Newer RVs....ugh

Right now, it really seems that despite some cheap parts here and there, the worst problem is the basic assembly of the units. Flimsy "this and thats" can be tolerated if they're properly installed and secured. The plumbing is strong enough for anything the average Joe can throw at it IF it's installed properly. The dreaded rubber roof will be fine for most users for length of its 10 or more year warranty IF it's installed and sealed the way it should be. Water leaks, which are probably the ultimate bane for most of these boxy RVs, are almost always due to lousy construction/assembly.

I was waiting for the next economic downturn to buy an RV, expecting the work force to lean out the riffraff. But, in retrospect, it seems like the last down turn is when the weak frames and construction practices (no real supports under the holding tanks for instance) became common.

If we keep buying them, I guess we're telling the manufacturers it's OK.

Hmmm

TurnThePage wrote:
If we keep buying them, I guess we're telling the manufacturers it's OK.

Hmmm

Manufacturers will make them "good enough". Few people are willing to pay the higher price for better quality. Price sells for a recreational product.

I happened to buy mine at the right time, and yes I've had to fix and replace some items, and it's going back to the dealer to fix some other things too, but it is what it is.

PAThwacker wrote:
Most campers made are delamninating before they reach the dealer. The junk single axle garbage trailer dominating the newbies are ready to self destruct this winter.

Interesting. Where did you glean this amazing information? Especially like to hear about the "most"

Horsedoc wrote:

PAThwacker wrote:
Most campers made are delamninating before they reach the dealer. The junk single axle garbage trailer dominating the newbies are ready to self destruct this winter.

Interesting. Where did you glean this amazing information? Especially like to hear about the "most"

Well, you know what they say: "73% of statistics are made up on the spot".

lap527 wrote:
Wow, after reading a few post here lately about quality issues I SURE am glad I have no interest in a new RV. We currently have 2 livin lites, a 2013 TC and a 2016 21RBS tt. I know some folks here have 2 rvs and enjoy what both has to offer. Presently DH wants to sell the TC but I love that thing and he enjoys the tt. Soooo we shall see, like the motto sez, happy wife, happy life! LOL! Have a great weekend!

Start of second year I owned my present trailer I noticed the front face starting to de-lam, went on roof and found a obvious roof seam had popped. Took it back to the dealership, they replace the whole front face of the trailer.everything covered under the 2 year warranty. Got the trailer back in 4 days. Never a problem since.

Hoping to bridge my present truck and TT for another few years before our next RV. Everything long since paid for. :C

Mike

fj12ryder wrote:

Horsedoc wrote:

PAThwacker wrote:
Most campers made are delamninating before they reach the dealer. The junk single axle garbage trailer dominating the newbies are ready to self destruct this winter.

Interesting. Where did you glean this amazing information? Especially like to hear about the "most"

Well, you know what they say: "73% of statistics are made up on the spot".

He sort of makes a point. A lot of those small single axle rigs @ $12K, and the stick and tin bunkhouses @ 16K and up, are absolute garbage. This winter maybe not, but I would doubt they make 5 years, and no delam possibility to worry about. Seen all sorts of junk up in Hershey the other week, and plenty of folks falling for it. Lots of advertising to finance $20K or so for 120 or 144 months. What a deal?

On the other side, Power, with a new RV you can manage the maintenance without guessing what wasn’t done.

Obvious build quality issues is one thing, and disappointing for sure, for the many that spend a lot of money in RVs.
But care, storage and upkeep are likely as big an issue as quality. But not too many would admit to neglecting their RV even though, based on the large numbers of them we all see everywhere that sit out in the sun, rain and snow all year round, many do neglect them.
No different than any other "toy" or vehicle. Sure your _______(fill in the blank) can handle a trip to the desert or getting soaking wet or packed full of snow, mud or slush, but subject to those conditions constantly, they deteriorate much quicker than things that are well cared for.
Sometimes it's intentional, and expected. Part of the job so to speak, but more often it's folks that just don't care for their stuff and then wonder why it doesn't last, often comparing it to a similar machine they see that is in much better shape.
Those that tout the good quality of something are more likely the folks that take care of their stuff and those that tout the poor quality are more likely the opposite.
Does t mean there aren't defects and some poor quality stuff out there but even the poor quality stiff would last much longer with more effort in caring for it.

Working at an RV service center, and also doing pre-buy inspections on the side, I've seen a decrease in the overall quality of the entry level units. Poor manufacturing is mostly to blame, not just on the RVs but also on the appliances. We probably sold 30 AC units this summer, half of them going on 2-5 year old units.

But Grit has hit on what I believe is 50% of the problem. I'm constantly amazed by how much RV owners don't know about their units. Some of this can be attributed to new owners, but even seasoned owners are making some pretty dumb mistakes. In fact, a good portion of my inspection business is "I just bought this RV and I have no idea how it works".

Well, you know what they say: "73% of statistics are made up on the spot".

Sorry but that is only 68% true