Dave was rearranging some things in the basement and guess what we discovered.
Mold.
White stuff growing at the base of the sidewall, which is carpeted.
We don't have the basement crammed. There is plenty of room for air circulation.
We close and lock our basement doors after doing whatever in the basement. We don't leave them open to the elements.
Service tech will be out tomorrow.
Is there a lemon law for RVs? Surely there must be.
I am close to tears. I have dreamed of full-timing since 2002. Dave came to share the dream with me and here we are, three months on the road and we see our rig as totally screwed up - see Frustrated post for list of things wrong with it, past and present.
We had a pop-up and travel trailer (both Fleetwood) with no major issues.
Now we're wondering if this will be uninhabitable in another year.
Things were going so well. We have traveled without incident, we have work and we are loving the lifestyle.
Our home is just cratering around us. BTW, we bought it brand new off the lot. I verified with Keystone today (with the VIN) that we are the original owners. We just have to think the dealer in TX "saw us coming" as Dave put it.
I'm totally trashed and hoping it's no big deal, but, well, I'm just not very optimistic right now.
Thanks Betty
-- Edited by TxYellowRose on Thursday 30th of September 2010 02:43:34 PM
-- Edited by TxYellowRose on Thursday 30th of September 2010 02:44:10 PM
Paul and Jo said
03:56 PM Sep 30, 2010
Betty,
I'm beside myself wondering if we should have bought a Montana. But after talking to several others here in the Campground. They swear by their Montana's and when the time comes, they will buy another Montana. I'm not so sure that the salemans "saw you coming" since these problems are coming up now and you didn't spot them when looking over the unit. I think Keystone should be bending over backwards to help you as "word of mouth" carries a lot of weight!
Keep us posted on what Keystone does.
Jo
Paul and Jo said
04:20 PM Sep 30, 2010
TxYellowRose wrote:Dave was rearranging some things in the basement and guess what we discovered.
This is a good reminder for me to let Jo know that on our "Set-up" and "Exit" lists we need to examine the basement, propane areas, and front utility area for signs of water damage.
Paul
TxYellowRose said
04:36 PM Sep 30, 2010
Jo and Paul,
Thanks for your words of encouragement. We did look our rig over very closely before we did the deal and again on delivery. Dave got up on the roof, we obviously poked around in the empty basement, got under the rig, so on and so forth. We even had a weekend near the dealer to move in - no problems. Went through a wee winter storm on a campout, etc. etc. No problems.
Some of the minor things we could and have fixed ourselves. No big deal. We were even going to install the Fan-Tastic replacement parts as it doesn't look too tough. We are in and out of the basement routinely and, again, no problems.
We, especially me, are surprised by these issues as we had all the same info like it sounds like you did before purchase - good quality, durability, reliability for the long term and, compared to other brands we looked at, the Montana won hands down for overall features, construction, etc.
Again, we love our home and hope these issues can be resolved.
We'll see what tomorrow brings.
Racerguy said
04:49 PM Sep 30, 2010
Betty, Sorry to hear of your problems.I would contact your dealer at once but only as a starting point.Next you find out who handles customer complaints at Keystone and contact them.Tell them you will be sending photo's of the damage and be persistant but not overbearing. I had an axle problem with my Cedar Creek and the dealer said they would not do anything about it.Long story short I contacted Forest River and in my case Lippert who manufactured the frame and was very surprised that my rig was repaired to my satisfaction right away.Be firm but friendly with the factory reps and hopefully you can get some resolution to the problems.Just spoke with my new neighbor here and he told me he has had his new Mobile Suites in for repair 8 times in two years so it happens to all brands.Good luck and keep your chin up.
Terry and Jo said
05:57 PM Sep 30, 2010
Betty,
Try your best to stay positive. At one time in my life (thankfully for a very short time), I was a car salesman. (Yes, used cars as well.) There was a saying then that still applies, and that is that even Rolls Royce has a service department.
Every product bought has the potential of having problems. Referring to Racerguy's comment, we bought a new 2010 Mobile Suites this year and it has been into the shop for some issues. Thankfully, no leaks yet, so likely no mold, but we remain vigilant.
Like the others said, keep in touch with the Montana factory and the dealership. I think someone also mentioned in one of your threads that a mobile repairman can sometimes be a better source of repairs. The reason is that they are usually a small business trying to do more and more. I would think they would have more incentive to do a good job so as to get a good referral from you, or at least get you back again for business in the future.
Sometimes dealerships might have the attitude of do it quick and get it out to bring in something else. They can get that attitude because they have a higher volume of service business than the small independent businessman.
Not to add to the leak situation, but in every life, a little rain must fall. We just have to be happy with our situations and do what we can to improve things we can improve and not worry about those that we can't.
Good luck with all your issues.
Terry
PIEERE said
08:54 PM Sep 30, 2010
If you can't get the mold problem resolved by the dealer, just a suggestion: Five years ago I acquired an rv that sat for 2+ yrs. I mixed a 50/50 solution of bleach and water and sprayed on to any mold I could find. It seemed to have killed the spores after a few hours, I then wash everything with a antibacterial spray and towel dryed everything. So far, so good. First let your repair center check it over. BOL!!! PIEERE
dream reachers said
11:11 PM Sep 30, 2010
Mold can be bad but generally it can be stopped and treated. It was probably started from a leak which needs to be traced. Keystone should take care of the problem. You may have to go to the factory to have it taken care of. It's not the end of the world, don't panic
TxYellowRose said
09:25 AM Oct 1, 2010
Thanks, everyone for your words of support.
I've had cancer, devastating divorce, elder care responsibilities . . . and many other valleys with rain in my life but have always been a warrior fighting my way back to the sunny peaks. Part of my "down" attitude yesterday I'm sure was attributed to being up for almost 48 hours straight dealing with storms, leaks and working.
After a good 12 hours of slumber, I'm more positive and my warrior self again.
My outlook now is let's get it all taken care of and we'll end up with that solid, reliable and oh-so-cozy rig we've come to call home.
A service tech from the dealer is coming out this afternoon to spend time with us. I'll let you know what's up.
Cheers and thanks again - what a family you all are!
Betty
Melstar said
05:06 PM Oct 1, 2010
Betty,
Praying the rep gives you a great report...helps to reassure you that all can be fixed and be back good as new!
Melanie
phyllen said
06:33 PM Oct 1, 2010
Let us know if a Keystone customer service rep assists you. We had talked to Trish there several times. At one time I had positive feelings about their service - not so much any more. Will be curious to know how you make out.
Waggin Tails said
06:48 AM Oct 2, 2010
You are a survivor. Life is not fair all the time. Keep the positive spirit and dig to find peace. From personal experience I've determind perserverance takes you through obstacles. Our prayers are with you.
Dave was rearranging some things in the basement and guess what we discovered.
Mold.
White stuff growing at the base of the sidewall, which is carpeted.
We don't have the basement crammed. There is plenty of room for air circulation.
We close and lock our basement doors after doing whatever in the basement. We don't leave them open to the elements.
Service tech will be out tomorrow.
Is there a lemon law for RVs? Surely there must be.
I am close to tears. I have dreamed of full-timing since 2002. Dave came to share the dream with me and here we are, three months on the road and we see our rig as totally screwed up - see Frustrated post for list of things wrong with it, past and present.
We had a pop-up and travel trailer (both Fleetwood) with no major issues.
Now we're wondering if this will be uninhabitable in another year.
Things were going so well. We have traveled without incident, we have work and we are loving the lifestyle.
Our home is just cratering around us. BTW, we bought it brand new off the lot. I verified with Keystone today (with the VIN) that we are the original owners. We just have to think the dealer in TX "saw us coming" as Dave put it.
I'm totally trashed and hoping it's no big deal, but, well, I'm just not very optimistic right now.
Thanks
Betty
-- Edited by TxYellowRose on Thursday 30th of September 2010 02:43:34 PM
-- Edited by TxYellowRose on Thursday 30th of September 2010 02:44:10 PM
I'm beside myself wondering if we should have bought a Montana. But after talking to several others here in the Campground. They swear by their Montana's and when the time comes, they will buy another Montana. I'm not so sure that the salemans "saw you coming" since these problems are coming up now and you didn't spot them when looking over the unit. I think Keystone should be bending over backwards to help you as "word of mouth" carries a lot of weight!
Keep us posted on what Keystone does.
Jo
Paul
Jo and Paul,
Thanks for your words of encouragement. We did look our rig over very closely before we did the deal and again on delivery. Dave got up on the roof, we obviously poked around in the empty basement, got under the rig, so on and so forth. We even had a weekend near the dealer to move in - no problems. Went through a wee winter storm on a campout, etc. etc. No problems.
Some of the minor things we could and have fixed ourselves. No big deal. We were even going to install the Fan-Tastic replacement parts as it doesn't look too tough. We are in and out of the basement routinely and, again, no problems.
We, especially me, are surprised by these issues as we had all the same info like it sounds like you did before purchase - good quality, durability, reliability for the long term and, compared to other brands we looked at, the Montana won hands down for overall features, construction, etc.
Again, we love our home and hope these issues can be resolved.
We'll see what tomorrow brings.
Sorry to hear of your problems.I would contact your dealer at once but only as a starting point.Next you find out who handles customer complaints at Keystone and contact them.Tell them you will be sending photo's of the damage and be persistant but not overbearing. I had an axle problem with my Cedar Creek and the dealer said they would not do anything about it.Long story short I contacted Forest River and in my case Lippert who manufactured the frame and was very surprised that my rig was repaired to my satisfaction right away.Be firm but friendly with the factory reps and hopefully you can get some resolution to the problems.Just spoke with my new neighbor here and he told me he has had his new Mobile Suites in for repair 8 times in two years so it happens to all brands.Good luck and keep your chin up.
Try your best to stay positive. At one time in my life (thankfully for a very short time), I was a car salesman. (Yes, used cars as well.) There was a saying then that still applies, and that is that even Rolls Royce has a service department.
Every product bought has the potential of having problems. Referring to Racerguy's comment, we bought a new 2010 Mobile Suites this year and it has been into the shop for some issues. Thankfully, no leaks yet, so likely no mold, but we remain vigilant.
Like the others said, keep in touch with the Montana factory and the dealership. I think someone also mentioned in one of your threads that a mobile repairman can sometimes be a better source of repairs. The reason is that they are usually a small business trying to do more and more. I would think they would have more incentive to do a good job so as to get a good referral from you, or at least get you back again for business in the future.
Sometimes dealerships might have the attitude of do it quick and get it out to bring in something else. They can get that attitude because they have a higher volume of service business than the small independent businessman.
Not to add to the leak situation, but in every life, a little rain must fall. We just have to be happy with our situations and do what we can to improve things we can improve and not worry about those that we can't.
Good luck with all your issues.
Terry
Thanks, everyone for your words of support.
I've had cancer, devastating divorce, elder care responsibilities . . . and many other valleys with rain in my life but have always been a warrior fighting my way back to the sunny peaks. Part of my "down" attitude yesterday I'm sure was attributed to being up for almost 48 hours straight dealing with storms, leaks and working.
After a good 12 hours of slumber, I'm more positive and my warrior self again.
My outlook now is let's get it all taken care of and we'll end up with that solid, reliable and oh-so-cozy rig we've come to call home.
A service tech from the dealer is coming out this afternoon to spend time with us. I'll let you know what's up.
Cheers and thanks again - what a family you all are!
Betty
Praying the rep gives you a great report...helps to reassure you that all can be fixed and be back good as new!
Melanie