Community Forums

ncason · 08-08-2007, 06:17 PM

We noticed the return of what we thought was a small leak on a rear side window of the 5vr. Upon removing the trim where the side wall joins the back wall. Top to bottom. We found the entire wall is totally wet. The other side next to the door is also delaminating. The trim was inadequately sealed where the two walls meet and channeled the water to the inside of the walls. The rig is 5 years old and out of warranty. However we will still pursue this matter with Forest River warranty dept since is appears to be a problem caused by inproper assembly during manufacture.

Due to the extensiveness of the damage I feel that it has leaked since delivery. The first year we took the rig back to the dealer for what we thought was a small window leak. Now it appears that the window which continued to indicate leaking was really a low point which seeped. The damage extends above the window as well as below and we know water does not run up.

There is no water damage on the inside of the rig.

Of course the first thing the warranty rep asked was if we were doing proper maintenance.

Since I spent my life in aviation supply and maintenance I know how to document the file.

I have a phone log of all conversations regarding my rig as well as complete documentation on all maintenance and modifications made on the rig. I think he will be surprised.

Nancy

ncason · 08-08-2007, 06:17 PM

We noticed the return of what we thought was a small leak on a rear side window of the 5vr. Upon removing the trim where the side wall joins the back wall. Top to bottom. We found the entire wall is totally wet. The other side next to the door is also delaminating. The trim was inadequately sealed where the two walls meet and channeled the water to the inside of the walls. The rig is 5 years old and out of warranty. However we will still pursue this matter with Forest River warranty dept since is appears to be a problem caused by inproper assembly during manufacture.

Due to the extensiveness of the damage I feel that it has leaked since delivery. The first year we took the rig back to the dealer for what we thought was a small window leak. Now it appears that the window which continued to indicate leaking was really a low point which seeped. The damage extends above the window as well as below and we know water does not run up.

There is no water damage on the inside of the rig.

Of course the first thing the warranty rep asked was if we were doing proper maintenance.

Since I spent my life in aviation supply and maintenance I know how to document the file.

I have a phone log of all conversations regarding my rig as well as complete documentation on all maintenance and modifications made on the rig. I think he will be surprised.

Nancy

Ray,IN · 08-09-2007, 06:47 PM

A man with a plan! You are doing everything as it should be, documented. Last winter a woman on escapees.com did just as you. The final result was, the manufacturer replaced her new(6mos. old) 5er. They did require her to sign a gag contract though. Guess they are afraid the word will get out. OOPS!

ncason · 08-10-2007, 07:49 AM

The warranty representative of Forest River, Cardinal division has stated that they will NOT cover the repairs to the rig.

We will wait until the RV repair shop has performed a complete inspection and we know the full extent of the damage. Then with complete data will contact the CEO and resume discussions. This is clearly a latent defect as there was no indication of leaking on the inside of the rig nor on the outside until the walls were totally wet and delaminated.

Of course we will be posting on RVreviews, writing to Trailer Life and hopefully will get some kind of response from Forest River. If not then a least the RV consumers will have been alerted to the quality of product and service they can expect.

We don't expect someone else to pay our way in life but we do expect quality workmanship from American manufacturers. Made in USA should stand for something.

JC2 · 08-10-2007, 08:22 AM

Before we got our current rig, we made the mistake of owning a Forest River product(2001 Sandpiper). The 2nd year ours started to leak at one of the skylights, the vinyl in the kitchen was cut to short and curled, the infamous Carlyl tires blew out at 2500 miles and damaged the underside of the rig and the list goes on and on and on. I contacted the dealer and FR with negative results. Wouldn't have another on a bet. Unfortunately this type of quality is prevalent in the industry and until people start to CONSISTANTLY complain and let others know, it ain't gonna get any better.

Rick A · 08-10-2007, 09:09 AM

I am not defending Forest River, but i have had very positive experiance with them. Keep moving up the ladder with your complaint and hopefully you will get some resolution. The sad thing is this is not limited to one or two manufacturers. This has become common place in the industry. I personally feel a 1 year warrenty on our RV's is a joke. No body would buy a car that only has a 12 month warrenty. I think the industry needs to step up and pay much more attention to quality control and stand behind the product they produce better.

Ray,IN · 08-10-2007, 06:31 PM

Add Highways magazine "action line" to your proposed list of contacts. They boast a very high success rate.

ncason · 10-24-2007, 04:42 PM

First estimate $3400.00 and that was before they looked at the area beside the entrance door. My repair shop owner stated that Forest River and Keystone use cardboard as part of the wall construction. Once it gets wet it does not dry out. He sees a lot of poor sealing and water damage from these two manufacturers.

The pictures from the RV repair shop clearly indicate that the leaking was not the roof nor the windows it was along the entire side seal on both sides where the sides meet the back.

You can see pictures of the damage at:
http://picasaweb.google.com/ncason21/cardinaldamage
Nancy