Let me back up a second to explain my question. Ive been looking at a new model class A MH by Forest River, the FR3. It's an entry level class A, in its first year of production. I really like the coach, but it has a couple of issues that bother me (and many new owners who post on the Forest River forums). It seems the engine exhaust and the black tank drain extension hang dangerously low to the ground. Several owners have complained that the exhaust hits the curb when pulling into their driveways, and I'd be afraid the tank drain might also. They both hang about 7-8" from the ground. So I was wondering, do manufacturers listen to problems and make adjustments during the production year? From what I read on the FR forums they evidently do because one owner mentions the new units ccome with a 15,000 BTU A/C, when the earlier units had only 13,500 BTU. So if the manufacturer makes changes during the year, is there a list anywhere of what changes have been made, and when. If newer build dates have been upgraded, how does one know what their unit will have? Or is there any way to find out? Sorry for the long post. I hope I've explained my question we'll enough. Like I said, I really like the FR3, but I don't know if I should wait and see if any changes get made.

They make changes when they think it is appropriate. They could make them next week, next year, 5 years from now, or never.They may or may not be forth coming about up coming changes or not.

Why not call and ask them. Nothing to loose.

The way you have to see something like this is based solely on the trust of the manufacturer. Do they have other good coaches?Also you have to consider warranty periods and their past records for fixing any errors.

ezgoingManufacturers do make changes during the year but if they do it is typically for the good. For that reason they normally publish what changes are made as it would typically help sell their units. Yes they do listen to what the customer thinks should be changed and if their R&D department thinks the change would be an improvement they do it. Sometimes a recommended change is not always possible due to engineering challenges. The issues that you are talking about might make sense but may not be corrected that easily. As has been stated call them and ask them what if any changes have been made or are being made. They should welcome such a discussion with you. I know that the manufacturer that we have purchased our last two from are more then glad to take phone calls about any questions one might have.

I'd love to contact them but their web site does not list any contact info???http://www.forestriverinc.com/RV/

Do MH manufacturers make adjustments during the year?

15 Replies

revump
Explorer
Dec 05, 2013
Yes they do and have for years
demoon
Explorer
Dec 05, 2013
The other thing that can happen is that in a given coach year you make get two different year chassis. My 06 Surf Side has an 06, F53 chassis. A friend of mine has the same rig, but the chassis is an 05.
Hikerdogs
Explorer
Dec 05, 2013
The short answer to your question is YES they do make changes throughout the model year. The more accurate answer is they do it as they see fit. If there's a safety problem it gets handled immediately. If it's a change that makes the manufacturing process easier and more profitable it usually happens during a scheduled break in production. If it's merely a convenience item it'll be during a model year changeover.

Having said that Winnebago completely designed the exterior of the Adventurer part way through the 2013 model year. The ones built before October 1, 2013 look like the 2012 models. The ones built after October 1st look like the 2014 models.

The disappointing thing is they don't change the online or printed information to reflect the changes. If you call and ask specifically what has changed since the initial production began for a particular model they will give you the details.
MRUSA
Explorer
Dec 05, 2013
" Do MH manufacturers make adjustments during the year?"

Yes. End of discussion.
wa8yxm
Explorer III
Dec 04, 2013
Yes, both auto manufactures, Chassis manufactures and Body (RV) Builders make changes as the year progresses.

For example.. The chassis under my feet is a 2005.5 (They made a change in the middle of the model year). Which by the way is a good thing.

How do I know it's a 2005.5.. Well that's the year they added a ZERK fitting mid year. And I have that ZERK, and it's a 2005, so....
OhhWell
Explorer
Dec 04, 2013
I'm sure if you tell them you are in the market and this concern has stopped you from buying the FR3, they will at least listen. Without looking under one, I would have to assume there is a reason they had to route those two pipes that way. Hopefully it is not too hard to re-route them. The drain pipe is what I would be most concerned about of course.

The pictures of the FR3 look very nice for an entry level coach. I haven't seen the overhead bunk in quite a while. Things sure have come a long way since they made my entry level coach. Hopefully the fit and finish is good.
rgatijnet1
Explorer III
Dec 04, 2013
Manufacturers make changes but usually for specific reasons. Those reasons may be because a change could save them money or a change had to be made because of reported problems with the previous coaches. It may also be because the parts supplier has gone out of business, or they have changed their product.
For a buyer, a change may not always be a good thing, especially if the change deletes/replaces something you thought was important. Maybe the manufacturer decided to shift from a one piece fiberglass roof to a rubber roof, to save THEM a few bucks. That is a change that may not affect the operation of the coach right then but may be one of those things that cause problems years down the road.
Before you buy any new coach, make sure that it matches the advertised coach that you think that you are buying. Most manufacturers literature has a disclaimer that mentions that changes may be made during production so you want to make sure that you get what is important to you.
427435
Explorer
Dec 03, 2013
I would consider looking at some other MH's. If they made such an obvious goof up, what else have they done that you won't find out about until you own it. There are other MH manufacturers out there. If price is an issue, find a slightly used MH that has good reviews. Newmar, Tiffin, and Winnebago/Itasca get generally good reviews. Of course I'm partial to the Winny products as I've found mine to be very well thought out. I have yet to find a "what were they thinking" on mine.
ezgoin
Explorer
Dec 03, 2013
Thanks a bunch, Bob (&/or Ann)
Bob___Ann
Explorer
Dec 03, 2013
Not easy to find but I did find this. Call them and they should be able to find somebody who can answer your questions. Good luck

Forest River Inc Corporate Office & Headquarters
55470 County Road 1 Elkhart IN 46514
Forest River Inc corporate phone number:
(574) 389-4600