Forum Discussion

exintrunk's avatar
exintrunk
Explorer
Mar 19, 2018

comparison shopping/equivalent product lines and value

I have been wandering around a few RV shows and more lots looking for what i think is a simple set of criteria. Under 7000 Gross. Between 20 and 26 feet long. All the normal bells and whistles. What I am finding and very confused about is the pricing. New/Used what ever the prices don't make a lot of sense to the untrained eye. I am hearing every manufacturer has multiple product lines and multiple price points and quality levels. Is there any reference that ranks product lines by quality across manufacturers? Is there something that stack ranks them so newbies can make sure they are comparing apples to apples?

I want to get this first purchase right.

Thanks folks!

Dave

13 Replies

  • A TT to do what? Private full hook up RV parks? Boondocking for a week with a family of four? Stop complaining and define what you wish to do
  • There are just so many choices to make. A lot depends on your intended usage. Once you define that, for example: kids? pets? cold weather or not? single or double pane windows? pavement or backwoods? how many sleep at once? how many eat at once? cooking facilities with oven or two burners?

    Then you look at weight. Weight by length usually means quality of construction. Notice different models by the same builder usually get heavier with model upgrades.

    Keeping it under 7000 gross can be limiting, or if you have the $$$ for a fiberglass unit it can be easy.

    Lots to consider, but that should help a bit. Put down your requirements in more detail and people will respond when you start comparing different brands and models.
  • Nope, you won't find it either. All you can do is pre-determine your own price range and then start looking at units within that price range. Narrow that to the floor plans and then the brands and / or models that interest you the most. Then compare the fine features, like aluminum frame vs wood frame, particle board floors vs plywood floors (if such exists), real wood cabinets vs particle board covered with wood simulated wallpaper, stand alone furniture vs built in furniture, queen beds vs king beds, double bunks, outside kitchens, even tires and the size of propane tanks on the campers, seamless windows vs framed windows, vs thermal pane windows, and insulation... fiberglass batting vs styrofoam. Does the camper advertise with a "winter package" or an "all season" or "4 season" camper? All of these determine, not only personal preference, but cost also.

    Overall, in a very general way, if the camper comes with stand alone furniture, it's generally a higher end camper. (but not always).

    So, basically, you need to determine what you are willing to pay, and then figure out which camper gives you the most bang-for-your-buck.

    Remember something very important here: Every camper will have some kind of warranty issue. And every camper demands constant attention to detail to prevent things from falling apart. Every camper will need some kind of work done on it, if you can do it yourself, or if you have to take it somewhere, they are can never be neglected if you want them to last. You will forever be tinkering with it.