Should this go back to the factory?

asquared · 09-01-2014, 10:33 PM

It is no secret we've been having some issues with our new Sabre 34REQS since we bought it in mid July. In the beginning it was mostly little annoying things like trimwork issues. Then after we took possession bigger issues have been popping up. The microwave didn't work right and was replaced. The bedroom slide actuator assembly sheared away from the floor pinching wires. They had to rerun all the wires and redo the slide actuator assembly. The shower fiberglass has some cracks in it.

1 week ago we noticed the slide seals on our other 3 slides were tearing and pulling away from the sidewalls of the trailer. Ok so we need some new seals. Contacted the dealership who has been great to work with so far. Sent them some pics and the first question out of the service managers mouth was, why is this happening. As of when we discussed things last week, his plan was for me to bring him the 5er when I could leave it for quite some time as he planned on taking the slides apart and figuring out the cause.

Well this weekend we had a mobile rv repair guy at the site and he immediately noticed the cause. The holes for the slides are not cut correctly. The holes are wider at the top than the bottom. The bottom is too tight causing the slide and slide seals to bind. This has also caused the propane line to the fridge to bind in the slide. We ended up with holes in the propane line. We discovered the propane line Fri night as we were getting ready to pull out. There was a mobile repair guy in the campground giving a seminar so we had him take a look at the propane line. That's when he discovered the slide issue. He also said when the slide was in and binding the propane line it was pushing the sidewall in causing a dent. 3 of my 4 slides have this hole cut incorrectly. The bedroom slide appears to be ok. This is a pretty major issue. My question is, when I contact the dealership this week, should I let the dealership attempt this fix or insist the 5er be sent back to the factory for a fix? Is this fixable? Not to sure what to be insisting on at this point. I know I have been fortunate in that my dealership has been very accommodating and quick with repairs to this point but I'm worried this might be a bit too major for them. Any thoughts here? despite all of our issues, we still love this trailer. As long as things can be made right, we will be ok. But how to make them right?

These pics don't do the issue justice but here are some nonetheless.

Wiscampsin · 09-02-2014, 08:03 AM

Thankfully you've got a good dealer to work with. Most dealers can/will replace slide seals. But if the slide holes are not cut correctly that is a major issue and I would hope they send it back to the factory for the fix.

Davidceder · 09-02-2014, 01:28 PM

Talk to your dealer since you have a good relationship. I imagine he wont take on fixing the walls.

rlocicero · 09-02-2014, 01:37 PM

My vote is factory. They have the rigging and jigs for large repairs. Flagstaff did a great job replacing my floor.

Brother Les · 09-02-2014, 01:49 PM

Seals...easy to change out.

Slide size issue... your Dealer will let you know which direction he/you will take.

asquared · 09-02-2014, 06:41 PM

Thanks guys. I played phone tag with the dealership today... I called them, they were out, they called me, I was in with a patient and so on. Hopefully we will connect tomorrow. They have really been great to date, I'm just nervous letting.g a dealership handle something this big.

asquared · 09-07-2014, 02:36 PM

Here are some more pictures. There is over an inch difference in the distance between trailer and slide from top to bottom.

NeilM108 · 09-08-2014, 12:15 AM

Factory, if possible

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LindyLu · 09-09-2014, 02:28 PM

Just found out our new 2015 Coachmen Chapparal Signature fifth wheel is going back to factory next week. We have used it twice since getting it June 21. It was back at the dealership for 2 weeks. They attempted to fix the problem. Slide seals. If you drive on wet roads, the tires kick the water up and under the slides leaving very wet floors and carpet. We love our camper and I really hate to see it go but it has to be fixed.

Pirates55 · 09-09-2014, 02:42 PM

I dropped mine off yesterday at the dealership to send it back to the factory.

LindyLu · 09-09-2014, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pirates55

I dropped mine off yesterday at the dealership to send it back to the factory.

Did they give you any idea how long it might be there??

Pirates55 · 09-09-2014, 03:10 PM

6 to 8 weeks

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asquared · 09-10-2014, 06:48 PM

Well I talked to Gary at the factory today. He was very helpful and has decided to bring our fiver back to the factory for repairs.

He wants me to call him when I'm done using the trailer for the season. Our current plan is to cut the season short after our October trip. He says he can arrange for pick up of the fiver within a couple days of the call. He also said he would mail us the part needed to fix our propane line to keep us camping. He is going to call my dealership and find out why they have been so hard to get a hold of all of a sudden and he's going to talk to them about it coming back to the factory.... that said, I finally spoke with the dealership after speaking with Gary. The service manager has been out sick and is expected to be out for another week. They have been overwhelmed keeping up. I'm so happy forest river is trying to make this right. I just hope they can resolve our long list of issues and then we can have many years of stress free camping with it.

Davidceder · 09-10-2014, 07:09 PM

If it is Gary Grigsby, I have always found him to be very helpful.

Glad you are being taken care of.

asquared · 09-10-2014, 08:11 PM

Yes it is Gary Grigsby. I told him he has glowing reviews here and I got an awesome shucks type response. I actually feel better having talked to him.

TURBS · 09-10-2014, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by asquared

Yes it is Gary Grigsby. I told him he has glowing reviews here and I got an awesome shucks type response. I actually feel better having talked to him.

Gary is top notch.
Johnny on the other hand is exceptional!

TURBS

"SABRE OWNERS UNITED"

asquared · 09-10-2014, 10:58 PM

Turbs who is Johnny?

TURBS · 09-10-2014, 11:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by asquared

Turbs who is Johnny?

I'm not sure of johnny ' s actual title but when he visited my sabre last year at the rally he just start pointing out deficiencies and ordered them fixed or replaced.
Walked up to him this year to say hi and thank you and he remembered who I was and what we did to my sabre a year ago.
He also asked if I was happy with my sabre and if there was anything he could do.
great great guy!
I think he may have been sabre Sam's sidekick.
I'll ask sam tomorrow.

TURBS

"SABRE OWNERS UNITED"

asquared · 09-10-2014, 11:25 PM

That is pretty cool that he remembered all of that... but then again, he was dealing with turbs. So far I have to admit customer service has been great. I just wish I was experiencing it with lesser issues but at least they are standing behind their product and helping me out.

Pirates55 · 09-11-2014, 06:54 AM

I too have found Gary Grigsby to be very helpful and a good communicator. It's very nice to be able to call and actually speak with the head of the warranty department. I wish mine wasn't headed to the factory as I type but I am glad they are standing behind the product and that's all I can ask. Hopefully once it's returned it will all be happy camping going forward.

2015 Sabre 36QBOK-7
2007 F-350 Diesel FX-4
China Grove,NC

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