Forum Discussion

Jayla's avatar
Jayla
Explorer
Jul 25, 2015

I'm completely discouraged after reading these posts...

I'm retiring in three years and was looking forward to purchasing a 5th wheeler to take on the road. Came here looking for advice, tips, etc. and all I see are problems, problems, problems. Systems that don't work, expensive repairs, units that do nothing but leak, poor customer service everywhere, and problems at RV parks. Wow, I'm just so discouraged now, I'm thinking I should totally abandon this idea and start looking for something else. I don't mind educating myself on minor maintenance and repair but I'm looking for a positive fulfilling traveling experience, not a job in Resolving Nothing But Problems.

70 Replies

  • If you own an rv you better be good with tools or a check book. Taking your house through earthquakes and hurricanes will put some strain on anything.
  • path1 wrote:
    Just look at all the money this forum has saved you.


    Ha ha ha ha ha . . . and . . . one less person we don't have to worry about taking one of our wonderful boondocking sites!
  • Jayla wrote:
    I'm retiring in three years and was looking forward to purchasing a 5th wheeler to take on the road. Came here looking for advice, tips, etc. and all I see are problems, problems, problems. Systems that don't work, expensive repairs, units that do nothing but leak, poor customer service everywhere, and problems at RV parks. Wow, I'm just so discouraged now, I'm thinking I should totally abandon this idea and start looking for something else. I don't mind educating myself on minor maintenance and repair but I'm looking for a positive fulfilling traveling experience, not a job in Resolving Nothing But Problems.


    My wife and I have owned 9 motorhomes over the past 42 years. Only one had a major issue - a blown head gasket. We have only purchased one new - our current 2016 Thor Vegas. Maybe because we bought used most of the problems were already taken care of.

    Don't let the negative comments alter your desire. I have NEVER had a service issue at any dealership. Maybe lucky? Maybe because I communicate my wishes.

    Good luck with whatever you choose and happy retirement!!
  • To me RVing is a lot better than setting on the sofa at home. Yes I had problems with mine and will have more. But I love traveling and seeing this beautiful country. Safe Travels.
  • Probably 75% of us have very few problems while on the road. The key is picking a brand with a reputable reputation, and good maintenance. Yea, every RV requires maintenance at least a few times a year. My RV is 10 years old and the number of repairs on the road has been zero. I take care of problems at home when I can. Last month for the first time I had to buy new tires while on the road for my truck. Unless you are mechanically inclined and handy repairs can get very expensive. Again,I do all my own work. The RV lifestyle is not cheap. Park fees alone can cost you 1500 a month or more if your traveling. Monthly rates can range from 300 to a thousand a month. Add fuel, electricity and propane,an apartment or home can be cheaper.
  • Just look at all the money this forum has saved you.
  • think of the millions of rv,er,s that don,t have a problem. this site is for guys that need a little help now and then, welcome ,you,ll love your new rv, a lot of repairs have been made easy by all the knowledge on here. you to will be asking what rv to buy.
  • Do you drive a car? A truck? Go to web sites for those vehicles and you will see post after post about problems with them, no matter the brand. People post when they have a problem. And the obvious frustration just makes it sound even worse. The vast majority who have little to no problem don't post about that. Would really be pretty boring reading if they did.