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

coolm19
Explorer
Jan 18, 2017
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.
Artum_Snowbird
Explorer
Jan 18, 2017
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.
donn0128
Explorer II
Jan 18, 2017
Look past the glitz and glitter. Build quality is whats its all about.
NYCgrrl
Explorer
Jan 18, 2017
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:).

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Comparing Quality from a Manufacturer?

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