RV Problems

I think it's a combination. Some people expect perfection, some expect performance, and some take whatever they get. Those in the latter two categories are likely to do some repair work themselves, especially cosmetic issues, and not make a big deal out of it.

Having worked retail, I can say that "display models" get a ton of really lousy treatment. One of the problems with RVs is that pretty much every RV on the lot is a display model. With an auto, you take a quick look, you take it for a test drive, you decide if you're going to buy it or not - you may open the glove box, but not over and over. With an RV, you walk around inside, you open and close cupboards repeatedly, you try out the appliances, you lay down on the beds, you sit on the chairs/couches, your kids are doing the same - you spend a lot of time in the RV getting a feel for it. All that is putting wear and tear on the RV that an auto doesn't get.

Then there is the lack of manufacturing standards and the ability to demand those standards. Since lemon laws came into effect, a poorly made auto is no longer "buyer beware". The buyer has legal recourse that affects the dealer's (and the manufacturer's) bottom line. This legal recourse is pretty easy to put into effect. By contrast, RVs have no such easy remedy - it's still buyer beware. As more and more people are getting into RVing, manufacturers are pushing out product faster and faster - this speed is creating defects in the quality, but manufacturers see it as "the dealer can correct it on warranty" because they don't face the same risk of having to buy back the RVs under lemon laws, etc.

Then there is the expectation that an RV's interior should hold up the same as a house's interior. Many people forget to realize that an RV's interior is subject to small earthquakes on a regular basis - that will affect the durability of cupboards, trim, etc.

BTPO1 wrote:

downtheroad wrote:
The best cure for this is being handy and creative and doing most of your own maintenance and repairs and your own, "warranty work."

I stopped running back to the dealer for every fix and adjustment.

Any RV is a house (on wheels) and just like a house, it requires constant and on going attention. RV's are NOT, "set it and forget it."

How true. I personally enjoy fixing things that break on mine. It makes no sense for me to take it to the shop only to have to fix it again when I get it back. JMO

True. However there are a lot of people less fortunate, without the skills or physical capabilities to do the same. RVs may be NOT be "set it and forget it.", but they should at least be road worthy and leak free from the start with all systems functioning properly. It's a shame when people purchase brand new RVs and they are "Fixer Uppers" right from DAY ONE!

It's unfortunate, we don't have the mass importation of RVs like we did the foreign vehicles to SHAKE THE U.S. RV INDUSTRY UP. It sure woke up the auto industry after the junk they all produced in the 70s.

I did most issues that arise on our also, but while the is under warranty I make a list of major issues and take the unit back before the warranty expires and the dealer handle it.

Our PDI was beyond expectations. The dealer did a fantastic job of preping the unit. Unfortunately my fresh water tank fell out last month so I made a list of issues and took it three hours back to my dealer knowing when I get it back everything will be corrected properly.

downtheroad wrote:
The best cure for this is being handy and creative and doing most of your own maintenance and repairs and your own, "warranty work."

I stopped running back to the dealer for every fix and adjustment.

Any RV is a house (on wheels) and just like a house, it requires constant and on going attention. RV's are NOT, "set it and forget it."

How true. I personally enjoy fixing things that break on mine. It makes no sense for me to take it to the shop only to have to fix it again when I get it back. JMO

We went to look at an Arctic Fox brand new 990 last year. It had been on the lot for about 8 months.

So, I am inside, and the cupboard door is ajar under the sink. I try to shut it, it does not shut. A closer look reveals the pin on the swinging door is out of whack with the clasp. So many people have tried to close that door that now the wall has a big gouge in it.

Oh, they say, we fix all those things before you take it off the lot. Well we walked away. I think if they are trying to sell a unit it should be in the best possible repair whether new or used.

The best cure for this is being handy and creative and doing most of your own maintenance and repairs and your own, "warranty work."

I stopped running back to the dealer for every fix and adjustment.

Any RV is a house (on wheels) and just like a house, it requires constant and on going attention. RV's are NOT, "set it and forget it."

There are a few gigantic oops that go out the door. Some of which are down right scary.

However bulk of the 300,000 TT and 5vers are what the customer base is satisfied with

Automotive quality is high because it is what the market demands. Sad to say that much of the auto quality was driven by foreign competition.

The auto is a necessity, an RV is a hobby toy. People will accept less from an RV if the cost is right.

Lots of QC issues throughout the industry for sure. I think many of the problems should have been cought during PDI.