Just wondering

I did the "Lite" route first, not fun.

I got a 2005 Coachman Cascade. last year. a much better unit and has been outside all its life. with 10 N.E. Ohio Winters.

fyi, many of the experts here are not. just opinions.

BillyW wrote:
My entry level 2004 Fleetwood Pioneer is holding quite well. I'm looking to get something new soon, but have to admit I'm a little hesitant for those very reasons.

Mine was made a lot better than what they sell now. I had a 23T. Miss it. Great floorplan.

My entry level 2004 Fleetwood Pioneer is holding quite well. I'm looking to get something new soon, but have to admit I'm a little hesitant for those very reasons.

I've often wondered the same thing terry.
I've got a 2007 Fleetwood Bounder DP, 38N. Fleetwoods are considered "entry-level".

When I was shopping for Class A DPs last November, I went to PPL in Houston. This was the time it was raining and nearly flooding everywhere down there. I looked at EVERYTHING that was in my price range ($75-90K). I looked at Newmars, Monacos, whatever else they had.Every one of the high-end, luxury units were leaking SOMEWHERE through the roof, around a window, or around the door, or somewhere.
The "entry-level" Bounder I ended up buying didn't have a single drop of water (rain) dripping anywhere it wasn't supposed to.

I've got a 1999 Bayliner 2050LS boat. Bayliner's are "entry-level" too.

Yeah......I'll buy entry-level, and save my money.

The watchword in the RV industry today is "light weight".

While the individual weight between a 5ml and a 3ml thickness gutter isn't much, it does add up when everything on the rig is lighter/ thinner.

And it doesn't last as long.

I think terms like "entry level" and "upgrade" is nothing more than "BS" and a marketing ploy as an attempt to work on human gullibility and greed. By naming something "entry level" or calling an item "an upgrade" it makes the owner feel like they need to "keep up with the Jonse's" or the "neighbor next door." It's hog wash terminology in my opinion and an attempt to create a guilt complex. And... lots of folks fall for it, so end up buying the "upscale" model that is still as cheaply made as the low-end scale identical item.

To answer your question, I do think manufacturers are using inferior products. I don't think they are doing it deliberately though. I think we are all Guinea pigs in a laboratory petri dish though. Manufacturers are constantly experimenting with cost reduction and improved materials. Sometimes, BOTH fail. Having watched the RV industry rather closely now for some time, I'm of the opinion the newer models are all experimental again, revamping old proven methods for a more modern, cost saving, eco-friendly, light-weight, cost-saving product .... that just REALLY does not hold up over time! So the experiment continues and we... the buyer are the Guinea pigs!

On a whole, I would say, yes, the materials are not as durable as those of yesteryear. I guess your experience confirms that. It may be due to the Mfg trying to save money and acquiring the various parts from the lowest priced supplier.

Why not call them up and ask a few questions? Tell them your thinking of buying a new one but will pass if the plastic parts are worse than previous models.