In the market !!

DrewE wrote:
Most of Desert Captain's suggestions are worthy of consideration, even if one might reasonably disagree with their severity or importance, but I must very much disagree with this one:

Desert Captain wrote:

Look deep into lockers and behind drawers... find particle board/plywood? Run Forrest run!

I rather doubt there is a class C made that does not use plywood or particle board for the basic cabinet carcasses, possibly covered with melamine or some similar surface. The only other options I know of for RVs is some sort of fiberglass, roto-molded plastic, or sheet metal structure, and I think those are only used for outside compartments or on molded fiberglass trailers ("egg trailers" like the Scamp, Casitas, etc.). Sheet metal would tend to be rather noisy when traveling, I suspect, acting something as a cymbal when going over bumps.

Sometimes there is a framework of wood sticks with think plywood or some similar sheet goods for the wall panels, but that's still plywood/particle board.

A plywood cabinet carcass, if well-made, is sturdy and dimensionally stable and a perfectly sound way of building things. Particle board and pressboard and similar products can also be sturdy and stable, but many disintegrate quite rapidly if they get at all wet, which is a distinct disadvantage.

Like I said... opinions vary. There is no particle board, none, zip, nada anywhere in my Nexus. The use of particle board, for the very reason you pointed out, illustrates quite clearly a cheaply built rig. Nexus uses Azdell vs Luan {which is plywood} in its walls and roof. Google Azdell for the many advantages of utilizing this material. Most of the higher end coaches have finally followed Lance and Nexus down this manufacturing path.

I have yet to find any plywood in my coach but rumor has it there may be a sheet under the rear queen though I have never had occasion to look. All of the cabinetry and drawers are made of solid wood, most of it handcrafted Maple {gotta love that Amish craftsmanship}.

Despite all of the junk on the market, there are lots of quality built units to choose from. "Entry Level" is usually salesman speak for a poorly designed and built coach. Coach House, Phoenix Cruiser, Lazy Days, Nexus, Born Free and some of the higher end Winnebago's are just a few of the better-built coaches that can easily be found in the used marketplace where, IMHO, the best values exist.

Find the floor plan that will work well for your intended usage in the best-built rig possible and you cannot go wrong. Once again...

As always.... Opinions and YMMV.

:C