My Taco Phoenix Pop Up Camper
- Thread starter MYTACO
- Start date
W
Wandering Sagebrush
Guest
I continue to be amazed at your patience with your camper and the builder. When you mentioned that the builder told you a collapsing top was normal, and that you were knocked on your behind, I couldn't believe what I was reading.
Unless I'm reading your message incorrectly, I can't believe the top collapses on its own and that rob said the camper top collapsing is a normal. Seems likea very serious safety issue for sure and a defect. the top shouldn't be collapsing by itself at all. I have had a Phoenx topper for about 4 years now and have never had a problem with the top, fortunately, collapsing by itself. I do make sure that the arms on each side are fully pushed out. That would definitely be a bummer when sleeping. I did have a problem with the rear, right side, bottom bracket on roof mechanism coming loose. But was easy to fix with a piece of angle aluminum and some new screw holes. It was never mentioned to me as collapsing being normal when I bought the camper and if it is, the camper should come with some sort of a safety feature. Maybe I need to think about coming up with a safety mechanism to keep the roof up, myself.
One possibility instead of 4 corner posts might be to wedge a piece of pvc pipe or wood between the the two arms that you push up to raise the top. This would keep the arms from moving in and the top collapsing.
One possibility instead of 4 corner posts might be to wedge a piece of pvc pipe or wood between the the two arms that you push up to raise the top. This would keep the arms from moving in and the top collapsing.
MYTACO
Adventurer
Zoblo, the first time it collapsed I thought it was my errors. I always make sure the lift system "pops" into the upright. I marked it up to fatigue on my
part and re-raised the roof. Note, it only collapsed on the driver's side. I popped it back up and went back to work on the pump trying to troubleshoot. I exited the TC to get some tools to remove the pump and when I re entered it collapsed again. I looked at all of the mounts. It did seem looser than normal when popped up. All hinges and connections look intact. The only thing I did notice that was somewhat different was the tearing paper (wall paper?) around the slide rail. I had asked Rob about that before and he also said that was "normal". See picture below. I would have owned the error if it only occurred once--and maybe a second time if it wasn't minutes apart. My memory is bad, but I did remember securing the poles the second time. It just like it doesn't stick.
I'd copy Rob's email response but since my earlier posts he has added a caveat that it is not permissible to do that.
Honestly, I haven't been back in the camper since then. Little frustrated and also tied up with my day job that pays for the camper.
Maybe I can get Motivated to look at it this long weekend.
part and re-raised the roof. Note, it only collapsed on the driver's side. I popped it back up and went back to work on the pump trying to troubleshoot. I exited the TC to get some tools to remove the pump and when I re entered it collapsed again. I looked at all of the mounts. It did seem looser than normal when popped up. All hinges and connections look intact. The only thing I did notice that was somewhat different was the tearing paper (wall paper?) around the slide rail. I had asked Rob about that before and he also said that was "normal". See picture below. I would have owned the error if it only occurred once--and maybe a second time if it wasn't minutes apart. My memory is bad, but I did remember securing the poles the second time. It just like it doesn't stick.
I'd copy Rob's email response but since my earlier posts he has added a caveat that it is not permissible to do that.
Honestly, I haven't been back in the camper since then. Little frustrated and also tied up with my day job that pays for the camper.
Maybe I can get Motivated to look at it this long weekend.
From one Vet to another, this chaffs my *****. At this point, I would at least consult with an attorney. At the very least I would send a complaint the the states attorney general who regulates corporations and as well as the BBB. Local TV stations also have consumer reporters. The roof collapsing is a safety issue. The other stuff is poor craftsman ship and piss poor business practices.
MINO
Adventurer
My roof wallpaper is stretching/buckling but hasn't torn like yours. I don't have that steel "L" tab with the #8 screws on mine.
Support rail must've shifted too much and/or compounded issues.
I noticed on mine, where the bar "feet" attach to the wall, the walls are pushing outward. This is creating a gap at the edges of the underbed divider. I see this being a lift issue further down the road and have already planned out a brace to remedy it.
I really dislike all of the parts mounted to the 1/8" thin Luan panels on the interior and likely the roof. Gives nothing for the screws to bite into, especially for the terrain and use these are put through. I doubt this is exclusive to Phoenix, however.
Aside from the issues, I think you bought a lemon and need to look into buyer protection laws and pursue as John stated.
Support rail must've shifted too much and/or compounded issues.
I noticed on mine, where the bar "feet" attach to the wall, the walls are pushing outward. This is creating a gap at the edges of the underbed divider. I see this being a lift issue further down the road and have already planned out a brace to remedy it.
I really dislike all of the parts mounted to the 1/8" thin Luan panels on the interior and likely the roof. Gives nothing for the screws to bite into, especially for the terrain and use these are put through. I doubt this is exclusive to Phoenix, however.
Aside from the issues, I think you bought a lemon and need to look into buyer protection laws and pursue as John stated.
Wow this story just continues to get worse. A popup that no longer pops up after how many hours of use? Its just wrong. You mentioned that they were building your unit at the same time that Bronco football inspired unit was being crafted. I agree with your feeling that maybe all quality control and focus was pointed on that project, but wow! This is just so bad. I am not a fan of getting a lawyer for things but I wonder what your liability would be with such a safety issue as the roof dropping... for instance... if someone other than yourself were hurt by the roof or you sold it to someone used and it broke/hurt them etc. Might be good to find out the options. Man this sucks.
Abe Froman
Adventurer
I just read this entire thread. Wow! I feel awful for you, and I am envious of the patience that you have shown.
I would hope that Phoenix would just buy the thing back from you and let everybody move on.
I would hope that Phoenix would just buy the thing back from you and let everybody move on.
I agree. Honestly for Phoenix it would be a huge lift to their reputation if they bought it back (not for credit but $$). However, it seems that each step of the way they seem reluctant to admit to the issues. These issues are rarely black and white (e.g. the new owner could have done things to the camper after it left the shop to potentially cause some things so Phoenix might be concerned about that. Not saying that happened in this case but I am sure a manufacturing has "seen it all" when it comes to these things. However, taking a step back and looking at the camper as a whole... this thing is just really messed up and now appears unusable. It would be great if they did the right thing and that story could be conclusion to this thread and as you said... everyone can move on. I think it would help both parties for sure. This thread will most likely become legend regarding Phoenix and $25k? is a small price to pay to get your name out of the mud and highlight that you are the type of company that does the right thing.
I have to agree. I like the looks and features of the Phoenix. But after following this thread I bought another FWC.
I was the same way. Really liked the custom options at Phoenix, but now after this thread I am considering FWC in a whole new light. In comparison the other recent Taco with popup thread here on Expo is a guy with an FWCwhoes posts have all been about mods and adventure not issues or questions about the FWC he bought. His last post was a great photo of him at a fly fishing spot with the camper. Obviously a huge difference to this thread. Now I know many customers seem to enjoy their Phoenix campers and some have posted here, but this one experience plus the one about the couple in S America with leaks (for me anyway) is enough to not want to take risk on Phoenix.
Victoria Palmer
Observer
This whole thread makes me sad. We are in our 13th month traveling in Mexico and Central America (and I think we are the couple you are referring to) in our Phoenix. We have resolved most of our problems, the largest being the leaking roof that we were told was probably condensation and completely normal. We used EternaBond Seam Repair Tape around all of the seams on the roof and that appears to have done the trick. We still continue to see water come in through the windows during heavy rain, but again we were told this is completely normal...
We are in the process of having our pantry-top and table replaced currently. The pantry-top first warped (but we were told that we probably hit it with our shoulder) and then the whole thing slid off while we were driving. The table edge recently came off completely and the bar under the table, I assume this was to strengthen it if we used it as part of the couch, also fell off. The new top and table have been constructed out of plywood and Formica that should stand up better to the humidity and any future leaks we have, fingers crossed anyway.
When we get back to the U.S. we will need to replace the linoleum flooring as well as the carpet, as both are in terrible shape from our original water problems.
All in all, we have made the best with what we have but had to rent apartments for over three months (not in our budget!) during rainy season, not what you would expect from a brand new camper costing over 20K. I'm hoping that the water issues, and resulting damage to the camper and our belongings, will be the extent of our problems... It's a tough pill to swallow, both for us and I assume the OP, that Phoenix denies the problems exist/claims the problems are normal/tells us that once we drive off the lot it is basically our problem and not theirs
Good luck and safe travels, MYTACO!
We are in the process of having our pantry-top and table replaced currently. The pantry-top first warped (but we were told that we probably hit it with our shoulder) and then the whole thing slid off while we were driving. The table edge recently came off completely and the bar under the table, I assume this was to strengthen it if we used it as part of the couch, also fell off. The new top and table have been constructed out of plywood and Formica that should stand up better to the humidity and any future leaks we have, fingers crossed anyway.
When we get back to the U.S. we will need to replace the linoleum flooring as well as the carpet, as both are in terrible shape from our original water problems.
All in all, we have made the best with what we have but had to rent apartments for over three months (not in our budget!) during rainy season, not what you would expect from a brand new camper costing over 20K. I'm hoping that the water issues, and resulting damage to the camper and our belongings, will be the extent of our problems... It's a tough pill to swallow, both for us and I assume the OP, that Phoenix denies the problems exist/claims the problems are normal/tells us that once we drive off the lot it is basically our problem and not theirs
Good luck and safe travels, MYTACO!