Buyer Beware - Adventurer Truck Campers

Just in case anyone needs a reference, RV manufacturers on the whole are selling more units. http://www.rvia.org/?ESID=preleases&PRID=1785&SR=1

The RV industry’s shipments will top 438,000 units in 2017, a 4.4% increase above the projected 2016 total of 419,500 units, according to a new forecast from RVIA.

The forecast was prepared by RV industry analyst Dr. Richard Curtin and released by RVIA President Frank Hugelmeyer at Outlook 2017, the all-industry breakfast program that kicked off the 54th National RV Trade Show on Nov. 29.

The market projection sees towable RVs ending 2016 at 366,000 units before rising to 383,000 units in 2017. Motorhome shipments will reach 53,000 units this year and 55,000 units next year.

“These are historic shipment totals, and they mark the 8th consecutive year of growth for the RV market, and an incredible gain of 161% from the market bottom in 2009.” said Hugelmeyer. “We are optimistic about continued growth into next year due to favorable economic conditions. Inflation and interest rates are near historic lows; a more vibrant economy has created jobs and reduced unemployment to near its lowest levels in decades; wages are finally showing signs of improvement; and household wealth has begun to accumulate toward record highs. These are all working in the RV market’s favor.”

Hugelmeyer added that beyond shipment statistics there are other metrics tracked by RVIA demonstrating that the RV industry is a robust, vital component of the national economy.

“This past summer, RVIA unveiled our RVs Move America study. It was the first-ever look at the total economic impact of the entire RV market, and the findings were astounding,” he said. “The RV industry generates an annual economic impact of $50 billion per year. It employs 289,000 workers who earn $15.8 billion in wages and benefits. Additionally, the industry contributes $5.7 billion in federal, state and local taxes.”

Bumpyroad wrote:

qtla9111 wrote:
. No wonder it is so profitable, imagine producing junk and never being liable for the product.
s.

profitable? seems like lots of mfrs. have closed their doors.
bumpy

After the market crash in 2008, the industry was hit hard. But with the economic recovery and tens of thousands of boomers retiring every day, statistically, the RV industry is producing and shipping more units than they ever have in their history. This is fact.

Bumpyroad wrote:

qtla9111 wrote:
. No wonder it is so profitable, imagine producing junk and never being liable for the product.
s.

profitable? seems like lots of mfrs. have closed their doors.
bumpy

I think it's more "being bought up" by mega manufacturers. The reason the OP is seeing so much backlash from posters is because we know as rvers most of what we have purchased is junk. That said, it makes us look bad for being such fools to continue to buy them when the U.S. is considered a country that produces high quality goods and has a reputation for protecting the consumer.

qtla9111 wrote:
. No wonder it is so profitable, imagine producing junk and never being liable for the product.
s.

profitable? seems like lots of mfrs. have closed their doors.
bumpy

That (this) is exactly why I'm building my own from now on. Got my frame can't wait for spring. Oh BTW, I put in a request that a new forum be added for the DIY. A mesh between RV and (hate to call it this) tiny house. Nothing that is a fad...we have to stick with a fully functional RV. We have to keep the ideas fresh and in the now but not overweight, pull it a few miles and park it things. Well happy holidazed.

qtla9111 wrote:
Your YouTube intro (home) video is fascinating (love the pic with the lobster!) You have captured the essence of the rv industry and it's lack of regulation or standards. Your ability to create videos is unimaginable as I having been tinkering with the idea of vlogging instead of my readable blog.

As for your issue with Adventure, you are spot on. As one person commented on your YouTube video, "What a bunch of BS, how much would really cost them to keep a customer happy!?", is well-said and very true but not likely from this highly unregulated industry. No wonder it is so profitable, imagine producing junk and never being liable for the product.

The sad part of this thread is the lack of support you have received. I recommend that people go to your video, view it to increase the "views number" and also give it a like or dislike. With that, hopefully someone on top will pay attention.

Good on ya and keep up the great videos.

Thank you so much for the kind words and support. Although I was surprised by the "back-lash" I received, I really shouldn't have been so surprised. I've had nice people PM me asking what's wrong with people on the internet these days. I guess, there are just so many people that we have to expect a broad cross section of opinion. I really do appreciate the support and rational responses from many here.

We had just about given up on this industry entirely due to absolutely horrendous experiences we've had with lack of craftsmanship and no QC. The last full size travel trailer we bought (2015 model) flooded the cabin 5 times in the first two outings ... roof leaks, slide out leaks, window leaks, water pump leaks, water heater leaks. The shower doors fell off onto the floor the first 100 miles of towing. We've had appliances installed without being hooked up with other units we've tried (dealer demo'd the unit with water heater set on propane so we had hot water at walk-thru). The next day I discovered that it didn't work on shore power so called the selling dealer that day. He told me that they were backed up and couldn't get to it for 3 months. This is just a small sampling and every dealer we've dealt with except for one, completely abandoned us after the sale.

I actually feel like the Adventurer is better built than any of the others we've had but the friction hinge door and mis-application of the bump stop had to be dealt with. The people who said I should just suck it up and fix it have no compassion at all considering I've been doing that relentlessly for 8 years now.

d3500ram wrote:
So.... how does one pronounce "Yoly?"

Does it rhyme with holy or jolly?

Rhymes with holy :) Thanks for asking :)

Your YouTube intro (home) video is fascinating (love the pic with the lobster!) You have captured the essence of the rv industry and it's lack of regulation or standards. Your ability to create videos is unimaginable as I having been tinkering with the idea of vlogging instead of my readable blog.

As for your issue with Adventure, you are spot on. As one person commented on your YouTube video, "What a bunch of BS, how much would really cost them to keep a customer happy!?", is well-said and very true but not likely from this highly unregulated industry. No wonder it is so profitable, imagine producing junk and never being liable for the product.

The sad part of this thread is the lack of support you have received. I recommend that people go to your video, view it to increase the "views number" and also give it a like or dislike. With that, hopefully someone on top will pay attention.

Good on ya and keep up the great videos.

So.... how does one pronounce "Yoly?"

Does it rhyme with holy or jolly?

jimh425 wrote:
Travels with Yoly, Youtube has been around since about 2005. I thought you had a typo.

Thanks, I understand :)