We picked up our RV at a dealer in late May of 2021 at Lake of the Ozarks (AOK RV) as we couldn't find this model any closer to us at the time. The dealer did a fantastic job walking us through the unit, showing us how everything worked, sharing common problems, etc. We were a little concerned...read more
We picked up our RV at a dealer in late May of 2021 at Lake of the Ozarks (AOK RV) as we couldn't find this model any closer to us at the time. The dealer did a fantastic job walking us through the unit, showing us how everything worked, sharing common problems, etc. We were a little concerned when he told us that we should invest in a good staple gun to put things back together because we would need it (pulling your "house" through a hurricane during an earthquake). We thought this was sage advice but figured we could wait at least a season to pick one up. Well, we should have went right to the hardware store because by the time we got home with the unit the door below the fireplace was in two pieces and there was loose trim throughout the unit. I contacted Forest River and received NO help at all. I took the door apart, glued and clamped it back together and, viola; better than new. Also began gluing all trim back on. The next time out, we opened one of the drawers under the slide-out and the stop that keeps the drawer closed was lying on the floor. I didn't even waste my time contacting Forest River, I simply removed the drawers, added glue to the bottom of the stops, and WOOD SCREWS (not staples) from the inside of the drawer into the stop. Our next project is to figure out where/why the shower leaks onto the floor. Also, for the first couple times out in the unit we strongly recommend traveling with a Shop Vac to clean up all the saw dust and metal pieces from rivets left over from manufacturing. Poor attention to detail and craftsmanship at the factory is apparent. Also, be careful lifting the cover to the storage under the bed. We lifted ours and the rough plywood caught the mattress and tore a hole in the mattress!
After all these issues, would we recommend this trailer? In a word, yes. We love the floor plan with the bedroom that can be "isolated", the fireplace, the outdoor fridge, and the kitchen in general. There is a LOT of storage and this unit has many features that make it an attractive option. It is a very comfortable travel trailer to spend a rainy day or three in (yep, been there done that already too!). So far we have not had any issues with any appliances and we have thoroughly enjoyed the outdoor stereo speakers. At this price point, this trailer provides a great platform for your first trailer or a nice step back into campers, which is were we are at. To date we have towed the unit over 1,000 miles and our F-150 pulls this trailer aptly with no complaints.
A few things that would be nice are bubble levels on the unit, a ladder on back to the roof, better door seals, relocated freshwater tank drain, ability to change the LED light colors on the canopy (blue light attracts bugs...think bug zapper), cylinders to hold up the storage cover under the bed...we could go on, but they are all small things that the factory could add for minimal cost. As a matter of fact, we have a list and have begun our "upgrades". Finally, we have thoroughly enjoyed getting back into "camping" and this unit is a big reason why.
Livability
Overall quality
Floorplan
Driving/towing
Factory warranty/support
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