rv consumer group

Back in 2003 we bought their ratings book and used it to decide on what RV's to look at, further research, and finally purchase after seeing our SB in person.

We used it two years ago and it was worth the money. They rate very conservatively and are very thorough in their checklists and things. We were originally wanting to see a 2006 Carriage at a dealer not far away, but found it had a delaminated slideout and some water damage. Looked at five others that were on my 'list' from their online inventory and ended up settling on our Montana after two inspections. Hadn't come with everything to do a thorough one the first time, so we drove back a few days later.

The one thing just about any dealership won't want to do is put water in the fresh tank and let you look for leaks. We checked through all the appliances - found that somehow the antenna connector on the back of the 40" TV was broken off. The dealer got us a new one without any questions, but thoroughly looking through everything saved a trip back after purchase.

We've used them as a resource in the past, and would do so again in the future.

They (used to?) sell a book on teaching how to inspect an RV yourself, how to look for important things and look past colors, fabrics, etc.

There are lots of interesting "rumors" past around about them. Like how they don't actually inspect RVs (they do), how some makers pay them for good reviews, etc.
I suspect many of these are started by dealers and builders that don't want the buyers to have as many tools available as possible.
At one point the principals were "banned" from attending local RV shows, a move by a few builders (now gone) and dealers (dito).

Your best review is your own judgement and scanning real world users of the RV you are considering by asking questions and reading real owners good and bad comments on this forum and on the forums specific to the RV you are considering. In my opinion,real world experience has more value than someone on a payroll Who may haver never in his life ever spent a single night in an RV or ever towed anything except a yard wagon behind his riding mower. Consumer reports are ok I suppose. But if you want real world answers you've already found your best source right here!

Many years ago when I first started researching rvs I purchased the full package. I found much more information on forums such as here, IRV2, escapees, yahoo owners groups and fmca. I personally would rate their information slightly useful. There are many inconsistencies. For instance they rated one rv as a full time rv but a sister rv with the same exact build was not rated for full timing, very confusing.

If you are like me and most others who purchased you will probably buy it in the hopes of getting that one or two pieces of information that you think is unavailable anywhere else. Unfortunately you wont find any unique info. Keep reading and asking questions on forums and owners groups on yahoo.