Brand Quality Advice Needed

There is no such thing as QC in the RV industry!

You might find some benefit from checking this web site where owners of various brands of RVs (all kinds) rate their own based on a standard list of criteria. Obviously brands with higher numbers of rankings will be more accurate than those with only a few but it's worth looking at.
http://www.rv-coach.com/RV/manufacturers/survey/rate_your_rv_results.html

Welcome!

The search for the perfect RV will go on as long as there are RVs on the road. I agree that the best bet for you is either a large dealer representing many brands or an RV show. We shopped for three years trying to get that brand/value/features equation worked out. For us, layout was also a primary consideration. We don't need bunks, for instance. As we got more savvy with features, we narrowed the field of players considerably. The we walked into a unit, and bingo! We knew it was the right one.

We were at a show, and we got the "best price possible" from one dealer, walked to the other side of the show, and got $$ less than the first one, with some goodies thrown in (Rhinoflex sewer hose, flush wand, levelers, etc.).

Before we closed the deal, we came here and other RV sites to get reviews on our chosen TT. Like most products, it had good reviews and negative ones, but the good outweighed the bad, and we knew what to look out for.

We loved our TT, and it served us well for three years. We had many happy camping adventures with it. We are hoping the next family has many great camping adventures in it, and we never had a warranty issue.

All that being said, when you narrow it down, layout is important. Lay on the bed for a while, sit on the couch, pretend you're cooking, using the bathroom, etc. We don't watch much TV while camping, but it does rain, so make sure you can watch the TV without being a contortionist.

Most of all, when you pull the trigger and drive away, assure yourself that you made the right choice and don't second guess yourself. Many people change rigs every few years, and you can, too, if it isn't perfect. We learned a lot about what we liked, needed and can't live without, and also what we didn't need at all during our first year of camping, and you'll figure that out as you go along.

Most of all, have fun!
Elizabeth

I don't imagine that there are many folks on this forum that have much experience in multiple brands/types/years of RVs past maybe a couple. And for every (Brand A) MH, 5er, TT, etc. owner that loves theirs, somebody else hates the same unit. This forum is probably the best place for research. At least you'll be able to see the reasons and see if those reasons matter to you.
I had a 'B' before I bought my current 'C'. But what annoyed me about the 'B' (space and no toad), other folks consider a plus.

my first cut is always, No rubber roofs, either TPO, Aluminum, or fiberglass.
bumpy

YouTube is an excellent way to start to get ideas about models and companies. Just don't believe everything the salesman tells you on the video.

WoodGlue

Newmar is one of the better manufacturers and one that hasn't gone bankrupt or sold out to another. Good luck!

You are going to find that every brand u pick will have someone and others say that "stay away" deal. I think you shud find one that you like, research it and then make your decision. I also think CW is a bad place to buy an rv. That's personal.

@rerod: By "Home" I meant home on the road since I plan on using it a lot, although not full time. New or used is fine, all depends on Price/Value.

@Thats_ok: RV Show at Cal-Expo is a good Idea. I already looked up that dealer and will probably visit. Grass Valley must be cooler than here! Will attend the RV-Show when it happens. I'll bet in the Spring?

Thanks

My first requirement was aluminum construction because they all leak sooner or later. Finding a used aluminum TH wasn't easy so I had to settle for what ever amenities were in the one I finally decided to buy. Most of the amenities ended up being entry level and a bit disappointing.

New or used Mr Howard? New home?