Quality getting any better?

Our Grand design reflection 5er has been, knock on wood, relatively trouble free. Minor issues with components, DVD/radio readout doesn't light up, AC acts up a bit. So far, I haven't had to do as much minor stuff like I did with previous big Horn. We have had it for 2 yrs.

Quality seems to be an option in the RV manufacturing world. I truly believe that they have NO CLUE when it comes to Quality. It’s all about quantity, cutting corners wherever they can and get as high a price for their product as they can. I believe with almost all RV Manufacturers there is NO QUALTY PROCESS INCORPORATED INTO THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS. I don’t think they have a Quality Dept like we had at Ingersoll Rand, Hercules or Continental Automotive, where I have almost 44 years in the manufacturing industry as an Engineer, a Machining Supervisor and a Production Supervisor. I’ve never seen such lackluster manufacturing processes, with no quality processes in place. If a mistake is made, I believe it’s covered up. I really don’t believe these manufacturers have REAL ENGINEERS IN THE MANUFACTURING OR QUALITY DEPARTMENTS.. I’ve not seen it. Workers need to be trained in 5S, lean manufacturing, etc and Manufacturers need to hire actual quality and manufacturing engineers.
Some say the dealer makes it right?!! I drive on a lot, buy a brand new truck or car, I don’t expect it to be in and out of the shop RIGHT OFF THE BAT!! And think I feel good about it because the dealer is working with me!!??. Most RV manufacturers don’t understand the concept of doing it right the first time. It’s pathetic how much money we spend on RV’s and spend downtime getting them repaired as a brand new unit.
I believe most manufacturers just don’t care, build them quickly, send them out the door, defects and all and put the responsibility on the dealer... AND, the manufacturer IS SO STUPID, that they’ll repair and repair during the warranty period, but never learn from their mistakes! They have no real quality steps and checks built into the manufacturing process. I don’t know that they ever will. I’d love to talk with “so called” Quality and production departments and try to understand why they know little to nothing about THOSE processes. Makes me mad to think about it. Quality without Compromise was Continentals Quality statement.. I believe the quality statement from most RV manufacturers is, “huh?” , or, “what’s that?”.

Jim

On our trip to Az we parked next to a popular large fifth. 4th fifth for them. first 3 were very good but this one has been trouble since it was new. It was a couple years old. Local rv dealer at home said the frames are the worst he has ever seen. Mostly TT's on his sales lot after having artic fox for a while. He was not talking about the artic products.

chevman

I have to believe there are a few brands being manufactured that quality is the the 2nd. Most important factor, ( other than #1 factor being safety of the employee, quality is next). I do know that distributors of RV components can be a huge issue, frames, auto leveling systems, disc or electric brakes, hydraulic or electric systems, to name just a few. It’s STILL on the manufacturer. IF QUALITY AND MANUFACTURING ENGINEERS FROM THE MANUFACTURER AND THE DISTRIBUTOR GOT TOGETHER AND COMPARED SPECS AND AGREE ON WHAT THE DISTRIBUTOR SUPPLIES THEM, it wouldn’t be as bad. But I swear, I find it hard to believe that there is much communication between manufacturers and their distributors. Some distributors should be out of business, but two factors cause a lot of issues, some distributors who are” the only game in town” and those that sell in quantity, cheap equipment, ie, Tires and electronics. Some of this stuff is just junk.. and manufacturers just don’t care.. buy cheap.... sell as high as they can get away with. The fault is on the manufacturer AND the distributors that the manufacturer chooses to use. As far as frames and auto leveling systems, LCI seems to have a strangle hold on manufacturers and manufacturers live with mediocrity..... and we, the customer get stuck with it. I’ve been RV’ing and towing since 70’( minus four years in the Air Force), and I think Quality has gotten worse instead of better in quality and manufacturing processes and in training of workers.

Jim

Why lose money on quality when they can't sell em fast enough? Until they have to have stiff competition from sales where quality is part of the equation then quality will always take a back seat to bling. Most buyers just look at the outside (curb appeal) and then when they go inside they want to see cool features and nice color coordinated interiors. Fancy swirly designs on valances, recliners, pull out faucets, etc. Most don't have a clue about CCC, what tires are on it, is there gussets welded above the spring hangers for extra strength. They don't look inside the cabinets to see the mess back there, They just want a cool looking RV. I know this is true because I read so many times about buyers complaining about things that should've been noticed before even deciding to purchase the RV. Like I didn't realize the steps were so tall going into the bedroom. My recliner doesn't work right. The stereo won't play DVD's. Most are too enamored with all the cheap plastic bling to do in depth research. And many don't really know that there's cheap stuff in RV's. Just hang out an an RV show and it's amazing what turns people on.

I think that every time anyone does their own repair during the warranty period, they should send the mfr a bill for their time, same as the dealer would do, then sue them if they don't pay up. Be a nice class-action...

Lyle

batavia02 wrote:
Question all this is open question to 5 th wheel owners from what I have read it seems that 5 th wheel workmanship is getting worse not better .I do not mean poor work-workmanship at the dealer level or damage in transit or the well documented tire issues I mean factory floor workmanship that is bad welds, parts not being installed correctly or flat out wrong am curious to know what the opionins and is the workmanship on grand design as good as the customer service seems to be I read how good the customer care is the only make model with any good workmanship is northwood and outdoor rv our in Oregon in that at least they make their own frames thanks all

I take it that English grammar was not your strong suit.

I have a new 2018 GD and no, the quality is not getting better. Not in my book anyway.

john&bet wrote:
I have a new 2018 GD and no, the quality is not getting better. Not in my book anyway.

You are correct, sad to say.

I agree with all of the above. What is even (to me) more mind boggling is the fact that we as consumers are buying these so-so built recreational vehicles at RECORD numbers!

It's too bad we as consumers don't have import options.

I read somewhere on these forums that maybe if off shore manufactures gave these AMERICAN RV manufactures a run for their money similar to what happened a number of years ago in the automotive industry QUALITY (eventually) would improve.

Just my two ¢s. :(

Dan