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
Well, I'm getting to this discussion late, but have read through the entire thread and agree with many of the comments. One other thought came to mind - Do you know the difference between a new rv and a new house? A new rv is a relatively inexpensive pile of junk, while a house is a VERY expensive pile of junk! Seriously, go look at some new homes. It's down right shocking at some of the shoddy craftmanship and that's even after being "inspected" along the way. Yet, homes appreciate (even though their useful lives are also limited), yet rv's depreciate like a brick.
Having spent some years in sales, I can tell you that for every 1 consumer that wants to hear the truth and all the facts and figures, there are 5 consumers that don't want the truth and will actually get angry when faced with reality. Example: Try telling a consumer their new, shiny suv can only tow 4,000-lbs and NOT the 7,000-lb trailer their wife is in love with. Also, analytical types will evaluate every single specification and construction technique, but still end up buying the pretty one, because the wife likes it better. Sad, but very true.
To me, I don't get too concerned about cosmetic items like trim that needs reattaching, or if something has a minor scratch or dent, because neither will affect the life of the rv. It's the items that undermine the useful life, like cracked frames, poorly installed equipment on the roof that leak, delam, etc. All of these things should be built right, regardless of price point. Shoot, my brother bought a new 5th wheel with an incorrectly installed axle and hardware. It resulted in the tire rubbing inside the top of the wheel well and damaged both components.
At least one person commented they believe truck campers are constructed better than trailers and I have made the same observation. We owned our first camper 12 trouble-free years and have been in our current unit around 4-1/2 years. I'm not sure, but think we use our camper much more than the average owner. We take it on vacations, day trips and even small excursions around town. Knowing we couldn't afford a new one anytime soon, I work hard to keep up on the most important maintenance items - caulking and/or seals. From day one, our dealer pointed out an rv is no different than a house and requires routine maintenance.
Still, maintenance does not change the fact that many of the rigs roll out of factories with glaring defects that undermine and shorten the useful life. All products should be produced to withstand being used as intended. If they can't, why make them. We can probably all agree, if the units are dragged up and down extreme washboard covered roads, their lives will be shorter than if towed along "smooth" highways (if such roads exist). Sadly, many units fall apart just sitting in the driveway.
I truly wish all rv'ers well and hope they're able to enjoy their rigs and exploring the great outdoors. In my secret fantasy world, I picture a day when rv's are all built to higher levels of quality and a fair and reasonable price point. Don't pinch me yet, I want to enjoy the dream.
Having spent some years in sales, I can tell you that for every 1 consumer that wants to hear the truth and all the facts and figures, there are 5 consumers that don't want the truth and will actually get angry when faced with reality. Example: Try telling a consumer their new, shiny suv can only tow 4,000-lbs and NOT the 7,000-lb trailer their wife is in love with. Also, analytical types will evaluate every single specification and construction technique, but still end up buying the pretty one, because the wife likes it better. Sad, but very true.
To me, I don't get too concerned about cosmetic items like trim that needs reattaching, or if something has a minor scratch or dent, because neither will affect the life of the rv. It's the items that undermine the useful life, like cracked frames, poorly installed equipment on the roof that leak, delam, etc. All of these things should be built right, regardless of price point. Shoot, my brother bought a new 5th wheel with an incorrectly installed axle and hardware. It resulted in the tire rubbing inside the top of the wheel well and damaged both components.
At least one person commented they believe truck campers are constructed better than trailers and I have made the same observation. We owned our first camper 12 trouble-free years and have been in our current unit around 4-1/2 years. I'm not sure, but think we use our camper much more than the average owner. We take it on vacations, day trips and even small excursions around town. Knowing we couldn't afford a new one anytime soon, I work hard to keep up on the most important maintenance items - caulking and/or seals. From day one, our dealer pointed out an rv is no different than a house and requires routine maintenance.
Still, maintenance does not change the fact that many of the rigs roll out of factories with glaring defects that undermine and shorten the useful life. All products should be produced to withstand being used as intended. If they can't, why make them. We can probably all agree, if the units are dragged up and down extreme washboard covered roads, their lives will be shorter than if towed along "smooth" highways (if such roads exist). Sadly, many units fall apart just sitting in the driveway.
I truly wish all rv'ers well and hope they're able to enjoy their rigs and exploring the great outdoors. In my secret fantasy world, I picture a day when rv's are all built to higher levels of quality and a fair and reasonable price point. Don't pinch me yet, I want to enjoy the dream.
