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Quality control problems - rant

2001400ex
Explorer
Explorer
Just want to rant a little. It's crazy how the manufactures have almost zero quality control now, much different than even 4 years ago. My first toy hauler I bought in 08. That one had no problems when I bought it, but about everything broke while using it. Fine, it was a cheap, bottom of they line toy hauler, I get it. My second one I bought new in 2013 and it had no problems from the get go and very minimal things broke along the way. But my new toy hauler....

I picked it up a couple weeks ago as a 2017 that's been on the lot since February. The list of stuff that's broken is long, most notably the line to fill the water tank was cut at some point and the repair job was awful. The carpet is coming apart, charging station doesn't work, one screen isn't on the tracks, 2 of the blinds won't stay up, one drawer is mounted crooked, the caulking is completely missing on one bump out, the other one it is about 1/8 inch too high, faucet opens in travel (when turn pump on it starts spraying), the beds don't go up at the same time as they are off, the TV is mounted where it rubs against the cabinet, the outside front storage door is crooked so it's very hard to close and latch, the place where the pump is I found 3 random screws and an extra wire and a ton of sawdust, and 2 screws were dropped in the ramp door so it scratched the inside of where it connects to the trailer.

So I knew quality had gone down in the last few years. My brother has the same brand of toy hauler and bought new last fall on one that he ordered, so he picked it up right after it was delivered, almost the same issues. Same with a few other friends in the last couple years. It seems like every one of these now days is just a mess. I do have an appointment in 2 weeks to get the stuff fixed so all will be good. But I figured I'd rant because I can.
2017 Forest River Stealth SA2816
2020 GMC Denali 3500 Duramax
Anderson ultimate fifth wheel hitch
91 REPLIES 91

robobob68
Explorer
Explorer
I will take a look - thank you - but for a new unit would your methods be valid? It seems with a new one that the trick is that it hasn't gone bounding down the road and/or in rain much if any by the time of inspection which adds to the trickiness. No?

.......

Pretty easy really. I've posted numerous times on this site about how to 'shake down' a used RV for water intrusion. I think the search feature will work for you just fine...

SidecarFlip
Explorer III
Explorer III
robobob68 wrote:
For me, I'm a pretty serious DIY kinda guy - I research and fix lots of stuff - house, motorcycles, cars, etc. The difference that scares me here is when the issues are either quite serious or are quite hidden. Non-obvious roof leaks lead to insidious systemic issues in a trailer. And issues with black water tanks and/or plumbing can be a nightmare. How can I protect against such things if I buy new?

Txsurfer wrote:
I guess I'm just a "settler" because if I have small issues I just fix them and move on. To be honest I'd rather fix something myself and do it right then send it to a shop. Was my new trailer perfect - no but I sorted out the very few small problems and moved on - and learned something in the process. Nowadays you can **** near learn to do open heart surgery on YouTube - explore,learn,fix,enjoy..


Pretty easy really. I've posted numerous times on this site about how to 'shake down' a used RV for water intrusion. I think the search feature will work for you just fine...
2015 Backpack SS1500
1997 Ford 7.3 OBS 4x4 CC LB

robobob68
Explorer
Explorer
For me, I'm a pretty serious DIY kinda guy - I research and fix lots of stuff - house, motorcycles, cars, etc. The difference that scares me here is when the issues are either quite serious or are quite hidden. Non-obvious roof leaks lead to insidious systemic issues in a trailer. And issues with black water tanks and/or plumbing can be a nightmare. How can I protect against such things if I buy new?

Txsurfer wrote:
I guess I'm just a "settler" because if I have small issues I just fix them and move on. To be honest I'd rather fix something myself and do it right then send it to a shop. Was my new trailer perfect - no but I sorted out the very few small problems and moved on - and learned something in the process. Nowadays you can **** near learn to do open heart surgery on YouTube - explore,learn,fix,enjoy..

SMarquez
Explorer
Explorer
I had a 93 Prowler trailer and the only problem I ever had was with the reefer. It needed a circuit board that was out of pocket. Not knowing any better, I never did anything with the roof but clean it. All the tanks stayed intact, I never had a tire issues and probably put 15k miles on it. It was in great rolling condition when I sold it in 1999. Flash forward to the Leakin Warriors of the mid 2000's. Yeah, things took a dump in general. I really am baffled about what the hell happened to tires over that 10 year span.

Txsurfer
Explorer
Explorer
I guess I'm just a "settler" because if I have small issues I just fix them and move on. To be honest I'd rather fix something myself and do it right then send it to a shop. Was my new trailer perfect - no but I sorted out the very few small problems and moved on - and learned something in the process. Nowadays you can **** near learn to do open heart surgery on YouTube - explore,learn,fix,enjoy..
2017 F250 PSD 4X4
2015 Livin Lite Axxcess 24FBA
2016 Honda Pioneer 1000-5 Deluxe

SidecarFlip
Explorer III
Explorer III
2001400ex wrote:
Just got back from a trip yesterday. Came outside like an hour ago and saw this. Crazy, they couldn't even do something simple like install the air vents right. Ok that's a dealer issue, not a forest River issue. But I think the 2 are one in the same.









Got 'em set for prevailing winds....lol
2015 Backpack SS1500
1997 Ford 7.3 OBS 4x4 CC LB

dsnuggles
Explorer
Explorer
robobob68 wrote:
Such a depressing bunch of replies supporting the 'bad time to buy' notion.

Anyone with experience in how Eclipse is doing quality-wise during this "boon to business" time? My target is an Attitude or Iconic 28-32-foot 5th wheel.

bob


I had a 2015 attitude 28sag. I loved the layout but so many issues. After dealing with dealer and manufacturer they took it back and gave me my money. Now I have a 2017 Fuzion 369. So far no issues with it.

2001400ex
Explorer
Explorer
Just got back from a trip yesterday. Came outside like an hour ago and saw this. Crazy, they couldn't even do something simple like install the air vents right. Ok that's a dealer issue, not a forest River issue. But I think the 2 are one in the same.







2017 Forest River Stealth SA2816
2020 GMC Denali 3500 Duramax
Anderson ultimate fifth wheel hitch

hvac
Explorer
Explorer
I think ATC will build you a custom 5th wheel. Another mfg. Is Becker in Wisconsin.

Txsurfer
Explorer
Explorer
hvac wrote:
SidecarFlip wrote:
Txsurfer wrote:
My Livin Lite TH is solid - They are not ALL ****..

People without basic mechanical abilities really should not buy complex toys


I agree. Some are trouble free, some are nothing but issues. Mine has had no issues but it was built prior to the 'shove them out the door as fast as you can'.... That attitude breeds issues.


Livin lite started out with a very good model for durability. I had one for 2 years and it was bullet proof. They sold out to a mega mfg. Last I looked all metal roof gone. All metal floor I think gone in travel trailers.All metal cabinets an option?

Its a pattern, Airstream still uses plywood in the floor. Our 2004 was soft by 2008.

So far this ATC is exceeding expectations. Hats off to them for trying.



I grew up working in a semi trailer repair facility that my grandfather started in the 50's. One of the things that drew me to Livin Lite was the construction. I think I got one of the last ones before they sold out - seems to be built very well with some smart ideas. 15,000 miles and 69 nights in 1.5 yrs so far an no problems. I want to upgrade to 5er at some point but I know in the back of my mind I will really miss my LL24 from a durability stand point.
2017 F250 PSD 4X4
2015 Livin Lite Axxcess 24FBA
2016 Honda Pioneer 1000-5 Deluxe

hvac
Explorer
Explorer
Txsurfer wrote:
quality is out there if your willing to pay for it. - most are not. Go price salt water fishing boats and you'll quickly realize how much stuff (not quality) you get with a TH trailer. A basic 22' bay boat is 60k vs a 40' TH with pretty much all the bells and whistles


What you just said speaks volumes. At some point common sense should take over. I mean 60 k is lot of coin, but think about how they must be cutting back with hidden and well known techniques to get just past warranty coverage.

Peel the onion back folks. Its a mine field and they make it all look so pretty.

hvac
Explorer
Explorer
SidecarFlip wrote:
Txsurfer wrote:
My Livin Lite TH is solid - They are not ALL ****..

People without basic mechanical abilities really should not buy complex toys


I agree. Some are trouble free, some are nothing but issues. Mine has had no issues but it was built prior to the 'shove them out the door as fast as you can'.... That attitude breeds issues.


Livin lite started out with a very good model for durability. I had one for 2 years and it was bullet proof. They sold out to a mega mfg. Last I looked all metal roof gone. All metal floor I think gone in travel trailers.All metal cabinets an option?

Its a pattern, Airstream still uses plywood in the floor. Our 2004 was soft by 2008.

So far this ATC is exceeding expectations. Hats off to them for trying.

Txsurfer
Explorer
Explorer
quality is out there if your willing to pay for it. - most are not. Go price salt water fishing boats and you'll quickly realize how much stuff (not quality) you get with a TH trailer. A basic 22' bay boat is 60k vs a 40' TH with pretty much all the bells and whistles
2017 F250 PSD 4X4
2015 Livin Lite Axxcess 24FBA
2016 Honda Pioneer 1000-5 Deluxe

SidecarFlip
Explorer III
Explorer III
2001400ex wrote:
Txsurfer wrote:
Sorry I wasn't slamming the OP but I don't care if it is an ATV , Boat , or RV if you don't want to fix basic stuff your gear will always be in a shop..


Right. But why should you have to be a mechanic to be able to own anything? Many people buy cars who don't know anything about them and don't have problems and they go down the road many more miles with less problems then an RV. It's that us as RV owners clearly are not holding the industry to a higher standard.


You answered your own question...
2015 Backpack SS1500
1997 Ford 7.3 OBS 4x4 CC LB

2001400ex
Explorer
Explorer
Txsurfer wrote:
Sorry I wasn't slamming the OP but I don't care if it is an ATV , Boat , or RV if you don't want to fix basic stuff your gear will always be in a shop..


Right. But why should you have to be a mechanic to be able to own anything? Many people buy cars who don't know anything about them and don't have problems and they go down the road many more miles with less problems then an RV. It's that us as RV owners clearly are not holding the industry to a higher standard.
2017 Forest River Stealth SA2816
2020 GMC Denali 3500 Duramax
Anderson ultimate fifth wheel hitch