NOTICE  DO NOT BUY KEYSTONE RV's - I own the 2006 Zeppelin II z291 and it has been in the shop twice for slide out cables and pulleys breaking/coming a part.  My Story about how I own a $22000 plus mobile toilet, in order to use the bathroom driving down the road, I have to stop and put the slide out to access my bathroom.

Below are posts regarding problems with Keystone's or from those who know of the problems with Keystone.  Read their complaints, maybe one will help you avoid having the same problem.

10 Jan 09

From the states of Alabama - Alaska -Arizona - Arkansas - California - Colorado - Connecticut - Delaware - Florida - Georgia - Hawaii - Idaho - Illinois - Indiana - Iowa - Kansas - Kentucky - Louisiana - Maine - Maryland - Massachusetts - Michigan - Minnesota - Mississippi - Missouri - Montana - Nebraska - Nevada - New Hampshire - New Jersey - New Mexico - New York - North Carolina - North Dakota - Ohio - Oklahoma - Oregon - Pennsylvania - Rhode Island - South Carolina - South Dakota - Tennessee - Texas - Utah - Vermont - Virginia - Washington - West Virginia - Wisconsin - Wyoming

Canada

Check back as more owners e-mail or I find other posts regarding problems with Keystone RV's.

I get the impression from reading a few post, that if you got your TT/5th wheel at a discount, you have nothing to complain about or you get what you pay for, as if we should of paid more than an arm and leg already and gotten a better TT or 5th Wheel.  The TT's & 5th wheels should have a disclosure sticker "Not all parts are the best nor is the craftsmanship"!

Consumer Rip Off - File a Report

firedoc0, Salt Lake Valley - Zeppelin II z291

http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/20256074.cfm

keystoneowner, Vermont - Passport Ultra Lite by Keystone - 08/18/07

http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/20168673.cfm

Iteachmiddleschool, Newnan, GA - Passport Ultralite 285RL - 06/30/07

http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/19921277.cfm

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Lou44, Knoxville TN - 07/01/07
http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/19921277/gotomsg/19924259.cfm#19924259

eriede, Florence, MS - 04/15/07

http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/19509986/gotomsg/19510261.cfm#19510261

wiretheboat, Merritt Island FL - 09/05/07

http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/19509986/gotomsg/20262422.cfm#20262422

Matt, FL - 10 Sep 2007

I own a 2007 Zeppelin 291 and let me tell you, this thing is a piece of crap!  None of the water lines were connected tight enough and I had leaks all over the place.  I had to pay a mobile service 200.00 just to come out and basically tighten everything up.  Now, I have a water issue under the tile and possible mold, and this is after I purchased it brand new not even a year ago!  Best of luck with your issues!

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KE5FKP -DFW, TX - Zeppelin 241 - 04/18/07

http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/19509986/gotomsg/19532136.cfm#19532136

from Celeste, Katy TX

I have had MAJOR issues with my rv since the week we bought it.  I may have the best horror stories, and one day I may be able to quit crying long enough to laugh!  We have a 2006 Zeppelin 291
The week we bought it, we realized the rain gutters weren't right, when inspecting them, using a ladder, we saw the roof...GASP!!!...it had a tear and the weather was coming soon.  We went to a nearby camper store for roof patch.  Needless to say, we ended up taking it in and they had to replace the roof, because there was nails coming out everywhere.  The technician said it should have "never left the factory like that".

Same weekend, with the weather bad, my daughter stepped in water in the front between the bed and the slide.  Proved to be a MAJOR slide issue, by the end of the weekend, the water was pouring inside coming from the middle of the slide and literally poured on my head while sitting at the dining table.  The dealer fixed it, but it did it again a few weeks later, it poured on my husbands head while he lay on the couch.  Finally, after 3 times they fixed it.  They also had to replace quite a bit of interior ceiling, carpet, etc.  The carpet the dealer told us they replaced and when we went to get the rv, the carpet had been only cleaned, so we tried again, and they replaced part of it and covered over the old carpet w/new in some areas under the sofa, etc.  We returned it again!  They finally got that right.

The bathroom had leaks under the lavatory because of the electrical connection being near there.  After 3 times, they figured that one out and fixed it.  Water was pouring out of the rear of the camper and after a few times bringing it in, they found the leak to be the outside shower.  I've had leaks under the tub area also, with the tank seals, etc., the skylight leaked, the a/c had wires not connected right, the microwave was worked on and then changed out.

In the first 9 months of ownership the unit was in the shop 136 days!!!

Click image to enlarge - Now, the vinyl in the bathroom started changing colors and I KNEW it was mold.  They don't make that vinyl pattern, so they told us to find some at Home Depot, Lowe's etc.  After going to a few different stores (which I don't think I should have to shop for parts), I found some and went to bring the sample.  I told them I wanted to inspect the wood before they did anything!  So, when they pulled up the vinyl, they called and said we have more problems.  It had a lot more mold than we thought.  And, we saw water spots in places we didn't know leaked, like near the door, in the front below the bedroom window, under the back bunks.

Keystone is now deciding what will happen.  I don't want a repair on this.  That would mean them taking down walls, changing out the plywood floor, etc and time wise, this is ridiculous.  They have mentioned a passport, but I am really leery of Keystone now.  We didn't want to get an attorney involved in this "lemon", but this is our deciding week.

I have a friend with the exact same model, one year older and they have only had minor issues; they are more upset with the dealer who takes forever to fix things than w/Keystone.  The reason we bought ours, was because we LOVED theirs!  Now, I have problems with both the dealer and manufacturer.

Hopefully, this nightmare will end soon.  There is no way I could EVER sell this thing.

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arcjohn, OR

http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/19782504/gotomsg/19832856.cfm#19832856

gfoster4 - Rochester, NY

http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/19509986/gotomsg/20262825.cfm#20262825

Joe and Jennifer - ID - 2006zeppelin292

http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/19921277/gotomsg/20275723.cfm#20275723

We have a passport 285rl and love it, we had the the Zeppelin before and had so many problems that keystone bought it back and replaced it with the passport . So far we have had minor issues like the ac keeps freezing up not keystones fault, one cabinet wont stay shut during travel, blinds, screen on front door was pushed and the door its self needs adjusted, floor has a squeak in it by the dinette but them are all minor issues. I hope i was some help .
 

From trustmissy - Michigan 5 Sep 2007

We bought a Zeppelin 281 this year and it has been nothing but trouble. The header on the slide-out had to be replaced before we even took possession of the trailer. We have taken it camping twice, and the second time the slide-out would not work. We had to use a hand drill to get it open.

There was a rip in the upholstery that was supposed to be fixed before we took possession, and it was NOt fixed. We had to bring it back to get it done. The fresh water tank leaked, the CD/radio did not work and had to be replaced. The tank monitor did not work and we had to take it in to get that fixed. When we used the kitchen sink, the water poured all over the floor because the pipe was not together. The pipes in the bathroom leaked and my husband had to fix them. The stove's two back burners only burn on high, there is no option other than high. The hot water tank takes several tries before it will light. What a piece of junk!!

We owned a Trail-Lite prior to this and it never had any problems. We NEVER had to take it to a dealer for repairs. We bought it from Dolney RV in Kawkawlin, Michigan, and I am not too happy with their service either.

However, the bed is comfortable and the floor plan is great.

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from Tony - Minnesota

Saw your post on rv.net and your personal site about the 291. I also have an '06 291, purchased Sep '06. I usually research things on the web and KICK myself now for now doing so on the Zep.

Basically the problem has been leaks on the slide.  Found one in Sept 06, Jun '07, 2 in July '07. After dealer could not fix each time, Keystone finally took it back to Indiana under warranty and completely rebuilt the slide, replaced carpet, cushions and some water damaged wood. Our warranty was also extended another year (to Sept '08). It is back now and looks great, and doesn't leak. My thought is if you have a camper that fits your needs and it doesn't leak, you should keep it.

I also feel your pain on being 'stuck' with this camper, because anyone could get on the web and find issues with the Zeppelin. I did a lot of research on other units, mostly Jayco (27bh, 28bhs). They comparable, but I could have the same issues with one of those…..but I am not willing to take a $3-$4K hit on the Zep to get a Jayco (I have had EXCELLENT luck in the past with Jayco).

If you don't mind me asking, what did you pay for the 291? Let me know if you get Keystone to help or get a large outpouring of other Zep owners chiming in.

- Tony -

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from Jerome - Oakville Ontario - Cougar 294, 2007

This is the list of what we experienced…. The TT is a month old or so and we have traveled about 4,000 miles.

• Furnace did not work

• One tire separated after 300 miles, all others within 3000… Milestar brand; we saw it on time before we had an accident.

• Lost the spare tire cover as the elastic band was stale (a good Samaritan saw this and returned it to us…)

• Lost the end caps of the rear bumper and all the hoses within (twice)

• Some blinds do not work/jam and somewhat look bad

• DVD does not work

• Door between bedroom and bathroom could not be opened until some covers for showers pipes were removed

• Same door went loose a few times while traveling and fell on the bed

• Various cabinets opened in travel, requiring strapping to prevent it

• The main kitchen drawers sliders are flimsy and the drawers fall on the floor

• The water pump was DOA (Dead on Arrival). (I replaced it with a better one and will have to adjust the actual piping to follow the pump’s manufacturer’s instructions for installation. Later…)

• Not Keystone, but the dealer: at Camping World they installed a 12,000 pound Reese hitch with a 6,000 pound ball…for a 10,000 pound trailer. I had to tell them to fix it and they charged me extra for the larger ball.  Highly recommend NOT using Camping World.

• The valves for the Black and Grey water are mislabeled… shows how much quality control there is at Keystone. The Black water tank valve handle broke… (I  meant the Grey water)

• The bedroom screen door handle came in without a spring, I had to replace it. 

We have been traveling about 2 and half weeks: on average, we had one problem per traveling day… 

On a good note: the fridge, the AC and all the lights are OK…

Is there a way we can get Keystone recognize that it has a hell of a QA problem. And I cannot say that the Cougar is inexpensive.

I am willing to get something going with you and others, not to get reparation, but to start a campaign to hurt them as they hurt each of us.

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from Rebecca - Missouri

from Lauri, Hopatcong, NJ

Well, we purchased a 2006 zeppelin II and right away, there was a leak from the back door.  That was fixed before we left the lot.

Within a few months, there was a problem with the slide where it was making a banging noise when we put it in or out.  It seemed crooked but unfortunately, we didn't get it looked at on time so it wound up leaking.  It was just after the warranty was up but the repair shop managed to have keystone pay for some.  We paid $500.00 to have that fixed.

The slide still leaks and at one point during a storm, it was pouring in like a boat in the ocean!  We had to jack up the one side so the water can run off the slide.
Now, the inside has mildew and more damage from water.

We just found a tear in the roof at the seam!  The microwave broke and one of the storage bins leak as well.

I had contacted keystone and they basically said the warranty was only for one year from the date of purchase so we are stuck with an $18,000. Trailer that we are afraid to use!  I really don't know what to do at this point.  I would love to just sell it but I'm too honest and would have to tell the new owner about the problems so why bother.

I had tried to contact the Good Sam's action line thing but couldn't get a hold of them.

So, that's my pathetic RV story.
Lauri
Hopatcong, NJ

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Check back as more owners e-mail or I find other posts regarding problems with Keystone RV's.

E-Mail Me if you are in this same predicament, have a solution or suggestion.

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