the worse built motorhome you can think of

rockhillmanor wrote:

It is HOW an owner takes care of an RV that is the answer to your question. Not the name of the maker of an RV.

This may be true, but not in the way you intended. That is, some manufacturer's motorhomes may require much more care than others because I don't think all brands are essentially the same.

Several years ago when I looked at OSHA recall data for a number of major Class A brands, it was clear to me that a couple of manufacturers consistently made inferior-quality units.

Maybe that's changed over time, but I doubt it.

Your theory on knowing all about a "manufacturer" of an RV to help you buy a MH is seriously flawed.

Buy 10 new identical motor homes. Give them to 10 different people.

Wait 5 or 6 years.....and you will find 10 motor homes in various stages of cleanliness, some in need of repair and some not in need of repair and probably 1 or 2 that still look and run like brand new.

It is HOW an owner takes care of an RV that is the answer to your question. Not the name of the maker of an RV.

Every RV maker has lemons. 2008 changed the RV industry as a whole from being able to make solid products to competing by price on razor thin margins where for the most part, everything was made at the absolute cheapest level. This was done as a pure survival mechanism, similar to how a plant goes to seed come a prolonged drought.

Sometimes (and this is not a bash at any company specifically), the companies that survive a downturn may not be the ones with the best products. Instead, it might be a company with the best legal team, the best bean counters, or the the best supplier contracts.

I rather mention brands I would buy and qualities of rigs that are necessary or else I move on. For example when buying new, Azdel or aluminum siding is a must, no ifs, ands, or buts about it. A new motorhome either has a fiberglass or metal roof (in the case of "B"s), or I find one that does.

The worst built I know of was not cheap or low end... but.. Well here is the story as best I recall it (not my story)

When they put the interior walls in (After the floor and after the holding tanks) the carpenter used screws that were too long, they went through the wall, through the floor (As they should) and THROUGH THE BLACK TANK.. (oops).

I think you have to look at the MH manufactures reputation and how long they have been in business, that should tell you something of the quality of their product. If a company lacks owner satisfaction they won't be in business long or will go bankrupt. Another thing to look at is, is the MH an entry level or a high end. The fixtures in an entry level rig are not going to be as nice as an high end rig. We looked at a 2011 MH that was new and from a good company, however, the light fixtures in the rig were really cheap like the dome lights on a car and the plumbing fixtures were cheap as well. If you are looking used look for a higher end coach made by a good company that has been well taken care of with good maintenance records. All MH companies/models have their followers who will defend their rigs and get insulted easily, no one wants to be told their MH is substandard which is understandable. If you go to forums with specific MH models like irv2 you can check and see what models have the most complains and make you decision that way. Lots to consider and another good way is just visit lots of RV dealers and poke thru lots of MHs and really take a look at how they are built. Does the MH have solid doors/draws or are they hollow or plywood covered with something, are the fixtures nice or cheap, are the sinks plastic or stainless steel, etc. You can tell cheap from good and check all the nooks, etc especially behind cabinets, etc. Good Luck and Happy Hunting!

A lot depends upon how well it is taken care of too. A Prevost will eventually fall apart under your feet if it not taken care of.

John&Joey wrote:
IMO, all RV's are cheaply made. You just have to keep looking hard enough to find it on some of them.

Given enough time and road miles:

Any motorhome whose cage is made out of wood (vs metal) is going to have problems. Any metal cage that is not welded will have problems (best on two sides.) Any motorhome whose basement cage is steel and not rustproofed will have problems. Any motorhome whose floor is chip wood vs plywood will have problems. Any motorhome that has end caps will have problems. Any motorhome that has a flat roof vs an arched will have problems.

Now you can have all of the above, and still have a good rig. But it's going to be because of the owner, and not the manufacturer.

Any motorhome will have problems period!

I am not a troll and no I am not taking offense But I remember asking a European car specialist what is the best German car and what is the worse he didn't take offense and he answered my question. I post that same kind of question on a forum and people get offended. I just don't understand that. I was asking just to know. not to anger anyone or flame anyone. Geez sometimes people need to get over themselves and enjoy life. If I were a troll I wouldn't join a motorhome forum. There are so many makes of motorhomes and I was honestly wondering what are the cheaper made units. and as I said Someone that is sitting in the driver's seat of their 2013 Prevost going 80 mph getting 10MPG. would look at what I own and say "thank God I have my Prevost" I wouldn't take offense if the Prevost owner thinks my vehicles are less than his or her Prevost. just as I thank God for what he allowed me to have, I wouldn't trade what I have for a pop up. it is relative, I was asking for an education based reason. please don't be offended at my question. it was an honest search for knowledge not to anger anyone. or to have a closed thread or to be accused of being a troll. I guess I will visit a Motorhome salvage yard and ask them. they will probably answer my query without being offended.

shaneperch wrote:
Yes I think a P30 chassis is great. I think my Holiday Rambler has that chassis. It has a tag axle. But I think it is a great chassis. When I drove my Holiday Rambler home, I was passed by truckers (naturally) and never swayed or moved. it felt solid as my buses. I like the p30 chassis.

Well since I own one I guess it gives me the right to say the P30 chassis is the biggest POS out there. Wish I knew 11 years ago what I know now.

When posting questions like this you need to be careful of not getting labeled a "forum troll" - someone who posts an inflammatory post just to get people to start confrontational posts.

I'm not saying that was your intent, and no offense is meant, just the way that you worded the question could have caused a few issues. :)