I have had my 08 Fuzion 362 for 4 months. My way of saying thanks to all those that posted on this website who helped me with my purchase is to let you know my story. The end of the story is I love the unit, and it is now all fixed (as far as I know). It arrived with physical damage (a scrap down the side). Water pump and fuel pump had to be replaced. Hot water heater wired backwards. A/C unit not secured, roof leaked around A/C. Water leak under couch, water leak behind refrigerator. Unit was shipped without power cords. Nails sticking through carpet, screen door and paper towel rack had to be adjusted. Both A/C’s were wired to the same side of the circuit panel, preventing the use of both A/C’ at the same time. Vent covers not installed on unit as ordered. Brakes on wheels had to be adjusted as one wheel locked before others. Lakeshore would not agree to repair the physical damage, but they did put pressure on transport company who did pay. They honored all other request. Obviously they did not prep the unit prior to shipping. Keystone was good about honoring the warranty work. According to the forums and other research, Keystone is the best in the business. Wow, it says a lot about the industry. Very poor quality control. Bottom line -- if you purchase long distance, I recommend picking up the unit and getting it at a price that makes it worth the trouble. I am now having a ball with the unit. It took four months and three trips to the shop, but like all things -- they are repairable. Thanks again for all your help.
Good info about Lakeshore. We also bought there, but we scheduled to pickup, and SO glad we did. They had a week to prep, but were just starting when we pulled in. We ended up doing the inspections and spent 2 days finding problems and supervising repairs. We felt like we should have been paid as employees. They advertise their free PDI as a selling point, but should rescind that promise until they get a shop supervisor who knows what to look for, and has the personality to work with buyers, and not treat them as opponents!
The one young man in the shop who worked most directly with us was responsive, gracious, helpful, and willing to spend time to get things right. Above him the problems start, thus the need to be there yourself!
So glad you are enjoying your new toy. We too like our unit, now, and can't wait for future adventures. Happy travels!
Interesting! I have a 5th wheel on order with Lakeshore, which they should be picking up next week sometime. I am in CA, which is about 2175 miles away, according to Google. I"m not sure I can spare the time to go out there to pick it up, nor do I have anyone to go with me. I was just going to have Lakeshore deliver it, but now I am worried about what I will get!
Has anyone been happy with their delivered RV, especially from the vendor in question? I do expect to have some issues as that happens even with local dealers. I do not want major issues, though.
We thought about buying from there but made a good deal with a local place. I would say if you can live with the difference in price it makes alot easier. If not and you buy from a distance, go pick it up!
Murgatroid, another couple there at the same time we were, were from Texas. They didn't seem to have any problems with their new unit and they left the next morning. In our case I just know our fiver's problems were addressed immediately because we hadn't plunked the money down. I just think you can avoid alot of future hassles if you are there personally to oversee delivery. I think this also benefits the dealer, who doesn't have to take angry phone calls when things aren't right, and then gets a bad reputation, besides. I think dealers lose that empathy of understanding how important his sale is to each of us new owners, individually. He sells everyday, we buy once in a moon, after great research and gnashing of teeth.
Well, anyways, good luck on your new fifth wheel. Enjoy!
Flying out to see our new to us purchase on the 24th. Good to hear that it's worth it. We would have bought locally but folks in CA wanted above NADA for their used rigs and in the high end used dp market there wasn't a lot to choose from.
Most folks selling what we wanted we're retired and living in warmer climates like FL, TX, NC, etc.. Imagine that !
Murgatroid, if it is not too late, get "FOB destination" in writing. This is what they say, but it's not in the contract. Other than physical damage and missing items, you have no cause for concern -- Keystone was honorable with all my warranty. My local dealer made about $3,000 on the warranty work. I found talking to the salesman after the contract was signed to be nothing more than using him as a messenger to the service department. Basically, I think both Lakeshore and Keystone have good people, but they sure do need lessons from the Japanese on quality control. I am involved in local motorcross riding. Most toyhaulers in our club are Raptors and most owners are satisfied. I talked to a lot of service departments prior to purchasing, and general consenus was Keystone is the best company. I could not use the unit until about two months after receiving it due to needed work, but I got a good price. I would close by saying expect some major issues, but expect Keystone to take care of you through the local dealer. In my opinion, Lakeshore's only value is in getting a good price. It's just a piece of equipment, and it can be fixed. Like me, you bought it to have fun. Good luck.
toomuch wrote: Murgatroid, if it is not too late, get "FOB destination" in writing. This is what they say, but it's not in the contract.
True - it was verbally said but not in the contract. On the other hand, I have only given them a deposit, and if they want the rest of the money, the trailer had better be damage free! Thank you for your experience. I feel the same way - Lakeshore (and other volume sellers) are places to just buy at a low price, but I am counting on the nearby dealer and, more importantly, the manufacturer, to take care of warranty items. If the nearby dealer is an ass, I know Heartland will find someone else to make the repairs.
Murgatroid, maybe you can get a person to inspect the unit for you (for a fee?). It may take a few inspections, but it's better than getting a unit you may have trouble with. And that way you can use the remaining payments as a hammer to get your unit into proper condition.
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