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Old 10-31-2016, 02:48 PM   #1
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2017 FR3 30DS Changes (Long!)

We are preparing for the purchase of a 30DS next summer, so we've been looking at 2016 and 2017 models. We've found some changes in the newest 2017s that might be worth mentioning.

1. The bunk above the cockpit now stows up using latches rather than magnets. I have not seen a 2016 with latches. This will eliminate the need for securing it with "pogo sticks".

2. The microwave is larger (yay!) and there is a storage area above it with a drop down door.

3. The kitchen cabinetry has been redesigned. No more pantry/closet by the steps. Pantry storage has been moved to the right side of the refrigerator. There are two doors: upper is the largest pantry area, but no shelving or slide-outs; lower reveals two squarish cubbies. There is now an open cubby above the fridge also.

4. The main TV has been upgraded to a 39" size. Unfortunately, this has eliminated the cabinet to its right. Also, the TV does not swing out, it swings up. That means it really can't be viewed from the cockpit passenger's seat. Behind the TV is a 12V connection and a cable connection for satellite tv.

5. Disconnect, steps, drop down bunk, awing, and awning LEDs are now controlled from a panel low down in the stair well.

6. The drawer that used to be under the oven has now been moved under the fridge.

7. There are now two lights by bed's headboard; one for each side.

8. I have seen two graphics packages on the 2017. The standard, with the "flames" going diagonally back, and the newer style with some of the lower flames looping around and going toward the front.

9. There is now a propane connection for a grill under the bed slide out behind a small access panel. I assume it is a regulated feed.

There may be additional changes between the 2016 and 2017, but these are the ones I noticed in my shopping adventures. I should note that all 2017s I've looked at have had the 6-speed transmission ("PRND421"); only 1 2016 I visited was a 6-speed. The cockpit seating, sofa and dinette all seem to be the same. The bathroom, shower and bedroom also seem unchanged. Still no vent fans or height adjustment for the driver's seat.

IMHO, the kitchen cabinet redesign is a mixed bag. I would rather have the old pantry/closet, but removing it makes the 30DS seem brighter and more spacious when you are inside. I don't think the new pantry arrangement has anywhere near the storage as the old one.

I really like the larger TV, but I think losing the swing-out feature is a bit inconvenient. Also, I'm not a big fan of the swing-up feature; fastening it back down seems a bit of a jolt to the TV. Maybe no damage will be done over time.

Hope this helps those trying to decide between a 2016 and a 2017. Please post additional 2016 to 2017 changes if I have left any out.

Cheers,

Theo
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Old 10-31-2016, 07:34 PM   #2
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Thank you for the great list. As an owner of a 2016 30 DS, I often wondered what changes have been made to the 2017 model, with the sneaking suspicion that it would have been better to wait for the 2017. Whew - thanks to you, I can quit worrying about that until 2018!
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Old 11-02-2016, 12:44 PM   #3
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Looking at the FR3 website, they have now added the option to add 50A service, 5.5 KW generator, and 2nd AC as well as 18 CF refer in place of standard refer and pantry.
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Old 11-02-2016, 12:54 PM   #4
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More info, this bundle is called the "X Package" and is only available on 29DS and 30DS.
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Old 11-02-2016, 12:54 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by petct View Post
Looking at the FR3 website, they have now added the option to add 50A service, 5.5 KW generator, and 2nd AC as well as 18 CF refer in place of standard refer and pantry.
Yup! It's called the "X-Package" and it was available on the 2016s as an option.

Theo

Beat me to it, Richard!
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Old 11-04-2016, 12:19 PM   #6
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My 2016 30DS did come with some of these 2017 features like the locking latches on the cockpit bunk, the glass top for the range, and the outside vent for the generator.


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Old 11-04-2016, 02:15 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by FuzzymanCO View Post
My 2016 30DS did come with some of these 2017 features like the locking latches on the cockpit bunk, the glass top for the range, and the outside vent for the generator.


Did you also get the 6-speed transmission ("PRND421" = 6-speed, "PRND321" = 5-speed)?

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Old 12-27-2016, 09:30 PM   #8
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Theo-
Great piece on new-model changes and improvements. Our late-model 2016 30DS has latches for the above-cockpit bunk and also the 6-speed transmission. In your opinion, how much do the changes/X-package add to the sticker price?
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Old 12-28-2016, 02:39 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Theo View Post
We are preparing for the purchase of a 30DS next summer, so we've been looking at 2016 and 2017 models. We've found some changes in the newest 2017s that might be worth mentioning.

..... .........................................

Hope this helps those trying to decide between a 2016 and a 2017. Please post additional 2016 to 2017 changes if I have left any out.

Cheers,

Theo
Theo,

I have been researching the FR3 28DS and have a few changes to add to this list. Changes listed below are from the 2017 FR3 11/16 brochure. I also have a printed 2017 FR3 05/16 brochure from the dealer. Others may noticed more.

1> Construction & Exterior:
• White Diamond Pearl Gel-Coat Sidewalls with Graphics - NEW (11/16)
• Radius Fiberglass Exterior Roof - NEW (11/16)
• Side-swing Front Grill w/Mesh Bug Shield - NEW 2017 - Not on an older 2016 FR3 DS30 I looked at. I did see it on a newer 2016 DS30.
• Exterior LP Quick Connect - NEW (11/16)

2> Interior:
• 40" LED TV (29DS, 30DS) - NEW (11/16)
• 32" LED TV (25DS, 28DS, 32DS)

3> Galley
• Residential Microwave Oven (28DS, 29DS, 30DS, 32DS) - NEW (11/16) (I will need to buy a 12VDC power roof vent for above the stove. The Microwave Range hood vent is 120VAC.)
4> Electrical & Plumbing
• High Output Quiet Air Command™ Ducted Roof A/C w/Chill Construction and Heat Pump - NEW (11/16)

5> Cabinetry
• Raised Panel FR3 Custom Wood Cherry - NEW (11/16) It was Black Walnut.

I will be ordering a FR3 28DS at the local dealer later this week.

Robert


Attached 2017 FR3 Brochure - NEW (11/16) downloaded from link below:
FR3 Class A Motorhomes by Forest River RV
Attached Files
File Type: pdf 2017 FR3 Brochure v11-16.pdf (3.85 MB, 66 views)
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Old 12-28-2016, 02:50 PM   #10
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X Package option MSRP price

Quote:
Originally Posted by rickydeee View Post
theo-
great piece on new-model changes and improvements. Our late-model 2016 30ds has latches for the above-cockpit bunk and also the 6-speed transmission. In your opinion, how much do the changes/x-package add to the sticker price?
msrp $4,493

X Package Option (mandatory on 32DS) (N/A 25DS, 28DS)
50 Amp Service
5.5 KW Onan Gas Generator
2nd A/C
18 cu. ft. Gas/Electric Refrigerator
Attached Files
File Type: pdf 2017 FR3 order form 201612171005.pdf (27.8 KB, 48 views)
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