Fleetwood or Winnebago?

[stargirl96]

We're looking at trading in our 2007 Winnebago Outlook 329B for a Fleetwood Jamboree 31M with lower mileage and a better layout (it's 2 feet longer). Anyway, Winnebago has the reputation for quality but I was wondering about Fleetwood's quality. I know the Jamboree and Tioga are often rentals, but this one is definitely not. Both RVs have the same Ford engine, E-450, but the hitch weight for the Jamboree is rated at 3500 lbs. compared with the Winnebago which is rated for 5000 lbs. Not sure why the big difference. Any comments or observations?

[Dakzuki]

I would never own a rubber roof on an RV so that decision was made for me when I was shopping.

[Dusty_R]

Last I knew Winnebago has the highest % of satisfied costumers.

[Bordercollie]

There is somewhat of a knee-jerk reaction to Fleetwood products. We have owned a 2004 Tioga 26Q since 2003. I think that it's quality of construction is average and later models may have improved on QC. Our roof has not leaked but all roofs can leak around vents and AC mounts. Most makers install the same appliances, generators, AC units, awnings, etc. My gut feel is that fridges and roof AC units, etc. start to die at around 10 years old, your mileage may vary.

[dahkota]

The roof is a little less important than the chassis, I would think. Both are on a 14,050 lb. chassis. The fleetwood, being two feet longer, weighs more and has more space for cargo (cargo weight). Chances are, buyers will load them closer to (or over) chassis specs. One way to mitigate the problem is to lower the tow hitch rating and therefore the tongue weight (350 vs. 500). 150 lbs. may not seem like a lot, but that is an entire person or 20 gallons of fuel or 20 gallons of water or two six volt batteries...

The fleetwood weighs more and therefore has a lower cargo capacity. They are trying to help you not overload the chassis. Another way manufacturers do it is lowering the fresh and waster water tank capacities.

[Puttin]

stargirl96,

We currently own a Winne class A but before that we had a Jamboree 31-M. It was an '05 and we bought it new. It was a terrific RV! Even though it was a TPO roof we never had issues. The floorplan was great- we loved the side aisle with the floor to ceiling windows and the enclosed bath. We had the one with the front entertainment center- worked very well. The only reason we traded was our grandkids started traveling with us. You'll love the 31-M...I don't know what year you are looking at but my feeling is that the early models were best...say up to '06 or '07.

Good luck!

[ronfisherman]

WyoTraveler wrote:
I think Fleetwood uses a rubber roof. I think I would also consider Tiffin. Fiberglass roof.

Tiffin builds a Class C?

[JNorton]

My Fleetwood Tioga Ranger has a TPO roof. I have zero complaints about the quality of construction. The drawers are all roller, the appliances are the same as the Winnie. I have a 5000 lb rated hitch not sure why yours is 3500.

[Bumpyroad]

WyoTraveler wrote:
I think Fleetwood uses a rubber roof. I think I would also consider Tiffin. Fiberglass roof.

nuf said, go with the winnie.
bumpy

[WyoTraveler]

I think Fleetwood uses a rubber roof. I think I would also consider Tiffin. Fiberglass roof.

[Bumpyroad]

the winnie will have a fiberglass roof. does the fleetwood?
bumpy