Thread: New camper quality issues

There's consumer law to protect you.
There is plenty of advice websites out there, but 'fit for purpose' and 'free of defects', and 'accurately described' are phrases used in the legislation / FAQ sheets which might be worth looking into and seeing how they apply to your situation.

You've got a few issues that raise some concerns in regard to the below link. I'd be inclined to tow it to their showroom, park yours next to theirs and get the most senior bloke there to do some comparing with you.

https://www.accc.gov.au/business/tre...ts-obligations

Have you spoken to the principal of the company you bought this trailer off?
Not having a shot, but didn't you inspect the goods before you paid and picked up, anything that's mechanically/structurally wrong should have been pointed out by you before pick-up.
I would ring the principal owner/dealer and make arrangements to meet and view the problems, with a view to either repair or replace or a complete refund.
I purchased one of those cheap and nasty Chinese import camper trailer in Melbourne, I expected it to be a Piece of **** (POS), but I couldn't fault the construction (welds, fit and finish), I gave it a good inspection and noted some shortcomings, but for the price quiet acceptable, and these minor faults allowed me to negotiate $800 off the price of $5800 which was around 1/2 price anyway as it was a showroom model and had some scuffing and wear and tear.
What I'm suggesting is if the overall structure is sound and safe, re-negotiate a price that will allow you to fix or have fixed the problems you speak off, it could be to your benefit, turn a lemon into something you'll be happy with, I did, Regards Frank.

G'day Wayne,
We bought a brand new Forward Fold camper a little while ago and had various issue's with it. A few things quite similar to the faults on yours, and a whole lot more.
We picked it up, basically loaded it up and took off. Lucky for us we didn't really go far, and were staying with good friends at a van park, so not hard to deal with the issues as such. Had we been out in the middle of nowhere, we'd have been stuffed.

On our return to Melb, I rang the supplier, then took it back to the factory.
It seems, our unit, due to being rushed probably, had actually missed the Final Inspection Station.
Now although it was extremely disappointing and frustrating being on the receiving end of this, they were quick to rectify and get it sorted. We ended up taking it back twice because we wanted to use it, so they worked around us, which we thought was good.

Yes, it should never have happened, but, without strict working/operating procedure's, these things will happen, that's why manufacturers are supposed to have quality procedures in action. People take shortcuts, someone else had to wear it.
Make a full list of all that's wrong, document it and present it to them, I'm sure they will bend over backwards to help/fix things.
If not, seek Toxic's advice.

Yep, by law you have to go back to the manufacturer and give them a reasonable chance to meet your complaints before any other action is possible. Don't bag them in public either, give them a chance to fix your problems.

Originally Posted by Bush_TM

Hi guys,

Picked up a new trailer on Friday and have noticed some pretty significant issues (IMO). I was just after some advice on what to do to get the issues rectified, or even a refund? I will keep the trailer company private for the time being - I am sending them an email and will await their response...

Please keep the name private permanently here please - we have a strict name and shame policy. I.e. - none, ever, for any reason.

Cheers.

Before whinging on a forum you should always voice concerns with the place of sale.

I wouldn't call it whinging. They look like valid concerns to me.
Admittedly the internet cannot solve his problem directly, but he sought opinions and was pointed in the right direction, so his concerns were validated. And now he has direction to pursue remedy of said concerns, knowing his rights and the best course of action.

We mention all sorts of brands here ... why should van makers be exempt? Isn't that what such web sites be for, to discuss our gear and our issues using it?

IMO if something gets water in it, then its also going to get very dusty.

Getting something that stays dry is a lot easier to achieve than keeping the dust out.

So good luck with the design and the quality.

Some regard $10k as being very cheap ... but for what you purchased, it did not sound cheap to me. I'd be disappointed too. But for actual full camper trailers (you's isn't one), they can cost quite a lot. But for $10k, there's a lot of good stuff you could have bought IMO.

Good luck with your negotiations. Its a pain though having to go through that ...