2009 Fleetwood Niagara Power Lift System

[RickWest]

I've had a 2009 Fleetwood Niagara popup for 9 months.  I've had one problem after another with the power lift system.  The plug-in pigtail failed once, a wire pulled out of the connector to the motor, etc.  Each time the dealer has repaired it, but the camper has spent more time in the repair shop than at the campgrounds.  Has anyone else experienced this?  I'm ready to send it into the shop one more time and then sell it.  I'd really appreciate some feedback from other Niagara owners.
Thanks, Rick

[chip]

Other than having to deal with the lift system recall, we haven't had any problems with the lift (or anything else) on our '07.

[DT Sante Fe]

I love our 2005 HW Niagara. No power lift though. I traded up from a 2000 Coleman Sante Fe.  The Niagara has way more room. I do miss the Sante Fe for solo trips.

[Dray]

Rick,

I don't have the Niagra, but do have a Fleetwood.  I bought it new and had all kinds of problems in the beginning.  I was really irritated like you.  People on this board told me it's typical for new PU's to have problems and after a few trips to the dealer things will settle down and they did.  

The lesson I learned is that next time (if there is a next time) I will buy used.  

Good luck!

[RickWest]

Dray,
Thanks for the encouragement.  Maybe I have a dealer problem in that they're not spending enough time really analyzing the problem and fixing it.  Other than the lift system, we've shaken out the bugs and all is fine.  It's just the power lift for the roof.
Rick

[azemptynesters]

Rick,

We also own a 2009 Niagara.  We've had it out on about 8 different trips and had absolutely no issues with the power lift.  This is the second Coleman/Fleetwood product we have owned.  Our first lasted us 22 years!  We absolutely love everything about our Niagara.  It sounds more like a dealer problem to me.  Are you able to take it to another dealer to have it checked?

Dan

[RickWest]

Dan,
The dealer is definitely part of the problem.  He's a big volume dealer with a huge inventory of motor homes, 5th wheels, and travel trailers.  I really think pop-ups are more of a hobby for them and a way to get folks started in camping--then they'll help those folks upgrade into a bigger, more profitable unit.  Their repair shop is huge and always full.  I get the feeling they really don't like working on pop-ups since they're a nuisance--need to be set up to be serviced.  Unfortunately, I live up near Harrisburg, PA. and the closest dealer is a "mom-and-pop" affair that's closing due to poor sales.  In these tough times, the big dealers win out.  By the way, is the "az" in your log-in name as in Arizona?
Thanks, Rick.

[azemptynesters]

Rick,

Have you talked direct to Coleman?  Maybe if you explain your situation, they could offer some assistance.  Yes, we do live in Chandler, AZ and our daughter and her family live in Hershey!

Dan

[RickWest]

Dan,
I'm not sure Coleman would be much help.  I understand they've been hit pretty hard with the recession and have laid off quite a few people.  When I had a couple of other things repaired by my dealer, they had problems getting parts from Coleman.  One part took more than 4 months.  In general when repairs involve parts that are backordered through Coleman, they won't even quote a delivery time.  Then again, maybe it's all the dealer.  Anyway the Niagara goes into the dealer on Thursday for repair of the power lift system.  I'll keep my fingers crossed.  Arizona is a beautiful place.  My mother lived in Sun City and I used to visit her there.  My brother still lives in Glendale, not far from the new Stadium.  By the way, how's the popup work in the heat out there?
Thanks, Rick

[tlhdoc]

If you are not satisfied with your dealer, try Rhone's Travel Trailers in Cogan Station, PA.  They are about an hour and a half north of Harrisburg.  Coleman is very, very, slow in getting parts out to all of their dealers.  That may be the final straw for me.

[RickWest]

Thanks, I may try them if my dealer, Beckley's in Thurmont MD, doesn't fix the power lift.  Getting parts from Coleman has been very difficult, which makes me wonder how long they'll continue to be around.

[RickWest]

Thanks, I may try them if my dealer, Beckley's of Thurmont, MD, doesn't fix the power lift.

[azemptynesters]

Rick,

I would try to stick it out with the Coleman people.  I think more than anything they're going through the pains of new ownership along with a horrible economy.  I don't think Blackstreet Capital would give up on them due to the sizeable investment they have already made.  I would still purchase a Coleman PUP if I was shopping today.

You asked about how our Niagara works in the Arizona heat.  We do have and air conditioner and popup gizmos, but we usually head for the high country to do our summer camping.  Usually a 2 hour drive gets us on the Mogollon Rim (about 7,600' elevation).  We're also fortunate enough to be able to keep it in our garage.  Keeps it looking brand new for many years!

Thanks,
Dan

[RickWest]

Dan,
The Niagara is in the shop now.  They told me the problem was with a voltage regulator, which they had to order.  Hopefully it will be in this week.  I sure hope that takes care of the problem.  Another thing I mentioned to the dealer was the seemingly slow lift of the roof.  It almost seems like the motor is struggling to raise it.  The guy at the shop said the voltage regulator could be causing that problem too.  I thought it might be the battery.  At any rate, I'll give them a chance and if that doesn't fix it, I'll contact Coleman.

I've been to Flagstaff and saw quite a few campgrounds.  It's pretty up there, especially with Humphries always looming in the background.  Arizona is truly a beautiful state and a Niagara with its spaciousness and openess is a nice way to enjoy it.
Thanks,
Rick