azdryheat wrote:
Stay far away from any trailer that uses the Schwintek slide mechanism. You can tell that system by the horizontal, grooved tracks on the sides of the slides. They are nothing but trouble. Jayco uses that system a lot. My Voltage has Schwintek and I had my share of problems for the first year but they have been working OK since the bugs got worked out. Voltage has since quit using Schwintek.
On the other hand, many of us have Schwintek slides and have not had any issues with them...
As far as what to buy, you will get almost as many recommendations on the forum as there are RV brands. Unless you are going for a really high-end unit (DRV, Excel, Presidential, etc.), your best bet is to find one laid out and equipped the way you want (including insulation, double pane windows, underbelly heating, etc.), and buy from a dealer you trust and who will service/repair your unit. There are a few companies in the mid-price range who's customer service or warranties set them apart. Jayco is known for their two-year warranty and Grand Design is known for their customer service. Visit numerous shows and dealerships, look at and spend time in a lot of rigs, and read other forums such as the Escapees and RV-Dreams forums.
Rob
