Forest River Craftsmanship

I suspect that not only do they use cheaper materials, but they probably have to spend much less time on the lower-end units.

Scott is right. The labor pool is probably exactly the same across the board. The only difference being the materials used on the upper end are better, stronger, more durable, etc.

WoodGlue

I'm sure that thing like the cabinets, trim, furniture are probably of better material, but is the structure itself any different? Do they use the same material on the roof? Are the walls constructed differently, with "better material" ?

To the OP;

It doesn't matter the manufacturer...there is a reason there are choices of models/lightweight inexpensive to luxurious and that is quality of materials.

This has nothing to do with how they are put together but more on what goes into the final product.

When I did the factory tour, I believe CC and maybe the silverback line was the only ones built in that building.

DRM796 wrote:
I'm sure that thing like the cabinets, trim, furniture are probably of better material, but is the structure itself any different? Do they use the same material on the roof? Are the walls constructed differently, with "better material" ?

The materials and construction methods of the walls, floor,and roof in the Cedar Creeks and Silverbacks is very different from the other Forest River brands.

I thought this is why you see the differences but could be wrong. Each of their Brands were independent manufactures that were bought out by Forrest River but are still run as independent units using the buying power of one Big Corporation for materials and appliances to save costs. That is why the factories are all spread out.

You got it Trail-mate.

Trail-Mate wrote:
I thought this is why you see the differences but could be wrong. Each of their Brands were independent manufactures that were bought out by Forrest River but are still run as independent units using the buying power of one Big Corporation for materials and appliances to save costs. That is why the factories are all spread out.

Exactly. I do think that Forest River should take action at plants with quality problems to correct them. Even if it means getting rid of some management people at those plants.

-BC-

sidney wrote:

DRM796 wrote:
I'm sure that thing like the cabinets, trim, furniture are probably of better material, but is the structure itself any different? Do they use the same material on the roof? Are the walls constructed differently, with "better material" ?

The materials and construction methods of the walls, floor,and roof in the Cedar Creeks and Silverbacks is very different from the other Forest River brands.

Forest River is a holding company. They buy a company and leave it pretty much alone. The Cardinals and the Cedar Creeks, along with the others remain separate companies. I am sure that things like wheels and tires, Axles, and other components benefit in "buying power", however a Cardinal is still a Cardinal and a Cedar Creek is still a Cedar Creek.

My 2005 Cardinal has Vacuum Bonded walls with aluminum studs and aluminum roof trusses. Regarding Vacuum Bonding. The inter paneling, studs and foam, and the outer gel coat/fiberglass is vacuum bonded into a single structure. This creates a very strong wall structure.

Chris