I can only speak of my experience as an Excel owner. Months of research and scanning Craig's list I found our part time unit only 300 miles away. At 28 ft and a 97 it has fit our needs for 4 months in the winter and 4 in summer. Excel is built from the ground up in a small town in Kansas. Frame, oak cabinets, upholstery etc. Most units use appliances from vendors and yes they fail and all need maintenance. DR and Teton are beasts and require a big and expensive truck. I would also suggest that you not spend 50k and have the depreciation. Especially if you are not paying cash which is always the way to go. We got a bargain from a widow lady on a unit that was well maintained. A snowbird friend traded his Excel for a new Montana and has serious buyers remorse. Like the other units mentioned they were also on my list but we love our Excel.
