Objective Quality Reports for RVs

I searched for the same thing, and was suckered into buying a report from some flim flam company. It was horrible. I don't think this exists. Would be nce to have RV's covered by Consumer Reports.

There's J.D. Gallant's R.V. Consumer Group- they've been around for a long time. I don't agree with a lot of their criteria, but they are independent.http://rv.org/

Probably have better luck going to a forum that's related to the brand you're looking at, ie Heartland, Keystone, Forestriver, etc.

goducks10 wrote:
Probably have better luck going to a forum that's related to the brand you're looking at, ie Heartland, Keystone, Forestriver, etc.

Good idea. What I was really hoping for was a website where I could put in the type of rig that I was looking for, and then get independent reviews on the quality of those units. Kind of like Consumer Reports or some of the car rating sites.

What type of RV? As a general guide, there are tiers of motorhomes and tiers of travel trailers, where most makers tend to be lumped together, but there are a few who make something that stands out. Airstream and Livin' Lite come to mind on the travel trailer front, Coach House, and Lazy Daze on the motorhome front (mainly because of their construction.)

TucsonJim wrote:
Does anyone know of a website that provides objective ratings, comments and feedback on recreational vehicles of all types that is available to consumers?

http://www.rv.net/forum/

;)

Chris Bryant wrote:
There's J.D. Gallant's R.V. Consumer Group- they've been around for a long time. I don't agree with a lot of their criteria, but they are independent.http://rv.org/

This is where I got my report from. Don't waste your money.

2012Coleman wrote:

Chris Bryant wrote:
There's J.D. Gallant's R.V. Consumer Group- they've been around for a long time. I don't agree with a lot of their criteria, but they are independent.http://rv.org/

This is where I got my report from. Don't waste your money.

I would hardly call them a flim flam company- they've been around for a long time, and are a 501(c)(3) non profit outfit. They actually visit factories to inspect them. They are pretty up front about how they rate rigs.
That said, they are a fairly small organization, and have to rely a lot on members, so the membership is pretty steep. As I said I disagree with some of their criteria.
Many libraries do have their rating book though.

We have been shopping and looking at TT and FW for a few months now. I have done so much reading on various manufactures owners forum that my eyes hurt.

One thing to keep in mind is that a lot of people who are happy and pleased to not post as such. Those whos expectations have not been meant or have experienced problems will voice their displeasure loud, clear and as often as they can find a audience to listen.

Moral would be to take what you read with a grain of salt.

We looked at a few high end FW who showed what I thought was some over looked quality control issues on that particular FW. Upon going to the owners forum I became aware that this was not limited to only the FW we toured, it appeared to be an apparent issue on this brand model wide.

Upon reading more and more you may find that different manufactures will exhibit common complaints that may be more under skin related. These will many times be traced back to the frame manufacture. Keep in mind that the frame is the foundation to the entire RV. Some manufactures will back up frame related problems themselves then go back to the frame manufacture for recovery. Where other manufactures will direct you to go deal with the frame manufacture for a cure or warranty claim. This can quickly become an unnerving cycle of frustration.

Don't think that the problem is only limited to lower to middle of the line name brands or price ranges.

You also need to be aware that individual components of your RV are warrantied by the maker/manufacture of that component IE: Water Heater, A/C, Heating unit, tires, awning, kitchen appliances, TV, Washer/Dryer. The hitch, jacks, suspension will fall under the frame manufacture. Most of the remaining items will fall back upon the trailer name on your unit IE: exterior skin, slide outs, furniture, plumbing, toilet, windows, flooring, roof and such.

Good luck with your search of finding your perfect fit of an RV.

Simple rule would be, Don't expect perfection and you won't be disappointed.

If you go to a RV show you can see glaring examples of shoddy trailers from all of the mfg.