Niggling Issues with New Kodiak Trailer

[okdrew]

Hi All,

After much deliberation we just bought a 2013 Kodiak 221RBSL trailer. Overall the unit is great and we love it, but I keep finding niggling quality issues which don't seem right for a new trailer and am hoping someone can tell me if this is normal or whether I should be ramping up my actions on the warranty.

A couple of items, like the volume on theTV being broken, a cracked cupboard door, and a wiring loom dangling out from under the slide (all this on our first outing), I am now noticing that decorative trim is falling off in multiple places inside. Also, where the trim has fallen off near the door, it reveals a 1/4 inch gap between the internal wall and the door jamb. It looks like its manufactured that way, but seems like some shoddy work.

So far the dealer appears to be willing to help with the TV, cupboard door, and wiring harness issues, but interested to know if this kind of experience is expected on a new trailer.

Any input, advice, or suggestions welcome.

Thanks.

[TXiceman]

Sounds pretty typical of what I have seen on the dealers lots for entry level trailers. I know if is a real let down, but you need to go back to the dealer and have all of these issues fixed.

Those kind of problems are why you need to do a very through PDI walk through before you accept the trailer and hand over any money.

Ken

[Superslif]

Sounds about right...You just don't want any "major" issues.

We have a 2013 Aerolite product which is the same as the Kodiak line. I think we had 7 issues that I sent it to a dealer back last Dec. After my camping season ended.

We had a shower pan replaced because it dis-colored, one screen window had clips that didn't keep the screen in, cut a access panel to get to the water pump for winterizing, replace one of the kitchen drawer slides because it wouldn't close all the way, new showerhead because in the off position the slide button would still let too much water come out, adjust the alinement of some of the cabinet doors.

Just a suggestion, contact Dutchmans / Kodiak's warranty department and document your issues under your vin #. If you don't have to, wait till the end of the season to take it in.

[okdrew]

Originally Posted by TXiceman

Sounds pretty typical of what I have seen on the dealers lots for entry level trailers. I know if is a real let down, but you need to go back to the dealer and have all of these issues fixed.

Those kind of problems are why you need to do a very through PDI walk through before you accept the trailer and hand over any money.

Ken

Thanks for the response. The cupboard door was something we missed on the walk through (there were a few minor things we did spot). At the time of the walk through there was a piece of trim down but it was documented and fixed,

Just curious. What brands are considered not 'entry level'?

[okdrew]

Originally Posted by Superslif

Sounds about right...You just don't want any "major" issues.

We have a 2013 Aerolite product which is the same as the Kodiak line. I think we had 7 issues that I sent it to a dealer back last Dec. After my camping season ended.

We had a shower pan replaced because it dis-colored, one screen window had clips that didn't keep the screen in, cut a access panel to get to the water pump for winterizing, replace one of the kitchen drawer slides because it wouldn't close all the way, new showerhead because in the off position the slide button would still let too much water come out, adjust the alinement of some of the cabinet doors.

Just a suggestion, contact Dutchmans / Kodiak's warranty department and document your issues under your vin #. If you don't have to, wait till the end of the season to take it in.

Thanks for the info. I haven't felt the need to contact Dutchmen yet as I am still working with the dealership. Should I be documenting with Dutchmen anyway?

[Superslif]

Just curious. What brands are considered not 'entry level'?

For one thing I defiantly wouldn't say the Aerolite's or Kodiak's are entry level, fact for hybrids their one of the more $$$ lines. You can get the same length hybrid at the "entry level" for about 30% or 40% less.

Thanks for the info. I haven't felt the need to contact Dutchmen yet as I am still working with the dealership. Should I be documenting with Dutchmen anyway?

I know about a year ago Aerolite went thru a management shake up which I assume also had the Kodiak line involved too. The Aerolite's, Kodiak's and Coleman's are all made on the same line. With that said, I hear that warranty work is being scrutinized more carefully. If you have gotten any work done by your dealer under warranty, it should be documented by our dealer under your trailers Vin #. They would have to get approval from Dutchman before anything is done.

Our last RV was also a Aerolite hybrid (2005) with 380 nights over 7 seasons...with proper care and keeping her waxed.