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how to get info if you are dumb?

coon_creekers
Explorer
Explorer
well, we have narrowed it down to a fver at least! seriously, we have no idea what manufacturer is the best, or worst. is there somewhere we can find out? yes, we know what options we do, and don't want. but aside from personal exp. which we have none, how does one find a rating of good and bad? I am so confused right now :h
23 REPLIES 23

mileshuff
Explorer
Explorer
You really have to narrow down the size, floorplan, weight and price range you're wanting. Then find the various models that fit that and research opinions of those models and manufactures.

For us we wanted a 30' fiver rear kitchen, under 11,000lb loaded, and priced $32K or less. In this price range we found several by Jayco, Forest River and Winnebago. The Jayco was slightly lower priced but the interior and exterior quality of materials and workmanship was subpar. Cabinetry was flimsy and from experience with other light trailers I wanted no part of that! Forest River was somewhat better and acceptable. However, in the same price range we found the Winnebago Lite Five line to be far superior in workmanship, materials used and overall look inside and out.

That said I can't say Winnebago is better than Jayco or Forest River. Just on the particular models we were interested in. Jayco and Forest both make some excellent trailers in other models.

Keep in mind with regards to price range, you can usually expect to pay 25%-35% below MSRP. Any reputable dealer will show you the MSRP. If they refuse or say one doesn't exist go elsewhere. You can also usually find the MSRP sticker for a comparable model online at other dealer websites around the country.
2014 Winnebago 26FWRKS 5th Wheel
2007.5 Dodge 2500 6.7L Diesel
2004 Dodge Durango Hemi 3.55 (Used to tow TT)

big_bird_2
Explorer
Explorer
Generally, the above comments are pretty close to reality. But, when you buy a car you can get reliability from all the major manufacturers, the difference comes with price. An entry level GM car is not the same as a Cadillac. The same is true with RV's. You can buy a Tiffin Allegro and feel comfortable it is a solid well made RV; cost $300,000+/-, or you can buy a Hartland or Forest River and spent $20,000 up. The more you spend the more you get generally. Stay with the name brands and make sure you are very handy with a wrench and screw driver.
Big Bird 2

campincandice
Explorer
Explorer
When we were looking I joined the various owners' forums of the mfgrs we were interested in. We were able to gleen much info from owners, both the good stuff as well as bad...
Candice

Steve - Partner in Crime
Molly - black lab
Sabbath - chocolate lab/weimaraner

2014 Open Range LT274RLS

Traveler_II
Explorer
Explorer
Floor plans that meet your needs are important, but just important is how well the frame and suspension system is made. Our road system is hard on rigs, weโ€™re on our second fiver, we loved our first one, but it just wasnโ€™t holding up.
2011 Cameo 34SB3
2014 Ford 350 King Ranch, Trailer Saver BD3 Air Hitch, Mor/Ryde pin box, IS Suspension, Disk Brakes
Nights Camped in 2012 - 142
Nights Camped in 2013 - 186
Nights Camped in 2014 - 185
Nights Camped in 2015 - 231
Nights Camped in 2016 - 162

OpenRangePullen
Explorer
Explorer
Their are many choices out there, you just have to find the right one that fits your needs.
2013 OpenRange Roamer 395bhs
2022 F350srw Limited, tower
2021 F150 Platinum Hybrid, daily
2002 Accord V6/5spd, project
2014 Kawasaki Concours

fatman71
Explorer
Explorer
like everybody is saying, find the floor plan that works best for you then search out the price level you want to be in.
2006 Ford f-350 King Ranch 6.0l Diesel Crew Cab 4 x 4
2013 Winnebago RAVEN 3350DB
1997 Fleetwood Bounder 38z

1 wife 1 daughter 1 cats, and life to go.
Live To Love And Love To Live

DutchmenSport
Explorer
Explorer
I don't know if there is any place or information that gives a rating value for different campers/manufacturers. Pretty much, all of them are made the same. Some use aluminum construction, others use wood. There's only a couple frame manufactures out there, and almost all the appliances come from the same place. There might be some manufacturers that offer a bit of personal customization, but you're going to pay the price too!

Higher priced does not necessarily mean better quality. Almost all manufacturers have three tiers of campers, a light weight-beginners-entry level, a mid-range little more expensive with extra features like outside kitchen arrangements. Then there's the higher end that adds bells and whistles, and usually longer and heavier ... more like the Toy Hauler idea .. made to be more rugged. There again, the price goes higher with each tier.

The thing you need to do first is to identify the type of camping you want to do. Boondocking, full hook-up State Park camping, Nascar circuit, Full timing, 2 week summer vacation only.

Next, who will be camping with you? Wife and husband only, Kids? how many, how old, and any other guests.

Then you need to target the kind of camper that meets your needs and wants, and then begin comparing across brands and manufacturers.

You may find than a reasonably priced "entry level" may fit the bill perfect.

It's important to make these decisions early, because if you plan on purchasing a camper that is designed for light weight use, and you end up taking it mountain climbing, you'll destroy the camper quickly. So basically, every camper is good, and every camper can be bad. It's really a matter of what you plan to use them for. An kitchen chair may be rated to support 150 pounds. If a 600 pound person sit on it, you can't blame the manufacture when the chair breaks under the load. It was designed for 150 pounds and it broke because the chair was misused. The same is true of a camper!

Most campers, under reasonable care, will provided years and years of trouble free service. There's always exceptions, but those are the exceptions.

So basically, I'm saying, they are all about equal. Look for the floor plan that fits your needs and then narrow down the price you can afford.

It really helps if you actually GO and visit dealerships and compare camper to camper.

Good luck!

ed6713
Explorer
Explorer
RV Consumer Group

It will cost you a few bucks to join, but if you're looking for an unbiased opinion on an RV, this is the site for you.

Considering how much. $$$$ you're about to spend, this is pocket change.

Good hunting. There are more junk products then quality products so be careful in your search.

Ed
๐Ÿ™‚

2oldman
Explorer II
Explorer II
Generally: Worst= cheapest Best= most expensive (and heavy)
"If I'm wearing long pants, I'm too far north" - 2oldman