Warranty on Full-time Users of Off-Road Trailers

[Obsessed2findARuggedHybid]

So most warranty work on any trailer is 1 year on most components that typically need to be warranted. So a recent rant from the local dealer made the point that buyers shouldn't be expecting a one year warranty if you live in it full time. So the 150k + Roamer1 is not designed to last one year of full-time use. In regard to structural aspects living full time is less abuse as the trailer would likely be more stationary. Also if one is living in thier rig full of all thier cargo they are less likely to do any real off roading that shakes like an earthquake. Aslo users would be more on top of any issues that arise. Might even be better living in one as apposed to it sitting out side in the elements shut down and not monitored for months. If I was a MFGer I would be more concerned about off road use then living in full-time. Especially how these off road trailers are marketed.

 

[jim65wagon]

I can't speak for the true "off road" trailers but here is my opinion on my EPro 19FD which we bought to work from while we fulltime travel.

We bought it in June of 2021, we've spent 10 months straight living out of it and currently have about 380 nights in it. Since we switch to our teardrop for "vacation time" we don't actually use the EPro full time. But we're close.

In my opinion the manufacturer expects and builds for the typical users use. The typical user is not a full timer. They will, at least here in the States, get maybe 2 weeks a year of vacation camping with another weekend (2 or 3 days max) of use.

The build quality is made to endure that amount of use. 2 weeks.

In this respect our
mattress went flat in less than 3 months (we replaced it on our own with better)
The door lock quite locking, it was replaced under warranty, but we had to contact Forest River directly. No dealers in the area we were in would do warranty work for any trailer not sold by them.
Our cabinet doors fall apart randomly. We fix or replace with better as needed.

On one side that's the only issues we've had so far. I love being full time, I love both of trailers, but the teardrop is way more better for rough road stuff!
Our first boondocking trip in the EPro I almost had it stuck in a spot the teardrop would've rolled right through.

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[FordGuy1]

So most warranty work on any trailer is 1 year on most components that typically need to be warranted. So a recent rant from the local dealer made the point that buyers shouldn't be expecting a one year warranty if you live in it full time. So the 150k + Roamer1 is not designed to last one year of full-time use. In regard to structural aspects living full time is less abuse as the trailer would likely be more stationary. Also if one is living in thier rig full of all thier cargo they are less likely to do any real off roading that shakes like an earthquake. Aslo users would be more on top of any issues that arise. Might even be better living in one as apposed to it sitting out side in the elements shut down and not monitored for months. If I was a MFGer I would be more concerned about off road use then living in full-time. Especially how these off road trailers are marketed.

No doubt trailers are not made for full time use, but, It would have to be clearly stated in the warranty guide.

 

[Treefarmer]

If you are a fulltimer, you need to either be very handy at fixing things or be very good at knowing how to locate people who are excellent at their chosen trade. Every time something fails on our trailer, we view it as an opportunity to upgrade to whatever the best product for us at the time happens to be. You are also always looking for excellent service providers in case you want to do a preemptive upgrade (ie., on a roof, suspension, etc.). For example, we've a half dozen solar and suspension specialists who we would call first for advice/parts/service in those specific areas of expertise. The same is true for your specialty components like Truma or AquaHot. We're always looking for the best sources for tires in different regions. The list grows and changes every year. If we purchased from any dealer, we probably wouldn't go back to them for any service after the first year warranty expired. Dealers can't be good at solving every problem. If you buy direct from a manufacturer without a dealer network, they can be a great source for parts (or where to find them) and service provider tips for the lifetime of the trailer.

 

[jim65wagon]

If you are a fulltimer, you need to either be very handy at fixing things or be very good at knowing how to locate people who are excellent at their chosen trade. Every time something fails on our trailer, we view it as an opportunity to upgrade to whatever the best product for us at the time happens to be. You are also always looking for excellent service providers in case you want to do a preemptive upgrade (ie., on a roof, suspension, etc.). For example, we've a half dozen solar and suspension specialists who we would call first for advice/parts/service in those specific areas of expertise. The same is true for your specialty components like Truma or AquaHot. We're always looking for the best sources for tires in different regions. The list grows and changes every year. If we purchased from any dealer, we probably wouldn't go back to them for any service after the first year warranty expired. Dealers can't be good at solving every problem. If you buy direct from a manufacturer without a dealer network, they can be a great source for parts (or where to find them) and service provider tips for the lifetime of the trailer.

This is true. We've fixed and modified things all across the country. Sometimes in campgrounds sometimes on BLM lands, sometimes in friends driveways. We carry a good assortment of hand tools just for that reason.

We did find a source for cabinet doors that is better than factory and cheaper. Real wood, not pressed. Three of them cost what Forest River wanted for one.

So far none of our major parts have quit, but I constantly search the web for parts sources, and viable options for similar or better quality parts.

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[Ozarker]

I'll also jump to the other side a bit, consumers who have grandiose ideas of off road travel having an indestructible habitat for all conditions aren't in reality buying a mass produced travel trailer. Mocho axels, wheels, tires and paint don't make a robust trailer.

IMO, those who want some bullet proof trailer should accept the fact that it will need look more like military hardware than their house. Again, IMO, if there is anything in the trailer that looks like something in your home kitchen, bathroom or bedroom and made of similar material it isn't expedition/adventure overlanding quality, most likely it's made for campgrounds with paved roads. Adding robust axels, suspensions, wheels and tires doesn't make the entire unit off road worthy.

Not to say there aren't some very nice campers, but some tiny house project isn't what I'd expect to use for robust travels.

I looked for a recent thread of a camper with an all aluminum box and components, I commented it should be mounted on a trailer. Can't find it, sorry. There was no wood or particle board in it, hinges were heavy duty piano hinges, it used netting to secure storage areas, while it had a canvas top, it could be hard sided composite or aluminum with quality thermal windows.

If you're going to be a hard core traveler, you need a hard core shelter.