Front cap repair

[julieg]

I have a 2016 262RGX Wildcat Maxx that we purchased new and yes our cap faded within the first year. We got authorization for Camping World in Redding, Ca to replace the cap under warranty. When we went to pick it up it looked like it had been drug across the parking lot before being installed.... there were scratches everywhere. After getting the rep involved they agreed to paint it. We went to pick it up and there were runs in the paint as well as several other blemishes. They agreed to repair again. The third time we went to pick it up they pulled it out and around while we were inside, had me sign for the pickup and escorted me to the side door and pointed me to the direction of the trailer. It definitely wasn't perfect but all I wanted to do was leave at that point. We tried to raise the trailer up but there was no power. I went back in and a tech came out to see what was wrong. After about an hour he found a fuse blown to the front jacks. He put a fuse in and we were on our way. After our first trip out we find the exterior front trailer lights are inop and the job they did is a mess. I'm not sure what to do at this point as now I am out of warranty (I had the fading complaint while in warranty but they couldn't get parts in at that time so they goodwilled this repair after my warranty expired). Be careful what you wish for..... I think I should have dealt with the original faded cap!!!

[saus]

Sorry to hear about your cap and service problem. I have a wildcat that has had quite a few issues and it is only 9 months old. At first I attempted to call Camping World to do the repairs since that is where I bought it, but they never seemed to return my calls. I have found a local Giant Recreation World that has been repairing my 5er on a timely basis at no cost to me. I will not go to a Camping World for anything any longer. Good luck.

[pokechop]

Originally Posted by julieg

I have a 2016 262RGX Wildcat Maxx that we purchased new and yes our cap faded within the first year. We got authorization for Camping World in Redding, Ca to replace the cap under warranty. When we went to pick it up it looked like it had been drug across the parking lot before being installed.... there were scratches everywhere. After getting the rep involved they agreed to paint it. We went to pick it up and there were runs in the paint as well as several other blemishes. They agreed to repair again. The third time we went to pick it up they pulled it out and around while we were inside, had me sign for the pickup and escorted me to the side door and pointed me to the direction of the trailer. It definitely wasn't perfect but all I wanted to do was leave at that point. We tried to raise the trailer up but there was no power. I went back in and a tech came out to see what was wrong. After about an hour he found a fuse blown to the front jacks. He put a fuse in and we were on our way. After our first trip out we find the exterior front trailer lights are inop and the job they did is a mess. I'm not sure what to do at this point as now I am out of warranty (I had the fading complaint while in warranty but they couldn't get parts in at that time so they goodwilled this repair after my warranty expired). Be careful what you wish for..... I think I should have dealt with the original faded cap!!!

I had the exact same problem, 2015 262RGX, they replaced my cap and I asked Forest River if I was going to have same problem again as the cap is the same exact color, I was informed that it might happen again. I almost asked to be painted, sounds like I made the right choice. Camping World in Redding can only do so much ... mine leaked after installation and took almost a year to get done. Mine is home now and I will try to fix anything myself from now on ... I too have a list. Sorry you had to go through your mess ... I live here too and I am really disappointed. Crappy craftsmanship is half the problem, I do like the floorplan though ...

[julieg]

Originally Posted by pokechop

I had the exact same problem, 2015 262RGX, they replaced my cap and I asked Forest River if I was going to have same problem again as the cap is the same exact color, I was informed that it might happen again. I almost asked to be painted, sounds like I made the right choice. Camping World in Redding can only do so much ... mine leaked after installation and took almost a year to get done. Mine is home now and I will try to fix anything myself from now on ... I too have a list. Sorry you had to go through your mess ... I live here too and I am really disappointed. Crappy craftsmanship is half the problem, I do like the floorplan though ...

Don't get me wrong..... I absolutely love the trailer and love the floor plan. My issue is the way the whole thing was handled. We always have people coming up to us when we are out camping asking about our trailer and how we like it. The front cap has always been the topic of discussion and now when we tell them it was repaired under warranty and they see the final result as shown in the pictures..... that's just bad representation of the manufacturer and Camping World of Redding. I am scheduled to bring it back on July 26 for them to look at it..... We'll see what happens then. I just can't believe this is how the trailer was delivered back to us after repairs were completed.

[julieg]

Originally Posted by saus

Sorry to hear about your cap and service problem. I have a wildcat that has had quite a few issues and it is only 9 months old. At first I attempted to call Camping World to do the repairs since that is where I bought it, but they never seemed to return my calls. I have found a local Giant Recreation World that has been repairing my 5er on a timely basis at no cost to me. I will not go to a Camping World for anything any longer. Good luck.

You are lucky they are willing to do your repairs for you. I have been told that usually they want you to take it back to your selling dealer to have repairs made. I tried to buy at Camping World but they couldn't get the trailer I wanted for some reason. I ended up going to Grants Pass Oregon for mine but it's too far away to take for repairs. I guess it's because warranty doesn't pay very much and they figure the selling dealer makes all the gross off of you when selling you your trailer.

[pokechop]

Originally Posted by julieg

Don't get me wrong..... I absolutely love the trailer and love the floor plan. My issue is the way the whole thing was handled. We always have people coming up to us when we are out camping asking about our trailer and how we like it. The front cap has always been the topic of discussion and now when we tell them it was repaired under warranty and they see the final result as shown in the pictures..... that's just bad representation of the manufacturer and Camping World of Redding. I am scheduled to bring it back on July 26 for them to look at it..... We'll see what happens then. I just can't believe this is how the trailer was delivered back to us after repairs were completed.

I just read where somebody else didn't buy a Wildcat because of the sticker that read about checking your seals throughout trailer every 90 days ... don't know what that means but obviously the seals are not good in these trailers ... just something else for us to worry about, as I have had to reseal back walls on the outside due to seal failure. I'm thinking about selling and trying another manufacturer, my experience with Forest River hasn't been a good one.

[mike3510]

Originally Posted by saus

Sorry to hear about your cap and service problem. I have a wildcat that has had quite a few issues and it is only 9 months old. At first I attempted to call Camping World to do the repairs since that is where I bought it, but they never seemed to return my calls. I have found a local Giant Recreation World that has been repairing my 5er on a timely basis at no cost to me. I will not go to a Camping World for anything any longer. Good luck.

Me either.

[julieg]

Feel like I’m beating a dead horse here, but here goes nothing. Took trailer back to Camping World so they could fix issues with front cap repair/replacement that I posted pictures of in beginning of post. They notified me it was ready for pick up on approx August 15th. I called August 18th and 19th to see if I could pick up the 19th and nobody would pick up in svc when I gave my name (red flag I know). So, I drove down on the 19th and saw my trailer behind the fence. Figured I’d go do a quick walk around before going inside. Found the front corner of the cap damaged. Went inside, spoke to the manager and apparently while moving rv’s around someone had an oops moment. I told them I wanted a new cap and they agreed. They said they ordered one and would call me when it came in. My issue is it’s 3 1/2 months later and the manager said they did order one but they’re behind in production over 300 front caps and no eta on mine. Has anybody gone in for replacement and been told caps are on backorder? I can’t even believe this is happening.

[pismolocal]

Is there another trailer on the lot they can switch caps with? I watched a YouTube show where they had to do this for someone.

[Decon Blue]

Key word here is CAMPING WORLD.

[Brewhedd]

I bought a Rockwood 2702SS in 2015 which has been basically problem free except for a few of the cheap parts that needed to be replaced. We will upgrade to a 5th in the future but I doubt it will be a FR product. We really like the Jayco Pinnacle series. When I peruse the Jayco owners forum there are very few posts related to problems. In fact I don't think I have seen one complaint referring to any leaks, structural issues, suspension problems or cap quality.

[tx333]

FWIW I have a 2017 Wildcat TT. Cap is good after a summer in the sun. I did wax it early on and will continue to do so couple times a year because of the fade issues. So far it’s OK. It’s hard to believe FR still hasn’t resolved the cap fade issue.
After reading this and other various forums I was concerned about potential problems with a new trailer and managed to get the FR second year warranty before they stopped doing it. However must say this trailer is a good one. Some minor issues I repaired myself as dealer is 80 miles away. Made a list of other warranty repairs needed, made an appointment and took trailer in to dealer at end of the season. Repairs were done timely and with no complaints. Speciality RV in Ohio.
I hope you get your cap issue resolved. I was close to buying from camping world, happy I didn’t.

[Wildcat Steve]

Good afternoon Pokechop,
I wanted to address the seal maintenance question you have above. All trailers require the owner to maintain their seals every 90 days. This has nothing to do with the quality of the seals, the materials we use for sealant, or the workmanship. This has to do with a trailer sitting outside most of its life and the UV rays destroying everything it hits. If you see a void in the sealant, please fill the void with a recommended sealant you can purchase at your local RV store. This requirement is very common amongst most RV Manufacturers.
I liken this to the door seals on your brand new truck. The day you drive the truck off the lot, it is very quiet. But over time the wind noise seems to increase and your once quiet truck is now noisy. Make sure you are treating your truck seals the same as the seals around your entrance door, baggage doors and slide-out seals, with a silicone based Armoral type product that will soften the seals and make them last longer.
Please keep in mind, that in order to maintain your 12 year warranty on the roof membrane, you are also required to have it cleaned and treated. You also need to check the caulking around any vents, AC units and fans on your roof, as these need regular service too. Here is the "Care and Maintenance" required by Dicor:

The care and maintenance of your DiFlex II™ roof is simple and requires no special materials.
A. Semi-annual inspection of the roof is suggested. Check the membrane for
possible damage and check the lap sealant used in all termination areas and
around all accessories and fasteners. The lap sealant has a limited life span,
depending on the geographic region and conditions, and should be repaired or
replaced as needed.
B. Keep your roof clean. For normal cleaning, use Dicor Roof Cleaners (RP-RC320S)
spray or RP-RC160C concentrate) or standard products such as 409, Fantastic or
mild detergent are sufficient. Do not use harsh abrasives or products containing
solvents. For stubborn stains, a rag dampened with mineral spirits is
recommended. DO NOT SOAK. (Do not apply mineral spirits directly to roof).
C. When cleaning, rinse thoroughly with clean water to avoid residue build-up on the
roof or sidewall of the vehicle.
D. Parking in areas where fruit or tree sap may stay on the roof for extended periods
of time may result in unremovable stains.

Travel Trailers and 5th Wheels are not maintenance free. They do require you to perform some routine maintenance to keep your trailer looking and performing like new. If you, or anyone else in this forum, would like more information, please feel free to send me a private message and I will try to help troubleshoot any repair or maintenance questions you may have.

Thanks everyone and Happy Camping!
Wildcat Steve

[cavie]

Steve, that was very informative and I agree with most of it. Now how about explaining the faded paint issue. Being a lifetime boat owner and lifetime Florida resident, I understand sunlight and fiberglass. They do fade but nowhere near as fast as your trailers when they are being waxed by the owners. As I bought a 14-year-old Wildcat I can't complain about mine but I have seen the issues with the new ones.

[SeventyGTX]

Originally Posted by cavie

Steve, that was very informative and I agree with most of it. Now how about explaining the faded paint issue. Being a lifetime boat owner and lifetime Florida resident, I understand sunlight and fiberglass. They do fade but nowhere near as fast as your trailers when they are being waxed by the owners. As I bought a 14-year-old Wildcat I can't complain about mine but I have seen the issues with the new ones.

The only explanation is crap gel coat. This entire faded cap thing is a fiasco the manufacturer is reluctant to do anything about. Good luck if it is out of warranty or you are the 2nd owner. In my case Steve recommended waxing, which is nothing more than a band-aid and the fading will be back in short order. There should be a recall on them. This does nothing but de-valuate our rigs and give the company a bad name.