Beware! Non-Sprocket Related Lift System Problem

[actuarydan]

I have a problem with my 2005 Clipper 1285ST (Same as Viking 2485ST). A plastic (why it is plastic I don't know) nut in the drive system broke and as a result I can't lift the front of my popup.

It is going back to the dealer for the second time since we purchased it in Spring. We originally had the sprocket kit thing done after the first use.

If I were looking for a popup I'd seriously consider another brand of camper. You can't convince me of the quality of Viking/Coachmen products. Besides the lift system there have been half a dozen other problems we've had that had to be fixed.

Buyer beware!

[PJJ]

I have a problem with my 2005 Clipper 1285ST (Same as Viking 2485ST). A plastic (why it is plastic I don't know) nut in the drive system broke and as a result I can't lift the front of my popup.

It is going back to the dealer for the second time since we purchased it in Spring. We originally had the sprocket kit thing done after the first use.

If I were looking for a popup I'd seriously consider another brand of camper. You can't convince me of the quality of Viking/Coachmen products. Besides the lift system there have been half a dozen other problems we've had that had to be fixed.

Buyer beware!
I just posted for first time today and found this to help me in my purchase!! Thank you!!

[jawilson]

I just saw this posted on another forum: http://www.popupportal.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=3310&FORUM_ID=1&CAT_ID=1&Topic_Title=VIKING%2FCLIPPER+ALERT%21%21%21%21&Forum_Title=General+Camping+Forum

[kampingkoge]

Just received my "official" recall Saturday in the mail for my 05 Viking. Only plan on using it LaborDay weekend, as it is already set up (will have to keep a low head I guess). Then I will be towing it back to the dealer for the required repairs before my next outing Oct 1st.

[veryolddog]

Got mine yesterday too. Between this and the sprocket replacement, what else is next. Are the wheels going to fall of the axles while driving? Wouldn't be so bad if it were totaled and I could get full replacement back and no one was hurt. Then, I think it would be tents. Enough of modern technology that just plain breaks. It's a lot cheaper to replace a tent, and, at my age, I ain't got many camping years left anyway. Just laugh about this whole thing and move on. Later. The Very Old Dog.

[chasd60]

You bought into the first year of a new design on the lift systems. It is easy to test them at the factory but not in the quantity that will be in service.

I had a 2001 Viking and had no real problems with it.

[jawilson]

Personally, I don't consider that a valid excuse. With the number of problems that system has caused it sounds to me like they either under-engineered it, or they rushed it to market. Both preventable problems.

[twobighemis]

http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/16076383/srt/pa/pging/1/page/1.cfm

Im hoping it was just the sproket issue, but someone in the link above said its a different part. Cutting 2x4's and zip tying them to your lifts might be the best idea if your camping this coming weekend. Come on Viking, what next???

[twobighemis]

By the way, anyone who has the length of 2x4's already figured out, please post them, That would be great :)

[actuarydan]

By the way, anyone who has the length of 2x4's already figured out, please post them, That would be great :)


I second that. I think that even after mine is "fixed" I'll be propping the roof with 2x4's for the rest of the popups lifetime. Talk about a lack of confidence in the Viking product. Since mine has now failed twice I have a feeling it'll fail again.

[chasd60]

Personally, I don't consider that a valid excuse. With the number of problems that system has caused it sounds to me like they either under-engineered it, or they rushed it to market. Both preventable problems.
I wasn't stating that as a valid excuse, just a fact of reliability testing. In real life, failure mechanisms are sometimes not discovered with normal accelerated lifetime testing methods. Sometimes the component suppliers deviate from the standard operating procedure and don't tell the manufacturer of that deviation. The failure becomes a big problem to the manufacturer, who may be seeking answers from the component supplier. The bottom line is how well the manufacturer responds to the consumer in the interim.

I see this in my job as an Assistant Engineer in a semiconductor reliablity lab.

[DK&3kids]

I installed an A/C on my 05 viking and when the sprocket issue came up they sent me the new sprocket and crank quickly. At the same time I requested supports that they make out of metal which slip over the existing support polls when the unit is popped up. I would contact Viking to see if they can overnight you some, they have been very accommodating to me.

269-467-4600

Good Luck,

Dan

[twobighemis]

I called viking first thing this morning and spoke with a woman named Connie. She told me they need to repair the main tube underneath the camper. She said no injuries have occured as of yet, as far as the roof dropping suddenly, but more problems have occured with roofs not raising or lowering.

Viking is expecting their first batch of repair parts on tuesday, but no word when local dealers can expect them.

[kampingkoge]

I called the dealer today to setup an appointment and they also stated they do not know when they (dealers) will receive parts for this recall. They informed me that Viking was expecting them next Tues as well. He graciously recommended to be to use the 2X4 approach since I am not cancelling my weekend camping plans.

[bmbkamp]

Called my dealer today as well. They said they would call me when the parts come in. I'll post a note when I hear from them.

Bob

[twobighemis]

I found this link in the general section.

http://www.goodsamclub.com/cforum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/16163897.cfm

[bmbkamp]

Here's an update....

I just got off the phone with Viking a few minutes ago. They told me that the company that made the lift mechanism in question left them holding the bag. This company is not answering their phones and have shut their doors to Viking. Viking then contracted with another company to design and manufacture the replacement parts. Viking is expecting the first shipment of these parts to arrive on Monday (9/12), at which time they will turn the parts around and send them to dealers. The woman I spoke to on the phone said that this first shipment will account for approximately 20% of the total amount of replacement parts needed to complete the recall. She also said Viking is planning to fax the dealers an update sometime today, as well as send another letter out to customers.

I guess we'll see what happens...

Bob

[actuarydan]

I called Viking and apparently everyone is in a "Staff Meeting". Let's see who, if anyone, returns my call. I've been without my camper since the end of July and have forfeited camping fees at one campground already. Its now mid-september and camping season will be quickly running out.

I feel like I wasted alot of money on my Clipper and will never really feel safe in it even after it is repaired, whenever that may be. I've heard the old "Parts are being shipped Monday" before and it didn't happen.

As GW Bush once said, "Fool me once, shame on you, Fool me twice, Never gonna fool me again."

(See I'm trying to inject humor here but I'm not in a fun mood).

I'll post back if and when I hear the same old same old.

[actuarydan]

Viking called me back today. Apparently the parts are still in development. There are no parts which are being shipped out today, tomorrow or in the nearly forseeable future. They don't know when they will get the parts. They are still in DEVELOPMENT!!!

They are also not doing anything more than what's legally required as far as taking care of their customers. Don't be fooled by Viking's responses. I summarized Viking's response back to them as "the minimum legally required" and they did not disagree with me! The official response per Viking's attornies.

What a fine pillar of a company.

[kampingkoge]

I see on the horizon a "CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT"!!!!!