Like John and some of the others, I wanted to weigh in on the warranty issues.
While we have had more than our share of defects, about half from production, and half from the Factory trying to correct them, I still think Winnie is ahead of the pack. As has been said, this is an industry-wide issue and may be due in part to the wide number of suppliers making the bits. I also agree with John in that there is a calculation made about QC vs. Production. I'd add that they figure only so many people will put their foot down and demand things be properly fixed.... many won't and they avoid those costs.
On the "positive" side, when you go to FC with an appointment, and you are "firm but fair" they have been more than reasonable with us. Sure, we have to take time to go there, but we are usually quite pleased with the outcome. I tend to be more intimately involved with the repair process, and ask a lot of questions. I also review all of the work done each day with my tech(s), veto anything not up to snuff, and review the plans for the following day. I have learned that sometimes, especially when they are very busy, that being proactive about your service items list results in more completed items than if you just let them go at their pace. Being involved and setting up goals and expectations has helped us.
I am headed to Forest City in a few weeks for another week of repairs. After nearly three years, we have most everything fixed, and this last visit should resolve the last few items.
We also make a yearly trip to FC to have the sealants inspected (and documented) and pay for any needed general repairs. Like others, we feel better having the factory do our work, especially in terms of maintaining the sealants. If there is ever any leak, at least I will have an established service history showing that the Factory has been maintaining our unit. It may not count for anything, but I feel better!
