Forum Discussion

Frank55's avatar
Frank55
Explorer
Aug 22, 2020

Are all new RVs built this bad or is it just mine?

We purchased a brand new Forrest River Sabre 31IKT in June of 2019. Due to my work schedule we were not able to use it that much and fet all the bugs worked out. We are one our first long trip and this thing has turned into a nightmare.
#1. DVD player after a few times the unit did not have any interior sound. Due to the covid virus, I would have to take the trailer to another city, 3 hours away, leave it, and return and pick it up. I decided to pick up a cheap DVD.
#2. Mattress split. The dealer did deliver a new one to my house as a worker was coming close to me.
#3. There is a small metal bracket on the bottom of the window shades that came off on 3 different shades.
#4. The wall board seperated from the wall.
#5. The clothes rod in the closet was only held up by 4 screws and the first time we put more than a few clothes on it, the clothes rod pulled the screws completely away from the ceiling.
#6. The negative ground wire was not properly connected to one of the batteries and the battery discharged.
I contacted Forrest River and all they said was return it to the dealer. After I complained about a lack of apology, nothing about we are sorry for these issues, we will look into this, then I got an apology.
  • Our Airstream didn't exhibit any of these problems. Even Airstream has issues from time to time. Having said that the R V industry could easily improve quality. The last factor is that you basically have a house that you're pulling down our great roads at hurricane speeds.
  • Hi,

    The word quality and RV ought not be used in the same paragraph.

    Cheap materials, poorly installed. Staples instead of screws.
  • I really miss my old 2006 Sunline. Zero defects from factory! It was an awesome camper. However, like a lot of us the wife decided she wanted a larger camper.
  • Is this your first RV? The only way for the RV lifestyle to be sustainable is for you to learn to deal with these kinds if issues yourself. You gotta be able to fix stiff.
  • You got lucky! That is nothing compared to Keystone products!!
  • yes there quality has gone down ,always has ,I seen a unit one time back ten years you could see day light ,standing in the kitchen looking at the corner of the floor and wall. YEP thats sun shine I see, sales guy says easy fix with some putty.
  • Bumpyroad wrote:
    I figured out your problem when I got 7 words into your post.
    bumpy

    +1
  • Yes, I think this is generally normal. Just one of the many reasons I recommend buying against buying new - the small inconveniences due to poor build quality have been addressed by the first owner.

    It's sad that this is how the industry operates, but it is reality.
  • It seems that way, our 2016 was similar. Emergency exit window came open twice on the road, the second time it fell out. Plywood on the dinette seat was so thin, a 150lb person went through it. Screws fall out almost every trip. Both fender skirts have came off.
    Ours is a Forest River Heritage Glen, so on the lower end. But reading the forums it seems even the higher end ones aren’t much better.
  • I figured out your problem when I got 7 words into your post.
    bumpy

About RV Tips & Tricks

Looking for advice before your next adventure? Look no further.25,108 PostsLatest Activity: Feb 02, 2025