This sums it up for the status of the RV industry now

[afrescopXx]

This is from today's "Let's Go RVing" published daily by Greg Gerber, a well known and respected industry journalist.

Follow this link: http://rvdailyreport.com/opinion/rv-death-spiral-manufacturers-in-race-to-the-bottom/

[big_jim_2]

I have over the last 14 years traveled from Key West to north of Fairbanks from California to Nova Scotia. My experience is that unless
you can fix small things yourself or are willing (and able) to pay high repair bills be careful of what you do. That is after talking and observing hundreds (if not thousands) of campers.

[tropical36]

Kayteg1 wrote:
My 30 years experience with RV is that quality of average RV was always poor.
Average RV are build with "cheap, cheap, cheap" but that doesn't make them different from stick-build houses.
Each mid-priced RV I did own had unfinished holes - where exterior wind would flow freely inside, unsecured wires in lot of invisible places and $10 faucets. Add 0 roll-over ratings.
That is why after years, having family safety in mind I bought very vintage Prevost and kept it 11 years, still making new owners of 44 years old coach happy.
Custom Prevost conversion come with gold-plated faucets and insulation where single electric heater would keep 40' coach cozy.

We considered an old Prevost or a BB Wanderlodge, but for the want of 1 1/2 baths, 3 slides and staying within our budget, it wasn't to be. Not saying that there isn't one somewhere that would have suited us, just that we were ready this year and what we purchased, was close enough to inspect and the price was right.

[robatthelake]

The Reason a lot of people buy New or Newer Rigs has to do with Financing !

I learned a long time ago that when it comes to Vehicles and other Toys it is safer to buy something that I can afford and pay for with my Cash, than something that I have to keep paying for after it has broken or worn out!

[Kayteg1]

My 30 years experience with RV is that quality of average RV was always poor.
Average RV are build with "cheap, cheap, cheap" but that doesn't make them different from stick-build houses.
Each mid-priced RV I did own had unfinished holes - where exterior wind would flow freely inside, unsecured wires in lot of invisible places and $10 faucets. Add 0 roll-over ratings.
That is why after years, having family safety in mind I bought very vintage Prevost and kept it 11 years, still making new owners of 44 years old coach happy.
Custom Prevost conversion come with gold-plated faucets and insulation where single electric heater would keep 40' coach cozy.

[tropical36]

You can always have a PDI done before the purchase, as a contingency. Just don't make the mistake of hiring a fox to guard the chicken house, which means the possible dealer you're purchasing from. No friends of this would be dealer, either.
The other thing about buying used, is for all the money you still have left in the bank for whatever might come up. Like having your own warranty company, in that you still have room for profit and if all goes well, you can apply it elsewhere and like getting free fuel for a few years, if not more so.
In our case, we decided to forgo an extended warranty as well, since we do so much of our own work anyway and since so much isn't covered or has a deductible, along with the hassle of having to leave it somewhere.
It's like betting against the casino and in extended warranty plans, they're betting that you won't break it and you're betting that you will, so hopefully we won't break it and considering that the house usually wins....lol

[3oaks]

texasclarks wrote:
Good article... Unfortunately a lot of truths in it. My next purchase will definitely be used so I will have a better idea of what has already been repaired 😉

I agree, accept I am leery about buying "used". Never can tell if a buyer is purchasing someone else's problems.

And to back a point in the article, our 2006 Sunline had never been back to the dealers for any defects. Not one. However, our new 2016 Arctic Fox T.T. has been a fixer upper before we made our first camping trip. Basically it is a very good trailer, but numerous defects attributed to crappy workmanship.

Sure, we have a good dealer who is taking care of things that I didn't want to tackle and left up to them, but it's the inconvenience and travel distance to the dealers. Most of the issues should have been caught and corrected at Northwood's factory if there was a decent quality control system in place.

[tropical36]

I'll have to agree with the most of it and have noticed the cheapness in some new lower end units. Then again, the gleam sells and look at the price and brand new at that.
Our new to us, as of last week is out in the driveway and we've spent everyday out there with it, in preparation, which isn't just getting moved in.
Just hope we bought it old enough...lol and must say after much research, I believe we have a quality rig here and just hoping it will serve us well, once we get everything taken care of.

[Tvov]

WyoTraveler wrote:
True buying used has its advantages. However, I buy new and dump it quck if I have major problem. Like I did my Jayco. Buying from private owner probably the best quality and deals. Being a farmer I never knew a farmer that sold a good tractor. I suspect there are good used deals out there.

"Being a farmer I never knew a farmer that sold a good tractor."

I am going to use that!

[smlranger]

I agree with a lot of what he says but also agree that some of what he says is not entirely accurate. There is a cost to quality and coaches that are better built do cost a lot more than the junk rigs.

I do agree that RV manufacturers need to develop stronger dealer relationships and networks. And it is true that, even with the better brands, there is too much finger pointing and hand offs when there are issues with things the maker of the box did not build.

Bottom line, I believe the RV industry will do OK until the economy tanks again.... and it will. Also, as long as there are ill informed buyers (and there are many) who buy for glitz, auto everything, IPads that turn your lights on, and swirly paint, the industry will still sell a bunch.

[J-Rooster]

I would never consider purchasing any of those brands mentioned except the Winnebago with 13 pillows. That's weak to criticize Winnebago because they have 13 pillows in one model! Donate 11 pillows to Goodwill and the problem is solved.

[Ductape]

All you hear on here are the moans of the dissatisfied.

We're full-time in a two year plus old rig. Purchased new. Never been back to the dealer.

It's well known dissatisfied people communicate about it much more than satisfied people do.

[jmtandem]

Wow! the first example cited was a fifth wheel rated for 18,000 pounds and the perplexed owners added up the three 5200 pound axles and decided they had been sold a product that was not rated for 18,000 pounds. How ridiculous and clueless this is as the pin takes 20-25 percent of the weight. It really is rated for 18,000 pounds, some of that weight is not on the axles. This is very basic stuff. No argument that quality control could be a little better, but overall the article is a little negative at a time the industry is thriving.

[IAMICHABOD]

et2 wrote:
Already been posted for days

Here is part #1

[RLS7201]

While some valid points are made, the author does show some lack of knowledge when he blames the RV manufactures for the in tank fuel pumps. He needs to learn the difference between coach and chassis.

Richard

[WyoTraveler]

True buying used has its advantages. However, I buy new and dump it quck if I have major problem. Like I did my Jayco. Buying from private owner probably the best quality and deals. Being a farmer I never knew a farmer that sold a good tractor. I suspect there are good used deals out there.