RV Quality

colliehauler wrote:

mtofell1 wrote:
Consumers have ultimately laid the framework for the state of the industry. We are not willing to pay for quality (or buy the big trucks necessary to move a quality unit). How many Mobile Suites are sold compared to Keystone trailers? There are high quality units out there.... we just prefer go for a cheap one and then be frustrated about it (no slam intended at the OP.... I'm right there with you).

I agree completely with your statement. I have met the enemy and they are us. Most of the high end mfg have left the industry or been purchased by Thor of Forest River.

I own both Thor and Keystone RV'S and for my use they do just fine. I have skills that I can repair or modify the RV to suit my needs. What most people don't take in to account is prices have not gone up as much as vehicle's. The big two have kept prices low enough that just about anyone with a good job can afford a RV. The do it by purchasing in large quantities that small mfg can not. They have kept labor cheep as well which means the only way to control cost is less time per unit.

People had choices over the years to purchase a high end RV. People buy what they perceive as best bang for the buck. Good example is the Montana by Keystone is no where near the price of a New Horizon but looks similar in appearance. Most people purchase by appearance not by frame quality or way it's put together. Then when problems arise are surprised by the lack of response from the mfg or the way it's built.

By reading some of the responses on rv forum most don't know the difference between between low med and high end RV'S, they all look the same to them.

I can understand the frustration of a new buyer expecting the quality of a new car only to be sadly disappointed. While my Keystone and Thor might not be the best quality it still allows me to have my beach front resort, my mountain hideaway, or my lake side cabin, at a affordable price to me that's what it's all about.

I sometimes think of airline travel the same way. We all get frustrated about how we get packed in like sardines with no legroom and hard seats, no more hot food, no entertainment, etc., etc. But, we all refuse to pay premium prices so the industry has kind of landed where it has.

I certainly get frustrated with my RV but sometimes I'm actually amazed at how much value I received for my 30K. New 5th wheel, 2 bathrooms, a furnace, water heater, A/C and all the other stuff. All on wheels and I can just hook up up and drag it over bumpy roads and the things will "usually" work once I arrive at my destination. It's all pretty amazing, really.