New Storm is a Lemon

[DCwithanRV]

In February I bought a brand new Storm. It went right back to Indiana for a couple weeks, we took it camping once and now has been in the shop again for several big items. Is this what I can expect? A really big piece of crap? The manufacturer even refuses to provide a written description of what was repaired, what was replaced, and what was inspected and is reportedly in perfect working order.

Regretting this purchase,
Dana

[The General]

Hi Dana,

The first year of any new RV can be a trying time, getting the "wrinkles out" so to speak.
Some, like you, have a harder time, however, in the end you will love your new Storm.
You would usually be given a copy of the Fleetwood Repair Order when all repairs, replacemaent or upgrades are completed.
What big things are being repaired?



Steve

[Shadowcatche]

Having worked in QC for my entire working career there is no reason that there should be problems with a new RV unless corners are cut. That so many manufacturers have such terrible warranties tells me a great deal. You might want to check state regulations concerning auto repairs. In most/many instances any repairs must be listed and the failed parts returned to the customer.
This calls to mind the one lawsuit concerning one manufacturer built MH with under designed suspensions that could fail catastrophically.

[Tha_Rooster]

My second new MH was in the shop 3months of the first year I owned it, turned out to be a great coach. I had a GM car one time made on friday service department told me it was made in detroit not by god. So I buy German now. So just take I item at the time and try to stay cool.

[Dixieray53]

Welcome to the forum... You did not state the year of your coach, who you bought it from, did you have a written list of things to be fixed. If you will provide more specific info you might get more help.
Peace and Good Luck....D

[TW]

I hear those tales around the campfire more and more!
New cars, trucks etc should run without any problems the first few years.
Thats why we like to buy new and keep those vehicles a few years.
We are right now on our 23 rd VW product in our lifetime.
RV's we are on our 3rd Motorhome and never had a problem.
The Bay Star is now 4 years old. Little tiny 'things' went of course, but I could replace those bolts (wrong bolt from the factory) myself. Nothing big went, so we will see and hope, that nothing will happen, even after 5 years?!

[DCwithanRV]

Thanks for all the responses. I expected little things, of course, to be wrong with my brand new 2011 Fleetwood Storm. But I bought it in February, it's been back to the manufacturer (adding 14000 miles) for a new roof, and hydraulic system repairs. Now they sent a technician to a local shop to repair a water leak and the damage it caused, an faulty refrigerator, and continuing problems with the jacks/alarm system, backup camera and DVD player. With all these varied items, it can't add up to anything but shoddy construction. The work orders only provide the item name. They are giving me a hard time with a written list of what was done and what was repaired vs replaced and what they supposedly inspected and deem as in perfect running order.
It'a been off the road more than on since I purchased in NJ from Dylan's. My last two units were used and I had no serious problems. I do hope I will get to enjoy this soon.

[RonK]

Wow, 14000 miles back to Decatur for repairs, that's 11 trips back and forth if going from New York city to Decatur. Thats a lot of time and fuel. I would be a little perturbed also.

[Topflite51]

Quote:

Originally Posted by RonK Wow, 14000 miles back to Decatur for repairs, that's 11 trips back and forth if going from New York city to Decatur. Thats a lot of time and fuel. I would be a little perturbed also.

I doubt it has made 11 trips(probably should have been 1400 miles), if it has it is no wonder it has not been repaired yet, it's constantly being driven. Except for the new roof, your list of repairs sounds unfortunately 'kind of normal' for a new unit. Hope it gets fixed to your satisfaction real soon.

[ga traveler]

Dana: I know you are disheartened (to say the least) right now. I am not about to take up for the manufacturer. In my years as tech. and ser. mgr., this has happened too many times. If your dealer and service techs care, they will get this fixed. (we ALWAYS did!) Keep their feet to the fire. Keep a record of all complaints and repairs. Take it back until they get everything right. Most of all, don't let them wear you down. In the end, you will end up with a decent coach. Good Luck.

[The General]

Dana,

I had the roof recovered with TPO on my 2008 Bounder 35E; had to go to Fleetwood Riverside, Ca.
Had about 10 things to be fixed and felt I was given the "red carpet treatment."
All fixed no problems since and Riverside is gone.
Only capable people find a comparable job in this economy.
I believe good dealers should be able to handle the moderate to easy stuff such as refrigerator and appliance recalls.
Keep the faith and persevere,


Steve

[Gary1965]

We had our fair share of problems in the first year, but Fleetwood was excellent through the whole process. It is really hard to Test a new coach until you get it on the road. Stay positive, things will improve.

[W4RLR]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tha_Rooster I had a GM car one time made on friday service department told me it was made in detroit not by god. So I buy German now. So just take I item at the time and try to stay cool.

Having lived in Stuttgart, Germany where my neighbors worked at Porsche and Mercedes-Benz, having the Germans build your car and having the Almighty build it are not too far apart. "Better or nothing" isn't just a slogan for those folks.

[DCwithanRV]

Thanks again all. And yes it should have been 1400 miles. Sorry for that. It appears that all items have been addressed and our big baby comes home today. Can't wait to put it through the paces. We've got a long weekend planned in two weeks. "Dry" camping so fingers are crossed. I think the kids and I might need a camp out in the driveway first. Appreciate all your input. I am looking forward to many happy years on the road.