2013 sierra 365 SAQ wall dropping down

[ItsmePatB]

Here are a few pics of my problem. The trailer has never been hit or dropped. It's not water damaged.
The wall is dropping down on the passenger side causing a big gap, big enough where I can put my whole hand in. Also on the inside of the front closet in the 5th wheel, the shelf is breaking away and the trims are popping off because the wood is now bowing.
I have been told by friends that the welds are busting under the 5th wheel where the hitch is and to NOT move it because the hitch could break off.
This trailer is 2 yrs and 3 mons old.
My dealer I bought it from is over 250 miles away.
I have not called anybody about this yet because I am shell shocked and dumbfounded that this is happening. I would like input and advice on what to say to forest river when I call.
And Wayne's phone number, please.

[inspectorgf]

574-537-1406 wbigler@forestriverinc.com. Yea that looks like something that should go back to the factory. Wow I can't believe how bad that is.

[ependydad]

I know others who have had frame/pin box issues have had Lippert welders come to them.

But starting with the warranty contact is your first order of business.

As to what to say- keep it polite and professional! No threats of lawyers (or even hints at it). Doing so will land you with their lawyers and out of warranty's hands.

Tell them what you're seeing. If you have weight slips, offer to provide those. Ask how to proceed.

[inspectorgf]

Yes be polite and explain your situation. Email them your pictures. They are pretty good about standing behind their products from what I understand.

[rracer5]

Wow......that's the worse I've ever seen. That trailer can't go anywhere. IMHO it will have to be fixed where it sits!!

[ItsmePatB]

This trailer is in Southern California and I can't find a Sierra dealer anywhere close.
Does anyone know what the warranty coverage is for frame and structural issues?
The regular two year warranty time has passed and when I try to look it up I can only find info that it only had a 12 month structural warranty.
It seems crazy to me if that is the case.

[AquaMan]

In most cases, forest river has taken care of issues like this, especially Sierra/sandpiper. As stated, contact your dealer, Sierra, AND Lippert, and work through the problem that way. It's frustrating and disappointing, but remember the saying "more flies with honey than vinegar". I'm sure FR will make it right.


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[ependydad]

Originally Posted by ItsmePatB

This trailer is in Southern California and I can't find a Sierra dealer anywhere close.
Does anyone know what the warranty coverage is for frame and structural issues?
The regular two year warranty time has passed and when I try to look it up I can only find info that it only had a 12 month structural warranty.
It seems crazy to me if that is the case.

IMO, I'd skip a dealer and go straight to FR. I also wouldn't worry yet about the frame warranty- see what FR will do to make it right.

[ItsmePatB]

I've been looking for a contact number or an email address for forest river. I would like to reach Wayne.
Does anyone have his phone number? I've seen it listed on here before, but now that I need it, I'm having a "duh" moment. Thanx.

[ependydad]

Isn't post #2 his contact info?

Otherwise, here is a warranty contact list for Forest River:
https://dealers.forestriverinc.com/D...nformation.pdf

[ItsmePatB]

Thank you, I finally went on a computer instead of my phone so I could see the posts. And yes, it's on post #2. Sorry! I told ya, this whole thing is making me dumbfounded!
I have emailed forest river and left a message for a call back. And I have also emailed a company in Ca that is listed as a mfr for lippert frames that was on the forest river list of component manufacturers. Waiting also on a call back from the dealer I purchased from, whom I never did business with again after I drove off the lot.
I guess it's a waiting game now.

[rracer5]

Originally Posted by ItsmePatB

Thank you, I finally went on a computer instead of my phone so I could see the posts. And yes, it's on post #2. Sorry! I told ya, this whole thing is making me dumbfounded!
I have emailed forest river and left a message for a call back. And I have also emailed a company in Ca that is listed as a mfr for lippert frames that was on the forest river list of component manufacturers. Waiting also on a call back from the dealer I purchased from, whom I never did business with again after I drove off the lot.
I guess it's a waiting game now.

Don't wait too long. A couple of days at most. Then try phone calls referencing your previous emails and that your looking for advise/answers. Don't let it go, get names and contact numbers. Good luck.

[AquaMan]

Sent you a PM


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[dicky1243]

Call Jeff Johnson @ 15745343167,5371557,15743894600

Maybe he can get you to the right @FR looks like the plate for the pin box broke loose.

[chiro]

What happens to the seperating walls when its loaded verse unload??Have you looked around to see if you can see any cracks????

I know from experience that you do get a lot more bees with honey with FR. They have been very good to me. I have had issues out of warranty and they fixed the issues. I know it can be difficult to get them to return call. SO stay on them. I called every day with a nice reminder when I had issues. I have a sandpiper 365 saq.

What does the drivers side look like???

[ItsmePatB]

Update: I have emailed Wayne at forest river more photos and they are going to assess the pics. That was on Wed and Thurs. he was very nice so far.

the calls to the dealer were fruitless. The girl in charge of warranty issues there said whoever told me to call them didn't know what they were talking about. That I should call Jeff Johnson at FR.
I did find out the frame manufacturer is close by me in Rialto, Ca. So if they give me the okay to take it there I think wouldn't be afraid to move it the 12 miles to get there.

I'm in waiting mode now, especially with the holidays.


The drivers side is showing slight separation so far.



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[ependydad]

I missed this last update. Looks
Like you're getting a positive response from FR. Keep us posted as to what happened and what the fix is.

[supercab79]

Well any updates???

[ItsmePatB]

These are pics from the repair facilty Forest River recommended in my area. They found numerous broken welds. I am still waiting on my trailer to be finished, the welding has been done and we are waiting on the parts for the inside closet to come from Forest River.
So far I would have to say that Wayne from Forest River has been very helpful and kind.
They are now recommending an air ride type of hitch.


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[AquaMan]

Is it the repair facility or FR recommending the air ride hitch/kingpin?


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