Any Happy Forest River Owners Out there?

[MilCop4523]

we had 27 RkSS 2012/ loved it but with the addition of grand children ... a bunk house was a necessary upgrade

[Bobby32955]

Find a different contact at the corp level of the division your trailer was made at it is almost imposable to get higher then that. Try 904-458-3000 and ask who directs the division that made your trailer. Put your complaint in writing.

[Larry Roth]

Are there any FR-3 owners out there? I would like to know if they have had problems? Does the bunk stay up when you hit a bump? DO the head lights give you enough light on the highway? DO the stairs feel tight and sturdy? Is the unit powerful enough to move up and down steep grades? DO you get any better than 7 MPG? Does the passenger tray on the dash stay closed? How good does the Ford AC work? When you are driving at night does the dash radio light shine in your eyes? DO you like the cheap locks from Southco used on all the compartment doors?

Would love to hear from some other FR-3 owners.

[pgandw]

Originally Posted by Bobby32955

It seems your right but I am getting some action on the warranty. It seems like the 2016 models have problem's enough for Forest river to listen. I put 1600 miles on our first trip the heater quit after 3 days so I bought a ceramic heater to get us through it. Forest River did give me a dealer to go to that would fix some of my list. The wheel bearings had real light grease and the bearings were not tightened to bearing specs. They repacked them and replaced the seals withy a dbl seal. The stabilizer system has been plagued with bad switches. Their is a new model switch which so far works every time and has a weather shield. All my tires started showing extreme whear and side wall bubbles. Forest River is replacing them. In my opinion they have a poor quality system and end line testing at the factory I spent many years as a certified CQM ill bet they could not pass at every factory a quality audit....

Interesting that all of your problems appear to come from systems and parts that are bought from other suppliers and simply installed by Forest River. The installation itself doesn't appear to be the issue.

Everything I have seen and heard suggests that there is no end line testing at Forest River. That is done at/by the dealer, along with the installation of batteries, propane tanks, and other dealer add-ons. Without battery power and propane on board, FR would need a custom test stand and a huge library of test procedures to test each piece of equipment in every configuration after construction is completed.

If you have really worked in QC, you know that the most cost-effective place for testing is as far upstream as you can go - should be at the supplier's production line where systems are checked for meeting spec and
operation. The only testing at FR would be the install itself.

That said, FR should be working together with their suppliers to improve both supplier quality and standardization of installation. There is a lot of room for improvement in particular items like tires that have many complaints about them.

I have noticed that the smaller units (A-frames in particular) have a VERY limited option list, which makes for greater efficiencies in production. Still, installation has very poor QC - piles of dust left where holes were cut or screws drilled, non-square cabinetry, wires not joined correctly at the crimp-on "wire nuts", wires not correctly color-coded and just connected in a maze behind the converter, plumbing connections not tight, etc. Some installation issues I have fixed; others my dealer fixed. When installation issues were fixed, all systems operated correctly.

Fred W
2014 Rockwood A122 A-frame
2008 Hyundai Entourage minivan
camping Colorado and adjacent states one weekend at a time

[poorbuthappy]

Originally Posted by pgandw

Interesting that all of your problems appear to come from systems and parts that are bought from other suppliers and simply installed by Forest River. The installation itself doesn't appear to be the issue.

Everything I have seen and heard suggests that there is no end line testing at Forest River. That is done at/by the dealer, along with the installation of batteries, propane tanks, and other dealer add-ons. Without battery power and propane on board, FR would need a custom test stand and a huge library of test procedures to test each piece of equipment in every configuration after construction is completed.

If you have really worked in QC, you know that the most cost-effective place for testing is as far upstream as you can go - should be at the supplier's production line where systems are checked for meeting spec and
operation. The only testing at FR would be the install itself.

That said, FR should be working together with their suppliers to improve both supplier quality and standardization of installation. There is a lot of room for improvement in particular items like tires that have many complaints about them.

I have noticed that the smaller units (A-frames in particular) have a VERY limited option list, which makes for greater efficiencies in production. Still, installation has very poor QC - piles of dust left where holes were cut or screws drilled, non-square cabinetry, wires not joined correctly at the crimp-on "wire nuts", wires not correctly color-coded and just connected in a maze behind the converter, plumbing connections not tight, etc. Some installation issues I have fixed; others my dealer fixed. When installation issues were fixed, all systems operated correctly.

Fred W
2014 Rockwood A122 A-frame
2008 Hyundai Entourage minivan
camping Colorado and adjacent states one weekend at a time

they built the slide an inch out of square, not a component issue.... but when you pay by the piece, the workers don't care about quality, just how many they can push out. hope you don't get a Monday rig.

[Joe-Barb]

We have a 2013 FR 2608ws ultra lite and have had no major problems since we have owned it. Very satisified with FR. Good luck with your new rig and have fun on your first trip. 2013 Ram 2500 5.7 hemi

[jughrad]

We took possession of a FR Cherokee Travel Trailer on 12/5/15 and there were a few little issues with the access panels and drawers but other than that I would have to say I am pretty happy so far. It's like a new home, there will be cosmetic issues and just like home builders, the RV dealers will probably take care of you under warranty if you don't nit pick too much.

I feel my $20K trailer was a good value and the fixtures and cabinets reflect entry level pricing. If I had purchased a $35K or $50K trailer I would expect higher quality.

As far as structure, function and mechanical, everything seems to work fine. The floor feels solid, all the appliances work in all modes, brakes fine and surprisingly no wind whistling or drafty feel during a "High Wind Warning".

FR is a mish mash of companies under one name. It could be that certain factories have better quality than others. I think our Cherokee (West) was built in Eastern Oregon.

I will let you know if I have any issues. I am going to run it in to the dealer after we get back from our Oregon Coast weather watching trip to see if a slight slide sag is normal. The dinette table is level and the slide seals completely so I doubt it is an issue but I want to make sure it doesn't need adjusted to avoid possible future damage.

In summary, this was the one we chose based on cost versus our use and we have absolutely no regrets. I am sitting in it right now watching coastal wind & rain pour sideways and we are nice and warm, not rocking and no sign of water getting inside.

[LJH]

Purchased this 2011 NEW in summer of '11. No issues except black tank valve shortly after warranty ran out---'Of Course'. Valve would not close after that last dump, so since warranty was gone, took RV to a recommended service shop. New valve installed, but still difficult to operate, I suppose because of that long cable. Over the course of 3 years the black tank valve is the hardest to operate in order to close completely. Grey valves are no issue.
I have seen in several blogs that Calgon water softer liquid and liquid soap combo will keep the level gauge and valve working better, that and using only RV rated toilet paper. Also limit use of the Tetford or other deodorizers that may contribute to valves not working correctly.

I'm going to give it a try.

[Ken Y]

We purchased a 2013 Surveyor new and have had very few problems with it, only a few minor ones. So yes we are happy with our camper. K

[cphubert]

On our 2nd FR trailer the first a 36' 5th wheel toy hauler that suffered delamination after 11 years, coast to coast and traveling from Key West to Newfoundland - the road and many miles finally took it's toll. Our new (2013) trailer we downsized and went back to aluminum skin, Shasta Revere 26RBSS to help boondocking and stop the delamination. Overall FR is comparable to all others we have owned, with proper preventive maintenance no more or less than any other make in its price range. I also agree that you hear about bad trailers more than good ones. I hope everyone has the same positive results from FR, in 2001 they replaced my toyhauler roof before I took delivery due to quality issues.

[wrvond]

We've been happy since day one. Bought the camper, took delivery, and haven't seen the dealer since, though they do send me a Christmas card every year.

[Samaka]

I am a happy forest river owner.
I won't let my poor quality, poorly built Crusader disrupt my happiness.


Sent from my iPhone using Forest River Forums

[RapidRoy]

I am on my 2nd F.R. fifth wheel. My first was a 2013 XLR hyperlite. I had no factory issues with it. The dealer was Mid state Rv in GA. They stood behind the product and gave me a start up kit to get going.

My second is a 2016 prime time Spartan 1032 There are some minor issues the should have been caught at the factory but I fixed them my self. The big issue was the the Dealar , General RV would not stand behind the product. The check off list for the operation of every thing was not part of the walk through. Then I had to sign a form that stated the General RV would not warranty anything and I it was sold as is.

I fixed most of the issues my self rather than hassle with the dealer.

[northstar1960]

Originally Posted by Samaka

I am a happy forest river owner.
I won't let my poor quality, poorly built Crusader disrupt my happiness.


Sent from my iPhone using Forest River Forums

good one .i agree it's not owning a FR product that makes you happy or unhappy . the poor quality is industry wide and most things fixed correctly by owners . it would be nice if they cared just a bit about what they put out .

[Loefflerh]

I am a happy Solera 24R owner. Have had my fair number of issues with the coach but customer support from FR was excellent. And workmanship is crappy - no matter which brand you buy - american standard

[Homebrew]

Originally Posted by northstar1960

good one .i agree it's not owning a FR product that makes you happy or unhappy . the poor quality is industry wide and most things fixed correctly by owners . it would be nice if they cared just a bit about what they put out .

Same can be said about everything made in the America.
We build to repair or modify. If everything was perfect you would have nothing to complain about.
If we had nothing to repair or modify, company's would go out of business and it would be a boring life.

I was told by a car dealer once to never buy a america assembled car if it was made on a Monday,Wednesday or Friday. I guess the same applies to everything .







Sent from my iPhone using Forest River Forums

[dominic1964]

I bought my 2014 Sandpiper 3 months ago. It's been nothing but problems. The front hydraulic seals are leaking and a hose has had to be replaced twice, the circuit board on the fireplace was bad and the fireplace had to be replaced. Today the circuit board on the heater went and it now has to be replaced. The dealer delivered it with the freshwater tank full and a pipe broke completely in 2 due to the weight in the pipes 2 days after I took possession. All of the inside slide out trim was warped and had good sized spaces between the backing board. The long panel trim on the inside of two slide outs were not trimmed right at the manufacturer and had to be cut to make them flush (they were to long and bowed out). My small dog could stick her head in one space. I know these are relatively small things but I really thought I was upgrading when I bought this versus my 2001 sportsmen...boy was I wrong!!! I live on a very small income, paid cash for this thing from a surgical settlement and it's done nothing but cost me money since I got it. Really wish I would've never laid eyes on it

[Surveyor Mike]

Well I see the industry hasn't changed in 10 years. We did a pre delivery walk thru on our 2004 surveyor 291 and found several issues. The first was the wall paper boarder was crooked on the livingroom slide, the kitchen counter top laminate was cut too small, then the trim was missing on a window ledge. Also the front door needed adjusting and the sink cover needed trimming to set flush on the sink. They did fix all the initial issues in a short time frame, so we took delivery. Got it home and were on our first trip out by a campfire, looked over to see water flowing out the front door. Hose blew off the hot water tank after it warmed up, spilling everywhere. Then the rains came..... three of the eight windows leaked. Back to the dealer. I camped in his lot on a sunday nite and told them I was not leaving the rig. They pulled the windows and sealed them with ribbon caulk and I was on my way home that afternoon. Great dealer, crappy builder. Overall a great unit after the first couple visits to the dealer. Lol

[CTGREG]

Do I read your post correctly, 2004? The unit being over 10 years old, might have some problems, just saying.....

[toslow]

i own a 2005 CC and this thing is very clean with know problems except normal wear a tear for the yr, things like the sagging stairs and AC cycling sometimes.

really no complaints that i can say that i will lose sleep over.