Hi Everyone. Well, after 15 years the RV-Dreams Community Forum is coming to an end. Since it began in August 2005, we've had 58 Million page views, 124,000 posts, and we've spent about $15,000 to keep this valuable resource for RVers free and open. But since we are now off the road and have settled down for the next chapter of our lives, we are taking the Forum down effective June 30, 2021. It has been a tough decision, but it is now time.


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RV-Dreams.com Home -> RV-Dreams Community Forum -> Buying An RV -> Why I am NOT going to buy a Forest River Rockwood or Flagstaff!
Post Info TOPIC: Why I am NOT going to buy a Forest River Rockwood or Flagstaff!
James3


RV-Dreams Community Member

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Posts: 4
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Why I am NOT going to buy a Forest River Rockwood or Flagstaff!
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Last week I was all set to buy either a new Rockwood 8317SS or a Flagstaff 831QBSS (both are 33 feet and have a Bunkhouse). Lucky for me, one of the forum members pointed out to me that my tow vehicle's receiver wouldn't handle the 948 lb. "dry" tongue weight because the "actual" tongue weight of the trailer (including propane, battery and WD hitch) would be nearly 1300 lbs. Sadly, my receiver was only legal up to 1000 lbs. tongue weight, and that was WITH a WD hitch.

When I asked the two RV dealers that I was getting prices from about that, they both told me "Opps! Sorry, we missed that"!!! Then they told me not to worry about it, and to just offset the extra load to the rear of the trailer. When I reminded them that the 1300 lb. weight DID NOT include any cargo below the bed or in the trailer's front storage area (which I figured will be about 500 lbs.) I asked them how can I offset 800 lbs. to the back of the trailer? I reminded them that it would take almost 2-1/2 lbs. at the back of the trailer to offset every 1 lb. of weight at the tongue of the trailer, because of the distance from the fulcrum. This “fact” meant that I'd have to put 2000 lbs. in the back of the trailer just to offset the 800 lbs. at the tongue... IMPOSSIBLE!!! The dealer insisted that off-loading would work, so I asked the dealer to prove to me by placing a 100 lb. weight at the back of the trailer, so that I could see how much weight was removed from the tongue. The dealer told me he couldn’t run that test, because he DIDN’T HAVE A TONGUE SCALE!!! I was shocked and incredulous. Then,   the Dealer accused me as being "too analytical" and told me that everyone runs with a heavy tongue.

Finally, I called and left detailed messages with the Rockwood Rep. and with two of their so-called engineers that were supposedly going to be able answer my questions and solve my problem. I made it clear in each message that failure to resolve these issues would be a DEAL-KILLER. I waited for a week with NO call back from any of them. Finally, I was told by one of the dealers that I had too many questions and that I should either take their word for everything, or they couldn't do business with me. I laughed at that remark, and I told him I would take my business elsewhere!

WARNING: Before you buy a trailer (ANY trailer) make them weigh you tongue with a Scale, and make sure that your propane tanks are full, battery is installed, and you've got cargo in the storage areas. If the scale shows a weight that exceeds the legal limit of your receiver, DON'T tow it, because if you get into an accident because of a failed receiver, guess who the insurance company is going to blame ... YOU!!! Thanks for listening to my rant ... hope it helps you avoid a problem. Remember: Caveat Emptor!!!



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Ckerr


RV-Dreams Family Member

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Posts: 822
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I'm reminded of something my mother always used to say.

"If EVERYONE was jumping off a bridge, would you do it too?"

Unfortunately, too many RV sales people know next to nothing about the technical aspects of the product they are selling.

Best of luck in your search for the right camper!

__________________

Carol

Carol Kerr Welch

Wife to Jeff, "Mom" to Chuy; Retama Village Resident

2018 Winnebago Horizon 40A,  Jeep Cherokee Limited, Harley Davidson Trike 

Realtor specializing in RV and 55+ Communities in the Rio Grande Valley

 

 
Jim01


RV-Dreams Family Member

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Posts: 1144
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Oh, they know, but once you buy the RV it's your problem, and they could care less if you're overloaded.

They made the sale, and got their commission and that's all they care about.

Jim

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Jim and Linda
Full-timers from 2001 to 2013
http://parttimewithjandl.blogspot.com/ 
2006 Dodge 2500 Diesel pulling a Heartland 26LRSS TT
May your days be warm, and your skies be blue.
May your roads be smooth, and your views ever-new.
The Bear II


RV-Dreams Family Member

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Posts: 1337
Date:
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Glad you did your research so you didn't end up taking the supposed experts word.



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"Small House, Big Yard "

"May the FOREST be with you"
Alfa See-Ya 5'er and 2007 Kodiak C4500 Monroe
nwlambear


RV-Dreams Family Member

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Posts: 99
Date:
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Great advice. My husband and I passed on the purchase of a few 5th wheels because of weight ability and what we had to pull a 5th Wheel. Then we a local WA Camping World RV salesman "screwed with us" when we were in the process of purchasing a 5th Wheel from them....so we WALKED!. Ended up pay less for the same 5th wheel by ordered from out-of-state. We really like what we have, but I'm thinking now we should have gotten a little bigger model...with a fireplace and a living room in the back. As little as we are able to get out in the 5ver...we might as well have the layout we would like. So I'm wondering...should we trade in NOW. Even if it sits on the side...by the garage? Would we have to trade in the truck too? Sorry...I'm thinking out loud here. I probably don't dare bring it up to my husband.

The way I figure it if everything just goes as things are now, AND IF my husband should pass on before me (He's 69 and I'm almost 68) I would have to sell both the 5ver and truck and I MIGHT be able to manage all the expense that go with a "stick'n'bricks" house. But really not sure. AND IF I should pass before my husband.....he would have an easier time financially at least.

...Guess I really need to talk to our bank (who holds the "reverse mortgage; then our real estate agent friend about value or property, future prospects for a Spring sale. Relieving ourselves of the financial burden of our house and property seems the only way to be able to really get out there (on the road...and visit our children and grandcildren. Sorry to have gone on 'bout things. Thanks for listening! ~Tricia

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***Brian'n'Tricia*** aka 'NWlambear'
2008 FORD F250 XLT SUPER DUTY SUPER CAB DIESEL TOWING PKG
2010 KEYSTONE 'COUGAR' 292RKS
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