What is cheap?

Cheap is a relative term. To a fellow with a $30k RV, $20k is cheap. To a fellow with a $120K RV, $100k is cheap.

Generally, a more expensive rig is heavier and better built using better materials. Some manufacturers, use the same frame and construction, just add some fancy electronics, slap on some bling, charge more and call it a high end RV.

For an example, our 5er in the signature has a 14" high powder coated frame, dual pane windows, heavier furniture, all wood cabinets, residential frig, three axles, Mor/Ryde IS suspension and the list goes on. The GVWR on the trailer is 19,000#.

Our is relatively high end, but to someone with a New Horizon or a SpaceCraft 5er, ours is a cheap RV.


Ken

In my experience, any rig that cost less than the rig the person you are talking to owns is a cheap bunch of crud. And any rig that is more expensive than their rig is a pretentious, overpriced, ego driven purchase not worth anywhere close to the amount they are selling for.

Dayle1 wrote:
I agree with several comments, there is no guarantee of a good unit at any price. Good quality and bad quality co-exist at any price point. And they co-exist from the same manufacturer with higher priced units actually worse quality than lower priced units.

Best advise for a newbie, buy a used unit rather than new. And don't buy from a dealer, they don't know the history of a trade-in and don't care. Either buy an inexpensive used unit to get your feet wet, any brand. Or buy a used high end unit, New Horizon, DRV, Carriage, etc.

Very good advise.

I agree with several comments, there is no guarantee of a good unit at any price. Good quality and bad quality co-exist at any price point. And they co-exist from the same manufacturer with higher priced units actually worse quality than lower priced units.

Best advise for a newbie, buy a used unit rather than new. And don't buy from a dealer, they don't know the history of a trade-in and don't care. Either buy an inexpensive used unit to get your feet wet, any brand. Or buy a used high end unit, New Horizon, DRV, Carriage, etc.

Some of the mid - upper range fivers are just heavier built per sq ft, 16 inch on centre framing, even around windows,hung wall const, higher end windows, heavier framing on slide outs, More rigid frames, heavier Gel coat walls vs filon fibreglass finish. For similar use a way more durable over the long range, just my experience.

Just because one 5er cost less than another does not mean it is made cheaper, just like a higher price doesn't mean it is better. I have seen folks buy a "entry level" RV, and get much more service, and have far less problems than folks that have paid out the nose for a "high end" RV. Like every thing else. How good they are, and how long they will last, is dependent on how you care for it.

So find the one you like. Look it over very carefully, and make your own decision on if it suits your needs or not.

I don't trust the rigs that have `lite' in the model name. Something's got to be left out to save weight and extra capacity may be one of the items eg. extra capacity in the frame or walls or countertops, etc.

$80,000 should get a very nice rig.
However, I would not judge price only for a rig.
Look at things like the frame. Does it have a good solid I-beam style or a sheet metal one.
Look at the cabinets. Are the pressed wood covered with paper or are they real wood.
Look and feel the carpet. Is it rough or is it smooth and soft. Do you want carpet all over or vinyl?
What is weight of rig? What are the tires rated as compared to max weight on sticker? How much cargo can you haul. Difference between dry weigh and max weight.

Also consider weight. Generally, the heavier the better for lots of towing and living. And you're going to pay for heavy.

Everyone has a different take on price. In my experience, price and value go hand in hand. I never sweat getting a "good deal". I sweat getting a good product.

Thanks for the quick replies. We are going to the RV show in Hershey in a couple of weeks. And we have already gotten prices on fivers. One was 35% off MSRP. That's what I'm aiming for on the other ones we look at.