Entry level vs. mid level. Vs high end
How would you define travel trailers amongst these three categories? II thought it might be a good topic for discussion. What features do you think constitute the differences. I am particularly think...
Forum Discussion
While are a lot of the same or similar components shared between manufacturers, when you get into the mid-level and up, you can get better features as options or standard. Solid surface countertops, under-mount stainless steel sink, frameless windows, double-pane windows, arched ceiling, full LED lighting, fiberglass front cap, larger fridge, larger walk-in shower and a numerous others. Entry level units tend to be more wood framing and aluminum siding.
Our first TT was an "entry level" 20 footer that we got at a blow-out, couldn't refuse price at the end of the season. When I think back about what the quality was like (and I thought some was terrible), it wasn't all the bad compared to what we have now. There are many quality issues common to all makes and models.
You won't find categorized reviews or listings of entry vs mid-level vs high end units. Quality issues know no boundaries. And it's not just perceived quality, it's also how the dealer and factory deal with warranty issues and can range from outstanding to atrocious.
When looking to buy a TT, be wary of anything called an ultra-lite. In order to make them weigh less, everything is lighter, less substantial and less durable. On some of them, they even use thinner and weaker frames to save weight.
If there is one complaint DW and I have, it's with kitchens. They're obviously not designed by women. It doesn't matter what an RV costs or if it is an entry level or high end unit, they all have next to nothing for counter space. There's no place to hide a garbage container (we have a plastic bag hanging off a knob on the range). They slap in waste and water piping under sinks so there's hardly any use-able space. There's no thought given to functionality and use-ability of cabinets (they just *look* like cabinets). Plugs are on the underside of the upper cabinet so that the toaster or coffee maker cord won't reach. Pantry cabinet so narrow you can't see or reach anything at the back. I could go on...
If we were looking to buy another TT and weren't on a tight budget, I be looking closely at an Outdoors RV TT, I like what I've read about them and what I've seen at shows. I looked closely at a couple of Nash TTs at the last show here and wasn't impressed with some things I saw, but they own Outdoors RV. It's just not easy to figure out what is good and what isn't.
Our first TT was an "entry level" 20 footer that we got at a blow-out, couldn't refuse price at the end of the season. When I think back about what the quality was like (and I thought some was terrible), it wasn't all the bad compared to what we have now. There are many quality issues common to all makes and models.
You won't find categorized reviews or listings of entry vs mid-level vs high end units. Quality issues know no boundaries. And it's not just perceived quality, it's also how the dealer and factory deal with warranty issues and can range from outstanding to atrocious.
When looking to buy a TT, be wary of anything called an ultra-lite. In order to make them weigh less, everything is lighter, less substantial and less durable. On some of them, they even use thinner and weaker frames to save weight.
If there is one complaint DW and I have, it's with kitchens. They're obviously not designed by women. It doesn't matter what an RV costs or if it is an entry level or high end unit, they all have next to nothing for counter space. There's no place to hide a garbage container (we have a plastic bag hanging off a knob on the range). They slap in waste and water piping under sinks so there's hardly any use-able space. There's no thought given to functionality and use-ability of cabinets (they just *look* like cabinets). Plugs are on the underside of the upper cabinet so that the toaster or coffee maker cord won't reach. Pantry cabinet so narrow you can't see or reach anything at the back. I could go on...
If we were looking to buy another TT and weren't on a tight budget, I be looking closely at an Outdoors RV TT, I like what I've read about them and what I've seen at shows. I looked closely at a couple of Nash TTs at the last show here and wasn't impressed with some things I saw, but they own Outdoors RV. It's just not easy to figure out what is good and what isn't.
