Interesting conversation

[suprz]

I went to the place that is currently working on my rv. (replacing the A/C) and while talking to a rep there, we started to talk about the quality issues of brand new units. I said it was unfair how the factory just pumps these rv's out and then expects the dealer to fix all the issues. He told me that when the dealership buys a new unit, that there is a unspoken discount on the price because the manufacturer knows there will be quality issues that have to be fixed

[beemerphile1]

I don't know anything about a discount but most RVs have warranty claims before they are ever sold.

[CavemanCharlie]

Agriculture equipment is built like that too. I've known people that work at the assembly plants and they know they are building stuff that will have to be taken apart and rebuilt at the dealer. Management says that's how it's done. They won't listen to the workers.

Once we get it on the farm it is usually in good shape though. But, these days the computer part of the tractor is what always causes the problem. They come out once or twice a year to fix some computer bug in the system.

[rockhillmanor]

THE reason I keep putting off buying a new one.

I travel extensively to sporting events with different friends who have MH's.

Many have new ones and others have sold their used one to buy new. EVERY trip one of the new ones breaks down or need serious repairs inside. While my Queen Mary keeps plugging along, handles far better and doesn't break down every weekend.

I mean really.....my friend bought a brand new pricey MH and when the temps got down near the 30's he has to put a light in the bay so the water doesn't freeze. Half the time the auto awnings won't close and auto levelers won't come up, etc etc.

I read the forum on all the problems with new RV's and I honestly didn't have any of them. My MH rides like limo without changing anything on the suspension and/or adding special aftermarket items on a new vehicle, etc. :R

And many of the working parts inside on my MH are original and still going strong.

Yup, I do believe they made them better before and now are just cranking out **** and charging more. There are sadly way to many posts about problems with new RV's that seem to prove that fact.

[wa8yxm]

This will change.. You might notice that where as back in say 1960 the BIG THREE were Ford, GM and Chrysler (not necessarly in that order) Today that has changed. Companies like Honda, and Toyota (And Volkswagen) have taken major bites out of the Big 3 and as I recall they are now 3 of the bit 4 though I admit it's been a while.

How did this happen? (And not just in Cars either. Happened in home computers as well)

Well, they shoved them out the gate and let the delaer fix it under warranty.. You see the fastest way to save money is lay off Quality Control types because they do not make anything (other than happy customers) so that's what they did.

And the customers went to the Japanese companies that still had quality control types on staff.


IT will happen, sooner or later. in the RV industry too, though a few brands may bankrupt first (Happened in the computer world)

[westend]

theoldwizard1 wrote:

toedtoes wrote:
At least the auto industry sends you a notification that there's an issue. Even if it's usually after you've discovered the problem on your own and fixed it 3 times.

Cars and light/medium duty trucks are only required to report safety or emission issue. Even when a "technical service bulletin" (TSB) is issued, that calls for a re-designed part, they have no obligation to inform the consumer or pay for repairs beyond the warranty period.

Only class actions lawsuits can force them to "come clean" and make the necessary repairs at their expense.

I just got a notice from BMW that my 2001 530i needs the airbags replaced. It will be on BMW's dime. I'm assuming it has those shrapnel-throwing Takata (sp?) airbags.

[theoldwizard1]

toedtoes wrote:
At least the auto industry sends you a notification that there's an issue. Even if it's usually after you've discovered the problem on your own and fixed it 3 times.

Cars and light/medium duty trucks are only required to report safety or emission issue. Even when a "technical service bulletin" (TSB) is issued, that calls for a re-designed part, they have no obligation to inform the consumer or pay for repairs beyond the warranty period.

Only class actions lawsuits can force them to "come clean" and make the necessary repairs at their expense.

[theoldwizard1]

I still say there are some basic design issues with most RVs that the industry has failed to address.

A TT is nothing more than a long box on a metal frame with NO DIAGONAL BRACING ! I don't mean just front to back but also side to side (obviously you can not put side to side cross bracing in the middle of a TT !) Houses may not have diagonal bracing (any more) because the sheathing, with appropriate nailomg, acts as the bracing. If the walls are going to flex/move in relationship to the floor and ceiling, you are going to have problems, period. This is why I believe that aluminum wall structures are superior to wood (although I think they should use 1½" or 2" square tubing).

I applaud the RV manufacturers who have gone to crowned/"barrel" roofs so at least the rain won't puddle up there. Still, joint between the roof and the side walls relies ONLY on a sealant to prevent water intrusion. THERE HAS GOT TO BE A BETTER WAY ! Same with windows installation.

Why do enclosed cargo trailers not leak ? Because the customers would not put up with water damaged goods that were transported inside them !!

Last, everyone who has owned a TT or done any research on RVs in general knows that water intrusion that get to the sub-floor is death ! Why aren't more RV manufacturers using aluminum flooring or at least genuine marine grade plywood. Yes, it is more expensive, but they will not rot/fall apart if they get wet.

"Eggshell" TT are not perfect, but they have addressed a lot of these issues.

[toedtoes]

Old-Biscuit wrote:
Automotive Industry has same concept.....Recalls!

At least the auto industry sends you a notification that there's an issue. Even if it's usually after you've discovered the problem on your own and fixed it 3 times.

But the RV industry never even informs you that there is something wrong. And it's not a specific issue caused by a specific failure at one point in the process.

With a car, they might have 2,000,000 vehicles needing 1 fix; with RVs, they will have 200,000 RVs needing 200,000 different fixes.

[Cloud_Dancer]

That's right, IMO I actually paid a lot of money for a brand new RV kit (KIT). And, I'm still trying to finish it.

[Old-Biscuit]

Automotive Industry has same concept.....Recalls!

[myredracer]

Our dealer told me that they get stiffed all the time by the manufacturer for things that should have been done right to start with at the factory. Maybe that's one reason new owners find so many issues, because the dealer can't afford to fix stuff on a regular ongoing basis?

Doesn't help that dealers can be inept at fixing things either. We were in to the dealer to get some items fixed under warranty multiple times and they still couldn't get them fixed. If you need something fixed at the height of the camping season, you can be faced with your RV sitting at the dealer for weeks and weeks. Best approach is to expect to do repairs yourself. Stock up on tools if needed.

[Corkey05]

suprz wrote:
I went to the place that is currently working on my rv. (replacing the A/C) and while talking to a rep there, we started to talk about the quality issues of brand new units. I said it was unfair how the factory just pumps these rv's out and then expects the dealer to fix all the issues. He told me that when the dealership buys a new unit, that there is a unspoken discount on the price because the manufacturer knows there will be quality issues that have to be fixed

Over the years and after three NEW motorhomes off the showroom floor, the last in 2008, I started calling the dealer "Final Assembly". All factory's have them, but RV manufacturers seem to think at's located at the dealership. I knew every tech at the dealership by first name, including his wife and kids. Some have become friends of over 15 years.

What I'm saying here is this is nothing new. And honestly it's a disgrace to the industry when compared to some of the oversea's competition who seem to get it right the first time.

[kerrlakeRoo]

I think they took their lead from Microslop.
With every new computer with their software you have 3 to 4 hours work downloading and installing all of their "updates" and "fixes" before you can use the computer, and then they, along with google, adobe, amazon and a host others think you bought your computer for the express purpose of daily dumps of their "updates".
I have long wished I could sell Bill Gates a new car, and then after getting his money tell him, "Here is a box of parts and a toolbox, so you can finish the car before using it".
It seems the RV manufacturers are trying to emulate his methods.

[gbopp]

suprz wrote:
Geez! Give me a minute... I had to fix a internet quality issue! 😛

I finished my thoughts.... lol

You know the rules on the forum
If you see a shot, take it. 🙂