Redwood 36FL

lillyputz · 10-03-2011, 03:16 PM

I have been looking into upper end 5th wheels for a while. I'am very interested in the 36FL. I have e-mailed the factory web site many times over the last few months with questions, to this day I have never recieved an answer (makes me wonder, if I have a problem). I would like pros & cons on the Redwood 36FL from customerswho have bought one, also what would youhave done differently on buying or ordering.

Thanks Lillyputz

Cyberdave · 10-03-2011, 04:27 PM

Hi,

I emailed several times also. Tom Montague emailed me back either the same or next business day. I would give them a call for certain..

Robin'n'Marian · 10-04-2011, 02:46 AM

We also have emailed Redwood many times with questions, and had immediate response from Tom Montague. In fact, the first time he phoned us, and we talked to him for over an hour while he answered all our questions. As Cyberdave said, try calling them, or try emailing Tom directly at tmontague@redwood-rv<wbr>.com

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Southernnights · 10-04-2011, 04:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robin'n'Marian

We also have emailed Redwood many times with questions, and had immediate response from Tom Montague. In fact, the first time he phoned us, and we talked to him for over an hour while he answered all our questions. As Cyberdave said, try calling them, or try emailing Tom directly at tmontague@redwood-rv<wbr>.com

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Robin and Marian,

Did you guys buy a Redwood? I thought I remember from RV.NET where you had one on order.

Edited by: Southernnights

lillyputz · 10-04-2011, 02:23 PM

Thanks guys. I'll try e-mailing tom.

Lillyputz

Robin'n'Marian · 10-11-2011, 09:02 AM

No, we don't own anything yet - we are still "wannabe"s! We have to sell the ol' stix and brix first. Hoping to buy in the spring or summer, as soon as the acreage sells. We will be full-timers once we do sell. We have been researching RVs, both motorhomes and fifth wheels, for the past 4 years, and Redwood tops our list. But I would sure like to see more owners posting their thoughts, troubles and praises on here! I have been reading dlovitt's posts on iRV2.com forum about his new 36FB, but that is the only owner's reviews I have seen.

lillyputz · 10-15-2011, 02:10 PM

I like many others, have looked into other upper end manufactuers, asked many questions to help make up our mind on our next 5th wheel.I joined this site, because I was interested in the Redwood 36FL. I to have checked other forums forowner info on Redwoods. the only info, from an "owner" is Dlovitt's post on irv2.com. even though most of his problems are miner, there is no excuse for a unit not to have beenP.D.Iby a qulified tech, before delivery. With (I'am told)over700 units manufactored todate, why are there no owners on this forum???? If all we have is Dlovitt's post, Redwood is in trouble. Pros and cons would be great for all that are interested in the Redwood.

Lillyputz

Cyberdave · 10-15-2011, 11:06 PM

The forum has only been open since the end of September so it will take awhile to get going. I had a PM from Diovitt about his issues and he feels the same way as I do. We've heard from one owner I would not draw any conclusions off of one owners experience. Balance the one owners experience against the evaluation and you still have little to go on.

I know an owner of a 2010 Carri-Lite that had to spend 3 weeks at the factory getting major repairs. I have owners of a 2011 DRV Mobile Suites next to me that have experienced some serious hydraulic and electrical issues.

IMHO, every manufacturer has some issues and the occasional disaster. It is how they handle the problems that concerns me as much as anything.

redwood5er · 10-16-2011, 09:30 AM

I have toured a lot of RV manufacturers, and from what seen when I toured Redwoods production, it isout in front by a wide margin. For example, compared to Heartlands Landmark, they use real plywood instead of OSB board for floors. Axle wet bolt kits are standard. Just a few of the things I noticed when I was walking thru the plant. Edited by: redwood5er

boblar · 10-23-2011, 11:06 AM

Edited by: boblar

lillyputz · 11-04-2011, 01:20 PM

Checking the form on irv2.com. it looks like redwood has a major quality control problem, both at the factory and dealerships. not looking good on my list.

Lillyputz

Cyberdave · 11-06-2011, 09:02 PM

Spoke with an owner of a new 36FE here. They have only had a couple of minor issues and love their rig. They did say that being full timers the lack of storage space in the FE was a concern. They do love the privacy of having a separate entertainment area.

ANY new RV of any type will have issues. It is not a vehicle with automated assembly lines. It is basically a home with more systems. We scream for quality assuming that our RV should be as trouble free as a new car... it just doesn't work that way.

lillyputz · 11-07-2011, 07:08 AM

I understand things can go wrong and break. nothing is perfect, but most of the complaints are a quality control problem. I base this on my many years as a tech at Cadillac and my many years now as a contractor. I'am tired of the excuse "they all have problems" the goal should be to check each unit as it's completed. make any and all repairs, before shipping it out. dealerships should be required to make sure everthing is assembled and working properly, before displayed to the public, let alone selling it. It's not easy for the customer to check everything, as most are in awe with the new unit. In my business, word of mouth is my best advertisement.

Lillyputz

redwood5er · 11-07-2011, 04:13 PM

I could only find three members on irv2 with problems. Maybe you can post links to more members other than dlovitt, Mr. Redwood and Ashmoreg. These members state that they are actual owners.

Cyberdave · 11-07-2011, 05:59 PM

<div style=": rgb255, 255, 255; margin-left: 2px; margin-top: 2px; margin-right: 2px; margin-bottom: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb0, 0, 0; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.4; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; -: none; ">I fully understand QA been there, done that. I also understand the reality of building an RV. Have you ever purchased a new "modular" home? Know anyone that has? Everyone of them that I have been involved with had issues of some type. Is there room to improve QA at Redwood? Absolutely. Am I about to predict doom and gloom over 2 owners inputs? Not when I spoke with an FE unit with virtually a problem free unit. With Carriage closed the field is narrowed to Redwood and DRV. DRV's are better built, more expensive and heavier.<div style=": rgb255, 255, 255; margin-left: 2px; margin-top: 2px; margin-right: 2px; margin-bottom: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb0, 0, 0; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.4; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; -: none; ">
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Robin'n'Marian · 11-09-2011, 07:31 AM

I only know of those three myself.

Robin'n'Marian · 11-09-2011, 07:50 AM

I have never purchased anything larger than a TV new; so maybe I have too high an expectation, but I have noticed on the forums that every manufacturer seems to have the same issues, though the higher the price, I would expect better quality control. If I am paying $100k+-, and I am going to live in it, it better not need weeks at a time in the shop! But maybe I am being unrealistic?
I am very glad to hear a report of someone who is happy, I hope more step forward to say how they are making out! I hope that dlovitt and Mr Redwood are in the minority, with their problems. The TV cable that requires parts of the interior to be removed to be replaced is troubling, but hopefully an isolated incident. (He said most, but I hope that is an exageration!)
And I do definitely agree that there are now only two - Redwood and DRV, and the DRVs are too heavy! Though they tell me that they will be announcing a new lighter line, I doubt it would be what we are looking for, since we found the Select didn't have the options we want, that Redwood has. And the newest Redwood on our dealer's lot has a dishwasher!

I didn't even know that was an option! Now if they only had a tub...

I think we will probably put off buying one for a year, though and try full-timing in an older used unit to see if its for us first. That depreciation on a new rig is a killer, especially the first year or two. After 8-10 years, it averages out. We would hate to buy a new one and sell it 6 months or a year down the road because we don't like the lifestyle!

lillyputz · 11-09-2011, 04:06 PM

Robin'n'Marian

Your not being unrealistic. some people take pride in there work, others are just there to collect a pay check.

I hope they are in the minority. I to would like to here from other owners. I need more assurance. at this point in time,I'll hold off as I dont want to add our name to the minority (our past is ourbest teacher). what is the dealers name with the dishwasher in the Redwood. what floor plan.

Thanks Lillyputz

DoddsCP · 11-10-2011, 08:41 AM

I purchased a 2012 36RE the end of October and it had a diswasher. I believe it is an option on all 2012's. I haven't had an opportunity to use it yet so I can't tell you how well it works. When we picked up our 36RE we spend two nights in it while still at the dealer just to ensure we had the opportunity to check everything out. We did find a few very minor problems like loose molding on the exterior and a small leak between the shower glass and floor pan, but the dealer fix those right away. We are taking our 36RE out this coming weekend, so hopefully everything goes well. So far I am impressed with the overall fit and finish of my 36RE. My sister in-law purchased a new Cameo 32FWS and they have several issues like leaking leveling hydrolics, a missing window shade, a leak in the shower faucet.

Robin'n'Marian · 11-10-2011, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lillyputz

Robin'n'Marian

Your not being unrealistic. some people take pride in there work, others are just there to collect a pay check.

I hope they are in the minority. I to would like to here from other owners. I need more assurance. at this point in time,I'll hold off as I dont want to add our name to the minority (our past is ourbest teacher). what is the dealers name with the dishwasher in the Redwood. what floor plan.

Thanks Lillyputz

The unit is at Lardner RV Trailer Sales in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada (http://www.lardners.com/new-rv-inventory.html) and it is the 36RL.

Apparently, according to Tony (Mr Redwood) the dishwasher is an available option in all the 2012 units? That's great!

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