Coachmen Freelander 21qb - Quality??
Had a Coachmen Class C 30 years ago and loved it. Now considering a 2012 Coachmen Freelander 21qb (chevy chasis) and I have concerns since Forest River bought the company in 2009. I have heard nothing...
Forum Discussion
Hi, We bought a used 2016 21QB in August and after putting a few thousand miles on it I can say that we are pleased with our decision. Everything works perfectly and the layout is perfect for the two of us.
With that said, I'd make the following criticisms:
- The workmanship looks great on the surface, but once you look a little deeper it is clear that these are put together quick and dirty. For example when you open the drawer under the sink to reach the water drain low points there was raw sawdust and wood chips everywhere. Same think behind the panel for the water pump. I guess they couldn't take the time to vacuum up during construction. No big problem but it just shouts "Sloppy."
- There really isn't a User's Guide for the 21QB, just a generic "Class C" booklet that is supposed to cover every size and model they make. I'm frustrated now searching for any info on the type of battery charger in our RV for example.
The supplied battery for the coach was **** so plan on replacing it with a couple of new deep cycle batteries.
- Like most Class C RVs, the seams and roof openings are going to be a maintenance task going forward to avoid leaks. That isn't a Coachmen problem in particular, but you'd better plan on re-sealing a couple of times a year.
- The cables connecting the battery to the house run under the chassis and they were too long so they hung down as the first thing that would touch with low clearance. No big to secure them with a tie wrap but just sloppy workmanship.
Those probably sound like gripes but really they are small problems and the kind of thing you'd expect from any new RV. My overall impression is that Coachmen/Forest River has used good component parts but assembled them with poor quality control.
Regards,
-Grouchy
With that said, I'd make the following criticisms:
- The workmanship looks great on the surface, but once you look a little deeper it is clear that these are put together quick and dirty. For example when you open the drawer under the sink to reach the water drain low points there was raw sawdust and wood chips everywhere. Same think behind the panel for the water pump. I guess they couldn't take the time to vacuum up during construction. No big problem but it just shouts "Sloppy."
- There really isn't a User's Guide for the 21QB, just a generic "Class C" booklet that is supposed to cover every size and model they make. I'm frustrated now searching for any info on the type of battery charger in our RV for example.
The supplied battery for the coach was **** so plan on replacing it with a couple of new deep cycle batteries.
- Like most Class C RVs, the seams and roof openings are going to be a maintenance task going forward to avoid leaks. That isn't a Coachmen problem in particular, but you'd better plan on re-sealing a couple of times a year.
- The cables connecting the battery to the house run under the chassis and they were too long so they hung down as the first thing that would touch with low clearance. No big to secure them with a tie wrap but just sloppy workmanship.
Those probably sound like gripes but really they are small problems and the kind of thing you'd expect from any new RV. My overall impression is that Coachmen/Forest River has used good component parts but assembled them with poor quality control.
Regards,
-Grouchy
