mikeleblanc413 wrote:
It's been some time since I have owned an RV...things have changed. I walked through a couple today at a local dealer and what impressed me was the use of space when you go from 17-18 feet to 25-28 feet. The larger feels like a small (LOL) apartment. I'm sure I would feel much too cramped in the smaller space. Would appreciate your help on whick manufacturers are doing a good (hopefully GREAT) job putting the sticks together. Thanks!
Hi Mike, You are right, RVs have changed from 15-20 plus years ago. Most have evolved on how the camper is made, and pending on what you are looking for, the evolution may be better or worse than years ago. Many of the older, better brands got bought out or went out of business during the downturn of the economy. The selection list is now smaller.
You did get good feedback on the better brands, but even they can have issues. I'll offer some things to help sort out beyond the brand since you are getting back into RV'ing. This is the start of the questions, but it will get you going.
1. How long do you want this new camper to last before you sell it or get done using it?
2. Will the camper be stored inside or outside when you are not camping in it?
3. Are you planning long or short trips, or will you camp a lot per year or only a few times a year?
4. Do you have a tow vehicle now, or will you get one to match up with the camper you love?
Those four big-picture questions can help the brand and type of camper to meet those needs.
Now comes the more detailed questions, and the better brand campers offer a more sound approach to having a longer-lasting setup.
5. Huntingdog mentioned this; I'll add to it. The frame, axles, brakes, tire size, the GVWR of the camper, and the cargo capacity of the camper. The 25 to 28 ft camper nowadays can have a lot of room inside, but it can have very little cargo carrying capacity pending your needs not to overload the system. Do you know what a 1,000# of cargo looks like? That is not a lot, while it sounds like a lot. This cargo capacity all "depends" on your style of camping and how many people camp with you.
Cargo is also fresh water, LP gas, and the battery, and they subtract from items you can add to the camper. Here is where the fine print starts; you see a bigger camper, but some brands limit the amount of weight you can put in all that space. And then there is the wording "Lightweight camper" & "1/2 ton towable." buzz words that need to be understood as they talk about how the camper is built and sold to hit a certain market of buyers.
6. Understand how the camper you want to buy is built and what methods the floors, roofs, and walls are made. In many cases, they do not build them as they used to; longevity is not always part of the equation. Research the brand, and what they offer will last longer than the next brand. RV net or other brand forums has many reports of failing weak spots in certain areas of a brand; use this tool to help educate yourself.
7. This one may sound odd, but it is a reality if you want to keep the camper for a long time, especially if it is stored outside. Research and understand how the construction of the camper you are buying will leak. You should learn how to spot failing sealants and what to do when you see them. Not just the roof, the walls, and everything on the camper. Water intrusion is the enemy of a camper, regardless of the best brands.
8. Do you have the physical ability and the want to maintain the camper? That is a simple question that takes a lot of understanding as to what it means. This deals with the longevity question. If you are only going to keep a camper for three years, then trade it, this topic is not as important; if you want to keep it for ten-plus years, it becomes very important. Can you do the maintenance, or do you have to hire it?
9. The dealer you buy from can be as big a decision as the brand you buy. If you can do your own repairs and maintenance, this is not as much of a concern, but it can be a big issue if you have to rely on the dealer to do it. When a warranty issue arises, the dealer can be your best defense to help get it resolved. Research the dealer, repair shop, and camper manufacturer on how they handle warranty and general repairs.
As you search for your new camper, the better brands help make some of those details easier to get into a good system, but still, you need to understand them inside and out if you want them to last. A lot of "eye candy" looks great in new campers, but how long it will last and how good a service it gives you should be understood. Start the learning process as you sort out which brand fits your needs.
Best of luck to you finding your new camper.
Hope this helps
John
