The reason why I traded in my 5 y/o Rockwood

[BillMc]

About myself, I use to frequnt this group allot when it first started, but with life everything changes and interst change. I don't know about you, but for me I can only answer the same question so many times. I feel like I need to be honest with this group. 2 weeks ago while my wife camped and I worked[I got in two weekends]I looked under the Rockwood, only to see the begining stages of rot in all four cornners. I have always maintained this unit, with the cost of such a luxery item you have to maintain. As the wife said no worry, we bought the extended lifetime warranty. Well folks Forest River/Rockwood/Flagstaff, what ever you want to call them wanted to blame it on me. I told thier customer service/warranty dept. We bought the extended warranty. Well they said it is your fault for not maintaining the unit. You didn't caulk/seal it at the cornners. I did this every spring. I am really disappointed with Forest River, mainly due to the fact that I talked so well about his company. Well in short no more Forest River products for me or my family members. I am hoping that Fleetwood will be better only time will tell. I have though found a good dealer. So that is my story. Forest River is a lousy company and thier extended warrany is only as good as they are which isn't much. Thanks for letting me vent.
BillMc

[Jim K in PA]

Sorry to hear of your misfortune with Rockwood, Bill.  Did the extended warranty contract explain what specific maintenance regimens were required for warranty coverage?  

I have always been of the mind that extended warranties are not worth the paper they are written on, regardless of the product or manufacturer.  I learned quite a few years ago that only 20% of every dollar that an automotive extended warranty costs goes to fund claims.  The rest is added profit to the manufacturer.

Best of luck with the new Fleetwood.  What model are you getting?  Post some pics if you can.

BTW - I understand how the forum can get tedious, but there are some great people here, and some great trips and stories to share.  Hopefully you can stick around for a while again.

[BillMc]

Warranty was to cover floor walls and all major items. There was no maintance requirements stated. I was lead to believe that the warranty was to cover issues such as this if they should ever a raise.  Warranty isn't even good for toilet paper.
BillMc

[Jim K in PA]

FWIW, I would send a letter to, and/or file a complaint with, your state agency that investigates consumer fraud.  In New Jersey it is the Department of Community Affairs, Office of Consumer Protection.  I would also send a copy of the letter and complaint to Rockwood corporate.  Even if you have already traded the unit in on the Fleetwood, you might help prevent another consumer from getting ripped off by that manufacturer and dealer.

Best of luck with your new/future camper.

[sacrawf]

Where was the rot starting?  Flooring, roof, or wall framing?

What manufacturing defect led to the damage?

Was the camper stored outdoors or garaged?

Who sold you the warranty?  Was it Forest River or an aftermarket warranty?

Factory warranty without charge is lifetime lift system, 3 years parts and labor, and 5 years parts for defects in parts or workmanship.

Flooring is specifically excluded from a Forest River warranty, because it is warranted by it's manufacturer (Structurewood by Weyerhauser).

Also other components which have their own manufacturer's warranties are excluded from the factory warranty, like the fridge, range, battery, tires, converter, AC, water pump, smoke detector, etc.

Did the Fleetwood dealer assure you that their warranty would have covered the same damage?