Very frustrating situation, going to blow some steam!

[PFM]

I am not sure where to even start, but here it goes! Have been an Rv enthusiast for 10 yrs now, but the time it takes to keep up on the Rv is taking its toll on me. Our current rig is a CC Silverback, bunkhouse. Did a lot of research before we purchased and this fit the bill for us. Going to point out the major issues and how they were corrected and what I have done to prevent further issues. Our 4th trip out in 09 our axles literally shifted going down the highway (the welds broke that held the leaf springs to frame). We hit a guard rail and actually shut the highway down on Labor Day weekend. After a lot of going back and forth frame company and manufacturer made all repairs (very long story and an unbelievable amount of finger pointing). The following spring noticed issues in front bedroom. Again, after a lot of dialogue with manufacturer they said there is an issue. Turns out the frame was broken and flexed causing issues in front end. Manufacturer came and picked up at my house and took back to factory and made repairs. They said when done they would bring back to me, I declined I said I would come to Indiana and pick up myself. I spent 4 days out there going to different manufacturers and RV related companies to educate myself on proper care and what I can do as a consumer to make the RV experience more enjoyable ( up to this point it has been a pain). So after many testimonials I installed 4 new Goodyear G rated tires, bought 2 spares, installed a Trailaire hitch, installed Moryde independent suspension and 4 wheel disc brakes. I felt I have done everything possible to do the right thing. Our camper is used an average of 4 times per year ( 1 week for vacation and holiday weekends). Last year it was used twice, and this year twice, wife had health issues and we have debated selling it, but kids still love it and I have a "love/hate relationship with this thing. Anyway, as I was setting it on the truck I heard a big "snap" and now front end is separated at trim pieces. After a month long conversation with frame company and manufacturer (lots of pictures sent and measurements), everyone determined there is an "issue", but nobody really wants to do anything about it till maybe next March. I offered to bring it out and would even pay for repairs. But I am getting blown off I feel. Yes all issues are documented with our "vin" number. Every year I have it weighed also. We are an average of 1800lbs under GVWR, fully loaded for us! So needless to say, I didn't want to wait until next March so I have had the daunting task of ripping the front end apart (the underbelly and taking off the front cap). So far, all the trim is ruined, the front baggage door is ruined and the sheeting for the underbelly under the hitch is ruined. These things ARE NOT designed to come apart easily. All the caulk that is used to hold it together is crazy! Estimated cost of parts so far is going to be around $700. I haven't even gotten to the welding part yet, my RV is stored inside in climate controlled conditions. It actually looks brand new still and get compliments ALL the time on its condition. Very fortunate to be able to keep it indoors. But I do not mind basic maintenance issues, but this is stuff out of my control and I am getting very frustrated with the BIG stuff happening. I keep debating wether to just walk away from the whole RVing experience, but over the years we have met SO many great people out there!! Actually thinking about after making repairs getting a new one, but I don't want to have to start all over again making repairs on something new......Now I am just babbling about stuff. The whole situation is just frustrating!! Thanks for listening everyone

[jmtandem]

You also sound like you want to get rid of it, but need someone to justify your reasoning. My question to you is it worth the hassle and stress you are putting yourself through for 4 times a year usage? Sell it.......

I agree. If you are looking for justification to sell and get another or move on to other things, you have it from me. What you have is not the typical RV. Many or even most have minor issues like cabinet knobs coming loose, etc. What you have is major stuff and it should not happen. I would cut the losses and move on. The approximate $10,000 for the disk brakes, etc, is now water under the bridge.

Now that you have taken a part of the front off and if you can get to the weld issues, call a pro welder to come to the house and weld /strenghten it correctly. If it is a design problem with the frame the issues may never go away. Put it back together after fixing the weld and off it

[tsetsaf]

Did I read this right that you started tearing apart the frontend?! You have essentially ruined a lot of the leverage you had in this case. As advised you should be speaking to an attorney. In your shoes I would be demanding a new rig.

[PFM]

I apologize for the poor " posting". I didn't realize it was soooo long. Got carried away. I put money into it because I know these things rattle so much going down the road and wanted to ease some of the issues traveling. It used to be a great stress reliever, now it causes a lot of stress. Therefor it is a love/hate relationship

[Winged_One]

Sorry to read that you have had so many problems, and at such significance. It does seem difficult to not keep putting good money after bad, almost all of us have done it.

[Luke_Porter]

Here is an example of a readable "rant".

http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/27941894.cfm

[TXiceman]

Mandalay Parr wrote:
Your post would be much easier it read if you used paragraphs.

X2

Ken

[Gearitis]

I would have gotten rid of it right after it came back from the Manufacturer the first time. But hind sight is 20/20......Dump it now and run. This is not common but your frustration will always find something wrong with whatever rig you acquire from this point forward. You have a bad experience and 1 bad apple always seems to spoil the barrell.

[Ivylog]

First off, if you want to criticize him about his long post/no paragraphs, PM him as posting it here adds nothing on helping his problem.
While not a fan of lawyers, on a 09 trailer that you bought new and are still having problems you need one. You have done more than most to try and fix a weak frame. Only a lawyer (on contingency) can get you out of this problem after owning it for five years. Good luck and it sounds like the DW is doing better.

[MM49]

After all the modifications that you have done you are pretty much on your own.
MM49

[Nutinelse2do]

Tvov wrote:
So... did all this happen during this summer?

No, the gentleman says it started after he bought it new in 2009 after one of his first trips out, then other trips, more things broke.

To the OP... Since you say you have been an RV'r for 10 years, this is not your first rodeo. Did you have the same types of problems with your other coaches?

[Tvov]

So... did all this happen during this summer?

[shadows4]

Sounds like a lemon to me. Dump it and move on. Good luck, John

[buta4]

Jim-Linda wrote:
Feel for you, but my old eyes really have a hard time reading a long post without any paragraphs, not complaining, but if you would consider it in the future.

Jim

X2, I don't bother to read those cumbersome tomes!! Turns me right off.

[Nutinelse2do]

Definitely sounds like a lemon.
My question is why would you pop off $7-10k for IS, Disk brakes and a Trail Aire on a coach you only use 2 times a year?
Sounds like you bought it new, and if the frame cracked after one of your first trips, that would indicate a problem. To dump that kind of money into it for luxury items just seems a little crazy.
Chalk it up to an expensive learning experience.
Good luck with your decision.

[Jim-Linda]

Feel for you, but my old eyes really have a hard time reading a long post without any paragraphs, not complaining, but if you would consider it in the future.

Jim