Fleetwood, Again? Most Likely Not!

[Turn Key]

Just thought some might like a look at a letter I sent to Fleetwood. Can't say I'm really pleased and the letter will explain why. Just felt the info should be passed on and could see no better way to let all my camping friends know.
 
Happy Camping!
..............................................................

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[/size][/font]June 2, 2004
 
Dear Sir,
 
Over the last 12 years my wife and I have returned to camping. During that period of time we have owned and enjoyed 2 Fleetwood/Coleman Pop-Up Tent Campers, the first a

[K-man]

Very interesting letter.  Please post the reply if you ever get one.

[SHAWKINS]

I completely understand why you would be irritated, but was it too much to pick up the phone and call them directly for information you deemed so important?  Just curious.

[jstaddwtr]

Your not the first to have problems with Fleetwood.  

They clearly have a problem on the customer service end and don't seem to be wanting to do anything about it.  Although we love our dealer, I resent that when we purchased our 02 Utah that we were specifically told that there were no problems with the roofs and that any problems had been addressed.  
I resent the fact that they are continuing to handle the roof issue as though it is everyones problem but theres.  There should be no reason to charge anyone for their faulty product.  
We love Hermes, our PU, but dislike the attitude of the company.  They have the market share but refuse to provide the service they should in backing their product.
If anything, I thought your letter was toned down, but certainly professional.  I would be shocked if you got anything but a form letter in return.  A good company, hungary for your business would have a representative call you at home.......with an apology....at minimum.

Well Done!!!!!!!!!

[campingboaters]

Unfortunately, Fleetwood is NOT in a class by themselves.  Seems there are plenty of RV manufacturers out there that have VERY poor customer service.  I've heard bad stories now of R-Vision (Bantam/Trail-lite), Rockwood (Forrest River) and of Fleetwood -- and that's just the stories I've read and that stick with me.  I'm sure there are others.  I THINK RV manufacturers are not prepared for the educated camper as so many new campers seem to be -- with more and more people getting into camping as a great family vacation.  I'd be curious if the RV manufacturers would respond better if you were inquiring about one of their HUGE/EXPENSIVE motorhomes!  It certainly would be an interesting investigation...

[Turn Key]

I completely understand why you would be irritated, but was it too much to pick up the phone and call them directly for information you deemed so important? Just curious.
 

I write or e-mail because I believe it to be important and this yields a written record if needed later. Also, the hours I work make it very difficult to call when companies "man" their phone banks. Finally, they made this mode of communication available so it is up to them to see that it works properly.
 
The Saga Continues:
 
Got two e-mails today (obviously electronic form letters) stating that the warranty will be 1 year on '05s but is still 2 years for all '04s. Neither address the sales practices of Vogt RV nor anything else contained in the letter I sent. I'm wondering if these are very late responces to my original e-mails or a "knee jerk" reaction to my letter? Guess I'll wait and see.

[Mike&Judy]

I write or e-mail because I believe it to be important and this yields a written record if needed later. Also, the hours I work make it very difficult to call when companies "man" their phone banks. Finally, they made this mode of communication available so it is up to them to see that it works properly.
 
The Saga Continues:
 
Got two e-mails today (obviously electronic form letters) stating that the warranty will be 1 year on '05s but is still 2 years for all '04s. Neither address the sales practices of Vogt RV nor anything else contained in the letter I sent. I'm wondering if these are very late responces to my original e-mails or a "knee jerk" reaction to my letter? Guess I'll wait and see.

I agree when a company puts e-mail as a customer option it should be handled as well or better than the telephone.  Usually, unfortunately, it is not.

[tlhdoc]

I have emailed several questions to Fleetwood and 2 were not answered on the first try.  I stated in the second emails that this was a second email with the date of the first email listed.  The other times I emailed them I had quick answers.

[bearbait]

edited for content

[jazman]

I sometimes wonder what a Honda or Toyota camper would be like... Or Acura and Lexus for the upscale set...

jazman

[towrod]

I hope you are happy with your K-Z Durango.  I have really been looking at their 295BH and I have heard/read nothing but good things about KZ.

I have emailed both the local dealer and KZ several times over the past few months and have always had prompt and courteous responses to my questions.    KZ still has the 2 year warranty and is the only manufacturer I have found that actually states the bikeracks may be mounted to the back bumper up to 200 lb.  I think they build a robust coach and are proud of it.

Happy Camping!