And here I was, thinking that purchasing an Avida would be a safe bet ...

I can sympathise with the unfortunate retirees. I also had to go on TV to resolve a problem (of a different kind) that had persisted for two months. It was essentially just a clerical error that could have been fixed in 5 minutes with a few mouse clicks, but some deskjockey just couldn't be bothered to lift a finger. The problem was fixed hours before the program went to air.

Seems the transmission is too light for its weight ?

We have a winnebago esperance. Hot water, roof, slideout, door replaced, fridge, stove and cooktop, entertainment/satnav and paint work, also air conditioner. All repaired or replaced. Air conditioner just cost us $2800.00 to replace.
The vehicle has only been on the road for 2years 3months. 26000 klms only. I think it has been off the road more than on.
They replaced the rubber roof and under ply as it separated and had huge bubbles. It took them 4 weeks to do and guess what? The new rubber roof still has bubbling.
Would we buy a new Avida as their called now? NO WAY.

-- Edited by Lozza1956 on Sunday 14th of September 2014 01:29:18 PM

I am not sure about Dave's complaints. One was the door wouldn't shut. The door problem is simple. when you open the door from inside it is easy to touch the lock lever. This the partially engages the lock when open so obviously won't shut until you unlock fully. 

No fuel in the generator and the owner engaging the lock is hardly Winnebago's problem. I am not saying Winnebago quality control is all that effective, but.

 

Neil

We hear of these stories allmthe time umfortunately. Not sure how to solve them though. You would think the people that make these things would change them over to eliminate any BAD publicity.

I am about to invest the hard earned on a new caravan and certainly hope all will be OK. I have a possitive attitude and say, all will be fine, I feel it in the bones. Unfortunately some bones are very creeky and sore theses days.

I hope it all sorts out well for the Winnie owner.

-- Edited by Dougwe on Sunday 14th of September 2014 03:04:25 PM

Time we had lemon laws to protect those that part with hard earned cash for ANY product. I saw the interview too and really felt for the guy (not the one with no fuel in genny) he had a myriad of problems both mechanical and equipment wise after spending about $290k. Not good enough is it?

Well AK, guess you didn't shell out the $290k big ones.

Regardless who's problems they are Avida is the manufacturer and should be responsible for rectification of ALL issues. The problem with the RV industry is, I believe, the manufacturer of all RVs gets off lightly when it comes to any problem. As a purchaser of any van or RV etc the onus should rest with the manufacturer who's name is up there in lights to rectify any issue that arises with their product AND products they install. If you buy a car, the dealership is responsible for everything on that vehicle with regard to any warranty claims. It should be the same for the RV industry too. It is all too easy for them to fob you off. I speak only from past experiences.

It's a shame  what you went through.These people have a lot to answer for.

I also have an Avlda Esperance Premium. Premium is another way of spelling LEMON.

When I started to read your post, I thought somebody was writing about my lemon on wheels.

So far the one and only door has opened itself while travelling through a town at 50kph, nearly knocking down a person getting out of his car.

This same door has locked us out in an isolated area for about two hours ending up with us cycling between the two door locks to eventually open it. I only locked the dead lock but somehow both locks jammed.

The same door has locked us in on a 40 degree day and required much banging thumping and cursing to get it open.

Every screw, just about, has fallen out.

The catches on the draws have broken. The reason as I finally worked out, was the catches were screwed to the particle board / craft wood / compressed wood dust using wood screws that require a wood grain to secure. These screws naturally had nothing to hold on to, causing the catches to come loose and break. Chip board screws should have been used.

The shelves in the overhead cupboards would fall out while on the move and hit you when opened. The shelf supports are little cheap bits of plastic sitting loose in four holes.

The water tank overflow allows two thirds of the water to slosh out while in transit up and down hills and around corners, on a 200 km run. When free camping in isolated areas out west when there is a water shortage, this is not good.

The last thing to happen just recently, the slide out broke free from its safety strap and was sucked out when passing a B double in the opposite  direction, nearly causing a triple fatality . 

Two week before I talked to a Longreach owner who said his slide out had come loose and suggested that Avida should supply a set of power tools whit each unit as he also was fed up with repairing it on the run. He said his unit has spent more time in the work shop than on the road.

My unit is not 12 months old. We have only been on the road for 8 weeks all up in this time and covered approx., 10.000km, all on main roads ( black top )  apart from 30km of dirt

The thing is not safe.

I have been on to the manufacturer  who said we only produce quality products made for Australian conditions, ( I don't think ) and said they would fix every thing up.

Did I mention the exhaust fell off on the first trip ( 300km )

As for their road side assistance, all they do is tell you where to take it if something is wrong. I could tell them where to put it.

I am sure there are many others with an Avida, having problems.

I think nothing short of money back would fix the problems.

 

 

 

 

We have an Esperence bought 2nd hand from Hinterland - had problems but all have been quickly and professionally dealt  ..... slide out was the first one - repaired under warranty......... toilet not their problem as the original owner replaced the cassette with vacuum flush herself (no idea why - stupid and heavy). A couple of minor things such as the catches we have repaired at no expense to ourselves.  The only thing I feel is unprofessional bordering on unethical is the way they and other brands,  promote a unit that should be sold as over 4.5t but is targeted at C-Class licence drivers and they are the ones that come to grief due to insufficient payload - especially when they put additional fixtures on such as bulbar, tow bar, solar etc. Bottom line - consumer beware!