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Post by Chuck on Feb 13, 2018 18:56:38 GMT -5
John While at the rally jetzen showed the 5th wheel manager which BTW came from Montana over to Kz where his light switch was on the ceiling of his slide over the dinning room table  Looking at the new 384's I do not see that light switch is not there any more on the ceiling of the main slide over the table  So he was listening ... The 5th wheel manager while at the Kz factory for lunch also told us that they send out employee's to test drive some of their trailers for a week or two ... He also stated that the reason for the Western Area Kz rep was not there, were the other two Eastern an Central were, was because he was getting his brand new Durango Gold 384RLT delivered that week ... My comment was he could have picked it up while at the rally (snicker) factory direct  Anyway as stated I believe they do test out some with employee input, I also know that at the factory all the line managers an VP along with other employee all had note pads an wrote down most everything we stated that we like an things we didn't like ... They kept commenting on they were there to listen no matter how bad it was, I believe them to point, but no matter how hard they try they can't please everyone an workers have good an bad days an make mistakes .... I will say that all the problems we have had since we have owned the Durango Gold have been with products installed within the trailer an not the trailer it's self, except those to extra long screws in the bedroom slide that kept it from opening LOL ... Safe Travels Chuck |
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Post by Bobcat on Feb 14, 2018 11:58:44 GMT -5
Agree 100%+ as there are many cabinets us vertically challenged folks wont use on a daily basis. I'm not knocking having the extra storage, and its a great use of space but not everyone can easily reach, and if you have any issues with balance you don't need to use a steep stool all the time. Maybe there is a job for us! We should convince KZ we can be be their "test pilots" of sorts and let them know the pros and cons and give ideas of little things to add to the unit to make it stand out from the competition!!!! |
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Post by johnr on Feb 14, 2018 13:12:05 GMT -5
Hey, yeah Bobcat, great idea! Let me summer in your 2020 concept RV. I promise to use it at least 60 nights and tow it for X thousand miles. I will provide detailed reports to you within 3 days of each trip detailing what issues I encountered, things that I thought could be improved, and things that I thought worked really well.
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Post by Bobcat on Feb 14, 2018 13:59:12 GMT -5
I'm trying to move my office to my Durango and when that happens we can ALL compare notes!!
Chuck, agreed the issues I've had (albeit minor) come from things installed and not from KZ. Although KZ gets stuck doing the warranty on them.
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Post by Chuck on Feb 15, 2018 12:11:54 GMT -5
Bobcat For appliances Kz is not on the hook for the 1st year only after that for the second year, I have to tell you Suburban who made my furnace an yours stepped up to the plate an got it fix within a week at one of their service centers ... When my frig went out Kz stepped up to the plate, called the MFG of such an had it fixed within a few hours of it going out at the rally ... On test driving one of the units in future I like you an johnr i'd be willing, while there at the factory they told us they were looking for good employs an hiring  Problem being they were not will to pay for my commute  I have seen some of the changes we talked about at the rally, jetzen's light switch on the overhead relocated, bedroom light switch's relocated, sliding glass doors changed, overhead lights in kitchen changed, solar panel outlets/connects added to TT, so they were listening ... I am going to start my list again as I did last year from comments from the owners on the form an pass them onto the Kz management an ask again that some of them start monitoring this form... I did see on the Kz facebook that one of the Kz TT planers/designers was on there answering questions, I did make the comment to him to come over here an hang out as well ... I will try again this year when back there an tell them that we all are open to testing new units for them in the future Safe Travels Chuck |
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Post by Bobcat on Feb 15, 2018 13:57:16 GMT -5
Hey Chuck, if you can make it happen I am all for it! I know some of my family may be willing too, and they are closer to KZ site than I am. If they want to do a trial in the Texas summer I'm all in!  As for the sliding glass door I would like to ask someone at KZ if they can help me find a dog door insert that fits, as all the ones I've seen are for residential size doors which seem to be 2-3 inches taller than RV ones. Or if someone has used one they know you can alter I'm open to suggestions. Its on my list to add along with something to block in the patio area, I spoke to someone with Morryde about that and they didn't have any aftermarket ideas. Maybe KZ needs to hire me as a pet consultant!  |
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Post by Chuck on Feb 15, 2018 14:58:49 GMT -5
Bobcat We have a 165 Great Dane, his back stands equal with my waist an can look over our 7ft fence to see who is who His problem is that he like to push back on his right foot coming down steps, so we put backing panels between the steps... Showed the MorRyde rep at the rally an he was impressed an thought that may be a good idea for a future idea or add on to their steps ... I said all I want for the idea is the newer steps with the easy lift spring included which he stated was coming out this year (2018) ... The steps are not bad now to lift, but he said when the new one's come out you will be able to lift them with one hand with no effort or problem .... Over on the Montana form one owner said that they already had them an really liked them an as stated were very easy to lift with little effort Safe Travels Chuck |
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Post by Bobcat on Feb 15, 2018 15:15:38 GMT -5
Chuck-
I have dachshunds who believe they are Danes!!! The good or the bad is they are smarter than they need to be and figure things out. They quickly learned they could push the back wall and the gate would open so I have used lynch pins on my patio walls to keep them stable similar to what you have done. Morryde had some pre-existing holes which I figured they were for, and 1/4 inch lynch pins worked great and are quick and easy to use and store. But I do have one who can wiggle under the back wall since it sits about 5 inches off the deck. The side walls are not an issue since they are almost flush. So I will have to be creative on what to cover the back wall, or at least a foot up. I don't use my steps on the patio much its easier to go in and out the door.
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Post by Chuck on Feb 16, 2018 12:06:47 GMT -5
Ok Bobcat Our Dane can open all the doors in our house, so we have to lock all the out side doors, his not our alarm clock is set to 6:30am most mornings  he also knows where his dog food is kept so we have a trash can with a strap across it so he can not get into it  Anyway back to the subject Kz will listen an they do most stuff around to keep owners happy ... One other thing that I wonder about, owners on this form complain about water getting into their trailers, Kz has a large building that has water sprayers within it that they run trailers thought to test for leaks ... The the trailers sit outside in a row, per them they inspect an take pictures of every trailer before it leaves their property ... So it make me think, was it improper maintenance by the owners or was Kz pulling my leg about running every trailer thought the building with water sprayers .... When I ask about the two lag screws that kept my bedroom slide open their comment was that it was so the slide would not open during shipping an the dealer should have removed it ... Our trailer was the show model last year at the Tacoma RV show, I totally missed the bedroom slide being partly closed at the show, I did notice it while doing out PDI but was talking with Tech about water panel an sewer pulls an forgot about it till we got home Ugh .... I still wonder how they had the TV's running at the RV show with no cable an later finding out that the TV's were not working on the outside antenna because it was bad an we do not have a CD player in our model (G384RLT) Hummmmmmmmmmm Safe Travels Chuck |
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Post by Bobcat on Feb 19, 2018 8:50:49 GMT -5
Chuck-
We have had an above normal rainfall this winter here so fortunately no leaks in the unit, that I've discovered. And overall, everything has been solid except for the few minor issues. Was able to adjust the tension on the deck so it is easier to close. With a little more tinkering it will be perfect.
Was able to find the little center switch on the rear lights which was awesome, so all it well again in the light area!!!
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Post by ronc on Feb 21, 2018 13:52:26 GMT -5
I still feel that the designers/managers need to actually take these things out and use them. They would find a lot of the usability issues simply by being forced to use the features. A great idea. At the Rally last year, I was told that employees do take them out on holiday ... yet we all still find things that make you want to scratch your head.<style></style> |
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Post by johnr on Feb 22, 2018 7:56:13 GMT -5
I guess what I mean by using an RV is not just taking it out for a fun weekend trip. I mean things like: the propane ran out, fill a tank; batteries need water, maintain them; change a tire; hook and unhook while the camper and truck are not level; use the bathroom and get into the fridge while it's closed up; turn on all lights and fans; switch the RV from cable to satellite; replace the water pump; chase down a leak in the water system; put air in the tires; put air in the spare tire; etc. etc. Do all of these things with a person of average height, and then again with a person who is below 5 feet tall. There's a difference between having available features and having usable features. You know, a bathroom fan 7 feet above the floor with no wall switches will be easily used by a person who's 5'8", but how about people who are under 5'4", how about kids? It's great having a spare tire, but if it takes an act of God to use it then how do you feel (of course it'll be raining)? I understand that price can drive usability, and that KZ (or any manufacturer) is in it to make money. It's cheaper to simply throw a Fan-tastic fan in the bathroom and say "look at this feature!" than it is to wire switches to operate it on the wall or to put in a remote operated fan. I personally would pay extra for a convenience package. All lights can be operated by wall switches; remote controlled vent fans; Everything so that kids or adults can all operate everything. I probably expect too much. |
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Post by Bobcat on Feb 23, 2018 9:04:17 GMT -5
Agreed, as I am one of those bellow the 5'4", and the cabinets along the ceiling are a great use of space but won't get used by me much. Definitely not every day use, but they can be used. I have purchased 2 sizes of folding stools to stow for these little gems. And yes these units were built to be used and if they are not more issues may arise than a lesser model, similar to a brick and mortar house. A lot of folks don't understand that, and if its only to be used once or twice a year I would recommend saving a few dollars and get a lesser unit that way it wouldn't need as much maintenance. But the majority of the things you stated are monthly types anyway. I don't live in mine....yet but use it 2-3 times a month.
I would like to attend the rally, but understand you need to have your rig there? Unfortunately that would not happen for me.
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Post by Chuck on Feb 23, 2018 15:26:52 GMT -5
johnr, Bobcat What I heard was that the employees tested the trailers for more than a few days, mostly a week an at times two. But I agree, at the least a month would be better, thus they would have to allot of what was stated from johnr... I will say the Kz western rep owns a 2018 G384RLT an I am sure he has input on such, again the people also stated a number of times they wanted input from Kz owners an that they are listening ... Again I see some of this over on the face book page were there is a Kz TT designer over there answering questions ... I also believe there are Kz employees possibly managers here on this form, they do not advertise as such as the gentleman over of the face book, an I don't believe they are admin personnel, but little hints tell me they are here in one form in one form or another ... As well one of the reason I believe that the wagon master wants owners to bring their trailer is that their are people who would, attend, eat an reap all the benefits without being involved in the overall process, were others have spent allot on money to attend , again this is only my thinking ... There is also limited parking even thought the camp ground is very large it is full with other campers an their vehicles thus room becomes pretty tight for the extra ... As well Kz, MorRyde plan on feeding those that attend as owners an plan for such, they go out of their way to do such, so it only the polite thing to not attended a function that was planed in advance to support owners who have spent in some case's large sums of money to attend such ... Would I say stopping by an saying howdy if your in the area in the afternoon around the camp fire for a few minute, possibly, but again that is up to the
wagon master, he has the finial say not me, an he stated only owners with trailers attending ...
Safe Travels no matter were you travel this year, maybe we will cross paths somewhere down the road Chuck |
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Post by Bobcat on Feb 25, 2018 17:13:35 GMT -5
Thanks again Chuck for the input. If you have contact info for the wagon master let me know and I can touch base to see if I can "walk on" for a few moments to visit with folks.
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Post by Chuck on Feb 26, 2018 11:28:04 GMT -5
Bobcat His info is in the Kz Rally folder or just PM "jetzen" who is on this form ie Walter Conrad over on Kz face book page Safe Travels where ever you go  Chuck |
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Post by Bobcat on Feb 27, 2018 12:01:12 GMT -5
Sounds good thanks!
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Post by Chuck on Feb 27, 2018 13:03:16 GMT -5
Back to task at hand, I was reading over on the Montana and Forest River forms some of the same comments regarding light switches an cabinets being placed to high for normal use ... One comment I had to laugh about was a fellow commented that the designers of 5th wheels all must be 6'6" tall an the designers for TT must all 5'5" tall  thus either had no problem reaching the top shelfs an light switches place were you need s step ladder .... Added note here while thinking about such, If I remember correctly is that we did see in the 2500 line at the factory was some lights that came on an off automatically some how when walking near or around them, they must have had some sort of sensor Now I could be wrong but it was something that just popped into my head thinking back to when we were going thought the last 2500 on the production line, I do not remember the model of it but I do remember it was a new feature an we were ask to keep it under our hat till the new models were brought out last year ... I also remember that some but not all of us made the comment about the lack of Kitchen cabinets in the not yet brought out at the time G385FLF ... Lots of draws an space under the sink an counter an as with most all the Durango Gold 300 series a large pantry, so I guess you could call it a short persons dream  Safe travel Chuck |
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Post by Chuck on Feb 27, 2018 14:04:16 GMT -5
Hey Chuck, if you can make it happen I am all for it! I know some of my family may be willing too, and they are closer to KZ site than I am. If they want to do a trial in the Texas summer I'm all in! As for the sliding glass door I would like to ask someone at KZ if they can help me find a dog door insert that fits, as all the ones I've seen are for residential size doors which seem to be 2-3 inches taller than RV ones. Or if someone has used one they know you can alter I'm open to suggestions. Its on my list to add along with something to block in the patio area, I spoke to someone with MoRyde about that and they didn't have any aftermarket ideas. Maybe KZ needs to hire me as a pet consultant! Bobcat As I stated in another post that I believe one of the main reason that Kz Managers are very high on the rally's is because they can get the feedback from owners of their products. As also stated the split the group up at the rally, owner of TT went to that production line an owners of 5th wheels went to the at the time 2500 production line.... As with the luncheon at the main Kz office's there was different models of TT on display along with the not yet bought out 5th wheel G385FLF which was the only 5th wheel shown there in very large room the size of a basket ball court ... Every manager of that particular line stood next to the that trailer with a note pad in hand, the manager of the overall 5th wheel lines stood next to the 385 also with a notepad ... We were told over an over again "tell us what you think of our product good or bad" as well as "what do you think good or bad about your own trailer" ... So in a way we are owners even thought we have already bought into their product are the test bunny's of their product ... I have already seen as stated in other posts the changes from feed back regarding the 384's that the overall 5th wheel manager wrote down ... As stated light switches moved, tire brands changes to better tires in some but not all 5th wheels... As I stated last year an will again this year start my list of things that owners like an dislike an overall problems that owners seem to be having ... i believe as last year the Kz managers will again at the Kz factory ask us to tell them the good an bad we have seen in their product lines, will they listen I hope so Safe travels Chuck |
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Post by nvguy on Feb 27, 2018 22:21:10 GMT -5
Having worked for a dealership that carried probably 6-8 different manufacturers over the years I was there I had the ability to compare and contrast a lot of manufacturers units. There were a lot of things that made no sense at all. Switches in ridiculous places. Places that didn't make sense from an assembly standpoint or a user point..Under sink cabinets that had virtually no storage due to plumbing. The list goes on....Then there are really good ideas like the bathroom pocket door in my coach- you don't get swept off the steps when going into the bathroom.
I am impressed that KZ listens to their customers. Realistically, who could provide better feedback and ideas?
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Looking at the new 384's I do not see that 
So he was listening ...
Problem being they were not will to pay for my commute 
As for the sliding glass door I would like to ask someone at KZ if they can help me find a dog door insert that fits, as all the ones I've seen are for residential size doors which seem to be 2-3 inches taller than RV ones. Or if someone has used one they know you can alter I'm open to suggestions. Its on my list to add along with something to block in the patio area, I spoke to someone with Morryde about that and they didn't have any aftermarket ideas. Maybe KZ needs to hire me as a pet consultant! 
