We purchased a new Rockwood ROO 19 last May (May 2007) in Iowa (Route 66 dealer). Late last summer, we noticed we had a "leaky" front bunk. We took it to a local Wisconsin dealer (Route 66 dealer), and after contacting Rockwood, installed the additional seal. The camper was then stored indoors all winter. This spring we pulled it out and everything was fine. Then we had the first rainstorm and the front bunk (seal?) leaked again. We hauled it back to the same dealer, they contacted Rockwood, and removed and replaced seal. We brought it home, and it leaked again. We took it back and the dealer, after contacting Rockwood, ordered and replaced the front bunk door and door frame. The camper still leaked. Now, Rockwood (Greg Rollins)is stating that the camper has to be shipped back to Indiana to have the whole front end replaced, as it cannot be done locally at the dealership. Even though the 1-year warranty ran out last week, there is still no cost to us, as it was a manufacturers defect, but we are out a camper at least another month. My question is, what recourse do we have? We are going to be talking to the local dealer about a possible upgrade, but I am sure we will take a substantial hit even though they said they will ask Rockwood to compensate some of the hit. I e-mailed the original out-of-state dealer asking for a full refund, although I am sure they will not give me one. What should I request/demand from Rockwood as they have stated it is a manifacturers defect? Any help is greatly appreciated! Thank-you!
The best warrantee I have ever seen will only replace up to original cost of the item...This does not include any finance charges,prep,delivery, ect...so if you traded in (even for a trailer of similar value) you would still be out a lot of money....I would try to ask for a loner while yours is being repaired (be nice about it and explain your case level headed) and then when you get yours back keep checking the repair often even with a garden hose if it don't rain. Then once you are sure the repair is ok have fun with the unit and enjoy it. JMO
Rockwood is repairing the manufacturing defect and fulfilling their obligation to you. You can complain and even try to sue, but to what effect? The're doing everything they can.
The dealer doesn't warrant the trailer at all, only the manufacturer. The dealer will try to fix problems and do warranty work, but I don't see "new trailer" or "refund" in any of my warranty information.
Get a date that FR will pick up the trailer. Strip it bare before then. You can use the trailer in the interim period by putting tape over the leaking area when the doors are closed.
I'd rather the factoy fixed this than Bubba's RV.
-- Chuck
'06 Roo 23SS behind '07 Expedition out of Cleveland Our Photo pages
BBHROO wrote: … Late last summer, we noticed we had a "leaky" front bunk. … installed the additional seal. … first rainstorm and the front bunk (seal?) leaked again. … back to the same dealer… removed and replaced seal. We brought it home, and it leaked again. We took it back and the dealer… ordered and replaced the front bunk door and door frame. The camper still leaked.
They added the extra seal… still leaked?
They installed a new seal …still leaked?
They replaced the bunk door and frame … and it still leaked?
Okay, I spotted a pattern. I’m going to go out on a limb, maybe even think outside the box. Hmm…maybe it’s not the seal?
Tell us a little more about the leak. Does it happen just sitting in the driveway, while it’s raining out (bunk open or closed)? Or, does it happen while towing in the rain?
We went through a similar scenario, thought our seals were bad, thought is was leaking past the bunk door frame, yadda, yadda, yadda.
The real problem… a leaky clearance light. Caulked it… and the others as well. Problem went away. Forrest River support was very helpful in trying to help and remedy our problem (very commendable). In the end, I told them I found that our leak was caused by a poorly caulked clearance light and emailed them pictures showing it. The response from them seemed to appear that our problem was possibly unique and uncommon, like that maybe it never happened to anyone else before(?). I’ve since heard of a few other instances where others have had leaky clearance lights.
Everything I've ever read about people sending their units back to FR has been positive. They come pick it up, get it back to you pretty quickly, and go over the entire trailer to make sure nothing else is wrong. I've had a couple problems I wished the factory would have taken care of instead of our dealer. One of the members here had a TV thrown in just for the hassle - I highly doubt that would have happened if he'd been a PITA to deal with.
If you're worried about missing a month of camping, why not ask them to wait until the end of the season to work on it? Our dealer did that for us this past winter so we didn't miss a single day.
2007 Rockwood Roo 23ss
Derek '77
Tina '78
Brianna '04
Dominick '07
Maximus (slobbering camping buddy)
Sorry - but you aren't unreasonable to expect FR to perhaps chip in for a upgrade to another FR product at a reduced price. You have been without use of the camper for a period of time and they want to pull your trailer a thousand miles round trip to fix something that never should have left the factory! Although the manufacture's never advertise this and often make people sign a agreement to not blab about it they often trade out to another product they make and will often subsidize the price.
So, give Greg or FR a call and suggest that you are so happy with their customer service that you would like them to subsidize the purchase of another FR product - if you are level headed and a smooth talker you might be surprised at how much they help out.
Good luck.
Michael 2 DD's and my DW 6 Acre's of Maine 2009 Crossroads Cruiser CF31SB 2008 Chevy 2500HD Ext. Cab LT 4X4 Champion lil' yellow Chinese genset, 4000W Camping Pictures
Offline
