You'd think if someone could have opened up an RV plant and done a better job of design and construction they would have already done so - perhaps an auto manufacturer who has similar experience. I agree that most are not built as well as cars, because they are built to a price point, not a quality standard.
However if you think there is a business opportunity to do better, and make some money then hire some quality folks for top dollar, build a superior rig, set a fair price and sell it. The world is your oyster! Or maybe its not so easy to consistently build high quality rigs, sell them for a fair price and turn a decent profit?
Remember people need to buy a car to go to work and make money, whereas most RV buyers only want to buy an RV for recreation, spending money. Reliability is important, but not as much as price for something built for occasional use, rather than the daily commute. The vast majority are not willing or able to pay Prevost prices, even if they intend to live in it full-time.
Look at the new Bowlus brand that was recently resurrected. An airstream type lightweight built to exacting standards. You should be happy with its quality. And for only $100,000+ it can be yours. No they can't build you this light weight 2 wheeled trailer for $70-$80k and turn a profit. You may indeed decide it's worth it and order one. But you can't buy a premade one as they only custom build them to order. There are too few people wanting them (at the price they must sell them for) for the company to scale-up production. And if they do ever scale up to mass production for the price to fall, so will the build quality.
Computerized design and robotics have greatly improved auto production line build quality, but so far the machines necessary to completely automate an RV plant would be price prohibitive. Though robots are currently used effectively in RV plants for precision welding, cutting, caulking and such (just not general assembly). As they are used more often, build quality will continue to improve (robots do not get hang-overs, nor do they stay up all night with sick kids and have a bad day. They don't get hurt and sue, take long smoke breaks, get PO'd at the boss, join unions and strike or have a pension and health insurance to fund). http://gas2.org/2013/02/19/new-bowlus-road-chief-is-green-and-gorgeous/
Chip
