Fit and finish

[JWallet]

Looking at the microwave installation in my Sunseeker 3010 DS makes me wonder if there is any pride in workmanship or quality control anymore? Just slap it together and push it out the door.

 

[JACA]

Unfortunately, the way RVs are built is very much a human labor-intensive endeavor. This means that every appliance, door, window, nut, bolt, and screw that is installed is subject to the individual employee responsible for doing that on the assembly line - and whatever level of experience, skill, talent, and knowledge he/she has, and all the things that influence human behavior. Having a bad day, don't care about work, ready to quit the job, fighting with the spouse, can't pay the bills, hate the supervisor, etc....

I think too many RVers expect their coaches and trailers to be built like most automobiles are today. We're talking about two completely different universes - not even close or similar. The way RVs are built is really more like how houses are built. Once you understand that, it makes more sense why the lack of quality control and workmanship seems so prevalent.

 

[D W]

This topic rears it's head every week on this forum. The only way this gets corrected is by sending the manufacturers a message when people stop buying them. You and I both know it isn't going to happen. Sure, the manufacturers could hire master craftsmen to provide top quality "fit & finish", but that would drive price points sky high and make these tiny houses on wheels unaffordable.

 

[MooseRiver]

Seems the manufacturers are paying after the fact (to some degree) with lots of warranty claims. Of course we know the hassles reported here with many dealers getting work done. So many of the fixes end up being done by the consumer.

There is lots of qualitative or anecdotal evidence online (e.g., Thor is the worst, Jayco has a 2 year warranty, etc.) but is there a good source of quality data like Consumer Reports for RV manufacturers?

 

[JWallet]

I appreciate your perspective, but I feel constructive criticism of workmanship and other areas needing improvement on the build of motor homes is the best vehicle for improvement. There are good people that work for Forest River and other manufacturers that monitor this forum and I know they care about problems and quality.

Unfortunately, the way RVs are built is very much a human labor-intensive endeavor. This means that every appliance, door, window, nut, bolt, and screw that is installed is subject to the individual employee responsible for doing that on the assembly line - and whatever level of experience, skill, talent, and knowledge he/she has, and all the things that influence human behavior. Having a bad day, don't care about work, ready to quit the job, fighting with the spouse, can't pay the bills, hate the supervisor, etc....

I think too many RVers expect their coaches and trailers to be built like most automobiles are today. We're talking about two completely different universes - not even close or similar. The way RVs are built is really more like how houses are built. Once you understand that, it makes more sense why the lack of quality control and workmanship seems so prevalent.

 

[avengers]

What year is your unit? I thought they were all mounted below the stove now. Well on the bright side you will want to remove the micro anyway to install felt on the sides. We had a lot of squeaks coming from ours where the edge meets the metal frame.

 

[JWallet]

What year is your unit? I thought they were all mounted below the stove now. Well on the bright side you will want to remove the micro anyway to install felt on the sides. We had a lot of squeaks coming from ours where the edge meets the metal frame.

2020 Sunseeker 3010 DS. Thanks for the tip on the microwave. My wife pads the turntable plate with padding when we’re traveling. Try to quiet down some of the banging on bumpy bridges and roads. Seems to be coming from the kitchen counter and probably not much I can do with that.

 

[Canadian Eh]

When we picked up ours the microwave was loose, one of the screws was on the floor. The plastic inserts for holding screws in drywall worked well to get it mounted back.

 

[billwww3]

2020 Sunseeker 3010 DS. Thanks for the tip on the microwave. My wife pads the turntable plate with padding when we’re traveling. Try to quiet down some of the banging on bumpy bridges and roads. Seems to be coming from the kitchen counter and probably not much I can do with that.

We have the Forester 3011DS, bought May 29,2020 - titled 2020 on 2019 chassis but with the overhead microwave. i don't know our exact month of manufacture but somewhere they transitioned to current undermount microwave. have not noticed a squeak there... yet.
billw

 

[kenandterry]

Date manufactured?

We have the Forester 3011DS, bought May 29,2020 - titled 2020 on 2019 chassis but with the overhead microwave. i don't know our exact month of manufacture but somewhere they transitioned to current undermount microwave. have not noticed a squeak there... yet.
billw

You might find your date of manufacture on a sticker inside one of your kitchen cupboards. That’s where mine have been.

 

[robo44]

This topic also bleeds into the topic of one's constant upgrading, fixing and modifications to the point where you have to question your sanity and stop.

I am also not naïve they are houses on wheels and present their own issues of things coming apart or moving.

I do wish the Industry had some quality guidelines. While I do believe most care, I think they are also under tremendous delivery schedules, and steps are missed, or 2nd 3rd sources of parts maybe not up to the standard of the OEM Parts will rear their ugly head someday.

Hence I circle back to one's constant upgrading, fixing and modifications

 

[Mr. Dan]

I appreciate your perspective, but I feel constructive criticism of workmanship and other areas needing improvement on the build of motor homes is the best vehicle for improvement. There are good people that work for Forest River and other manufacturers that monitor this forum and I know they care about problems and quality.

Really? Where did you get that perspective?