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Turn Key · 06-02-2004, 09:51 AM

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 fellow Texans know.

Happy Camping!
............................................................................................

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 “Colorado” purchased used, the year of manufacture unknown. Our second unit was a 1999 “Sea Pine” we purchased new from Western Camper of Ft. Worth, Texas. Both of these pop-ups were outstanding and gave us many weeks of happiness while traveling around the southwest.

About 4 months ago my wife and I decided that it was time for us to “step-up” from a folding trailer to a small fifth-wheel trailer. We limited our search to 24-29 feet in length with a gross vehicle weight not greater then 10,000 lbs. We also knew that we wanted one “super slide” and either a rear-kitchen or rear-bath model. Naturally, with our past experience with your products, fifth-wheel trailers made by your company were at the top of the list to check. Your products were joined by trailers from Jayco and to a lesser degree, Keystone and Starcraft.

After doing some “on-line” checking I was able to narrow our search down to a few models. At this point I contacted Vogt RV Center of Ft. Worth, Texas and requested literature about trailers that would fit our needs. This arrived and we were able to further limit our search.

Approximately 3 weeks ago my wife and I took a drive over to Vogt RV to get a first hand look at what was available. We spent about 1-½ hours with the salesman, looking mostly at Jaycos as they had few Fleetwood products on the lot. Towards the end of our time we did take a look at Fleetwood travel trailers, just out of curiosity. During this time our salesman revealed to us that as of the 2005 model year, all Fleetwood trailers would come with a 1-year rather then a 2-year warranty. He further stated that after the next 2-3 days, all remaining 2004 units “on the ground” and to be delivered would be sold with only a 1-year warranty. I must say that I found this information a bit odd.

After leaving Vogt RV, we drove over to United Recreation Center, also of Ft. Worth, Texas. We were able to look at a few more Fleetwood products there and found one or two that may have fit our requirements. While there, I asked the salesman about the planned change in warranty length for 2005 and the balance of 2004 units. He stated that I was incorrect and showed me a document that stated that only 2005 models were effected by the warranty change. At this point I stated that I would have to consider this information prior to making any decision.

After returning home, I sent an e-mail to your company requesting clarification concerning length of warranties for 2004 and 2005 units. After a few days of receiving no reply, I sent a second e-mail asking for the same information. Both e-mails were sent through your web site and when send yielded the usual screen, thanking me for my interest and assuring me of a prompt response. Both e-mails contained my correct e-mail address and, if memory serves, my street address as requested. To date I have received no response.

Sir, on Thursday, 5/27/04 my wife and I purchased a 2004 K-Z “Durango” 275RK. Some of the chief reasons for our decision were the lies and/or half-truths given to us by a company representing your products. My irritation at this was exacerbated by your failure to respond in a timely manner to my requests for clarification.

It is unfortunate that a company that I felt was at least a notch or two above the norm would treat a returning customer so shabbily. It’s a sign of the times when “manufacturing” takes a back seat to “service” and even “service” isn’t what it once was. It is hoped that the problems that plague United States’ and other countries’ firms can somehow be corrected. If not, I fear what our country will look like in another 30-50 years.

Sincerely.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX(Turn Key)
A Former Fleetwood Customer

06-02-2004, 09:51 AM	#1
Turn Key Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: North Central Texas Posts: 535	Fleetwood? Never Again! 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 fellow Texans know. Happy Camping! ............................................................................................ 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 “Colorado” purchased used, the year of manufacture unknown. Our second unit was a 1999 “Sea Pine” we purchased new from Western Camper of Ft. Worth, Texas. Both of these pop-ups were outstanding and gave us many weeks of happiness while traveling around the southwest. About 4 months ago my wife and I decided that it was time for us to “step-up” from a folding trailer to a small fifth-wheel trailer. We limited our search to 24-29 feet in length with a gross vehicle weight not greater then 10,000 lbs. We also knew that we wanted one “super slide” and either a rear-kitchen or rear-bath model. Naturally, with our past experience with your products, fifth-wheel trailers made by your company were at the top of the list to check. Your products were joined by trailers from Jayco and to a lesser degree, Keystone and Starcraft. After doing some “on-line” checking I was able to narrow our search down to a few models. At this point I contacted Vogt RV Center of Ft. Worth, Texas and requested literature about trailers that would fit our needs. This arrived and we were able to further limit our search. Approximately 3 weeks ago my wife and I took a drive over to Vogt RV to get a first hand look at what was available. We spent about 1-½ hours with the salesman, looking mostly at Jaycos as they had few Fleetwood products on the lot. Towards the end of our time we did take a look at Fleetwood travel trailers, just out of curiosity. During this time our salesman revealed to us that as of the 2005 model year, all Fleetwood trailers would come with a 1-year rather then a 2-year warranty. He further stated that after the next 2-3 days, all remaining 2004 units “on the ground” and to be delivered would be sold with only a 1-year warranty. I must say that I found this information a bit odd. After leaving Vogt RV, we drove over to United Recreation Center, also of Ft. Worth, Texas. We were able to look at a few more Fleetwood products there and found one or two that may have fit our requirements. While there, I asked the salesman about the planned change in warranty length for 2005 and the balance of 2004 units. He stated that I was incorrect and showed me a document that stated that only 2005 models were effected by the warranty change. At this point I stated that I would have to consider this information prior to making any decision. After returning home, I sent an e-mail to your company requesting clarification concerning length of warranties for 2004 and 2005 units. After a few days of receiving no reply, I sent a second e-mail asking for the same information. Both e-mails were sent through your web site and when send yielded the usual screen, thanking me for my interest and assuring me of a prompt response. Both e-mails contained my correct e-mail address and, if memory serves, my street address as requested. To date I have received no response. Sir, on Thursday, 5/27/04 my wife and I purchased a 2004 K-Z “Durango” 275RK. Some of the chief reasons for our decision were the lies and/or half-truths given to us by a company representing your products. My irritation at this was exacerbated by your failure to respond in a timely manner to my requests for clarification. It is unfortunate that a company that I felt was at least a notch or two above the norm would treat a returning customer so shabbily. It’s a sign of the times when “manufacturing” takes a back seat to “service” and even “service” isn’t what it once was. It is hoped that the problems that plague United States’ and other countries’ firms can somehow be corrected. If not, I fear what our country will look like in another 30-50 years. Sincerely. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX(Turn Key) A Former Fleetwood Customer __________________ Turn Key, DW and Pepsi & Cherry, The Camping Boston Terriers '03 Chevy 2500HD, 4X4, X-Cab, Long Bed '04 K-Z "Durango", 275RK ("Sunday Haus II") Twin Kayaks, "The Ride" by Wilderness Systems North Central Texas, Where The West Begins!