SoonerWing03 wrote:
We went and looked at 4 different dealerships this weekend and I was unimpressed to say the least. Going into the weekend I was 95% sure that I would be purchasing a TT in the coming months but now I am about 25%.
My initial thought: They are all the same, just with different stickers and they are all flimsy.
Wow, on the bright side, I have to say I'm really impressed!! Good on ya for doing the research before purchasing and good on ya for digging so deep into it. Most get caught up in things like price, bling, etc. You'll def. be happier in the end and it's better to take your time however aggravating.
Any time we've gone to a show, I've started out thinking there's gotta be at least one TT on display that stands out from the rest. But by the end, the only thing that differentiates them is the logo on the back. Most of them have the same frame (Lippert) and otherwise share the same brand of appliances and components. The differences boil down to build quality, layout and maybe a few features. Sad!
Also to consider is how well a manufacturer and dealer stand behind their warranty. If you read the Trailer Life rag, you'll read of many manufacturers that have reneged on warranty repairs until TL stepped in. Another point is the some dealers don't know how to do repairs properly, if at all. We've had a few things that our dealer couldn't fix right, a few that they couldn't figure out how to fix and towards the end, said they would no longer honor the warranty because I had changed some LED lights (would not hold up in court). If you are handy with tools, you're simply better off fixing things them unless they are major or costly repairs. There'll always be stuff to repair over time anyway.
The only TT that has ever stood out to me at a show was a Nash. Got talking about comparisons to other makes with the factory sales guy. Nash (Northwood Ind.) has def. put thought into some things unlike the competition. Like a larger pass-through compartment door, 1-1/2" drain on the FW tank (instead of 1/2" PEX) for faster emptying and a 2" receiver welded to the frame at the back for ex. They (and all Northwoods products) use their own in-house designed and built frame which is far superior to Lippert.
One thing for sure to look at closely is frames. Check design/build details, axle ratings vs GVWR, tire brand and load range rating vs GVWR. A few TTs have a BAL frame which is a good bet (along with Northwoods frames). There's just so many things you can look at right down to small things like fit and finish of cabinetry and dinette, can you see the TV from the seating, where do you put a garbage container and where do you hang jackets.
It may sound crazy, but you might even consider hiring an independent RV tech to inspect a TT you have on your short list to get their opinion. Could save you thousands of $$ in the end. Beware of people that save they have a brand & model ABC and it has been great. Some people can have the identical unit and have nothing but problems. I was shocked to see how poor the build quality of friend's Keystone TT was. JMO, but I think some folks are willing to accept substandard workmanship as normal in these things or can't recognize it. I see every dang flaw because of my background and some (like DW) can't see any even if I show them to her.
Choose wisely. Easier said than done tho.
