My Taco Phoenix Pop Up Camper

[Super Doody]

Is it out of the question to have the camper shipped back at the their expense rather than putting extra miles and wear on your truck? Just take your gas door off for color matching and go pick it up when its ready.

To be honest, if I got this type of response from the mfr. I would be pretty pissed. You have spent a lot time, energy and have given them plenty of chances to make it right. And now and only after posting about the issues, they are finally responding to you. In either of their emails, did they ever admit that it was their fault. But whatever, that's just my opinion. I'm glad they are willing to work with you. I wish you the best of luck.

 

[F350]

In the past. A customer complaint about poor workmanship or product quality issues may not have been addressed or just blown off as that’s normal. The old way: live with it, and tell others. Today, now people can go online to share with hundreds of like minded individuals.

FWIW - Going online doesn't always work to get issues resolved by railing on a manufacturer. Some manufacturers have the audacity to get lawyers involved, send out "cease and desist" letters to claim a person is slandering them, and will threaten to take a person to court. It's happened even with photo's and documentation to show and prove there were issues. Anyone can take you to court...whether the they have a case or not. Some companies are big enough that these sorts of things don't matter and no one has a customer base that is 100% happy. I would say that those that truly care about what they do and their product, would try and resolved the issue. Those that threaten lawsuits probably have something to hide.

Good on Phoenix for stepping in. It might be a little late and I'm not sure I'd be real happy if I were in the situation, but then how the OP feels this is resolved is all that matters. Good luck and I hope everything is taken care of to the OP's satisfaction.

my 2 cents....

 

[brian90744]

Here's for the Little guy.

FWIW - Going online doesn't always work to get issues resolved by railing on a manufacturer.


These sounds like the answer from a product litigator, instead of “freedom of press” trying to help someone who has a product quality problem.
The Internet is a powerful tool. It is open to almost all.
Lets hope the buyer gets a timely results and a happy end.

 

[F350]

The example I gave has happened to me personally. It has happened to another person I know. I have a defective product and when I let those "like minded" people know about it...the letters started. Quite nasty too... Even sent letters to my work. I was more than ready for the suit but it has yet to come. I backed off the internet postings but I do let everyone I come in contact with in the field know what a pile it is. It's not worth the hassle and lost time. Live and learn.

 

[Jr_Explorer]

I've followed this whole thread. And I can see both sides. First... There are definitely some very valid quality /workmanship issues with this unit. And I can see that a manufacturer that builds nothing but custom campers is setting themselves up for a major challenge and may miss the 100% perfect on occasion.

Conversely to be able to get a high quality custom camper for a mid price point (note, NOT a top end premium price point) is a minor miracle in and of itself. The idea of a manufacturer simply build a revision 1 camper and delivering it to an unsatisfied customer is a wonderful idea but put yourself in the manufacturer's position... That is an EXTREMELY costly solution. On the other hand if they can turn around and resell the first camper (being restored to 100% functional and leak free) they should be able to recover at least their material costs for both campers.

Finally... For this and the few other contributors who have had bad experiences with a Phoenix Camper product there a lot of rave reviews online of their custom work. So it's not like they just turn out poor quality campers right and left. I hope the OP owner can get 100% resolution and then I hope they make sure that when they retell the story (including all the trials and tribulations) that that finish with the good final outcome.

 

[MYTACO]

Thanks for everyones input. I am not expecting a new or replacement camper, and I am really excited that we are getting ours fixed--even if it does cost me more. I take pride in buying from "made in America" companies--especially little companies. I am not expecting 100% satisfaction, but also did not expect as many issues as I noted (and some I just forgot or fixed myself). Happily, I and the camper will be heading back to Colorado for a quick re-do! Then March will hit, and hopefully we will be on the road again.

Again, I want to emphasize my goal with this thread: educating others. I spent three years looking at all of my options. I combed through several internet sites looking for information. Unfortunately, there wasn't much out there for Phoenix--which I presumed was a good sign. Hindsight is always 20/20... and I have learned a lot. Hopefully folks will learn from either my mistakes or take some of my recommendations.

As one person recommended, think of the camper as a canvas. That is exactly what I plan on doing! Don't see selling it anytime soon--and will likely turn into a pile of dust by the time I do, so resale value isn't a primary goal. Don't get me wrong, I am a fanatic when it comes to taking care of my gear, but I am not going to coddle it--I'm going to use it!

With any luck, future entries will include pictures of some of America's finest views!

 

[Rbertalotto]

AMAZING!.....I can't believe this is even legal:

If it was me.......I would DEMAND a brand new camper. White in color....and then sell it immediately as a brand new camper. (Or I'd hire a lawyer and get my money back and then some. I would bet you could find a lawyer here on this forum that would do it Pro-Bono for a career service man.)

The number of "fixes" needed is way out of all practicality. A repaint will be a disaster. How are they going to sand everything they sprayed over so the next coat of paint doesn't peel. This will be a nightmare! I can't believe they simply painted over all the hardware! Simply amazing!

I believe you said you had $60K invested!!!! Did I read this correctly? How much did this camper cost?

I'm REAL happy with my 1998 Palomino that cost me $1500.00.............So sorry for your predicament.

THANK YOU for your years of service. You do not deserve this whole situation. I wish there was something I could do to help................

 

[MYTACO]

Excuse my ignorance...but what should it look like?

 

[bill harr]

Excuse my ignorance...but what should it look like?

The tank should be bolted or strapped securely in place. Strip of wood and foam block just not right. May be in violation of DOT rules.

 

[IdaSHO]

DOT specifies that the tank must have a protective cage around the valve, and that the tank be secured or blocked.

The tank in the photo is fine. Carry on.


DOT PDF regarding the transport of LP tanks here

http://www.propanesafety.com/upload...e/DOT Guide 33 Transporting DOT Cylinders.pdf

 

[MYTACO]

That is for transporting LP in commerce. Doesn't seem to apply to campers. Anyone have some pictures of how others are held in?

 

[IdaSHO]

Commerce is the only place DOT governs the transport of LP.

My point is that anything much more than blocking (as your camper MFG did) or a simple strap is overkill.


For my camper, I simply installed 2 lag eyes inside the camper propane compartment for a strap to attach to. The strap secures the tank against the back wall of the compartment. Simple, effective, and done. Anything more is overkill and will only add weight.

 

[MYTACO]

I found this strap...

http://www.rvplus.com/hengs-industries-strap-1-gas-bottle-90032.html

I actually really like Rob's device. It keeps the bottle very snug and it doesn't rattle at all. When we were iced in and needed to switch out LP bottles, it just pops in and out. Can't imagine having to get my frozen fingers around a little buckle.

 

[craig333]

A single bolt.

 

[MYTACO]

My LP is a vertical bottle...