roof has a hole in it. As this is our first camper we did the research and seemed like rock wood was one of the best out their. The dealer we purchased it from J&M camper of Augusta Maine has been terrible to deal with. Very rude and lots of excuses on getting parts in. We finally decided to purchase replacements out of our own pockets and fix it our self's. I do hope from here on out it will be good traveling for us!

[lbrjet]

We are just starting our 4th year in our Flagstaff and actually began full timing in it a couple of months ago. Have stayed in it around 300 nights (in our permanent spot) plus 56 nights on the road traveling 6K miles. Not one issue. Most people who post are writing about problems, but there are some of us out here who haven't had any problems at all.

[Platokidd]

Originally Posted by lbrjet

We are just starting our 4th year in our Flagstaff and actually began full timing in it a couple of months ago. Have stayed in it around 300 nights (in our permanent spot) plus 56 nights on the road traveling 6K miles. Not one issue. Most people who post are writing about problems, but there are some of us out here who haven't had any problems at all.

Im envious !!

[jeepman71]

I am envious as well.

I by no means am bashing Forrest River. I agree that they do make a quality product as far as the recreational world goes. All brands have problems.

ScionKid69 I do feel for you because the first step is a decent dealership. There are contact numbers on this forum for Rockwood warranty and customer service, I would do a search for these and call them. Explain the problems you are having with your dealership.

[B and B]

I can say my dealer stepped up when we had problems with my TT first outing. We went back 11 months later after loosing faith in the TT and problems with the slide and bought the fifth wheel from them. As far as quality we searched high and low in our weight budget (money was not the issue) for a new fifth wheel and cam right back to Rockwood. I often wonder how many peopled drive 3 states to save a buck and then complain when they get poor service from the dealer closest to home? Not saying any particular person ay all, generalization. We only have 4 Rockwood dealers in all of Southern Ontario to choose from so that might make it easier, not sure.

Brian

[jeepman71]

Good news on my trailer. It looks like it will be taking a trip back to Indiana again this fall. I have spent time talking with the people at Rockwood Warranty and have to say they are dialing in on customer service.

I am currently talking with them about bringing it back myself. I was not happy with the condition it came back the last time it was there. What is a reasonable expectation of reimbursment if I take it there and back? I have a number in mind I am just curious how brain damaged I am.

[jeepman71]

I have scheduled the date of Sept. 30 to have my 5er back at Forrest River. They have addressed the entire list. They are wanting my trailer dropped in their lot Sunday evening if possible and expect to have it done by the following Friday at the latest. I asked for .80 a mile and they agreed. I am good with that as it will pay well over my fuel expense and I can look at it as a mini vacation on someone else's dime. My axles have sagged a little more and the tires are making contact with the under side of the wheel well so they are shipping a lift kit to alleviate that problem. I will install it myself because I don't have much down time with the trailer the next few weekends. They are paying two hours labor which was unexpected.

I am hopeful they get these issues corrected and my problems are done. I like this setup but I am losing my enthusiasm for it with so many issues. I expected some glitches but I do believe this rig was started Thursday morning after Wednesday night drown night, worked on Friday afternoon and finished Monday morning.

[Ray and Steph]

Jeepman/Jim, while you are in Goshen get someone to give you a tour of the Rockwood/Flagstaff factory. We were there a couple of weeks ago during the rally and it was very impressive. The line moves quickly and there are many quality control checks along the way. Not only do they strive to put out a product that is as near perfect as possible, but the commitment to customer service was extraordinary. Evidently they are consistently rated as among the top FR plants. We were treated with unusual courtesy and consideration by all those associated with Forest River. When we left we were sent on our way with a sincere "See your next year." Good people.

[IndyCamp]

Originally Posted by scionkid69

Good morning. I have been hesitating on my opinion but here it goes. We just purchased a 2013 Mini lite 23 foot travel trailer. We have been very unhappy with the quality of work. The antenna was broke when we brought it home, the stove knob was broke, the shad over the sink was broke. Know we noticed one of the seals on the side connecting the roof has a hole in it. As this is our first camper we did the research and seemed like rock wood was one of the best out their. The dealer we purchased it from J&M camper of Augusta Maine has been terrible to deal with. Very rude and lots of excuses on getting parts in. We finally decided to purchase replacements out of our own pockets and fix it our self's. I do hope from here on out it will be good traveling for us!

Sorry to hear that.

I think the dealer is a big part of your problem. The camper should have never been turned over to you with those issues. Our dealer checked every single system and item on the trailer and made sure it was all working before we took delivery. There were a couple of small items we noticed during the PDI and they were fixed by the next day. Things like broken antennas and oven knobs should have definitely been caught by the dealer or noticed during the PDI.

Having a great dealer makes life a lot easier.