2021 Forest River Sunseeker-2850LE

We had a fantastic time in the RV - it was clean, worked perfectly, and our host was flexible with our return. We only went from Philly to State College and back this time, but I would love to get out on the open road and really put some miles on that thing: so much space, nicely modern, and plenty of room for the kids to make a big mess!

Awesome communication and matched photos perfectly!
Thank you for an awesome weekend!

The AC would not work on our return, but otherwise everything worked superbly on the trip. Dan was extremely helpful.

We rented the 2021 Forest River Sunseeker LE RV from Hearthfire RV and Recreation (HRR) for a trip to see family over the Christmas holidays. We experienced many issues with this RV that included advertised RV features that were not available, problems not disclosed before pickup, and lack of concern or help from HRR.

Before I picked up the RV, I heard from HRR that the previous renter smashed and partially removed the outdoor speakers on the awning support poles. HRR informed me that the RV was “drivable” which I thought was an odd thing to say. I did not care about the outdoor speakers. I was told that they were cleaning the RV and getting it ready. They did not inform me of any other problems.

When I arrived to pick up the RV on the day of my trip, HRR informed me of several problems:
• The auto-leveling did not work. It would spray hydraulic fluid everywhere if you tried to use it. He said the auto-leveling alarm would go off when I started the RV but it would eventually go off. I asked but was told I didn’t need to worry about leveling the RV.
• I was told to not worry if tire indicator light came on. The previous renter reported this problem, but he thought it was probably due to the cold temperature at the time.
• The lane assist camera did not work for left turns.
• The GPS tracker was just duct taped on and I later found out it did not even work.

I was also told:
• The freshwater tank was empty and needed filling prior to my trip.
• HRR was not strict on requiring the use of RV toilet paper.
• HRR does not winterize this RV.

I selected this RV for the up-to-date features such as the auto level and lane assist, so I was very disappointed to hear these features were not working and that HRR failed to deliver what was advertised. Since I was told of these problems the day that I picked up the RV, I could not say just forget it, I will rent another RV. I had campsite reservations and my family was expecting me for the holidays. I had paid for a completely functioning RV but was given one with many issues and problems. I understand things breaking down while on a trip with an RV but not picking up an RV with existing and ongoing problems!

More problems were uncovered as I started the trip.

A very serious problem was that the heating system did not work. On our return trip the weather temperature dropped to the low 20s and teens. The propane fueled heater started up and heated for about an hour, and then the heater would not respond to the thermostat and would not put out hot air. We tried everything. We finally determined if we turned the heater off and on two times it would heat for another hour and then stop. This occurred all night. Thus, the last two nights on the RV we got no sleep because we had to stay up and monitor the heater so we would not freeze. We reached out to HRR. They sent a link to a website for trouble-shooting but did not help us find a solution.

Another dangerous issue was a leaking tire. HRR had said that the tire pressure light was a sensor issue; however, after driving the RV for a few days the left inside rear tire air pressure light came on. After much searching, we found a truck stop that had an air hose with an extender for filling the inside tire. After 2 more days the same tire pressure was low and this continued for the entire trip. This indicates to me that this tire has a slow leak and in need of repair.

Another big problem was the freshwater tank. The first night of our trip, I filled up the freshwater tank, I noticed water dripping under the RV. Following the water leak I found it was coming from the freshwater pump filter cleaning cup. I assumed this happened when water froze in the pump, probably at Lake Placid by the previous renter. It also indicated to me that HRR had NOT checked or serviced the RV after the previous rental. Not having a freshwater tank was an extreme inconvenience and left us scrambling to change our camping reservations for more expensive but less scenic sites with water hook-up.

Driving the RV without the left turn camera was doable but very unsafe.

Driving with the RV the auto-leveling alarm sounding for 3-5 minutes was distracting and annoying. This annoyance continued for the 13 days we had the RV. Also, not leveling the RV made for several unpleasant campsite experiences as if you were on a boat.

The RV was not clean and ready for use. At the first camp site, I found out BOTH the black and grey water tanks were completely full. I was not expecting to need a sewer connection the first night. Again, we were left scrambling to find a dump station. HRR indicated on their site that the RV will be cleaned and ready to go. They charge a $150 dollar fee for cleaning the RV. This did not happen here!

The black water sensor did not work. I assume this may be due to not requiring RV toilet paper which could interfere with the sensors and give false readings.

We were told that the outdoor speakers were broken, but not that the main awning had holes in it so it could not be used when it rained. Also, the awning on the slide-out was out of its support track and made a horrible thumping/banging sound. It looked like it would just break in two.

We were completely disappointed in this rental experience and our trip to see family for Christmas. I was disappointed that the RV was not as advertised and was not ready for use. I was disappointed in the communication with HRR. I am concerned that HRR does not properly service and maintain this RV and communicate honestly with renters. I do not feel that HRR is concerned about the renter’s safety and comfort. I thought I paid for an RV that was in good service and ready to use. However, I did NOT get what I paid for! I will not rent this RV ever again and advise others to do the same!