Is there any REAL quality out there?

[DaveRVman]

We were looking at a Thor A.C.E. and found a video where tons of things broke on it for a buyer.

We also looked into Jayco, Winnebago, and numerous other brands. Over and over there are Better Business Bureau reports of horror stories...

Then comes the promised warranties. That seems like a scam because if anything goes wrong (Let's say in April) the wait is 4 months for the warranty issue to be fixed. Well there goes a big chunk of the season.

What does one do? We went to an RV dealer and a NEW Winnebago had tiles falling off behind the backsplash. Just horrible. Then I hear of people who have such hydraulic problems their RV is now a 100k driveway ornament.

I DON'T mind maintenance issues, I'm handy like that. I just don't want to throw 100k into something that is trash.

Is my only choice a 350k diesel pusher Monaco or Prevost? I don't have the funds for that.

What does one do? Just want a reliable Class A for the family. 100k budget.

[DaveRVman]

Wiscampsin wrote:
Winnebago officially acquired Newmar in November of 2019. They are built in Nappanee Indiana.

That means Amish guys running around being paid by the piece slapping it together as fast as they can. If you've seen the factories, it's nuts. I guess I just don't want to drop 100k of hard earned money on something somebody else slaps together... Sorry not trying to insult others or anything.

So "older" Newmar coaches were built where? Would be interesting if they were built in a quality factory.

[RetiredRealtorR]

midnightsadie wrote:
I agree with staying away from dealers they have ONE THING on there mind,your money. most sales people know very little about what they sell. find a good used unit. monday there flippen bugers,tuesday there selling 3k rv,s.

Yes, dealers are in business to actually make a profit -- just like any other business. No big secret there.

True, many salespeople (in any industry) don't know their product like they should. I spent many years as a sales trainer for the automobile industry, and back then I always cautioned salespeople: Don't let a prospective buyer walk through the door that knows more about your product than you do. Today, the buyer should know at least as much, if not more, about the product than the salesperson. No excuse in this information age for a buyer to walk into any business and have to rely on a salesperson to educate them on a particular product.

[Wiscampsin]

Winnebago officially acquired Newmar in November of 2019. They are built in Nappanee Indiana.

[DaveRVman]

Tom/Barb wrote:
There are several 2000 to 2008 Newmar motorhomes that are well equipped for that price range.
We have very little problems with our Newmar Maintain Aire.
to avoid the typical quality stuff you must stay above the luxury level.
Just remember there isn't a cheap motorhome.
and never buy from a dealer, , we found ours in a park and sell lot.
22 years later we think we got some divine guidance

Is Newmar by any chance owned by Thor or built in Indiana? I just want to avoid anything coming out of there. Way to many horror stories... Sorry not trying to insult anybody... 🙂

[Chum_lee]

lhenry8113 wrote:
If you look at 5-10 years old lightly used-should be able to find some good quality vehicles/rv's. And the bonus is- the majority of wrinkles should be ironed out.

I agree with the above, HOWEVER, if you are not capable of doing it yourself, ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS have a competent professional do a thorough pre-purchase inspection for you. Read the report carefully before you plonk down your money. IMO, . . . money well spent. (probably not on the MH, but on the inspection) Expect the MH to be a money pit! Then you won't be disappointed if it's not.

Chum lee

[lhenry8113]

If you look at 5-10 years old lightly used-should be able to find some good quality vehicles/rv's. And the bonus is- the majority of wrinkles should be ironed out.

[midnightsadie]

I agree with staying away from dealers they have ONE THING on there mind,your money. most sales people know very little about what they sell. find a good used unit. monday there flippen bugers,tuesday there selling 3k rv,s.

[Tom_Barb]

There are several 2000 to 2008 Newmar motorhomes that are well equipped for that price range.
We have very little problems with our Newmar Maintain Aire.
to avoid the typical quality stuff you must stay above the luxury level.
Just remember there isn't a cheap motorhome.
and never buy from a dealer, , we found ours in a park and sell lot.
22 years later we think we got some divine guidance