Forest River Customer Service

[Not-so-happy-camper]

Hi All! We have a new 2022 Forest River West Vibe 17 DB. There is no ladder. The documentation calls for cleaning and maintenance of the roof. But there is no access. Some forums suggest using a telescopic ladder, however, this is a very unsafe option as they can slide on the side of the roof and cause severe injury. There are ladders that can easily be post-installed, but you need to know where the framing studs are.
I contacted Forest River this January and after initially being told I'll get the drawing, there was never any more responses to my follow-up inquiries. I tried the website "contact us" and the direct email to "my service representative"; nothing. It appears that Forest River is only interested in selling you a unit but can care less about you once you pay. This is totally unacceptable to me.
Why could they not just provide the information necessary to install the ladder for a safe access to the roof, which is necessary for proper maintenance and possible repair? And, why would they not have the decency to just tell me if they simply won't disclose where the studs are?
Without the fixed ladder, there is just no safe way to get on the roof...
Any suggestions on finding the studs or convincing FR to finally reply to my inquiries? Thank you!

[bikendan]

I see that you are new to the Forum. Hi and Welcome to FRF.
Is this your first new RV?
Many RV manufacturers are no longer installing roof ladders, due to litigation.
Those maintenance instructions haven't caught up.

I use my Little Giant ladder for roof maintenance. Have no problems with sliding. I have been on various RV forums for 20 years and have never seen anyone have such issues with the telescoping ladders.

[Odyknuck]

My toy hauler came with a ladder and I removed it after trying to use it a few times. You had to use a 3' step ladder just to get on it and it was very uncomfortable to climb. I use my aluminum extension ladder instead as it works so much better. I attached rubber strips on the top to prevent sliding and/or scratching.

[GolfingDave]

Originally Posted by Not-so-happy-camper

There are ladders that can easily be post-installed, but you need to know where the framing studs are.

I would bet they do not concern themselves with wall studs and rely on the wrap around from the roof to hold the weight.
The amount of anchor points on the rungs distributes any weight against the walls.

Same with awnings, too many different lengths to hit wall studs every time with the verticals. The top of the walls are most likely reinforced the length of the wall though for the header pieces.

Or the horizontal brackets for shelves and griddles. I know mine are not screwed into studs as I had to remove them for a repair.

Just my opinion though.

[Iwritecode]

Originally Posted by Not-so-happy-camper

Any suggestions on finding the studs or convincing FR to finally reply to my inquiries? Thank you!

If you go out in the morning when there's a lot of dew, you might be able to see them.

Check out these threads with pics.

https://www.forestriverforums.com/fo...ng-170906.html

https://www.forestriverforums.com/fo...re-259060.html

[Oaklevel]

Much safer to not have a ladder mounted on the RV. It is very difficult to add a ladder after the fact. There is often more internal bracing than just the studs for a ladder.

A step or other ladder to access the roof would be much safer.

[Not-so-happy-camper]

Thank you all for your replies; very much appreciated!

I still feel that properly attached fixed ladder is safer, always available, and independent from the terrain surface where you are camping at that time.

However, my frustration is with the FR customer service. We purchased the Vibe 2022 new in January 2023. I would consider it a common sense decency for customer service people to reply to customers who just bought their product and have a question. But, maybe, I am too old fashioned and this is no longer "in"...

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by Not-so-happy-camper

Thank you all for your replies; very much appreciated!

I still feel that properly attached fixed ladder is safer, always available, and independent from the terrain surface where you are camping at that time.

However, my frustration is with the FR customer service. We purchased the Vibe 2022 new in January 2023. I would consider it a common sense decency for customer service people to reply to customers who just bought their product and have a question. But, maybe, I am too old fashioned and this is no longer "in"...

Unfortunately customer support from the Towable divisions, is hit and miss, compared to the Motorized divisions.
I had good responses from PrimeTime customer service but others haven't from them.
I prefer calling the particular division directly, than FR's customer service.

[Mox-co]

I was told the ladders are installed ONLY on the RVs that have a roof designed to get on, i.e. strong enough. I suggest you use a scaffold if you know a guy that has one.

[Jfkmk]

Originally Posted by Mox-co

I was told the ladders are installed ONLY on the RVs that have a roof designed to get on, i.e. strong enough. I suggest you use a scaffold if you know a guy that has one.

Not necessarily. The ladder on my camper was an option, and I highly doubt they put on a different roof than a camper without a ladder.

[Oaklevel]

Originally Posted by Mox-co

I was told the ladders are installed ONLY on the RVs that have a roof designed to get on, i.e. strong enough. I suggest you use a scaffold if you know a guy that has one.

Not really true. As was stated many were optional. Also most if not all RVs are ok to walk on the roof. No bouncing though