Forum Discussion

chrisdd23k's avatar
chrisdd23k
Explorer
Jan 13, 2018

Issues Adjusting Slideout on new Travel Trailer

We purchased a new 2018 Coachman Freedom Express Travel Trailer with a large slide out. We had issues with it and twice had it repaired under warranty. The second time they replaced a bend part and when I took it home I noticed the slide out didn't sit flush against the trailer. At the top it was flush, on the lower right side it was out 1/2 inch and on the lower left side it was out of alignment 1 inch. I took it back to the dealer he said they would take a look at it. When we first spoke the dealership said anything out of alignment more than 1/2 inch should be adjusted. Since it is out of alignment 1 inch I thought they should fix it. Now it sounds like they feel 1 in out of alignment is acceptable. Since my warranty ends in August 2018 I want to make sure its right. The dealer reassured me that if it is still a problem after the warranty expires they will still fix it because it is an ongoing problem. What should I do? Should I hold my ground and fight to have them fix it? Is 1 inch out of alignment not a big deal? Do I trust they will fix it after warranty period? Any advice?
Seeking Advice
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Jan 13, 2018
    An inch sounds like a lot to me. Does it seal at the bottom where it's out a bit more? If it does, that may be as good as it gets or, it may need to be adjusted so that it comes in just a tiny bit more to force the seal.
    Adjusting some slides is a give and take deal. An adj. in one place forces an opposite effect somewhere else. Pull the top in and the bottom doesn't seat as tight. Or, adj. so it sits level when out and it's off when in.
    It should be even side to side but if it seats well enough that seals fully engage, your probably ok. (can we get a pic?)
    Finally, if they can't get it any better you don't want to force them to keep working on it. At some point you start causing other issues especially if you they know exactly what they're doing.
  • SoundGuy's avatar
    SoundGuy
    Explorer
    Jan 13, 2018
    chrisdd23k wrote:
    We purchased a new 2018 Coachman Freedom Express Travel Trailer with a large slide out.


    Which model? :h It would be helpful if you'd list this info in your SIG.

    What should I do? Should I hold my ground and fight to have them fix it? Is 1 inch out of alignment not a big deal? Do I trust they will fix it after warranty period? Any advice?


    The slide on my own Freedom Express sits flush against the sidewall of the trailer top, bottom, and both sides so I can't imagine any degree of alignment error being acceptable. I also can't imagine why your dealer doesn't seem to be able to fix this so yes, either press them to do it right OR if you don't have the confidence they can contact Coachmen and request that they refer you to another authorized Coachmen dealer who can fix this properly.
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Jan 13, 2018
    Go to Coachman now. The dealer has his/her opportunity to fix it. More serious than that dealer can handle.
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Jan 13, 2018
    When you inquired with Coachmen Rep what did he have to say about "what is acceptable" ????


    Coachmen Freedom Express Rep
    Steve Brandenberger
    Service Representative
    1-574-825-8205
    sbrandenberger@forestriverinc.com

    Direct Contact


    Personally I would CALL him and TALK with him.
    THEN followup with an e-mail to 'confirm' WHAT HE SAID/RECOMMENDED

    Your slideout is NOT correct.
    Top should make contact then bottom come in FULLY....which means BOTH sides are making contact with side of trailer
  • 2112's avatar
    2112
    Explorer II
    Jan 14, 2018
    What was the previous issue they addressed? Did the slide not slide out when you pressed the button and it made a ratcheting sound but would not move?
  • Chuck_thehammer's avatar
    Chuck_thehammer
    Explorer
    Jan 14, 2018
    gap is not correct... get it fixed "Very Soon"...

    my coachman is 13 years old.. no gap.. never has..
  • jerryjay11's avatar
    jerryjay11
    Explorer
    Jan 14, 2018
    ...right side it was out 1/2 inch and on the lower left side it was out of alignment 1 inch...

    This is only 1/2 inch out of alignment, but if it isn't sitting flush I'd be concerned. Your post got me to go outside and measure my slide and and I found it is flush. Of course this wasn't the case when I bought it. It had been out of alignment (approx. 2" in front and 1" in rear) and when I brought this to the service writer (not a service tech) he attempted to convince me that was normal. I didn't accept this as any gap in front leads to leaks when traveling.

    That seal has to be made or you'll have troubles. If nothing more than just cosmetic it still should look right for a new TT. Hold to your ground while it's still under warranty.
  • chrisdd23k's avatar
    chrisdd23k
    Explorer
    Jan 15, 2018
    Follow up to a couple of questions: I have a Freedom Express 292BHDS and the slide out would move in and out normally but wouldn't sit flush. It was really bad before they replaced a bend part. Now it is out only an inch, it was out a good 5 inches before the repair.

    Lat week the dealer called me and said I can come pick it up and no repair was needed, meaning that the slide out being out of alignment 1 inch was ok with them. I just got off the phone with the dealer, he said he is in contact with the manufacturer to get some specification for adjustments. Sounds like they are still working on it.

    The consensus from everyone is they need to get it right and fight for the repair. Should I believe the dealer when they said they will still fix this specific issue after the warranty period ends because it is an ongoing problem?
  • jerryjay11's avatar
    jerryjay11
    Explorer
    Jan 15, 2018
    Get it in writing! After warranty period it could take bit more convincing. That's why most of my communication is via email. I have saved every email communication with Camping World for a record.

    But it is better to get it right within the warranty period. The dealer doesn't provide tha warranty and the manufacturer doesn't warranty the dealer's work.

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