rating RVs

One quick thing to look for is a arched/crown roof (Jayco calls it their Magnum Truss). It is almost and industry standard, but any company NOT using it is trying to save a buck.

"Rubber" roofs are pretty standard, but take a lot of maintenance (inspections, washing, UV protectant, caulking) if you want it to last a long time (or park it under a roof). Fiberglass or aluminum are better, but not common ($$$).

There is, what seems to be, a never ending debate between wood/fiberglass insulation/aluminum siding and aluminum/solid foam/fiberglass siding. Both have their positives and negatives.

Some of the "light weight" models use aluminum frame/foam core/composite floors (very similar to wall construction). If not properly engineered, these will get soft in high traffic areas. Many companies gave up and went back to plywood.

Pocket screwed cabinet frames are much stronger than stapled.

If you are serious about a 5er, try to find one with a residential refrigerator, unless you are planning on doing a lot of boondocking. If you do decide to go with a residential refrigerator, the battery box should hold two 6V golf cart batteries and the unit should include at least a 1000W inverter. Converter/chargers are another place where companies go cheap. You are better off with a top of the line inverter/charger with built in transfer switch and just a "dumb" DC distribution panel.

Great stuff, and thanks. I will look at the suggestions posted and soldier on.

Dick_B wrote:
I'd also check out the RV Consumer Group, https://rv.org/

They get their information from the manufacturer. They don't test them personally.

OP: You stated you're looking for a 5th wheel. There are some high quality ones out there but are you willing to pay for them? Most vacationers/weekenders don't want to pay the price, understandably so. New Horizons is one of them - they'll build to your specs.

It's a shame more reasonably-priced RVs don't have quality but if you ever went to a factory and saw how they're made you would see why. They are mass-produced quickly.

The question is, are you handy or have a fat wallet? We purchased 6 year old 5er and lived and traveled in it for 7 1/2 years. It was a well constructed unit but the parts were ageing out, Refrigerator, water heater, fucets, converter, furniture. Not complaining but these were all componets the structure was still sound. We orginaly purchased used as we didn't know whether full time RVing was for us. The only things we went to a shop for was tires and brakes. I was able to handle all other necessary repairs or replacements. After 50,000 miles criss crossing the country we traded our home for a new trailer. Is it perfect, no, but the few problems are with componets not with the structure itself and covered under warranty. Both of which I can replace myself if manufacture sends me the parts.

I'd also check out the RV Consumer Group, https://rv.org/, for their ratings. We used the book that was published at that time to weed out those with lower ratings and ended up with a SunnyBrook with which we have been and still are satisfied.
I'd also check out New Horizons RV; http://horizonsrv.com/

I think ScottG hit the nail right on the head. It's really a mater of ones's expectations that determines "value" and "good workmanship."

Every RV is going to have initial touch up fixes. If not, you'll be doing self modifications and changes within the first month anyway. Its all about your own preception and just how "critical" is it to find a loose screw on a cabine door to you, or someone else. You may fall apart over a loose screw and call the entire camper a hunk of junk because of it. Someone else would just tighten the screw and forget it!

There is no "perfect" RV out there anywhere. All of them DEMAND constant vigilant care and upkeep and this is where the big "myth" about "quality" originates from. Those folks who abuse their campers and then scream they are not good quality are the same ones who never check the oil in their cars, burn out their engines and then scream it was a manufacturer's defect! Same is true with a camper (of any kind). Use it, abuse it, neglect it, and none of them will last more than 6 months. Meticulously maintain every inch of the RV and it can last a lifetime!

You buy an RV, and you have not just purchased a convenient way to take a 2 week summer vacation, you have just purchased a LIFE STYLE. Your RV will require your full attention. It is not a plug-in-and-play-get-it-and-forget-it toy. It's a life long, constant, vigilant, hobby that cannot be neglected (If you want to keep your camper in good working order and looking good).

"NO One makes a decent unit." But we mostly hear from those that are unhappy. I'm happy and most of the RVers I meet on the road and in the CGs are happy. All RVs are wooden/aluminum boxes that bounce down the road and that breaks and loosens stuff.

Another couple of considerations,
Where are you? Some brands highly touted on here have no, or very few dealers east of Denver.
Also notice that the remaining manufacturers make many different lines. Forest River makes about 39 different lines of travel trailers, Everything from the cheapest they can come with a way to stick something together, to some that are decently designed and constructed units.
Best suggestion is to find a floorplan that you like, then start going through the lines, in general , avoid the cheapest line from most manufacturers, You can find most floorplans offered in just about every product line, so select the one that meets your price point, then verify construction items that matter to you. Filon exterior, corian countertops, whatever are the top things for you.
Generally better quality materials will be a little higher end, but they wont put too much more time into them or the price point goes up again.

On the other /Nationwide brands, I would suggest you try to determine how you intend to use it. RV Parks, Boondocking, always on utilities or large tanks to carry more water. All come into play in your decision.

Sorry but quality in a trailer is hard to find. Last winter I was at several shows and looked at a bunch of big DPs...I'm not going back to a trailer. My two biggest impressions were they need to put these DPs on a diet and I'm full of it but I do not need a bath and a half. It was hard to find a big DP that was not a bath and a half and many had 365/80/22.5 tires on the front and some even on the tag axle.

As for quality...between the dark colors and lots of mirrors, it was hard to tell unless you looked carefully. I can tell you this, none had better woodwork than my 04 Dynasty (three from the top in the Monaco lineup). No, I did not look at any Prevost, Newell, or even Foretravel DPs as I'm not going to spend that amount of money on anything other than maybe a big house on a lakefront lot. Bottom line...I'll keep what I have.

It kind of depends on how meticulous or picky people are too. I realize that I am extremely picky. I see quality issues with just about every RV I see at shows.
I bought our AF because it's built a little bit better but the workmanship and attention to detail is terrible and sloppy. My old Wildcat had much better workmanship but lower quality materials.