When Does Forest River 2021 Model year begin?

[joss1952]

Hello folks,


New guy here looking at a 2020 Forest River Sonoma 1800FQ. Will be going back to dealer this week to conclude sale negotiations.



Question: when are the 2021's arriving? I'm seeing a few on lots already, and was concerned if I buy a 2020 now, wouldn't I be facing immediate depreciation? I wouldn't mind if that's considered in the final pricing as we like the floor plan.


Thanks for any light you can shed on this.



Regards,


Joe

[pgandw]

According to Robert's RV in Denver (only sells Flagstaff A-frames and pop-ups):

Early 2021 would normally be showing up on dealer lots end of June. These would be the same as a 2020 but with a 2021 VIN. As an example, we bought an early 2019 in August 2018. It was the same as the 2018 units, but had a 2019 VIN. We chose over waiting for a normal 2019 because DW like the color schemes - interior and exterior - of the 2018s better.

Normal 2021 starts arriving in September - these are actual 2021 production with the 2021 changes.

With the plants having been shut down for COVID, the schedule could be considerably different this year. Also, I don't know if this information applies outside of Rockwood/Flagstaff.

The VIN year is what matters for resale and property taxes.

Fred W
2019 Flagstaff T21TBHW A-frame
2008 Hyundai Entourage minivan
camping Colorado and adjacent states one weekend at a time

[BehindBars]

The model year changeover time line described in post #2 is what we witnessed in 2019. Our 2020 was built in July, 2019, but was identical to 2019 models. The actual 2020 changes began appearing around September.

On that note, if you like what you see now in a 2020, you may not want to wait. Not all changes for 2021 may be desirable. We saw how Forest River had cheapened some items like the kitchen faucet and eliminated some ceiling lights and the oven for the next model year. Not all new model changes are good changes; some changes can be for cost cutting.

I do not care about the model year game and how it affects depreciation. I want to get the RV that’s right for me, and I intend to keep it a long time. By the time I sell, the condition it is in will have more affect on the value than the model year.

[lbrjet]

The factories in Indiana typically do the change over in March and begin slapping on next years date in April. Don't know about this year.

[lbrjet]

I wouldn't worry as much about the model year as the build date. It could have been sitting for 2 months or 12 months.

[joss1952]

Thanks for the replies everyone! Much appreciated.



How does one check a VIN for manufacturing date?



Regards,


Joe

[Theb2b]

We ordered ours February of 2019, took delivery end of May and it was one of the first for as a 2020 with some changes in the interior cabinets and an additional rear window from the 2019 model but as others have stated with the plant shutdown due to Covid who knows this year.

[wmtire]

Originally Posted by joss1952

How does one check a VIN for manufacturing date?



Regards,


Joe

The 10th place digit/letter in the VIN is the model year assigned by the manufacturer.


RV's usually adhere to the same designation as automobiles. Look at the 10th letter in the VIN, then this chart to get the model year.

[lbrjet]

The build date should be on one of stickers on the trailer.

[aceinspp]

I was looking at 2019 Phoenix 5ers and built around Aug. This was in Sept of last year so last part of Sept I ordered my Phoenix and it arrived as a 2020 in Dec and did have a few adde3d items compaird to the 19 which I liked. Later RJD

[joss1952]

Thanks folks,


That chart nailed it. I confirmed its a 2020, I'll check the stickers for a build date.



Really appreciate all the help!


Regards,


Joe

[mikes86gn]

The way it was explained to me April 1st begins the next model year. My 2015 was built in August of 2014. I picked it up on March 31st of 2015. The next day I could have ordered a 2016.

Mike (wear a mask, it's not a suggestion...it's the law. GW gov of Michigan)

[TRD]

My 26FKBS is a 2021 per the title.

Mine was Built 3/20/2020 per sticker.
Delivered to dealer in MI on 3/27/2020

[mikes86gn]

I left out an important word. I should have said bought a 2016 on April 1st. The 2015 deal was $20,000 or $22,000 below M.S.R.P.. A 2016 was quite a bit more.

Mike

[Bob2019]

Our 2019 Forester is much better than the 2020 is these ways. No two tone paint on the 2020, bed headboard is smaller in the 2020 and does not look as nice, Couch and dinette seating looks cheaper than the 2019, Dash color in 2020 not as nice as 2019, etc. Not to mention that 2020 list for over $4,000.00 more than 2019, which you may eat one way or the other in some degree with dealer pricing. If I had to replace my Forester, I would be looking for a 2019 instead of a 2020.

[davel]

Originally Posted by lbrjet

I wouldn't worry as much about the model year as the build date. It could have been sitting for 2 months or 12 months.

My 2020 (Vin decal) Palomino Puma was dealer purchased June 2020 with a build date March 2019 riding on mid 2018 Castlerocks.

[titansjan]

We bought our 2021 2509s in October. Most dealers had them on back order. This dealer had just gotten in 3. He said they had been ordered in March.

[Boomerweps]

Originally Posted by lbrjet

The factories in Indiana typically do the change over in March and begin slapping on next years date in April. Don't know about this year.

Matches my experience. Shopped around for my TT in April 2018. One dealer said it was his last 2018 and another told me that he just got the new 2019 in stock with the “full size” refrigerator 2019 upgrade & sent us some pictures. We bought the 2019 model late April 2018.
Fall 2018, the 2019 models had a few more changes like a portable grill exterior connection, nicer sink, and escape windows vice glider at the bunks and dinette (would have preferred for opening in the rain).