How on earth do you tell which models are entry level, vs higher quality from the various manufacturers?My husband and I are starting to shop for a replacement RV, but are having a hard time differentiating between entry level models and middle of the road and luxury. (We're looking for middle of the road in construction/amenities/quality).

I understand your dilemma and had a bit of a time figuring out which way to go before dispassionately reading specifications AND understanding the "best" way to build an RV. Lots of internet info out there so get to it before making a choice. HTH:).

Look past the glitz and glitter. Build quality is whats its all about.

Certainly one thing to consider is weight for similar length rigs. Compare what you are looking at to the build on an Arctic Fox of similar size. Almost everything in the Fox is heavier build than many others.Even compare the different model lines in the Northwood lineup. There is lots of clues when you start to look hard.

So just reading the brochure info pretty much and the Internet? What are the most important things to look for regarding construction?For instance, we're looking at specific layout or two of a Forest River Rockwood Ultralite, Salem Hemisphere, Wildwood Heritage Glen and Surveyor. Their websites aren't a huge help, but the brochures give more detailed information.

I am not married to any brand, any manufacturer can make a good RV or a inexpensive RV all in the same building. All of the different brand names of any manufacturer are not all of the same quality. If for instance you buy a Forest River product, they have zillions of brand names and different model names within those brand names. Just because your neighbor has a Rockwood "whatever" doesn't mean if you buy a Rockwood "something else" they are of the same quality. One could be built for full-timing and last forever while the other is built for an entry level buyer, built for occasional use, and built to be inexpensive. Totally different target audience, totally different build quality, totally different target price range, same brand, same manufacturer. This is a major purchase and should not be taken lightly. You should take your time and do your research first before you plunk your money down. This forum is just one little piece of it. There is a lot of good information here and some that is really a disservice to you. The only way to determine quality is by getting your blue jeans dirty. Inspect the RV stem to stern, climb over, under, around and inside every nook and cranny; open drawers, look behind panels, lift up seat cushions; crawl underneath it and look at the frame and everything underneath; compare what you see to many, many different brands (within similar price ranges) and determine how the unit is really built, what it’s made out of, and how its put together. When I inspected the different brands I looked at craftsmanship, type of construction, materials, thickness of materials, methods of jointing, welding, bracing, etc. From that I was able to eliminate several brands within similar price ranges right off the top. After that I looked at floorplans and the ability to use the TT while traveling (like stopping for lunch or a quick potty break) without opening it up. And this narrowed the decision down more. You have to do your homework. It took me over 9 months to do the thorough research necessary before I put my money down. You need to know what you are buying, what your intended use is, how long you plan to keep it, and then you can decide what price range you are shopping for. Bang for the buck first (quality), then comes the floor plans and other amenities.

Comparing Quality from a Manufacturer? | Good Sam Community

24 Replies

tnrv_er
Explorer II
Jan 20, 2017
I too will purchase a "high end" TT as my next unit.
I'm familar with lance TC, 2 friends own them and they seem to be well made. I assume that quality carries over to their TT line.
But the camper i'm going to look at 1st is Outdoorrv Creekside line. I think you get alot of camper for the $$$. and dont pay for alot of advertisement.

My current TT is a KZ Sportsman Classic (17RBS). Its been very good after 2 years of owning it, But we had 3 of the same model to choose from off the dealers lot and chose the one which i thought was assembled the "cleanest".

Even though the 3 TT were the same brand, assembled in the same plant, using the same materials there was a noticeable difference between them. So my thinking was that what i can see looked good hopefully what i couldnt see was also done right.
2012Coleman
Explorer II
Jan 20, 2017
Lance, Grand Design, Arctic Fox would be good choices.
Dennis12
Explorer
Jan 19, 2017
I have always said that if some company would build a unit with quality workmanship and pride in their units that all other would be out of business. Sorry to say that that company does not yet exist
D_E_Bishop
Explorer
Jan 19, 2017
I'm a Class A owner and happy with that, when we were looking for our first RV it did include TTs.

We first looked at an array of floor plans and decided what we wanted and what we would accept. We next narrowed our search to a price range.

Then we stared the really tough part of checking the various rigs out on Owner Forums, there are one or two for each manufacturer. The ones with Owner Clubs are very good as you usually get happy people and why they are happy, forums seem to have mostly problems mentioned and become tedious after a while. I'm surprised anyone who reads the forums only would buy any RV.

Then we looked at the product to get a feel for fit and finish, color schemes and exterior graphics. I would say we like plain graphics but someone would point out we added a 32'X32" graphic to the primarily blank white rear cap.

All the fit and finish things mentioned in earlier posts are good for the final details but in my opinion ruling out a manufacturer for a component choice is cutting off your nose to spite your face. Almost ALL RV's have MDF or plywood used in their construction specs. Something that is really handy to know, is if the manufacturer provides PDFs for download for the systems schematics and maybe even the parts manuals. Eventually something is going to fail and being able to look at a manual is really helpful. Remember to keep all that stuff you get when you buy.

Good luck and trust you instincts.
bailer6334
Explorer
Jan 19, 2017
All above is good information/recommendations.

You may also want to consider buying for around $70 via online the book Travel Trailers & Fifth Wheels by Randall Eaton. Provide a lot of good information.
Hondavalk
Explorer II
Jan 19, 2017
2oldman wrote:
Price and weight.

Someone's going to say expensive isn't "always" better. No, it's just almost always better.

X2, Well said
Reader1
Explorer
Jan 19, 2017
Lots of good advice here. Know what your price range is as you begin your search. Do the research listed here so when you begin your search at dealerships you can avoid the bling and dealer pressure. One area I never thought about is how important learning what the axle rating is. There are some that have axle ratings very close to the weight of an empty camper and that can and has created serious issues. Happy shopping!
Earl_E
Explorer
Jan 19, 2017
I would strongly suggest you spend the $$ to get the package from the RV Consumer Group. You can get their ratings on different rigs but if you get the whole package you will get some excellent books that explain the real and hidden differences between entry level up to full time level. It really is worth the investment when you consider the 1000's you will spend for the trailer. https://rv.org/ For $99 you will get the whole package. https://rv.org/products/special-99-membership-package-ratings-reports-for-towables-2016-2017-plus-3-best-selling-books-and-frequent-news-bulletins-flashes-you-get-it-all-everything-downloadable-printable
theoldwizard1
Explorer II
Jan 19, 2017
The Jayco product line has many different models. The lower end models will not have fiberglass (smooth) exterior siding. They typically will not include a TV or other "fancy" interior options (fireplace, dual A/C, etc). These may be available at extra cost, but are not standard.

Similar models from different lines will have large base price differences and only a few additional square feet of living area.
FrankShore
Explorer
Jan 18, 2017
This is what I consider quality, of course I'm biased as I own a Lance

https://youtu.be/bjHjWv5wJWY

And this not so much:

Not so good

Go for the best quality that you can afford. Looking at factory tours on YouTube and that will help you get a general idea or fit and finish, etc