You're on your own.

Arch Stanton wrote:
Hi, new guy here.
But not new to RV's. Over the past 30 years I've owned everything from a camper shell to a Class A (2) and currently preparing to go from a slide-in to a Toy Hauler reading has been part of my research.
This thread prompted me to join.

There is truth in these forums, folks. As long as the buying public puts the money and name on the line and signs up for these machines, the manufacturers will continue to ride the edge between producing a tolerable product and one that has you pulling your hair out.
Sales.
That is all that matters.
Didja ever notice that we go round and round, talking about brand x being junk and someone else pops in and says brand x has been okay, it is brand z that is junk, but the guy who just got out from under brand x looked at brand z and that is what he is gonna buy?
It never changes.
Read all the forums out there where any part of the theme area involves RVs and you will eventually read a truism..
"There are two kinds of RV's, expensive junk and cheap junk"
I don't believe that is the case.
I think there are perhaps 4 brands who build a decent line, they are very expensive and most of us will never own one.
Then there are the "lipstick on a pig" brands, the ones most of us can afford and will be stuck with.
I pity the first time guy who thinks buying an RV is going to be like any other experience with a major purchase. I learned with my 1988 Southwind Class A that leaving the yard without a large supply of woodscrews, silicone sealer, and a full tool box was a mistake.
I learned how much the windshields could flex when one fell out on I-80.

The deal is this. We are fighting to try to enjoy a lifestyle, to make memories with our kids, or to enjoy a weekend away with our spouse, or a long dreamed of road trip across the land. All of the above apply to me, and I shudder to think of the money I have spent and the frustration I have experienced.
We put up with a lot of stuff we shouldn't, fellow RV'ers.
And we make the best of it.
And we learn to fix stuff.
And as long as we continue to buy this stuff, they will continue to build and sell it. As long as we tolerate crummy service and laughable warranty denials, they will continue to feed us the same. People need to push back, and push hard.
Buying a new RV should not resemble buying a 10 year old used car in any way whatsoever, but think about it, it is much more akin to that experience than what we associate with a new purchase.
Why do we put up with that? Would we tolerate it in any other area of our lives?
As I sit here and ponder another leap off the cliff, I wonder. I am about convinced I am going to buy used, not only to avoid the depreciation that is like a brick falling out of the sky, but with the ridiculous warranty stories we hear, where is the benefit of buying new?