2023 286RL 5th wheel

m38mpp · 12-31-2022, 05:46 PM

Just before Thanksgiving I drove to RV Nation in Ohio to pick up my new Salem Hemisphere 286RL it was a 475 mile trip for me but they had the best price around for the unit I wanted. I ordered it with auto leveling & whatever else it comes with but no solar panels. I got it home and tried the TV and sound bar but didn't work (no sound) they use RCA connectors from TV to sound bar but phad it plugged into input on TV. The only output on Sansui 59" is optical so $12 later got an adapter to make it work with the Furrion sound bar. Then I turned the heat on & checked the output the bedroom worked for a minute then nothing and there was no heat duct in the bathroom (as in previous yrs same model) . I took out the partition in the storage bay to look and they had a 4" connection from the furnace to a rectangular duct in the floor which had a male connector the 4" duct coming from furnace (2 into a T also had a male end so it just fell off when I turned on the heat. The duct also ran right under the bathroom where the heat duct should have been. I changed the connection and added a duct in the bathroom just like in past years. I've had 6 RVs and know stuff happens and can fix almost anything on an RV but no heat in the bathroom??? Then today I have no idea why thought I would look at the roof and low and behold there is a solar panel there I didn't order or want. They must have stuck it on there then part way along figured I didn't order it and left it. There is no monitor panel in RV for it anywhere nor could I find the wires coming from the roof. Multiple calls and texts to Forest River and representative have gone nowhere. Their quality control leaves a lot of room for improvement. I'll try and figure out how to ad photo.

m38mpp · 12-31-2022, 05:57 PM

Some pictures

IamProStreet · 12-31-2022, 07:40 PM

Was or is there a sticker saying pre wired for GoPower solar? If so that is where the solar controller goes and the wiring is behind it. I see it has the panel wired up to an entry port so there is wiring in there somewhere. Mine was in the hallway by all the switches.

m38mpp · 12-31-2022, 08:07 PM

I have seen pictures of the same unit with the monitor panel above the main panel and thermostats. But have seen others with it in the baggage compartment. I really didn't want solar but now that they put holes in my roof I feel that I must hook it up. Forest River is slow to answer.

5picker · 12-31-2022, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m38mpp

I have seen pictures of the same unit with the monitor panel above the main panel and thermostats. But have seen others with it in the baggage compartment. I really didn't want solar but now that they put holes in my roof I feel that I must hook it up. Forest River is slow to answer.

Forest River has been pretty much on Holiday mode the last couple weeks. Don't expect much out of them until later next week.

Did you not do a PDI/Customer Orientation at Couch's?

When we picked up our 345IK, I was on the roof and tested every system and appliance.

Sent from my SM-G996U using Forest River Forums mobile app

m38mpp · 12-31-2022, 08:48 PM

I had a walk through and the a/c and heat worked I didn't order it with solar so never thought to check roof or look for heat vents in the bathroom which I assumed were there after seeing them in video. I was blown away today seeing it on the roof when I looked at the RV from my porch. I don't like the way they install them with the space under it for debris and don't boondock. The no heat in the bathroom really fried me . 6 other RVs class c cheap (2) , Georgetown,Hurricane,Salem 5th wheel,and open range all heat in bathroom.

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