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concord_05's avatar
concord_05
Explorer
Apr 29, 2017

Defect in Coachman Freedom Express Slide

Both of our slides leaked on our maiden voyage with our new 2017 CFC Liberty Edition 276. With slides in driving in the rain water was noted with droplets on the floor and carpet soaked under couch and water under bed in rear slide. Took it in to our dealer and the service manager said he suspected it had a defect in the wheel well where the seal didn't extend far enough down. He said several brands had this problem the only other brand I Remember he said was KeyStone. Service manager called yesterday and said this was indeed the problem and he had another trailer in the shop with the same problem. He said there was a hole the size of a dime allowing water in. Seal was extended, fans used to dry interior and he saw no permanent damage. I have worked with this man for years and is very reliable. Still I am not a happy camper right now. Have tried to find direct phone number to Coachman but have only found email contact info. Have sent 2 emails which they said would answer in 48 hours. That was a week ago. I paid for a new trailer but I have one that I know was water soaked at least 2 times but in reality probably more.
  • Concord 05, I was surprised to see your post about this issue since I have found that the Freedom Express build quality is better than most others I inspected, and I am a pretty picky guy. To drive that point, I am having troubling finding much to have done to mine before the warranty expires later this year. Mine was really well-screwed together, as they say. Strange also, is that when I have inquired about wiring diagrams, stud locations, etc., I have found the Coachmen factory team to be responsive. So strange that we've had such different experiences. I guess as the other poster recommended...Dry out, move on and Happy Camping!
  • concord 05 wrote:
    Both of our slides leaked on our maiden voyage with our new 2017 CFC Liberty Edition 276. With slides in driving in the rain water was noted with droplets on the floor and carpet soaked under couch and water under bed in rear slide. Took it in to our dealer and the service manager said he suspected it had a defect in the wheel well where the seal didn't extend far enough down. He said several brands had this problem the only other brand I Remember he said was KeyStone. Service manager called yesterday and said this was indeed the problem and he had another trailer in the shop with the same problem. He said there was a hole the size of a dime allowing water in. Seal was extended, fans used to dry interior and he saw no permanent damage. I have worked with this man for years and is very reliable. Still I am not a happy camper right now. Have tried to find direct phone number to Coachman but have only found email contact info. Have sent 2 emails which they said would answer in 48 hours. That was a week ago. I paid for a new trailer but I have one that I know was water soaked at least 2 times but in reality probably more.


    In reality, there is only two types of RVs..

    One that IS leaking..

    And one the WILL be leaking.

    Be glad you found out now instead of later as later would most certainly meant totally scrapping the trailer.

    There is no free lunch or PERFECT RV, there most certainly will be "defects" but some folks level to which they feel is a defect may not in reality be considered a defect by others or the manufacturer.

    You chose to have slides and potential of leaks in the slide areas are much greater. You have a huge hole in the side of your trailer and that does increase the chances of poor workmanship causing a leak. Just the nature of the beast.

    Get it fixed under warranty and move on, life is way to short to fret about this.