We went thru much the same thing when looking for a rig in 2009. We did find that some companys had started making them with metal frame work and vaccuum formed panels with single piece sides, rear and roof in the coach instead of wood in the late 90's. They are well worth looking for as you get away from the wood frame coach. Leaks however are still a problem so need to really check. We did find a Fleetwood Jamboree we liked. No problems yet. Prices seemed to be more about year than how they were built.
Good luck.
