husky390 wrote:
As the OP, let's get back on topic. I appreciate all of the info provided and a dually will be the way for me to go when I'm ready to purchase a big boy camper. I had a pretty bad case of sticker shock when I looked at some used Lance and Arctic Fox campers. I could buy a very well equipped 5th wheel for what they wanted for the campers. Is it a supply/demand issue that makes them so expensive?
First, you have to realize that a TC has all the same elements as a FW. This means that cost will be close to the same even if square footage is greatly different.
Second, TC's are made in much less scale than than other RV's. Even if the manufacturer makes trailers and other RV's and gets quantity discounts for components and material, the production line will not see the same efficiencies as high volume line. I have little doubt that TC production costs are as high or more than other RV's.
Third, with compactness comes more engineering to fit all the amenities in all small space at minimum weight. It is no different than PC's: A desktop computer is usually more powerful and and less expensive than laptop. Yes, I look at the TC the laptop of the RV world.
