Coachmen Freelander 21qb - Quality??

[Grandmabette]

Had a Coachmen Class C 30 years ago and loved it. Now considering a 2012 Coachmen Freelander 21qb (chevy chasis) and I have concerns since Forest River bought the company in 2009. I have heard nothing but bad things about Forest River products. Does anyone care to share their experience with Forest River/Coachmen motorhomes? I would greatly appreciate your input on problems encountered (there are always issues!). Thank you!

[Newbiecampers]

Grandmabette wrote:
Thanks for your input. Still looking and now are also considering a small Sunseeker or Forester as they offer an Arctic Package with heated holding tanks and the holding tanks have larger capacities then the Coachmen. Happy camping to you!

We purchased a freelander 21qb and I can echo most of what grouchyoldman mentioned.

To add to his statement about the drawer where the low point drain is: There is a sticker that says Low Point Drain (or just Low Point?) on the outside of the cabinet under said drawer. On our's, it isn't even applied straight. It has an angle to it. The RVIA sticker on the outside is also crooked. They couldn't even be bothered to take an extra 3 seconds to ensure that stickers were on straight. Just another example of the quick, dirty, get it out the door assembly of any of these campers.

You will also be missing out on little things like 2 way vs 3 way refridgerator, gas-only water heater, no radio or speakers in the cabin area (only dash), non-ducted air (loud), etc.. Not a complaint from me as I knew that going into it (except the radio, I missed that one), just wanted to bring it to your attention.

And fyi the 21qb also has an arctic package as an option that has heated tanks and dual-pane windows. It is an option tho.

[Grandmabette]

Thanks for your input. Still looking and now are also considering a small Sunseeker or Forester as they offer an Arctic Package with heated holding tanks and the holding tanks have larger capacities then the Coachmen. Happy camping to you!

[GrouchyOldMan]

Hi, We bought a used 2016 21QB in August and after putting a few thousand miles on it I can say that we are pleased with our decision. Everything works perfectly and the layout is perfect for the two of us.

With that said, I'd make the following criticisms:

- The workmanship looks great on the surface, but once you look a little deeper it is clear that these are put together quick and dirty. For example when you open the drawer under the sink to reach the water drain low points there was raw sawdust and wood chips everywhere. Same think behind the panel for the water pump. I guess they couldn't take the time to vacuum up during construction. No big problem but it just shouts "Sloppy."

- There really isn't a User's Guide for the 21QB, just a generic "Class C" booklet that is supposed to cover every size and model they make. I'm frustrated now searching for any info on the type of battery charger in our RV for example.

The supplied battery for the coach was **** so plan on replacing it with a couple of new deep cycle batteries.

- Like most Class C RVs, the seams and roof openings are going to be a maintenance task going forward to avoid leaks. That isn't a Coachmen problem in particular, but you'd better plan on re-sealing a couple of times a year.

- The cables connecting the battery to the house run under the chassis and they were too long so they hung down as the first thing that would touch with low clearance. No big to secure them with a tie wrap but just sloppy workmanship.

Those probably sound like gripes but really they are small problems and the kind of thing you'd expect from any new RV. My overall impression is that Coachmen/Forest River has used good component parts but assembled them with poor quality control.

Regards,

-Grouchy

[ADAD437]

well i will weigh in here. can't help you much but maybe it will get the ball rolling lol. just bought a 2011 21 qb and so far very happy with it. drove it back from florida at 70 mph and it handeled very good. took a short local trip with it pulling our 05 chevy to see how it handled and was pleased. we are going to nc next week for two weeks so maybe we will know more. it is on the ford e-350. maybe someone else will weigh in here now.