Problems with Keystone

[Bankerbob]

I have to say reading about some of the problems you all have had with sloppy manufacturing has me concerned. As the wifey and I have recently retired, purchased an Outback RLS27 and plan to fulltime RV for the next 9 months I find myself second guessing my purchase. Our previous unit was a Fuzion 363, 2007 and it performed well for us with no real issues. We did have the lino issue this winter having to replace the floor which did make me very unhappy but overall we had no major problems, leaks, etc. with the unit. My wife is a research nut and prior to buying the Outback we looked at many manufacturers such as Jayco, etc.. We found most review pages gave it a good rating. We have not hit the road yet having just sold our home two weeks ago and have been living in the unit for the las two weeks on a beautiful spot near a river. Unfortunately, it has been raining steady for about two weeks with only two nice days of sun. Should I be looking for water leaks in unseen places? I do not want any surprises when we start our journey. Retired means we are on a budget and I would hate to have to worry about repairs that should not occur.:confused:

[Festus2]

I understand your concern and your questionning whether or not you did the right thing. Yes, there are a few members who have had problems with their Keystone - some serious issues and others less severe. Those who have had major problems are obviously the most vocal. Almost all of us have had minor issues from time to time and most of them are an "easy fix". No unit is perfect.
I think you will find that the majority of members here are quite satisfied with their Keystone RV. You don't read or hear as much from these folks. I wouldn't be put off by the negative posts you have read here - you will find them on every forum and for every make and model of RV.
I would make it a habit of checking your caulking/sealant on your roof, windows, and all other openings -- vents, lights, etc. - especially if you live in an area that receives a lot of rain. You know where all those "unseen" places are and regular checks in those areas is a good idea.
If a person carries out regular inspection and routine maintenance of his RV, you can't do much more than that. No sense worrying about what might happen.
The rain will stop and the sun will shine. Enjoy.

[Handysam]

I agree with the above. When we are satisfied with our unit we rarely take the time to right a rave review. However if things go wrong we will spend lots of time complaining and letting the world know of our dissatisfaction.

We bought our 2011 Cougar 327RES last October and could not be happier. After reading this forum believe me I was fairly worried. Previously we owned a Rockwood TT, which had it's share of issues, (none major). It would not have prevented us owning another Rockwood had we found a unit we liked.

We did however change dealerships and would not buy from our previous dealer or recommend them to friends. Their service department was a nightmare, with lots of turnover and no one in charge.

We bought from a highly regarded dealer close to home and hope that if we ever need service they will live up to their reputation.

I think some of the issue with Keystone is they sell so MANY units it makes for more unhappy customers just from a statistical standpoint. At least that is what I hope!

Wishing you the best of luck with your new unit and your new lifestyle! Lauren

[Bob Landry]

I've had my 277RL for about three months and have done several short hops. I agree with Festus about carefully inspecting your unit. txoutback posted on here a short while back about rear caps not being installed correctly and poorly sealed. I took that to heart, drug out the ladder to check and mine was the same. I took it to my local dealer and the issue was resolved in less than a week. BTW, I didn't buy the trailer there, so the bad reviews of dealer service where you don't buy are very likely attitude driven. I have had to repair/correct minor things. They would have been covered by warranty, but I do better work than most dealers, so along with repair, I also improved.
Don't get discouraged if you find things that are not exactly right and need attention. That's to be expected of anything that's built on a production line driven by quotas.

[antiqfreq]

You can 100 happy customers, but if three are unhappy....

you will hear about it - over and over and over again -

Keep your chin up and just do your regular maintenance and
inspections while traveling and you'll probably be fine.

We lived in our from Oct. 2009 until March of 2011 and all was
great and we traveled in it a year to boot and never a problem
the hubby couldn't fix himself.

Jo

[Outbackmel]

2011 329FBH, 36 ft Outback Sydney, owned 11 months. Happy camper. Use the forum for info mostly. Had minor issues and only 1 in the first 30 days of ownership I could not repair. (Electrical). My dealer is 300 miles north of us so return for warranty was not an issue. After following guidelines for a possible self repair from the factory, no luck, hired a local RV handyman with a good reputation. Cost $120. Sent the bill to Keystone and they sent me a $75 check which I was pleased to receive. Other small issue here, one there, I was able to resolve myself. My kitchen blinds by the stove just broke. RV World of GA near my home base is replacing them this Thursday UNDER WARRANTY.

I realize that we are fortunate not to have "major" issues and if I did have them, I would also rant like H_ _ _ ! Just out of frustration if nothing else.

Enjoy every day you have. Problems come and go whether with your RV, people, your home or other toys.

[chuck&gail]

Ok, only had our Outback a year, so no way to tell on reliability at this point. Will say we love it so far.

BUT

want to say that in almost 200,000 towing miles we've had very very few TT problems using several makes, and all problems we had were minor.

[Me.Bikes.Dogs]

Hey Bankerbob, according to the satisfaction survey (http://www.keystonerv.org/forums/showthread.php?t=3015) on this site, 90% would buy another Keystone. That's pretty good.

[Bankerbob]

Thanks everyone for your input. I got over my initial concerns, going to keep a happy disposition and give the trailer a real lookover before we hit the road on July the 20th!:D

[5arnolds]

Thanks everyone for your input. I got over my initial concerns, going to keep a happy disposition and give the trailer a real lookover before we hit the road on July the 20th!:D

Hi Bankerbob,

I am interested to hear how you are making out with your Keystone TT. My wife are teeter tottering between a Jayco Jay Feather and the Keystone Passport Ultra Lite and we have been having the same concerns with Keystone posts about workmanship.

[outbackmac]

I recently went on a Outback Rally to the keystone (outback) plant when they were manufacturing the loft, they produve 12 of these a day start to finish and can kick it up to 14 if they need . so remember som things will not be right.

[marty]

As with anything you buy, there is a shake down period. We have a 327 res and am very happy with purchase. Always will be little things that need to be attended to, some under warranty and some you just fix or change yourself.

[SAABDOCTOR]

Hi bankerbob i have owen 3 keystones only minor issues with each and if were to do it again i would stay wwith keystone. Service has been very good . Best wishes on your retirement enjoy yourselves 6 more years to go!!!!;)

[f6bits]

I think one key area is to find an excellent service department, especially if the trailer is still under warranty. If it’s not under warranty, either DIY or go to that excellent service department or a fantastic independent RV repair facility.

[LarryL]

We have had our 326MKS for a year now nothing major wouldn't take it back to the dealer sorry to say they just wanted my money,didn't call the hole year to ask how we liked the trailer just call one week before the warranty ran out to see if we wanted to extend it didn't even ask if we liked the trailer.
I had a outback before and where I stored it they recommended a Mobile RV service I had him install the Dometic recall on the refrigerator and repair the wiring when I forgot to unhook from the truck before driving away,
He made me feel not so bad said people do it all the time.
That's the first thing I check before driving off now.
I went camping this last week when I was leaving storage, I could not get the refrigerator to work tried a few things then thought i would fix it at the campground have ice chest for backup
Very Lucky I was given a spot to small when I was coming out of the office with new site the mobile service that I had used was just driving out the gate I called for him to stop,he did he checked the refrigerator found that the thermal coupler was bad he fixed it I was a happy camper
This thermal coupler was part of the recall Dometic had on there refrigerators did not have my camera with me will take picture of the coupler and where it is and post them.
This recall fix on my 326MKS was done at the factory,
repairman said very rare for this to go bad .

[michael]

I did a walk thru and i crawled under my unit tue feb 28th, I found wire connectors that aren't sealed and open to the eliments, At the battery box and under the coach by the axles for the electric brakes, I will add a simple dab of silicone to seal, And tape and resecure wires that may rub while in motion,
One rubber seal on a slide looked twisted that i will inform the dealer about. theres nothing terriable to deal with everyone just needs to take the time to look,

It really helps you to understand your trailer and identify potential problumes, I drive truck so everyday we have to do a pre trip inspection, before we move the truck and trailers, And a post trip inspection when we park them,

Not everyone knows what to look for or what things are called but take the time and crawl around it with somone who does and learn Alittle see what things are suppose to look like take a pic that way,

When you look again you have a refrance.

I hope everyone is ready for summer and have safe trips.

Before my trailer leaves the dealer i will have inspected it 6 times.
And again while im putting all my supplies in the trailer, Simple checks like if i put something under the sink i will feel the water lines for leaks take a peek with a flashlight, After a few uses i will inspect these areas less frequent.

[LouSlugger]

Bankerbob: having recently purchased a 2007 Fuzion 363, I would love to bounce some questions off you via private email if you have the time. If you do, please send me a private message and I'll give you my email address. Thanks.

[JRTJH]

Louslugger, Bankerbob joined this site in June 2011 and posted that they were going to hit the road fulltiming in July 2011. His last visit to this site was August, 1, 2011, so I'd guess he did exactly that. He most likely won't see your post asking him to PM you... I'd guess he's somewhere in the "warm part" of some state enjoying his retirement. Maybe someone else can help you with your questions...

[BLJ]

Please make sure your unit has a ditigal read out with peak readings on your carbon monixide detector. You most likely need to purchase one. We have had big problems with our unit and high readings. Just be safe and know if you are needing to be concerned with co. This problem can also happen parking next to someone with a generator. Better to be safe than sorry.
Hopefully Keystone makes sure our problem gets fixed. BLJ Have Fun

[BoosTT]

My Keystone is a 2005 and has no issues other than 2 or 3 of the decals cracking. Not a bad product.

I would suspect airstreams have half the problems, but cost twice as much. Take your pick. I can deal with a few little odds and ends here and there.

[golfpro]

I was told this years ago and that is that building a RV is not rocket science. You will have some problems with any thing that is man made, even kids. I think that some manufactures are not as quality conscious as Keystone and I for one would buy another.

[LouSlugger]

Louslugger, Bankerbob joined this site in June 2011 and posted that they were going to hit the road fulltiming in July 2011. His last visit to this site was August, 1, 2011, so I'd guess he did exactly that. He most likely won't see your post asking him to PM you... I'd guess he's somewhere in the "warm part" of some state enjoying his retirement. Maybe someone else can help you with your questions...

You are a wise man, thank you.

[2002 Keystone Sprinter]

Hi,
We have had a Coachmen and Keystone campers. I have seen individuals happy with their campers and others who were not. As with all mechanical items, regular maintenance and inspections are required. I learned the hard way with my first camper. Inspect, repair and replace as necessary roof sealant; same with the windows and doors as well as sealing the molding seams. These should be inspected and resealed spring and fall. Inspect the frame, springs, axles, tires a few times per season. Appliances are usually trouble-free but common sense and a little bit of know how can do quite a bit. My in-laws have a 2006 Outback 5th wheel (bought new) and have had problems with one water leak, and a few problems with the gray and black water tank leaks but these have been repaired and they are quite happy with their purchase. I can understand peoples frustrations with purchasing new units and having major problems but I would hope the manufacturers would stand by their product. In my opinion RV's should be of better quality verses the price paid for these units.
We have a 292FWRLS Keystone Sprinter 5th wheel tow vehicle Ford F250 Super Duty V10.

[MDRVers]

So glad to see the 90% returning customers survey as my wife and I are looking at a 2013 Sydney 5th wheel in a week or so. Like all areas of life, whether it's restaurants, motels, hotels, theme parks, vacation spots, cruise ships, everyone has an opinion and not everyone can be pleased. The best to do is do your research, ask your local dealer a lot of questions and even tour their service dept and meet the employees. And after purchase, keep up on your maintenance schedule and treat your rig nicely and regularly inspect the unit for defects.

My wife had a huge issue with a 2006 Starcraft TT and will never buy a Starcraft again but I'm sure there are those that have great rigs from Starcraft and would stand by them.

Just my two cents....

Fayne

[RonBracken]

1. Water heater would not work (Fixed)
2. Furnace had it fixed 4 times (now fixed)
3. Master bed slider was not adjusted right, pulling the bad apart (Fixed)
4. The Front Main jacks need to be replaced, quite working. (Fixed)
5. Fuel station linked all over. (Fixed)
6. Batteries will not stay charged
7. Top bunk fell apart with two little girls on it a sleep.
8. First time to use the Airbed it quite working.
9. The front Decal has faded and has run down the face of the trailer.
10. The wood grill on the front of the Furnace fell apart, Staple not placed right.
11. The wood on the side of the cabinets also is coming apart, Staple to small.
12. The furnace vent in the master bed room no air flow.

We have only used this trailer now 4 times, and it is only 1 year old. Any Help from anyone it seems to me and I have told Keystone the Quality Control is lacking when this trailer was put together.
But it is a Great looking Toy Hauler, well it was until the decal problem.:eek::eek::banghead:

[SAABDOCTOR]

Most everything on your list is vendor supplied. that is where the quality problem exists. that said some of the line workers have an issue with getting the staples in the right place. i have had similar trim issues but no big deal to fix. the bed now that is a problem that keystone should jump on. the vendor supplied items might warrant a letter direct to them. some times direct contact is better than hopping excessive warranty claims by keystone gets some bean counters attention. sorry you had such issues hope they all get resolved and camping will be fun again."bouncey:

[Festus2]

Poor furnace airflow to the upper bedroom area is not uncommon and has been reported here many times before. Members have found kinks and construction debris in the ducting, loose or missing tape where joins are found and a few other issues.
You need to start right at the furnace where the hot air exits making sure that this connection is tight and that other exits have not been knocked out. Work your way back and check the ducting where ever you can access it. In some places, you may have to check in storage areas inside the black plastic coroplast found at the bottom of your RV.
Straighten any kinks and if you can, eliminate any 90 degree bends in the ducting. A good vacuuming might reveal interesting stuff that has been left during construction.

There are also some fit and finish issues that many have experienced - loose staples and screws or ones that have missed their mark altogether. While annoying, many of these can be fixed by the owner.

Some of the other problems you have appear to be the fault of the supplier or manufacturer - furnace and water heater.

The collapsing bunks are a totally different problem and clearly not acceptable. What did Keystone or your dealer have to say about that?

Did you, before purchasing this RV, do a thorough pre-delivery inspection and notice any of these problems that you have mentioned or did they appear after you took it off the lot?

[Murray0512]

I don't think keystone is quality awake at all or there wouldn't be so many different problems on do many of the different units they build . I will never buy a new keystone again I will search for used that has had all the bugs worked out and issues solved

[Lack of HP]

I understand your frustrations. I too had issues until I figured out make your dealer work with Keystone. Your Fifthwheel or Travel Trailer is only as good as your dealers relationship with Keystone. Everyone now days has quality control issues. Just part of life. My dealer CW has a great GM who I got to know on a first name bases. I now have a contact if I have an issue. He is great to work with, makes sure his service people are taking care of me and does a followup. Since then I have bought another new fifthwheel from them because of the service. Did I have issues with it? Yes a bunch. They took care of all of them, still taking care of me and working with me on issues. Keystone is a long ways away. Your dealer is face to face and needs your business. I don't know of a RV that does not have QC problems. Go to your dealer and make them work with you. I learned after nearly getting a ulcer that honey will get you more than vinager. A little tip to that special tech that takes care of you all the time doesn't hurt either, or a dozen donuts at the service counter once in a while makes a difference. Good Luck and hope things turn out well for you. Joe :):)

[Murray0512]

I have changed dealers but still looking for a good one .We will see how that works out.