Community Forums

rlc1825 · 02-16-2023, 08:45 PM

Today one of my biggest fears was confirmed.

I have a 2017 Newmar Canyon Star that I purchased in February 2019. This is my first RV.

Within months of ownership, I noticed various but minor issues that planted a seed that this coach had structural issues. At various times, I mentioned this when the coach was in for service. Generally, the response was nope, don’t overthink things.

Today, I took the coach to NIRVC Phoenix because the full wall slide is very out of alignment. In addition, I explained that nearly all the basement doors were out of alignment, an interior wall was starting to buckle as if it was under compression, and screws heads could be seen through the flooring and other items that just seem not correct to me.

The diagnosis, you have a structural failure, and we “won’t touch it”. I was referred to Newmar. I contacted Newmar. The earliest appointment is December 2023!

I am dumbfounded and frankly don’t know what to do at this point.
Has anyone else had such a problem or any suggestions on where to turn or what to do?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

NXR · 02-16-2023, 09:26 PM

Ugh, that's horrible.

"Structural failure" is very non-specific. If you can provide any more details it will help people make good suggestions.

Is it a problem with the Ford chassis such as cracks in the chassis? Is it a problem with a wall? Or what?

Good luck,

Ray

NCC-1701A · 02-16-2023, 09:31 PM

Sorry to hear of your issue.

"Structural Failure" is very vague. Did you get more details? Are the frame rails cracked and bending causing all those other issues? Sounds like a lot is happening.

I must have been typing while NXR was posting!

rlc1825 · 02-16-2023, 09:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NXR

Ugh, that's horrible.

"Structural failure" is very non-specific. If you can provide any more details it will help people make good suggestions.

Is it a problem with the Ford chassis such as cracks in the chassis? Is it a problem with a wall? Or what?

Good luck,

Ray

It seems to be a Newmar issue. The rear part of the coach seems to be sagging. Unfortunately, I don't know much either but it seems part of the aluminum structure has failed, which explains the interior wall buckling, etc. I will post pictures tomorrow.

capnqball · 02-16-2023, 11:35 PM

Terrible situation. I'm wondering if this coach is a toy hauler and previous owner hauled too much heavy "stuff" over rough roads. Hope you can find a reasonable solution sooner than later. Best of luck.

Dav L · 02-17-2023, 06:15 AM

You are going to have to post pictures and a much better explanation of what the issue is to get any better feedback.
Have you looked at what the extent of the warranty is? If it's not going to be covered under warranty (expired or abuse), then go to a decent fabricator / welder / auto body shop for a better, more specific diagnosis.

IMHO it's not worth waiting for Newmar to look at it and give you a bill for $1000's.
You might need to pay a talented fabricator for a day's worth of work to really diagnose the issue and suggest corrective action. Just depends on what you are really talking about and where the issue is in the coach (how buried, access, material type, etc.)

If this is a Ford F53 chassis, many times the chassis is extended beyond the rear axle. Possibly this weld has broken or the chassis is bent? If so, this is generally pretty accessible and can be realigned, cleaned, plate welded back into place (certainly a major guess because we have no idea on what the real issue is).

Let the place that did the "Structural failure" diagnoses point to you exactly what they have observed and take a good picture of it from many angles and distances.

Clemson · 02-17-2023, 06:36 AM

Since it obvious you shouldn’t drive your coach for any extended time I would call Newmar and speak to the senior service manager; fully explain, without emotions, your situation. I would try to get Newmar to accept the coach now and work it in to diagnosis the root issue. If the frame has suffered a failure I believe Newmar will step up and assist in the repair…..

Dutchstar411 · 02-17-2023, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rlc1825

Today one of my biggest fears was confirmed.

I have a 2017 Newmar Canyon Star that I purchased in February 2019. This is my first RV.

Within months of ownership, I noticed various but minor issues that planted a seed that this coach had structural issues. At various times, I mentioned this when the coach was in for service. Generally, the response was nope, don’t overthink things.

Today, I took the coach to NIRVC Phoenix because the full wall slide is very out of alignment. In addition, I explained that nearly all the basement doors were out of alignment, an interior wall was starting to buckle as if it was under compression, and screws heads could be seen through the flooring and other items that just seem not correct to me.

The diagnosis, you have a structural failure, and we “won’t touch it”. I was referred to Newmar. I contacted Newmar. The earliest appointment is December 2023!

I am dumbfounded and frankly don’t know what to do at this point.
Has anyone else had such a problem or any suggestions on where to turn or what to do?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Have you checked to see if the vehicle was previously in an accident? CARFAX or AutoCheck?

edgray · 02-17-2023, 09:28 AM

Rlc1825: Surely the good folks at NIRVC -Phoenix can give you more details about what they found to justify their "we won't touch it" response after your visit there.

IF not, I would be contacting Justin Townley at NIRVC, asking him to follow up with them.

RVStitchy · 02-17-2023, 10:28 AM

Wonder if Newmar will advise on if it is safe to drive or pull a toad. If not, someone will pay a hefty price to tow it across country (assuming you are west coast). That might prompt Newmar to consider offering technical support for a local qualified shop to do the structural repairs. Then back to NIRVC for slide alignment and interior repairs.