Do I walk or proceed

[Halifax Jack]

Interested in a 285 rkx 5er

Was arranging a 250 mile trip this Saturday to look at the unit. During a recent discussion with the sales rep she indicated that the roof on this new 2018 model was going to be replaced under warranty due to poor installation along with a window that had a bent frame. I spoke to the service manager who further explained that the roof membrane was cut short around a roof vent and was pulling away. their decision was to replace the entire roof. In addition the window in question was stiff to open due to a bent frame so the decision was made to replace both items. Now my concern:

With all you hear about poor workmanship and being made aware of these issues do I walk, run or move forward with site visit and possible purchase.

I must point out that the dealer could have chosen not to tell us and we would never know. I would not have seen the roof issue and for sure I would not have noticed a stiff window pre purchase. The fact that they did share this information does say something about the dealer. But right now we could move on
What to do? your opinions are most valued

Mod edit: update posted here:
http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...ml#post2049349

[Skip12]

I wouldn't make a trip like that until the repair work was done. If I were making a trip like that, it would be with full intentions of taking it home or walking away

I would want the problem fixed and I'd ask that they determine if the defects caused anynon visible damage and if so, was that also fixed?

I'd ask them to do their own PDI and resolve anything they find before I drove that far.

Then, on my PDI, I'd first look for unrelated issues and then focus directly on the repairs.

[5picker]

I realize it is a long way but go take a look and see if the the repair meets your satisfaction. A good repair won't stick out like a sore thumb so it should look just like a new unit and not 'repaired.' Compare the roof trim, sealer, fit/finish to others on the lot. They don't necessarily need to be the same model.

A 2018 model has been on their lot a while and a roof membrane pulling away from a vent could have possibly leaked for a while. Then again, maybe not. Inspect the suspect area carefully. Maybe even have them pull the interior vent trim to inspect around the vent for any signs of water entry. (easy to do-2 minutes) If they balk at that, head home.

If you are one of those where this will always be in the back of your mind no matter the repair... walk now and hope you don't buy one with things repaired that you don't know about.

[RSchleder]

If it were me, I would not buy a "new" unit that had a roof issue and needed a new roof. The point made above that there may have been water intrusion with the defective roof would be enough to make me pass. It may cost you a few thousand dollars more for a 2019 model, however, in the end it may be money well spent.

[nomad297]

I would ask for before, during and after repair pictures before I committed to that drive.

Bruce

[aceinspp]

I think Id just walk away who know how long this condition existed and what if any damage to roof. Later RJD

[nomad297]

Originally Posted by aceinspp

I think Id just walk away who know how long this condition existed and what if any damage to roof. Later RJD

This is where pictures may help. The OP has no idea how bad the roof problem is — it could just be where the sheet was cut short and the manufacturer compensated by over-caulking, which wouldn’t last in the long run, but has sufficed with no damage done yet. Or, it could be a catastrophic problem that has already caused damage. Who knows? I think it’s worth a shot.

Bruce

[Bama Rambler]

I think it's worth a shot as well, provided that they provide you with pictures of the roof membrane as is, the decking after membrane removal, inside the unit where the membrane issue occurred, and of the finished roof after membrane replacement.

I'd also ask for an extended warranty to cover any water intrusion in the affected area later on (two years seems reasonable), but even if you don't get that, if the pictures of the plywood decking doesn't show any staining, I'd still go for it.

[Flybob]

Both of the issues you mention had to have been more than a slight imperfection to be noticed without a detailed inspection. Based on your location it is fair to say that there has been a good amount of snow on the roof recently. If the roof separation was that obvious, there had to have been some water intrusion under the membrane. Also I have never seen FR authorize an entire roof replacement for a small separation. Since water intrusion is the major concern for both issues, I would insist on a video of the the entire roof once the membrane is removed and the area around the window once it is removed and detailed photos of any possible water damage. By requesting a video you have a better chance of precluding the ability to selectively photograph undamaged areas. I know it's a long way away, but ideally a visit to actually inspect the unit once the roof and window are removed would be best.

[moose074]

If it were me I would proceed but with caution. Asking for videos or pictures can’t hurt. The fact they called shows they care about customer service. Ask how they found the problems. More importantly as a former salesman I can tell you that while I tried for every sell possible, I focused more on the people that came to the lot. Those were the people who got the best deals. So ask the right questions stay involved thru out the repairs. Your patience and presence can get you a better deal.

[rlocicero]

I would walk.

[5picker]

Hopefully the OP comes back and tells us their decision.

[Big1]

If it were me I would leave it along because if you have any problems down the road they won't give you the time of day, unless you get it in written.

[B and B]

Surrey BC RAIN! I know dealers and trailers are far and few between up here in Canada. I think I would walk. As others mentioned possible leaks etc.

[tomkatb]

You assume more risk.

Is it a screaming good deal?

Interior water damage is very bad. Hard to see. Hard to repair.

Getting warantee work done is almost impossible.

[Cardinal5er]

How much damage has been done already? They will put no more into the fix than a cosmetic skin. Do not walk, run and don’t look back!!

[CincyGus]

How long have they had the camper? How long did it sit with a roof defective enough that they are going to replace it?

Best case is no damage was done. Worst is there is interior water damage and they are putting a bandaid on it making it appear everything is okay when you inspect it.

IF I was able to inspect prior to the repair, with the roof membrane off and identify how much, what type of damage was done, and then again after the repair to make sure it was done to my satisfaction, I might be interested in it if they were giving me a great deal to compensate the fact that there is still risk that there may be damage that I could not detect but will surface down the road.

PRICE should reflect there is risk associated with the purchase of this trailer and if that risk comes true, it is not an inexpensive repair to fix water damage in ceilings or walls. I'd want somewhere around 40%-50% off average MSRP I could find on the net vs. the more standard 25%-30% most trailers sell for new. Otherwise, I'll thank the dealership for their honesty and look for a different unit or ask them if they had another of the same one that was not damaged with all these problems we could work a deal with.

[kayo]

I agree. I think that is shows that the dealer is really concerned about customers and regardless if you buy that particular unit, he is probably a dealer thyat can be trusted. to purchase to purchase another unit.

[aceinspp]

Originally Posted by 5picker

Hopefully the OP comes back and tells us their decision.

He posted on the 12 and then was on the forum on the 13th maybe OP just absorbing info for now. Later RJD

[Teetime]

How good of a deal are they offering? If it's not 50% off list, I'd get another unit and be happy 6 years down the road. Even then it depends on the condition and workmanship.