RV manufacturers, I am calling you out
I purchased a travel trailer 6 years ago. I am going to say something many of you out there already know: something I know will be controversial, and is seldom said. These RVs are stinking piles of ...
Forum Discussion
I'd tend to agree with the OP about lack of quality but some of the failures he experienced are due to materials, notably plastics. Could a mfg use a different material? Sure, but at what cost and at what weight gain?
The EZ lube excess grease thing is well documented on this and other Forums. If I had EZ lube hubs, I would never use that feature (applying grease through the external fitting). I'm enough of a mechanic to remove the hubs, inspect the brakes and bearings, and reinstall.
The separation or even use of an EPDM membrane on a moving trailer does have it's downfalls and the OP experienced the worst. There could be a viable replacement of that material at the mfg plant and would not raise the overall price of an RV exorbitantly, spray on "liner" type material that doesn't separate and affords protection against the elements. I think we will be seeing more of that, OEM, in coming years. Another alternative is a metal roof. FWIW, my aluminum roof has reached 45 years and is not leaking.
I do and would caution anyone entering RV ownership to either brush up on mechanical skills or have a repair budget in mind before purchase. Luckily, many make it along with only minor repairs and maintenance.
BTW, replacing the EPDM membrane is a job someone with a medium skill level can undertake. It is mostly forming a good installation plan and having the knowledge of how to carry that out.
The EZ lube excess grease thing is well documented on this and other Forums. If I had EZ lube hubs, I would never use that feature (applying grease through the external fitting). I'm enough of a mechanic to remove the hubs, inspect the brakes and bearings, and reinstall.
The separation or even use of an EPDM membrane on a moving trailer does have it's downfalls and the OP experienced the worst. There could be a viable replacement of that material at the mfg plant and would not raise the overall price of an RV exorbitantly, spray on "liner" type material that doesn't separate and affords protection against the elements. I think we will be seeing more of that, OEM, in coming years. Another alternative is a metal roof. FWIW, my aluminum roof has reached 45 years and is not leaking.
I do and would caution anyone entering RV ownership to either brush up on mechanical skills or have a repair budget in mind before purchase. Luckily, many make it along with only minor repairs and maintenance.
BTW, replacing the EPDM membrane is a job someone with a medium skill level can undertake. It is mostly forming a good installation plan and having the knowledge of how to carry that out.
