Another new Columbus Owner in Texas

redfinaddict · 02-10-2012, 01:42 PM

Pulled the trigger on a 320 rs at the Houston RV show yesterday. We found the Columbus at the San Antonio show a few weeks back and made the trip to Houston to see it again, the rest is history.

This is our first RV, so we may wear out our welcome on the forums. Thanks to those involved for providing this great resource, I have learned a lot from reading the past threads and faq.

Ok, so first question, we were told that the dealer would have to order our rig. I think they had allready sold current allotment. There are some options that we would like to add such as 2nd air unit, slide toppers and I would like to here others opinions on auto leveling systems? I would assume that since they will be ordering that we could get factory pricing on options vs dealer adds later not sure?

JJ & RJ

EdJunior · 02-10-2012, 05:52 PM

Cool. Congratulations. We're heading there tomorrow. Don't need an RV, but they're fun anyway.

Your dealer should be able to add on anything you want since it has to be ordered anyway. And you should get the show discounts as well.

tentcamper1 · 02-10-2012, 06:07 PM

to the forum and congrats!!

Earth Station · 02-10-2012, 08:01 PM

Congrats on your new Columbus!!! We ordered ours in January............ we went with a 4 point leveling system, second a/c an a boat hitch! We traded in a Keystone TT. Cannot wait for the season to start. Reservations already made for April, May and June!!

amxpress · 02-10-2012, 08:29 PM

We had the dealer order ours, too. We optioned it out just like we wanted it, and what we could afford!
We've got reservations in late March. Hope we have it by then!
Best of luck with yours!!

trudy66 · 02-10-2012, 08:52 PM

Congratulations, we ordered ours this week.
Called the manufacture rep from show and had him send us build sheet
and ordered what we wanted and was available. Upgraded to a trail air
pin box, 2nd ac, fireplace, slide toppers, tile floor, king bed.
Wanted the auto levelers but just couldn't swing it right now. Probably
will regret this down the road, but oh well.
Can't wait till it's in, probably mid march.

Earth Station · 02-10-2012, 08:59 PM

I have ordered a few things to decorate with............... the last (bathroom prints) to be done the 25th of Feb. Can't wait to personalize it!!!

wanderer69 · 02-10-2012, 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trudy66

Congratulations, we ordered ours this week.
Called the manufacture rep from show and had him send us build sheet
and ordered what we wanted and was available. Upgraded to a trail air
pin box, 2nd ac, fireplace, slide toppers, tile floor, king bed.
Wanted the auto levelers but just couldn't swing it right now. Probably
will regret this down the road, but oh well.
Can't wait till it's in, probably mid march.

Do you still have the name and number of the factory rep. I was at the Ft Worth Show in January and got his card (if its the same guy) but have misplased it.

redfinaddict · 02-11-2012, 10:02 AM

Congrats to all the new Columbus owners, I think this is going to be a popular line. Earth Station tell me more about your boat hitch. How large a boat are we talking and do you have experience towing with this setup?

Earth Station · 02-11-2012, 01:57 PM

The factory is going to install it. We d not have a boat to haul behind but possibly a smaller enclosed trailer with toys (scooters/kayaks) in it. We only have experience hauling a TT. So this will be a huge learning curve. Understanding that our toys will either have to stay at home or we will take two trucks for right now. We decided to have the factory put the hitch on it so that if we decided to put one one at a later date it wouldn't void the warranty at all!! Just trying to think ahead. Ready to stomp my foot for my Columbus to be here!!!!

whitebb · 03-08-2012, 11:06 AM

A friend bought a Columbus 5th wheel at the Houston RV show and wow he has several problems as leaky windows and to many to mention. The living room slide out is real spongy and I would think will need a recall. I also traded my george town in on a montana 3700 rl and have had lots of problems. I think its just sloppy workman ship at the factory. This is not my first time at the RV rodeo. When are the mfg going to get together. We live and travel full time. The Columbus I think has a real slide out problem. I hope it has a recall.

manchu39 · 03-08-2012, 11:14 AM

Congratulations!

redfinaddict · 03-08-2012, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whitebb

A friend bought a Columbus 5th wheel at the Houston RV show and wow he has several problems as leaky windows and to many to mention. The living room slide out is real spongy and I would think will need a recall. I also traded my george town in on a montana 3700 rl and have had lots of problems. I think its just sloppy workman ship at the factory. This is not my first time at the RV rodeo. When are the mfg going to get together. We live and travel full time. The Columbus I think has a real slide out problem. I hope it has a recall.

Whitebb, First I have heard of any issues with the Columbus, has your friend been in contact with the dealer?
I would really like to hear the follow up on how the dealer takes care of your freind as I am sure it is the same dealer we purchased from We ordered and are still waiting for delivery. Maybe you could get your freind to register on the forum and post the other problems he is having and how the dealer is taking care of them. Seems that there are often issues with new rv's from all manufacturers. I think that as long as they are willing to correct the problems wich also seems to be the case for the most part then I'm ok with it. I think that we see this in other things that have complex systems and a large number of parts, boats, auto's and homes come to mind. That is what your warranty is for. Hope you get your own issues with your Montana worked out.
Good Luck

Earth Station · 03-09-2012, 08:32 AM

I would also like to know about the other problems........ this is the first I have heard also.

BigDTx · 03-09-2012, 10:04 AM

Congrats from a fellow Texan! See you around the campgounds!

whitebb · 03-10-2012, 10:08 PM

I only hope there is a recall on the 320 model as the slide out has a weak floor and a bad design and about 7/8 inch one peace floor. As my friend is getting the run around with local dealer. Time will tell. I know the mfg of all units cut corners. My friend is a newbie and needs to press them for that issue. His floor may be damage from the water leak, but wow. Good luck all, as I stated I purchased a 2012 Montana and it has it's issues and I am on their case to repair. It may have to wait until this fall as we are leaving to go to our work assignment. I need to change my profile photo.

rjshiflet · 03-27-2012, 05:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whitebb

A friend bought a Columbus 5th wheel at the Houston RV show and wow he has several problems as leaky windows and to many to mention. The living room slide out is real spongy and I would think will need a recall. I also traded my george town in on a montana 3700 rl and have had lots of problems. I think its just sloppy workman ship at the factory. This is not my first time at the RV rodeo. When are the mfg going to get together. We live and travel full time. The Columbus I think has a real slide out problem. I hope it has a recall.

You know...I'm really curious about all the problems your friend is having.

First - you wrote this on 3/10 - which was pretty much exactly one month after the Houston RV show. That means there is NO WAY he ordered one, and so now I wonder...did he buy a show-sample?

I don't think I would ever buy a show sample - in fact, when we looked at the one at the Fort Worth RV show when we ordered...our dealer told us to "you do not want to buy that unit...it was in Louisville last week and all the dealers were in and out of it constantly...then here in Fort Worth." Of course...we wanted to order with the six-way levelers and second A/C unit and other extras any way.

I hope your friend has gotten satisfaction...because our Columbus seems to be the most solid and well manufactured RV we've ever owned.

redfinaddict · 04-04-2012, 08:04 AM

Dealer called to tell us that our new Columbus 320rs had arrived yesterday.

We won't be able to take delivery till next week as they are swamped for make ready. We're so excited, we can't wait to bring her home.

Can you tell?
Actually, our new TV(F350 dually) ordered at about the same time as the 5'er is not in yet. Supposed to be here tomorrow, but dealer didn't have confirmation that it was on a rail car yet. So we may have to have the RV dealer hold our Columbus or tow it my storage facility till the truck comes in and we get some break in mileage on it.

Earth Station · 04-04-2012, 07:10 PM

oh my................. you have more patience than I would

hotrodj125 · 04-04-2012, 08:02 PM

Don't forget that most states only allow up to 70 feet long from front bumber to prop on boat motor.

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