Fleetwood Bankruptcy - ConstructionQuality

Buying a 10 or more year old rig, of any brand, can mean having to repair or replace the roof air conditioner, dash A/C, fridge, water heater, fresh water pump, awning, and microwave in the near future, in addition to replacing tires at 6 year intervals. Ask to see paperwork for any major repairs or replacements "just done". The engine, transmission, cooling system, and brake system may also need work. If you can afford it, try to buy a rig around 3 years old that needs nothing and put money aside for eventual repairs and maintenance.

Thank you all for your comments. I feel better about buying one. I was concerned because there are a good number for sale and I didn't want to exclude them from my search. They both look like nice units. I particularly like the Tioga. My search goes on. Got to get a C and let the snow chase me south from NH.

At that age who took care of the rig, and how well (or how badly) is more important then who built it.

I once looked at a New Horizon (the best made 5er in the world) that was just a few years old and it was trashed. Just junk.
I also looked at a Fleetwood that was 20 years old and looked like it had rolled off the showroom floor to a storage building and had been left sealed for all those years.

Like many successful companies, Fleetwood kept expanding, including manufactured housing in Mexico, which was a mistake. Since then, they filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, and were acquired by a new group of investors that sold off the manufactured housing unit and the TT unit. They've since emerged from bankruptcy and are now "American Industrial Products", located in Indiana, making RVs, Ambulances, Fire Trucks, School Busses, etc. Basically, large motorized vehicles.

I think the quality of that particular unit would be apparent. It is 6 years old how does it look? If it looks good and everything works after 6 years of use i would say it is a quality unit.

The build quality of my 2006 Tioga is very good. It was a previous rental and even after all that, all of the interior is in great shape. With all the cabinet doors and drawers working as they should and show no sign of replacement or removal.

Everything is tight and shipshape. Surprisingly quiet for what it is. All of the exterior also is in good shape as are all the storage compartment doors and plumbing.

I would not be afraid of buying one because of the bankruptcy.

Mich F wrote:
I believe it was in 2009 they filed for bankruptcy and I can't see how that would have any affect on the quality of a 1995 - 2000 motor home.

X2 Same answer even if it was 2006 filing.

I believe it was in 2009 they filed for bankruptcy and I can't see how that would have any affect on the quality of a 1995 - 2000 motor home.