cancel
Showing results for 
Search instead for 
Did you mean: 

Flexsteel and Newmar

Retired_VSP
Explorer II
Explorer II
My "ultraleather" Flexsteel seats flaking and chipping worsening each year in my 2010 Newmar Bay Star. Flexsteel says Newmar purchased a lesser quality material and have received many complaints. This particular material has been discontinued according to Flexsteel and Newmar. Newmar refuses to do anything because warranty expired) I call it deceit. Anyone else have this problem?
Bobby and Lynda
Retired VSP and High School Counselor, respectively
"Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value".....Albert Einstein
38 REPLIES 38

DiamondDan
Explorer
Explorer
Thor had the same problem with 08-09vintage RV's. The story we got from FlexSteel was that Thor had provided them with the material, and FlexSteel has been pretty helpful with new kits. PM me for the contact info that worked with FlexSteel.

Bruce_Brown
Moderator
Moderator
Could you please show us, in writing, where Newmar ever said Ultraleather? I looked at every brochure I could find and didn't find any of them that said Ultraleather.

The closest I found was the 2011 brochure says "Flexsteel Ultralux Leather Furniture ". The 2010 brochure just says "Flexsteel Furniture".

Can you also please explain why if this problem started 6 years ago you're just complaining about it now? And before you say it's because you were "deceived" we'll need the first part answered.
There are 24 hours in every day - it all depends on how you choose to use them.
Bruce & Jill Brown
2008 Kountry Star Pusher 3910

DSDP_Don
Explorer
Explorer
Apparently, you're the one with reading comprehension issues. You were always buying vinyl, what do you think Ultraleather is???? It's a vinyl made to look and act like leather.
Don & Mary
2019 Newmar Dutch Star 4018 - All Electric
2019 Ford Raptor Crew Cab

Retired_VSP
Explorer II
Explorer II
Thanks everyone for your input. Bottom line if you think you've been done wrong stand up for your rights....no matter what some think of you.
Bobby and Lynda
Retired VSP and High School Counselor, respectively
"Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value".....Albert Einstein

Retired_VSP
Explorer II
Explorer II
DSDP Don wrote:
Okay, I read all the posts and the replies by the OP. The first thing that immediately came to mind "PERSONAL RESPONSIBILLITY". Eight years after the coach was built, seven years outside the warranty and six years old when you bought it, you're looking for someone to blame for a product that wore out. You didn't buy a Prevost, you bought an entry level coach that comes with a disclaimer that says, the furniture is not designed for full time use, meaning it wont stand up like the stuff you buy for your house.

As to the tag stating there is a penalty for removal, that applies to everyone, but the owner of the product. I can remove any tag I want on my personal property. The penalty refers to someone selling the product, not the buyer.

A few years back this issue arose when Newmar changed over from Flexsteel to Villa. The seats all started flaking. The battle brewed and the blame game started. Newmar ADMITTED that they went with the cheaper material and it wasn't Villa's fault. Newmar also stepped up and paid for all of the affected units to be reupholstered. The issue arose in the first year of ownership.

It's almost embarrassing how far you've gone to alleged that you've been deceived. When people tell you that after eight years, you're out of luck, you keep coming up with reasons why you were cheated. You bought an entry level coach and expect premium, high end materials.....how unusual.

The material performed well for six years, it's wearing out. If the seats really bother you, spend the money and get them recovered and stop trying to blame everyone else in society, you'll live longer!


Thank you for your response. Simply put you haven't read my posts very well. The issue is since I'm the original owner and was told by Newmar the seats were "ultraleather" was just not true and I didn't become aware of this until a few days ago. Someone from Newmar needs to tell me why I was led to believe I was getting a top of the line seats instead flexsteel said it was a cheaper vinyl. Bottom line is as a consumer I have certain expectations and that's to believe I paid for what the seller said I was getting. I don't appreciate condescending remarks such as yours but I do appreciate your interest.
Bobby and Lynda
Retired VSP and High School Counselor, respectively
"Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value".....Albert Einstein

DSDP_Don
Explorer
Explorer
Okay, I read all the posts and the replies by the OP. The first thing that immediately came to mind "PERSONAL RESPONSIBILLITY". Eight years after the coach was built, seven years outside the warranty and six years old when you bought it, you're looking for someone to blame for a product that wore out. You didn't buy a Prevost, you bought an entry level coach that comes with a disclaimer that says, the furniture is not designed for full time use, meaning it wont stand up like the stuff you buy for your house.

As to the tag stating there is a penalty for removal, that applies to everyone, but the owner of the product. I can remove any tag I want on my personal property. The penalty refers to someone selling the product, not the buyer.

A few years back this issue arose when Newmar changed over from Flexsteel to Villa. The seats all started flaking. The battle brewed and the blame game started. Newmar ADMITTED that they went with the cheaper material and it wasn't Villa's fault. Newmar also stepped up and paid for all of the affected units to be reupholstered. The issue arose in the first year of ownership.

It's almost embarrassing how far you've gone to alleged that you've been deceived. When people tell you that after eight years, you're out of luck, you keep coming up with reasons why you were cheated. You bought an entry level coach and expect premium, high end materials.....how unusual.

The material performed well for six years, it's wearing out. If the seats really bother you, spend the money and get them recovered and stop trying to blame everyone else in society, you'll live longer!
Don & Mary
2019 Newmar Dutch Star 4018 - All Electric
2019 Ford Raptor Crew Cab

Retired_VSP
Explorer II
Explorer II
Ductape wrote:
Retired VSP wrote:
Does anyone on this thread know about consumer tags on the seats that are not supposed to be removed only by consumer under penalty of law? When Flexsteel asked for the info off these tags, they weren't attached. Newmar says they're not usually there. Does anyone know the code section for this penalty? Either Flexsteel or Newmar removed them.I'm the original owner so I know it wasn't me.


We really must petition the mods for a better assortment of emoji on this forum.


So does this mean you don't know the answer to my question?
Bobby and Lynda
Retired VSP and High School Counselor, respectively
"Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value".....Albert Einstein

Ductape
Explorer
Explorer
Retired VSP wrote:
Does anyone on this thread know about consumer tags on the seats that are not supposed to be removed only by consumer under penalty of law? When Flexsteel asked for the info off these tags, they weren't attached. Newmar says they're not usually there. Does anyone know the code section for this penalty? Either Flexsteel or Newmar removed them.I'm the original owner so I know it wasn't me.


We really must petition the mods for a better assortment of emoji on this forum.
49 States, 6 Provinces, 2 Territories...

BigRabbitMan
Explorer
Explorer
The drivers seat in, which is covered in real leather, in my coach has just developed a horizontal split where there is a fold in the leather half way up the back. It is the original seat and cover and the coach has about 200,000 chassis miles on it and is 42 years old. Quality lasts!

I now have to decide if I will get it repaired, recovered or a new seat so this thread has been helpful.
BigRabbitMan
Gas to Diesel Conversion project
76 FMC #1046, Gas Pusher became a Diesel Pusher
Discussion thread on this site
"You're never too old to learn something stupid."

Lexx
Explorer
Explorer
I wonder of anyone has had their pleather replaced with real leather. I abhor vinyl. I know companies like katzkin offer complete leather seat skins for automobiles.
2017 Ruby Red Platinum F450 - my kids call her "Big Red"
2018 Grand Design Reflection 28bh

ReneeG
Explorer
Explorer
Retired VSP wrote:
Does anyone on this thread know about consumer tags on the seats that are not supposed to be removed only by consumer under penalty of law? When Flexsteel asked for the info off these tags, they weren't attached. Newmar says they're not usually there. Does anyone know the code section for this penalty? Either Flexsteel or Newmar removed them.I'm the original owner so I know it wasn't me.


Did you google it?
2011 Bighorn 3055RL, 2011 F350 DRW 6.7L 4x4 Diesel Lariat and Hensley TrailerSaver BD3, 1992 Jeep ZJ and 1978 Coleman Concord Pop-Up for remote camping
Dave & Renee plus (Champ, Molly, Paris, Missy, and Maggie in spirit), Mica, Mabel, and Melton

Retired_VSP
Explorer II
Explorer II
Does anyone on this thread know about consumer tags on the seats that are not supposed to be removed only by consumer under penalty of law? When Flexsteel asked for the info off these tags, they weren't attached. Newmar says they're not usually there. Does anyone know the code section for this penalty? Either Flexsteel or Newmar removed them.I'm the original owner so I know it wasn't me.
Bobby and Lynda
Retired VSP and High School Counselor, respectively
"Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value".....Albert Einstein

tropical36
Explorer
Explorer
I can only say that our leather is one of the nicest and softest I've seen in the industry with both old and new.
Still looks like new, but can't say if that's because of DW's excellent care, coupled with the care of the previous two owners, or it's just plain good stuff and very durable.
"We are often so caught up in our destination that we forget to appreciate the journey."

07 Revolution LE 40E_Spartan MM_06 400HP C9 CAT_Allison 3000.

Dinghy_2010 Jeep Wrangler JKU ISLANDER.

1998 36ft. National Tropi-Cal Chevy Model 6350 (Sold)

rgatijnet1
Explorer III
Explorer III
I think this thread indicates that enough people have had issues with Flexsteel furniture to make any perspective buyer cautious when purchasing any new or used coach with Flexsteel furniture.
Besides the covering deteriorating, on my captains chairs the foam just sort of collapsed to the point that I was sitting on steel.