Have you used RV Consumer Group for motor home ratings? The website is http://www.rv.org When I went to the site I had hoped to see a couple sample reviews of a couple coaches, but if its there I didn't find it. That surprised me a little because a membership to RV Consumer Group is $135.00 and you would think they would want to show what you get for your money.Thank you,HJ

Yes I did years ago. It was invaluable with the information given, since I was new to RV buying. It gave me quite a bit of insight, and lead me to purchase a really great RV, that was trouble free.

I bought their stuff several years ago. It was interesting and I learned some things, but overall I don't think the RV Consumer Group ratings are worth what you pay.My issue with this group is their methodology -- how exactly do they come up with their ratings? I've only found vague references like "factory visits". I'm sure they don't use the Consumer Reports method of actually buying and hands-on testing of every RV they rate.On the other hand, when you pose a question like "What do you think of XXX brand RV?" on forums, you typically get answers like "Mine is good". For me, I've found two pretty reliable sources of RV info:(1) Brand User Groups -- from my experience, members on Newmar, Country Coach, Foretravel, etc specific groups (see Yahoo Groups) are usually more candid about their brands than a general forum like this.(2) NHTSA Recall Database -- the entire ODI (Office of Defects Investigation) database can be downloaded. I did this several years ago when I was looking for an RV. After examining manufacturer recall records, I eliminated several brands.

That is great information TechWriter, thank you! Is Consumers Report any good for MotorCoach reviews?

I used them when I bought my Arctic Fox in 2000 and again when I bought my Lazy Daze. I could not find any other source that did not have a vested interest in their opinion.Owners tend to give opinions that reinforce their purchase decision. How many of us are willing to admit to an expensive mistake?Owners groups tend to be fan boys and rarely talk about things they don't like about their purchase decision. Again, to reinforce their choice.As you say, they surely don't buy one of every RV being made. Who could possibly afford that. Oh well. Like a lot of other things, you pay your money and take your chances.Question. Of the amount you are contemplating spending, what percent of that figure is $135? Pretty small I bet. Maybe .000001%Enjoy your choice. The lifestyle is fun.

Do you use RV Consumer Group for motorhome ratings?

2bzy2c
Explorer II
Sep 13, 2014
Yes I did years ago. It was invaluable with the information given, since I was new to RV buying. It gave me quite a bit of insight, and lead me to purchase a really great RV, that was trouble free.
Crazy_Ray
Explorer
Sep 13, 2014
NO
TechWriter
Explorer
Sep 13, 2014
I bought their stuff several years ago. It was interesting and I learned some things, but overall I don't think the RV Consumer Group ratings are worth what you pay.

My issue with this group is their methodology -- how exactly do they come up with their ratings? I've only found vague references like "factory visits". I'm sure they don't use the Consumer Reports method of actually buying and hands-on testing of every RV they rate.

On the other hand, when you pose a question like "What do you think of XXX brand RV?" on forums, you typically get answers like "Mine is good".

For me, I've found two pretty reliable sources of RV info:

(1) Brand User Groups -- from my experience, members on Newmar, Country Coach, Foretravel, etc specific groups (see Yahoo Groups) are usually more candid about their brands than a general forum like this.

(2) NHTSA Recall Database -- the entire ODI (Office of Defects Investigation) database can be downloaded. I did this several years ago when I was looking for an RV. After examining manufacturer recall records, I eliminated several brands.
HOM
Explorer
Sep 13, 2014
That is great information TechWriter, thank you! Is Consumers Report any good for MotorCoach reviews?
ed6713
Explorer
Sep 13, 2014
I used them when I bought my Arctic Fox in 2000 and again when I bought my Lazy Daze. I could not find any other source that did not have a vested interest in their opinion.
Owners tend to give opinions that reinforce their purchase decision. How many of us are willing to admit to an expensive mistake?
Owners groups tend to be fan boys and rarely talk about things they don't like about their purchase decision. Again, to reinforce their choice.

As you say, they surely don't buy one of every RV being made. Who could possibly afford that.

Oh well. Like a lot of other things, you pay your money and take your chances.

Question. Of the amount you are contemplating spending, what percent of that figure is $135? Pretty small I bet. Maybe .000001%

Enjoy your choice. The lifestyle is fun.
wallynm
Explorer
Sep 13, 2014
They do not do any testing. They mathematical formula and try to convince you that suspension components are of little value. Not TRUE.
FrontRangeRVer
Explorer
Sep 13, 2014
Consumer Group does not set foot in, test drive, look at, rent, or touch any unit they "rate". It's one of the biggest scams in history!
Bumpyroad
Explorer
Sep 13, 2014
anyone can send me only $100 and I will tell them that either Arctic Fox or Lazy Daze are good units.
bumpy
bsinmich
Explorer
Sep 13, 2014
I think the owner is a member here and I am waiting for his response.
J-Rooster
Explorer
Sep 14, 2014
No, my RV research brought me to Winnebago! They have been making RV's longer than any other RV manufactures, and there still in business so I figured they must make a outstanding product.