Community Forums

rcsaxon · 11-14-2017, 03:04 PM

Hello, I have a 2014 Fox Mountain manufactured by Northwood, which we really love. Our only problem with it is reoccurring delamination of the exterior skin. We had this problem 2 years ago and it was repaired. The problem is back and I don’t know who to turn to. The original dealer was sold to a new company and they have, thus far, been non-responsive. Now I’m searching for a new reliable RV maintenance shop in the Denver, Colorado metro area that can help with all of my RV issues, especially with this delamination problem. Can any Colorado folks give me a recommendation? Thanks!

keymastr · 11-14-2017, 11:05 PM

I don;t have contact info for Northwood but I would email them and see what they suggest. If you are willing to travel out west they may agree to do the repair in-house.

Cumminsfan · 11-14-2017, 11:28 PM

Where's the delamination occurring?

MtCamper · 11-16-2017, 06:16 AM

Call Northwood direct. This should not happen on this unit. Was the original repair done under warranty? If so, Northwood will have all the info. Consider posting on the Northwood owners site.

rcsaxon · 11-16-2017, 08:06 AM

I had initially contacted Northwood when the problem first occurred and they were less than helpful. They suggested I come to Oregon, which I considered, and then stated I would still be responsible for the full cost of the repair. The warranty had just expired and they were not willing to budge. They blamed the dealer for improper storage of the unit after they took delivery of it. So I paid for the repair and the problem has returned. Of course, the dealer who did the repair is refusing to repair it since it’s out of warranty. The location of the bubbling is on the sides on the front edge. Now I’m faced with hiring a lawyer or finding a more reputable RV service shop to help me.

Cumminsfan · 11-16-2017, 09:11 AM

Thats a bummer. I too have a Fox Mountain. Mines a 2013 235RLS. I'm pretty anal about caulking. That area is a little tricky where everything comes together. Do you inspect your caulking on a regular basis? I've caulked mine at least 2 times since buying. I go over every caulk joint and inspect if for cracks. If I see cracks I dig it out and redo it.
Contrary to the accolades that Northwood gets, when you're out of warranty they don't care. No different than most MFG's in that regard I suppose.
So you're sueing the dealer? Did they warant their repair?

rcsaxon · 11-22-2017, 09:00 AM

Yesterday I towed my 5th wheel to the body shop division of the dealer I purchased the unit from (they are located in a different city but only 15 miles). They were very courteous, seemingly knowledgeable but very optimistic that this will be cheap. They even discovered more delamination on the opposite side of trailer which I missed earlier. Stay tuned.

Cumminsfan · 11-22-2017, 09:07 AM

Did you take some pics? Would like to see how big the delam spot is.

jdpm · 11-24-2017, 02:00 PM

Sorry to hear about this. Any speculation as to what has caused the delam.......normally only water intrusion or poor bonding during manufacture.
I've been looking hard at a 2018 AF 27-5L. Disappointed to hear of this with the AF brand as they generally have a good rep.
Keep up posted and please post some pix if possible.

Cumminsfan · 11-24-2017, 03:50 PM

Me thinks it's failed caulking. That area is a bugger to seal clean and nice. You've got a gutter ending with a spout there, the front cap ends there as well as the roof. 3 caulk maintenance items all in one spot. On top of that you've got clear caulking for the lower part of the cap flange and tan for the roof edge. Hard to stop and start and have it look clean. None the less it's a one spot along with the rear at the roof and back wall that I really keep an eye on.
I've hardly ever heard of delm on NW products so I'm thinking that it's a maintenance thing. sounds like the dealer screwed up the fix as well.
These RV's don't last long without lots of maintenance.