Keystone RV Company Is Losing Sales – What’s the Problem?
RV camping has been at an all time high. Americans want to go RV camping and they want to buy their own RV rather than rent it. In the past two years, the RV Industry Association recorded a significant increase in the number of shipments of RVs in the U.S., but there are signs that the RV surge is ending. Recently, Keystone RV Company announced two plant closures which they are blaming on rising fuel prices and a slowdown in sales.
Keystone RVs are hugely popular in the U.S. The company has been manufacturing towable RVs including travel trailers, toy haulers, and fifth wheels from Goshen, Indiana for over 25 years. Its lineup offers multiple models including the:
- Bullet
- Montana
- Outback
- Hideout
- Raptor
- Impact
- Yukon
- Avalanche
- Alpine
- Cougar
- Springdale
- Residence
- Passport
- Fuzion
We are seeing an uptick in complaints from owners of these Keystone models and other RV brands as new owners struggle with defects in their recently purchased RVs. In Keystone models, we hear about:
- Defective hydraulics
- Broken slide outs
- Problems with black tanks
- Malfunctioning A/C units
- Broken gears
- Wiring problems
- Broken appliances
- Leaks
- Structural issues
While all of these are major problems when you own an RV, issues surrounding water leaks and structural problems are two of the biggest issues that we see.
Water, Water, Everywhere
Water leaks are a huge problem in Keystone RVs. Owners report water leaks in and around:
- Windows
- Slides
- Doors
- Walls
- Roof/Ceiling
- A/C units
- Pipes and plumbing
These leaks are generally a result of inadequate seals, structural defects or warping, or poor design. A leak is not just an inconvenience on a rainy day. It can cause major damage to an RV if not properly repaired. While some leaks are seen immediately, many are slow leaks that are not spotted until they have already caused significant damage.
Secondary damage caused by a water leak can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars to repair. Types of damage that can be caused by a water leak in a RV are:
- Discoloration on interior walls and cabinetry or exterior trim
- Staining on carpets or upholstery
- Mold on interior cabinets or upholstery
- Rusting slides, windows, doors, or other structural components
- Rotting roof or floor, starting with soft spots or bulges
If you have noticed any areas of discoloration, rust, warping, soft spots, or mold in your Keystone RV, you should investigate the cause of the problem promptly before it causes more damage. If you purchased your RV recently, you should contact your dealer (or another authorized Keystone RV dealer) to request a repair of the defect. You may be protected by your warranty or other consumer protection laws, such as state lemon laws, which entitle you to repairs or other remedies at no cost to you.
Structural Issues
Structural problems in the Keystone RV lineup are also a frequent cause for complaint. Some of the many structural issues that occur are:
- Bulging floor
- Stress cracks
- Sidewall separates from framing
- Frame flex
- Broken frame or welds
- Holes in the roof or walls
- Panels falling off
- Warped doors
- Slide out defects
When an RV has a structural issue, it may be unsafe to drive or use. However, even when an RV is still technically safe, a structural problem will often make it unusable. Not many people want to stay in an RV with a hole in the roof or a warped door that does not close.
In addition, a structural issue can cause further damage to an RV if it is not repaired in time. What begins as a frame flex may become a broken frame, a broken slide out can pool and leak water, and a weak or broken weld could lead to a side wall panel completely falling off. If you suspect any issues with your RV, you should see your RV dealer. If you do not investigate and repair the problem, you could end up across the country thousands of miles from a Keystone RV dealer in need of major repairs.
What should you do if you have problems with your Keystone RV?
If you notice any of the problems in this article, or other issues, with your Keystone RV, you should contact your Keystone RV dealer. They should investigate the problem and check for any recalls on your Keystone RV. If you purchased your Keystone RV recently or if the defect is covered by a recall, the dealer may be required by law to repair your RV for free.
If your RV dealer does not repair the damage for free within a reasonable time, you may be entitled to compensation, your money-back, or a replacement RV under your state lemon laws. An experienced lemon law attorney, like the attorneys at Timothy Abeel & Associates, can explain your legal rights and advise you on your individual situation. We handle many RV claims, with quick turnaround and millions of dollars recovered for our clients, all at no cost to you.
To find out more about how we can help you, contact our experienced team at 888-611-5481 or online for a free case review.