Low End RVs - UPDATED - I bought it!

I kind of wonder what people are thinking when they use the term entry level RVs ?????? I guess with that mentality a Chevy is an entry level car ????? ......

I can say that our lower priced basic PUMA is better quality than many of the "high end" trailers No fireplace or frills, Same RV appliance, same axles, same tires,same LP tanks,same AC, Same flooring, it does have a wood frame, and Alum siding our 30K trailer seems to have less issues than the 50-90K Sabre's, Cardinals etc.

More $ does not always mean better quality when it comes to RVs. I like basic less to go wrong.

I bought a new Hideout travel trailer in '12 and kept it for 2 yrs moving to a fifth wheel. I was very happy with the Hideout.

Thanks everyone.... I appreciate the info.

Just to clarify - it's not that I can't/won't pay for a higher quality unit. I just have some very specific "must haves" (more to the point, my DW does :)) and the unit in question pretty much fits them all. I'm going back today with the family to take a look.

I've considering driving a great distance to get a trailer but this one happens to be at a dealer that's just 10 minutes away. Having the selling dealer nearby for warranty work makes the prospect of owning a cheap trailer a bit more doable, I suppose.

Dayle1 wrote:

TXiceman wrote:
vinyl wrapped particle board cabinets,

In 25 years, the only unit I've seen that used particle board cabinets was the original Outback with it's white cabinets. Particle board is just too heavy and too weak to be used extensively regardless of price. Generally when weight is a concern, cabinet frames are just made from 1 x 1 framing and 1/8 inch paneling with vinyl wrapped softwood face frames.

Maybe there is the difference. My Outback is considered mid-range. The cabinets are real, solid wood. Not paneling, and not covered with wall paper that looks like wood.

TXiceman wrote:
vinyl wrapped particle board cabinets,

In 25 years, the only unit I've seen that used particle board cabinets was the original Outback with it's white cabinets. Particle board is just too heavy and too weak to be used extensively regardless of price. Generally when weight is a concern, cabinet frames are just made from 1 x 1 framing and 1/8 inch paneling with vinyl wrapped softwood face frames.

Higher priced units are not necessarily better built, they are generally built with more expensive and fancier items. So, poor installation of items like slide out motors, water pumps, holding tanks, etc can still cause problems at any price. Only a few brands really care about quality under the skin and they are either out of business or too expensive.

But if you are hard on a unit, then thicker sub flooring, higher quality vinyl flooring, and hardwood cabinet frames (vs vinyl wrapped solid wood frames) may be worth the higher price. But many people get many good years and camp nights with less expensive units.

My last trailer was a Springdale and I would put that under the Keystone budget models. I liked the price and the features, but it was not a well made unit. If your budget will allow you to move up a bit, I think you will be happier in the long run.

The lower end trailers will use pretty much the same appliances. If there are multiple trim grades it will get the cheapest grade. It will get the cheaper awning, lighter and cheaper axles, tire and brakes, smaller propane bottles, one battery, lighter weight and cheaper furniture, vinyl wrapped particle board cabinets, smaller refrigerator, cheaper window shades/covering, cheaper flooring, smaller A/C, cheaper lights, etc.

Other than these items, the general construction of the walls and frame is generally the same as the higher end trailers. The frame on some light weight trailers are often lighter and tapered. The rear bumpers are often very light weight.

Have fun looking.

Ken

We have a low-end TrailCruiser.

Refrig, Furnace, A/C, and most installed items are the same as would be in any 5er of same size.

Frame, axels, etc. the same.

Fit, finish etc. low end (sofa makes sleeping on rocks good).

We've had the unit 10 years now, and expect to keep it until we finally can't travel anymore.