Purchase Dilemma: Forest River vs Nexus

[tnedator]

Ok, my wife and I are ready to purchase our first RV. My sister and brother and law have been RVing for 20 years or so and full time for over five years, so I've gotten some insight from them. Beyond that, I've been reading forum posts and other stuff for a month or so.

We plan to use it for short weekends up at the lake, Branson, etc. or to use on long trips (rather than flying), where we will sometimes park and check into a downtown hotel, but use it for overnight stops along the way or for the wife to move around a bit if I decide to drive through.

In the end, the only floorplans I've found that will fit my wife and our two standard poodles are the following:

Forest River 2431S (E450 and its 2430S in Sunseeker line)
Forest River 2401W (Sprinter and its 2400W in Sunseeker line)
Nexus Viper 25V - E450

For all practical purposes, those three RV's have the identical floorplan, which is based on a full wall slide, making a 25' RV much bigger than its short length would provide otherwise.

I think I have eliminated the Sprinter version, because it only has 1100 CCC and the best I can tell that's dry. Even if it's wet, that's not much and if I ever tow, it's only a 4200 pound rating. Also, small propane tank and I don't think there is a diesel generator option.

Without going into details of why, I don't want a used coach (even though I know there are some advantages to going that route) and since I'm new to this and don't want to start towing right away, I want to stay in this size range to make it easier to use as my only vehicle on trips.

So, the dilemma.

While I've read a lot of people very happy with their Forest River RVs, they also appear to have major quality control problems coming out of the factory, it would seem like in line with or worse than Thor.

With Nexus, It seems like forum posts have owners posting positive reviews many times more often than negative. While I've read about unhappy Nexus owners, I'm thinking it seems like 8 positive posts to ever 1 negative or so.

Since they are both the same chassis, generator, fiberglass roof, etc. What are the differences.

Forest River uses Luan in walls and roof, Nexus uses Azdel.
Forest River frameless windows, Nexus Framed with automotive seals.
Nexus gives a few options Forest river doesn't like in motion satellite, solar panels and outside TV/Entertainment.

I guess the other difference, probably bigger to the wife than me, is that Nexus will let us customize more in terms of colors and such in the coach, and will also let you decide where you want various power and low voltage outlets which would be nice.

Also, the 25V floorplan I like was just introduced fall of last year, so it is a new floor plan for Nexus.

Beyond those few differences, these coaches look very similar in and out and have very similar features/options and pricing is in the same ball park.

So, it really comes down to manufacturer and which is likely to turn out the better product, and then issues dealing with issues down the road.

The Forest River dealer is nearly two hours away. I was impressed with them, a laid back dealership, but friendly, low pressure. Claim to have the only master RV mechanic in Arkansas (not sure if that is a reality or BS). They seem focused on customer service and do things like arrange get together with their customers four times a year at places like Branson, Biloxi, etc. where they arrange entertainment and the like and get 130 or so campers for each of them. That indicates to me that they might be focused on getting and keeping customers happy for future purchases.

With Nexus, it would be independent RV service. One in the same town as the Forest River dealer and one about 1:30 from me. He has a handful of Google reviews that are positive.

So, it really comes down to what I should be more worried about? Forrest River quality control issues or dealing with a smaller, boutique company in business for seven years that seems to have mostly good reviews, but certainly some reviews where people complained about problems getting issues resolved.

I would love to have some thoughts.

[Snowman9000]

We own a 2014 Sunseeker on a Chevy. It has Azdel walls, not sure about the roof. Recently we toured the factory and the Nexus factory. Forest River is still using Azdel, and they vacuum form their walls.

If you are buying a Ford, I would buy the Nexus. They are better built. We like the Chevy ergonomics and handling better than the Ford, but that is not what you are asking. For house build quality, I'd vote Nexus.

We are happy with our Sunseeker, though.

[MobileBasset]

Analysis paralysis.
I always say if you can't make up your mind about something then you need more data.
You need to keep researching until you find that one important piece of data that tips the scale. And it's not always about the item. Sometimes it's about you and what will bring you the most enjoyment.

[tnedator]

DutchmenSport wrote:
I totally agree with the "wife's" choice. And if you let her pick the colors, etc. she'll take ownership of the camper. You'll take care of the maintenance, she'll take care of everything else. If she's happy ... you will be too. Let her pick, even if it doesn't make sense to you. When issues with the camper arise, deal with them then. Logistics will work themselves out. They always do.

I read carefully and I try to read between the lines when folks make posts on these forums. If my hunch is correct, I think YOU are leaning more toward the Nexus. Sometimes, you have to just throw all logic to the wind, and get what makes the wife happy too.

I am truly torn. It will certainly be "easier" to by the Forest River through the local (2 hours for me is local) dealer, and at least to the naked eye, I thought their coaches looked very good in terms of fit and finish compared to some other brands I went through over at Camping World.

Now, when talking about quality control and such. When we looked at the Sprinter versions of the floor plan we like, both that the dealer had on the lot had the entry door so bound that he had to go through the cab and force them open from the inside. Something he said could be addressed (and I wouldn't be buying either of those), but it's not nice to see two coaches with the same problem.

One other thing is that while in my original post I said that they were all comparable price, I thought about that and realize that isn't true. Sprinter Forest River and Nexus are about the same price, but since the Ford version costs less and the dealers discount them more than the Sprinter model, I believe that the Forest River will be $15,000 give or take less than the Nexus.

One thing I can't figure out on the Forest River is how their roof and side walls connect. Nexus touts their roof overlapping the side walls by 6" or so. The cut away diagram of Forest River almost looks like they just mate up to the sidewalls and then they put a cap on to cover the seem where the roof/sidewall come together.

I have to say that leaking is probably my number one concern and something I don't want to deal with.

[tnedator]

Desert Captain wrote:

tnedator wrote:
Ok, my wife and I are ready to purchase our first RV. My sister and brother and law have been RVing for 20 years or so and full time for over five years, so I've gotten some insight from them. Beyond that, I've been reading forum posts and other stuff for a month or so.

We plan to use it for short weekends up at the lake, Branson, etc. or to use on long trips (rather than flying), where we will sometimes park and check into a downtown hotel, but use it for overnight stops along the way or for the wife to move around a bit if I decide to drive through.

In the end, the only floorplans I've found that will fit my wife and our two standard poodles are the following:

Forest River 2431S (E450 and its 2430S in Sunseeker line)
Forest River 2401W (Sprinter and its 2400W in Sunseeker line)
Nexus Viper 25V - E450

For all practical purposes, those three RV's have the identical floorplan, which is based on a full wall slide, making a 25' RV much bigger than its short length would provide otherwise.

I think I have eliminated the Sprinter version, because it only has 1100 CCC and the best I can tell that's dry. Even if it's wet, that's not much and if I ever tow, it's only a 4200 pound rating. Also, small propane tank and I don't think there is a diesel generator option.

Without going into details of why, I don't want a used coach (even though I know there are some advantages to going that route) and since I'm new to this and don't want to start towing right away, I want to stay in this size range to make it easier to use as my only vehicle on trips.

So, the dilemma.

While I've read a lot of people very happy with their Forest River RVs, they also appear to have major quality control problems coming out of the factory, it would seem like in line with or worse than Thor.

With Nexus, It seems like forum posts have owners posting positive reviews many times more often than negative. While I've read about unhappy Nexus owners, I'm thinking it seems like 8 positive posts to ever 1 negative or so.

Since they are both the same chassis, generator, fiberglass roof, etc. What are the differences.

Forest River uses Luan in walls and roof, Nexus uses Azdel.
Forest River frameless windows, Nexus Framed with automotive seals.
Nexus gives a few options Forest river doesn't like in motion satellite, solar panels and outside TV/Entertainment.

I guess the other difference, probably bigger to the wife than me, is that Nexus will let us customize more in terms of colors and such in the coach, and will also let you decide where you want various power and low voltage outlets which would be nice.

Also, the 25V floorplan I like was just introduced fall of last year, so it is a new floor plan for Nexus.

Beyond those few differences, these coaches look very similar in and out and have very similar features/options and pricing is in the same ball park.

So, it really comes down to manufacturer and which is likely to turn out the better product, and then issues dealing with issues down the road.

The Forest River dealer is nearly two hours away. I was impressed with them, a laid back dealership, but friendly, low pressure. Claim to have the only master RV mechanic in Arkansas (not sure if that is a reality or BS). They seem focused on customer service and do things like arrange get together with their customers four times a year at places like Branson, Biloxi, etc. where they arrange entertainment and the like and get 130 or so campers for each of them. That indicates to me that they might be focused on getting and keeping customers happy for future purchases.

With Nexus, it would be independent RV service. One in the same town as the Forest River dealer and one about 1:30 from me. He has a handful of Google reviews that are positive.

So, it really comes down to what I should be more worried about? Forrest River quality control issues or dealing with a smaller, boutique company in business for seven years that seems to have mostly good reviews, but certainly some reviews where people complained about problems getting issues resolved.

I would love to have some thoughts.

In the spirit of full disclosure {unlike the government}, I am a very happy {3.5 years and 33,000+ miles}, Nexus owner (2012 Phantom 23P check my profile pic). We have no slide but at 101" wide and with a full 7' of head room throughout the coach is it probably the roomiest 24/25' Class C on the market.

I looked at and liked the Sunseeker line but there it is no contest when it comes to the quality of the build. Nexus' {Nexi?}, are framed in steel which yields a 72 per cent stronger chassis. As you noted Nexus uses Azdel which is far superior to Luan {which is basically thin plywood}.

Nexus vacuum seals their walls and roofs with multiple layers for better strength and insulation. the 25 Viper has been around for a couple of years. If building a new Nexus you have a blank canvas as far as which features and decorating options you desire as they will custom design just about anything.

Our E-350 Phantom {which has 3,363# of CCC}, was purchased used with just 6,205 miles and came with heated tanks, power drivers seat, custom Amish Maple interior, electric awning, three burner stove with conventional oven, a huge microwave with Hood, 22" flatscreen TV with DVD player and a nice stereo, outdoor shower, 35,000 BTU furnace/13,500 BTU AC, 4Kw gas generator and a 55 gallon fuel tank to go with the 6.8L V-10 with the 5 speed Torque Shift transmission and the 4:10 rear end. At $47,000 vs $62,000 for new build I feel like we seriously scored!

The E-350 is rated to tow up to 5,000# just like the E-450 but if you are going to tow over 4,000# you may be happier with a 450 though they come with a stiffer ride and worse mileage {4:56 rear end}.

The customer service we received from Nexus was unbelievable. We stopped at their factory in Elkhart twice on a cross country trip. Keep in mind we did not buy from them and yet they could not have been more accommodating. We ended up spending 4 free nights at the factory with courtesy hook ups. I had them add a custom spare tire mount {welded up under the rear of the coach}, and an additional seat belt in the dinette. Their labor rate was a very reasonable $75 an hour.

The one problem I had with the coach was difficulty fueling, the pump would keep burping off often taking 20 minutes to add 40 gallons... a real PITA. I put Nexus on the clock to effect the repair thinking it had to be a kinked vent hose. Instead they found that the fuel fill hose had come from Ford with a twist/kink. The pulled and reinstalled it even adding 5 gallons of gas to check the fix. When I ask for a bill they said "No charge, we build a better coach than that and should have caught it."

Like I said initially, I am a very happy owner. If you end up ordering a rig from Nexus plan on at least two visits to Elkhart. One to select and design your coach and tour their facilities {very impressive}, and a second for the PDI followed by a couple of days onsite dialing in corrections that may be needed {nobody, including Nexus builds a perfect coach}. Keep an eye on their used inventory as many folks come back to upgrade to something larger. They also handle consignments. Feel free to PM me if you have any other questions. Good luck!

:B

I've read your experience before and like what I hear.

[DutchmenSport]

I totally agree with the "wife's" choice. And if you let her pick the colors, etc. she'll take ownership of the camper. You'll take care of the maintenance, she'll take care of everything else. If she's happy ... you will be too. Let her pick, even if it doesn't make sense to you. When issues with the camper arise, deal with them then. Logistics will work themselves out. They always do.

I read carefully and I try to read between the lines when folks make posts on these forums. If my hunch is correct, I think YOU are leaning more toward the Nexus. Sometimes, you have to just throw all logic to the wind, and get what makes the wife happy too.

[Desert_Captain]

tnedator wrote:
Ok, my wife and I are ready to purchase our first RV. My sister and brother and law have been RVing for 20 years or so and full time for over five years, so I've gotten some insight from them. Beyond that, I've been reading forum posts and other stuff for a month or so.

We plan to use it for short weekends up at the lake, Branson, etc. or to use on long trips (rather than flying), where we will sometimes park and check into a downtown hotel, but use it for overnight stops along the way or for the wife to move around a bit if I decide to drive through.

In the end, the only floorplans I've found that will fit my wife and our two standard poodles are the following:

Forest River 2431S (E450 and its 2430S in Sunseeker line)
Forest River 2401W (Sprinter and its 2400W in Sunseeker line)
Nexus Viper 25V - E450

For all practical purposes, those three RV's have the identical floorplan, which is based on a full wall slide, making a 25' RV much bigger than its short length would provide otherwise.

I think I have eliminated the Sprinter version, because it only has 1100 CCC and the best I can tell that's dry. Even if it's wet, that's not much and if I ever tow, it's only a 4200 pound rating. Also, small propane tank and I don't think there is a diesel generator option.

Without going into details of why, I don't want a used coach (even though I know there are some advantages to going that route) and since I'm new to this and don't want to start towing right away, I want to stay in this size range to make it easier to use as my only vehicle on trips.

So, the dilemma.

While I've read a lot of people very happy with their Forest River RVs, they also appear to have major quality control problems coming out of the factory, it would seem like in line with or worse than Thor.

With Nexus, It seems like forum posts have owners posting positive reviews many times more often than negative. While I've read about unhappy Nexus owners, I'm thinking it seems like 8 positive posts to ever 1 negative or so.

Since they are both the same chassis, generator, fiberglass roof, etc. What are the differences.

Forest River uses Luan in walls and roof, Nexus uses Azdel.
Forest River frameless windows, Nexus Framed with automotive seals.
Nexus gives a few options Forest river doesn't like in motion satellite, solar panels and outside TV/Entertainment.

I guess the other difference, probably bigger to the wife than me, is that Nexus will let us customize more in terms of colors and such in the coach, and will also let you decide where you want various power and low voltage outlets which would be nice.

Also, the 25V floorplan I like was just introduced fall of last year, so it is a new floor plan for Nexus.

Beyond those few differences, these coaches look very similar in and out and have very similar features/options and pricing is in the same ball park.

So, it really comes down to manufacturer and which is likely to turn out the better product, and then issues dealing with issues down the road.

The Forest River dealer is nearly two hours away. I was impressed with them, a laid back dealership, but friendly, low pressure. Claim to have the only master RV mechanic in Arkansas (not sure if that is a reality or BS). They seem focused on customer service and do things like arrange get together with their customers four times a year at places like Branson, Biloxi, etc. where they arrange entertainment and the like and get 130 or so campers for each of them. That indicates to me that they might be focused on getting and keeping customers happy for future purchases.

With Nexus, it would be independent RV service. One in the same town as the Forest River dealer and one about 1:30 from me. He has a handful of Google reviews that are positive.

So, it really comes down to what I should be more worried about? Forrest River quality control issues or dealing with a smaller, boutique company in business for seven years that seems to have mostly good reviews, but certainly some reviews where people complained about problems getting issues resolved.

I would love to have some thoughts.

In the spirit of full disclosure {unlike the government}, I am a very happy {3.5 years and 33,000+ miles}, Nexus owner (2012 Phantom 23P check my profile pic). We have no slide but at 101" wide and with a full 7' of head room throughout the coach is it probably the roomiest 24/25' Class C on the market.

I looked at and liked the Sunseeker line but there it is no contest when it comes to the quality of the build. Nexus' {Nexi?}, are framed in steel which yields a 72 per cent stronger chassis. As you noted Nexus uses Azdel which is far superior to Luan {which is basically thin plywood}.

Nexus vacuum seals their walls and roofs with multiple layers for better strength and insulation. the 25 Viper has been around for a couple of years. If building a new Nexus you have a blank canvas as far as which features and decorating options you desire as they will custom design just about anything.

Our E-350 Phantom {which has 3,363# of CCC}, was purchased used with just 6,205 miles and came with heated tanks, power drivers seat, custom Amish Maple interior, electric awning, three burner stove with conventional oven, a huge microwave with Hood, 22" flatscreen TV with DVD player and a nice stereo, outdoor shower, 35,000 BTU furnace/13,500 BTU AC, 4Kw gas generator and a 55 gallon fuel tank to go with the 6.8L V-10 with the 5 speed Torque Shift transmission and the 4:10 rear end. At $47,000 vs $62,000 for new build I feel like we seriously scored!

The E-350 is rated to tow up to 5,000# just like the E-450 but if you are going to tow over 4,000# you may be happier with a 450 though they come with a stiffer ride and worse mileage {4:56 rear end}.

The customer service we received from Nexus was unbelievable. We stopped at their factory in Elkhart twice on a cross country trip. Keep in mind we did not buy from them and yet they could not have been more accommodating. We ended up spending 4 free nights at the factory with courtesy hook ups. I had them add a custom spare tire mount {welded up under the rear of the coach}, and an additional seat belt in the dinette. Their labor rate was a very reasonable $75 an hour.

The one problem I had with the coach was difficulty fueling, the pump would keep burping off often taking 20 minutes to add 40 gallons... a real PITA. I put Nexus on the clock to effect the repair thinking it had to be a kinked vent hose. Instead they found that the fuel fill hose had come from Ford with a twist/kink. The pulled and reinstalled it even adding 5 gallons of gas to check the fix. When I ask for a bill they said "No charge, we build a better coach than that and should have caught it."

Like I said initially, I am a very happy owner. If you end up ordering a rig from Nexus plan on at least two visits to Elkhart. One to select and design your coach and tour their facilities {very impressive}, and a second for the PDI followed by a couple of days onsite dialing in corrections that may be needed {nobody, including Nexus builds a perfect coach}. Keep an eye on their used inventory as many folks come back to upgrade to something larger. They also handle consignments. Feel free to PM me if you have any other questions. Good luck!

:B

[MobileBasset]

Along the wife lines, you say she wants to move around while you drive through. Make sure you evaluate the "movability" of each unit with the slide in. Do you have acceptable access to the toilet and fridge?

[tnedator]

Two Hands wrote:
It's pretty simple, really. Buy the one your wife wants. If you think about it you'll realize how much sense that makes.

Absolutely agree. She does like the idea of Nexus because she will have more color choices, but even she realizes the number one factor should be which makes better coaches, since they are basically the same layout, same chassis, etc.

[Two_Hands]

It's pretty simple, really. Buy the one your wife wants. If you think about it you'll realize how much sense that makes.