Just Suppose

I am glad this topic is still "alive" !

IMHO, production speed is not the "root of all evil" and slowing down will not necessarily fix all problems.

I think most consumers would agree, the number one concern is water intrusion. A seamless rubber roof is a good start. Jayco's "Magnum Truss Roof System" (NOT a flat roof) is another positive. While it may look odd, I think the roof need to overhang the sides so there is less chance of water entering the walls at the top.

Another possibility is a metal roof that rolls over the side and joins the wall on the vertical (look at enclosed landscape trailers). Metal Z-flashing at the seam would prevent water intrusion.

Perhaps small awnings/shields (that fit under the outer skin) over all windows, to eliminate another potential entrance place for water.

Floors must be upgraded. Plywood must use "water and boil proof" glue, like in marine plywood. The side facing down should be made of a synthetic material and sealed between sheets (like ZIP System sheathing) or the entire bottom should be covered in some type a quality synthetic "cloth".

And this is the hard one and I expect the "root" of many problems. The overall "stiffness" MUST be increased from the bottom up ! Heavier gauge metal in the frame. More, and heavier gauge cross members. Triple axles should be used more to help eliminate flexing.

The last and most important thing is, change the design of the wall to have less racking and twisting. Built in structural wind bracing. Triangulation between the ceiling joist and wall (if there was adequate roof overhang this could actually be on the outside) and triangulation between the cross members and the walls.

ALL of the above add weight and cost, the 2 biggest "evils" in the industry

I might be way off on my possible proposed solutions but I am certain that flexing causes a lot of water intrusion issues. Perhaps a study of cargo trailers is required.

The last thing that consumers can do to help themselves is store you rig under a roof or a good tarp. After rain water, UV is your biggest enemy.

This may sound crazy, but I think they need to cut down on the number of models they build. How many different models of travel trailers does Forest River make??? It's a ton. I think if they cut down on the models they could standardize the build process more, and find problem areas easier, and correct them. This would let them set up jigs to assemble better and quicker.

I think by doing this you could build them better, and quicker and not affect the cost very much.

We have way more models of campers available than models of cars, and there are alot less campers sold.

You could have different materials for counter tops, and fabrics to appeal for taste, but limit the floor plans.

Some of our best quality higher end line of RV trailer brands are gone.
Closed. Shut down.

They manufactured a quality product but they simply couldn't compete with other manufacturers that produced same size lower cost units which most of our buying public demands.

SO.....Add up all the silly (and I mean silly) and serious ideas presented to run one companies QC department and the company will be closed in one year for lack of sales.

Many folks demand quality but then don't want to pay for it.

I have a little experience on this topic as I just purchased a new travel trailer. My biggest complaint is the manufacturer did not do a quality check on this unit before it left the factory. Just a couple examples: NONE of the windows latch securely, FURNACE runs with the thermostat in the OFF position, Tank indicators say the tanks are full when they are actually empty. I could go on but my point is: Check the units before they go to the dealer.

Money talks. Have a true quality control inspection at each assembly point. And pay a bonus to the workers when they have a unit pass inspection with 0 defects.

To improve manufacturing standards, I'd mandate more quality checks at at different steps of the build including those that occur off site. To keep the off site part builds in line with my company's vision I'd write stronger specifications.

Basically the end from my POV.

Why should I bother? If they did it my way, they wold go broke. But, it doesn't stop me from being angry at ......well, that was in 2005, on a 2003 model. I'll give them the benefit of the doubt, I suspect they're doing a better job now (of course, at today's MSRPs I'm sure they can afford to produce a better product).

Slow down the asembly line. Have all employees sign off on their work and give bonus for no come backs. Instill pride of craftsmanship.

Only hire seniors over 60! Attendance on the job will be higher, problems lower, attention to detail better. At age 65-67 let them help build their own snowbird rig and retire!

Listen to these older workers and do not build trailers to the inflated ratings of cheap ST tires. Build your frames in-house!

fpresto wrote:
Before you can do anything you have to check your target market. If it is millionaires then you are good to go. If it is "average" consumers then your first step is to get your résumé out because you will be soon job hunting. As long as the American consumer makes buying choices on cost not quality you will soon bankrupt the company. Walmart proves this every day. Even on this forum there are probably more questions about how much off of MSRP can I get than which unit has the better quality.

I bought my first RV last Spring. What I found really hard to figure out is which manufacturers are known for good quality.

I looked hard and never really found a way to tell who makes good quality units. People on forums have opinions about it, but no industry standard approach to rating manufacturers.