Feedback for Redwood at the 2014 rally

[ksaltman]

This forum is a great resource for current and future owners to discuss their Redwood coach ownership experience. Having read everyones posts over the last several months it is clear that many Redwood owners have similar issues that they need to deal with that could more effectively be handled during the manufacturing process. An example of this is the issue of the residential fridge tipping while the coach is underway.

Unfortunately it does not appear that anyone from Redwood is following this forum so the information on what needs to be changed is not reaching the proper people. I'd like to propose that we create a list of these items and then at some point during the rally see about setting up a Q&A session with the Redwood management so we can explain why this issues are important to us and discuss some possible solutions.

I think they would be open to this given they are a relatively young brand and as customers can give them some real world feedback.

I'd also like to suggest that at the same time if there are wish list items that you'd like to pass on to them post those here as well. If enough people submit the same items perhaps they will offer it as an option in future models. Doing this also will allow people who are not attending the rally to more directly provide feedback to the Redwood management.

To start here are the items I recognize as being reported by multiple owners.

Usability items that need to be addressed with a design change

- Residential fridge moves during transit. Although it may not fall all the way out it really is bad for the eggs inside.
- Residential fridge runs out of batteries very quickly when underway.
- Pantry shelves tend to slide out while underway requiring owners to install latches to keep them in place.
- Fresh water tank will drain to around the 1/2 way point if it is overfilled.
- Stabilizing legs at the back of the unit to avoid the coach movement.

Items that really should be included on all units

- A storage container for the sewer hose such as in the back bumper or under the coach.

Wish list items

- A optional garbage disposal for the kitchen sink
- A desk area replacing one of the coaches in the 38FL

Please send your thoughts and I will gather them up to use as talking points with Redwood at the Rally.

[TNTBaker]

A couple things not specific to Redwood but cause coaches to see the service departments. How about an inline, adjustable water pressure regulator? And in the same "preventing the inevitable" theme, a hard-wired, whole-house surge protector. These items are really not something any unit should be without, but especially not one that is intended for full-timing.

[Blue Dogs]

I'd like to add more detail to the residential refrigerator issue. It needs to be secured down and hidden latches need to be added to keep the doors closed and possibly some devices added to the interior to keep groceries in place!

Wish list & options would include,
Tire pressure monitor and a backup camera combo factory installed.
Put the switches back in the storage basement.
Generator prep packages should include 40lb LP tanks.
All floor plans need a dish drawer.
All lights should be LED, from tail lights to porch lights and all interior lights.
Built in surge protector at main service like Tiffin uses on all their coaches.
Water filter should be more accessible and include a bypass.
That's all I have for now!

This is an Awesome idea and can be a great Tool for Redwood if they choose to listen!

[TNTBaker]

A more residential-style cooktop, instead of a "camping" model.

[TNTBaker]

For those that think Redwood isn't aware of this forum, they obviously ARE because there is a direct link to it ON the Redwood RV page. It is at the bottom, and is called, "Family Forum". Just FYI. It's how I found it :-)

[atom ant]

I think they actually fund this one.

[0nTheRoad]

Todd,

You are correct, Redwood KNOWS about the forum but I don't think may, if any, monitor it/them. At the Tampa show I mentioned the forum to both Jim L. and Hilton Riggins, Hilton said he rarely looks at it, Jim didn't seem to be aware that it existed until I told him the mini-gathering or RW owners was coordinated by the forum.
I don't know if he monitors now???

[S&K]

More drawers in the bathroom area! (I have a 36FB, which I heard was being discontinued)

[rcflame]

The idea of a get together with Redwood to discuss some options and things that should be done is good, but I don't think we should get carried away. If we have too much, the whole idea is going to have less impact.

[ksaltman]

Rcflame,

I agree. I think we don't want to go overboard with the wish list side for sure. If we can get enough feedback from owners I'd like to run an informal survey that we might just preset during the rally.

It may also be a way to facilitate a conversation between owners (i.e. customers) and management and start some dialog.

I don't see this as having a downside for us the customers. If Redwood won't engage us in a conversation of how to make their product better, is that not 'tell tale?'

[sinder]

Power cord reel option

[Blue Dogs]

Originally Posted by sinder

Power cord reel option

Absolutly!

I like the idea on compiling a list then doing a pole, the people that attend the rally could just present the pole. It would be clear which upgrades are most wanted then a list that would show fixes that need to happen.

[0nTheRoad]

Originally Posted by sinder

Power cord reel option

Preferably in the rear, curbside portion of the coach...not in the basement. The DRV's have theirs in this location, the cord extends from under the coach, there is a door on the side for control.

[ksaltman]

Capturing TNTBaker's request:

I would. I think its a lot of vinyl in the living room! It looks nice, but a fabric sofa is also nice.

[atom ant]

I was sorry to see the wood radius walls go away in the hall around the bathroom, in favor of printed wallboard, but that is just me.

[rcflame]

This is what I mean. In these 2 short pages we have 21 different items. If a person goes to them with a few serious issues like the residential refrigerator or the pantry doors that affect many units, they most likely would listen. If we present a list a full page or longer, they may think we are nit-picking and not pay any real attention, especially where addressing these issues would take time and cost. Many of these things can be taken care of my ourselves, especially where they don't address everybody. I put in a power cord reel myself, probably cheaper that if it was an option. A person can have a surge protector permanently mounted if they want to. A water filter can be put wherever it works best for the owner. I may not want mine located where you do. There are many minor issues out there that could cause the major ones to be overlooked.

[Blue Dogs]

Originally Posted by rcflame

This is what I mean. In these 2 short pages we have 21 different items. If a person goes to them with a few serious issues like the residential refrigerator or the pantry doors that affect many units, they most likely would listen. If we present a list a full page or longer, they may think we are nit-picking and not pay any real attention, especially where addressing these issues would take time and cost. Many of these things can be taken care of my ourselves, especially where they don't address everybody. I put in a power cord reel myself, probably cheaper that if it was an option. A person can have a surge protector permanently mounted if they want to. A water filter can be put wherever it works best for the owner. I may not want mine located where you do. There are many minor issues out there that could cause the major ones to be overlooked.

I think it's import and to separate the needed fix items from the wish list of option items. But I don't think a wish list of wanted options rated by popularity would turn them off by any means. like a power cord real, These trailers have a marine connection on the back cap, how would you put a power cord real on that yourself and still keep the power cord attached to the trailer? I know I won't be cutting a hole in the side of my trailer any time soon! I think it's funny Tiffin Motorhomes can put surge protectors on their $125k MSRP coaches but Redwood can't? I haven't seen anything unreasonable listed here but I agree there needs to be separation of wished for options and needed, usability/Quality control fixes.

[TNTBaker]

Agreed, Blue Dogs. Often times, when we are deciding on a coach... most of them have the boxes checked for the big things. Sometimes it comes down to the collection of smaller, more innovative/thoughtful things that make the decision. Right or wrong, Redwood has a LOT of good things going on, but there are a couple of other coaches that we were looking at in the SAME price range that were giving them a run for their money. The "Trilogy" DOES have a nice, more residential cook top in it, and I was sad to leave that behind when we decided on the Redwood. Especially, at the RV Show when the RW factory rep (Vern) told us that he hadn't "heard of" another kind of cooktop!! I said, "step next door and look in one of the motorhomes and you'll see them all day." It causes you to lose faith that they TRULY know their products' competition.
The sliding cutting board with the garbage can below (which he showed me twice) is an example of a "small thing" that has BIG impact with some people. It's not exactly a structural, big-deal thing, but it made POINTS with people. Every little point counts when you are at an RV show!

[TNTBaker]

And by the way, a big DITTO on the shore line reel!!!!! That things is a MONSTER in the cold.

[atom ant]

So here's what you do - collect the info and screen out the stuff you don't want on the list you actually present. If you think all members are going to magically produce the same opinion as yours, think again.