What is the reputation on these companies...the quality, warranty response, etc.? we are considering buying new now, so need current info on the companies. I just spoke to a RV Wholesaler salesman and he said that that Jayco was at the bottom of the barrel, so they stopped carrying it. Then Big Horn and Sundance is the next in poor quality, so they are considering dropping them....that they staple the drawers. He steered me toward the Columbus, saying that it was a much better quality, with tongue and groove cabinets....and close to the price of the Sundance. I do not understand this, because the dealer in our state was selling the Sundance for $10,000 less than the Columbus.I told him that I would do my research...which meant asking you kind folks who have no ulterior motive or agenda but to be helpful! :)

Rather than taking a salesmans word, you should find these models and look for yourself

Markup on RV MSRPs is huge. You can subtract 25%-33% right off the bat if you're willing to bargain. I know several Heartland owners who have had major problems with new RVs, but Heartland seems to have a pretty good customer care program and for the most part has taken care of their issues. Do your homework, there is a wealth of information on the net on product reviews.

RV Consumer Group will help you cut to the chase. The cost is equivalent to a tank of diesel and will save you some time and aggravation in talking to salesmen trying to steer you to the product he has floor planned. JMHO

I've had zero problems with my Jayco, and haven't heard or seen a lot of complaints here. To the contrary, I would say many Jayco owners would buy another, and some have. I certainly would. If you do have an issue, their warranty, and even after warranty service appears to be exceptional. Just my $.02.

Thank you! I appreciate hearing from experience!

Fifth wheels - Sundance, Jayco, Columbus, Big Horn, Denali

Dtaylor
Explorer
Oct 01, 2013
Rather than taking a salesmans word, you should find these models and look for yourself
Alley_Fox
Explorer
Oct 01, 2013
Markup on RV MSRPs is huge. You can subtract 25%-33% right off the bat if you're willing to bargain. I know several Heartland owners who have had major problems with new RVs, but Heartland seems to have a pretty good customer care program and for the most part has taken care of their issues. Do your homework, there is a wealth of information on the net on product reviews.
Eycom
Explorer
Oct 01, 2013
RV Consumer Group will help you cut to the chase. The cost is equivalent to a tank of diesel and will save you some time and aggravation in talking to salesmen trying to steer you to the product he has floor planned. JMHO
brirene
Explorer
Oct 01, 2013
I've had zero problems with my Jayco, and haven't heard or seen a lot of complaints here. To the contrary, I would say many Jayco owners would buy another, and some have. I certainly would. If you do have an issue, their warranty, and even after warranty service appears to be exceptional. Just my $.02.
MookieKat
Explorer
Oct 01, 2013
Thank you! I appreciate hearing from experience!
Us_out_West
Explorer
Oct 01, 2013
Had a slide-out issue but Jayco has been excellent with their warranty service on any problems.

Not many have a 2 year warranty like Jayco and that was a consideration in purchasing.
Rob_Fla
Explorer
Oct 01, 2013
We looked at 5th Wheels for several years and our top finalists were Jayco, Heartland and Crossroads, in the end we found the right 5th Wheel for us at the right price and it was a Jayco.
We have been very happy with our Jayco, good company that stands behind their product with a solid 2 year warranty.
We have had a few minor issues that were taken care of, we think we made a good choice.
twins89
Explorer
Oct 01, 2013
On our fourth Jayco product and am very pleased. We did have a large problem on our unit. Took it the 8 hours back to the factory to have it done right and with good technicians. Cost NONE from Jayco due to the managers response "it should have never happened." They had three men working on our unit for about six hours. No charge and it was four years out of warranty. Yes I would buy another one.
thomasmnile
Explorer
Oct 01, 2013
The day an RV manufacturer doesn't use staples/wire brads as a principal fastener in the construction of an RV is the day hell freezes over, or monkeys fly.

Personally, based on your multiple threads, I would recommend none of the brands you ask about. I'd beat the bushes for a used NuWa HitchHiker LS or a Discover America model depending on what size TV you settle on. I owned a used LS for 5 years, bought from a couple that logged a bunch of miles on it the 4 years they owned it..........had zero problems with it, only had to recaulk it and replace the tires.

To me, a used well constructed RV, is a greater value than a brand new, not so well made RV............
mdamerell
Explorer
Oct 01, 2013
Do your homework and look for yourself. Remember, salesmen are their for their good and not your. All three listed are major brands. Find what's right for you and not the salesman.

Heartland has a owners forum you can ask question. Google "Heartland Owners Forum". The company does monitor the sight and does try to make things right.