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rv consumer group

boingram
Explorer
Explorer
Hi all...we just completed a six month research on tvs and just took delivery of a new gmc 3500 denali duramax...now for a new fiver.

Just purchased the full package published by rv consumer group. Has anyone used this research and ratings to help with a purchase decision? Your observations plse.

We r looking in the premium 35 foot range...thx..,bo
5 REPLIES 5

S-n-L
Explorer
Explorer
Many years ago when I first started researching rvs I purchased the full package. I found much more information on forums such as here, IRV2, escapees, yahoo owners groups and fmca. I personally would rate their information slightly useful. There are many inconsistencies. For instance they rated one rv as a full time rv but a sister rv with the same exact build was not rated for full timing, very confusing.

If you are like me and most others who purchased you will probably buy it in the hopes of getting that one or two pieces of information that you think is unavailable anywhere else. Unfortunately you wont find any unique info. Keep reading and asking questions on forums and owners groups on yahoo.
Stuart & Leslie Offer

2008 Holiday Rambler Navigator 45-Caspian IV, Cummins ISX 600. 2014 Jeep Cherokee limited,Cashmere. Roadmaster Sterling, SMI Airforceone. Full timing since June 1, 2014

DutchmenSport
Explorer
Explorer
Your best review is your own judgement and scanning real world users of the RV you are considering by asking questions and reading real owners good and bad comments on this forum and on the forums specific to the RV you are considering. In my opinion,real world experience has more value than someone on a payroll Who may haver never in his life ever spent a single night in an RV or ever towed anything except a yard wagon behind his riding mower. Consumer reports are ok I suppose. But if you want real world answers you've already found your best source right here!

n7bsn
Explorer
Explorer
We've used them as a resource in the past, and would do so again in the future.

They (used to?) sell a book on teaching how to inspect an RV yourself, how to look for important things and look past colors, fabrics, etc.

There are lots of interesting "rumors" past around about them. Like how they don't actually inspect RVs (they do), how some makers pay them for good reviews, etc.
I suspect many of these are started by dealers and builders that don't want the buyers to have as many tools available as possible.
At one point the principals were "banned" from attending local RV shows, a move by a few builders (now gone) and dealers (dito).
2008 F350SD V10 with an 2012 Arctic Fox 29-5E
When someone tells you to buy the same rig they own, listen, they might be right. When they tell you to buy a different rig then they own, really pay attention, they probably know something you don't.

waltbennett
Explorer
Explorer
We used it two years ago and it was worth the money. They rate very conservatively and are very thorough in their checklists and things. We were originally wanting to see a 2006 Carriage at a dealer not far away, but found it had a delaminated slideout and some water damage. Looked at five others that were on my 'list' from their online inventory and ended up settling on our Montana after two inspections. Hadn't come with everything to do a thorough one the first time, so we drove back a few days later.

The one thing just about any dealership won't want to do is put water in the fresh tank and let you look for leaks. We checked through all the appliances - found that somehow the antenna connector on the back of the 40" TV was broken off. The dealer got us a new one without any questions, but thoroughly looking through everything saved a trip back after purchase.
'06 F350 TD, Softopper, airbags, AeroShield, coolant filter
'10 3665RE Hickory edition, wetbolts, Firestone LTs, Trimetric Battery Monitor, 4x100w panels & Morningstar TS-45, still tweeking.

Dick_B
Explorer
Explorer
Back in 2003 we bought their ratings book and used it to decide on what RV's to look at, further research, and finally purchase after seeing our SB in person.
Dick_B
2003 SunnyBrook 27FKS
2011 3/4 T Chevrolet Suburban
Equal-i-zer Hitch
One wife, two electric bikes (both Currie Tech Path+ models)