ENTRY LEVEL?

[djcjc]

I just read it again about how some trailers are considered entry level trailers by the elite of campers. I have a Jayco Jay Flight 29QBH this trailer has the layout we wanted the water and holding tank capacities we like but yet here is considered entry level. I has been to Florida ,Tn twice,Indy,& numerous trips here around IL and now that I am retired it is going to get pulled around alot more and many trips far frome home ( Tn in march Deadwood in June) I will not apologize to other in campgrounds for my aluminum sided entry level trailer I will just enjoy our trips and have fun. If this is entry level I guess it is where I belong I am not going live in it 24 - 7.

[rider997]

Francesca Knowles wrote:

colliehauler wrote:
I can't understand why people must make a correlation between entry level and social economic status. It's a rating system, nothing more.

You explained it to yourself in the second sentence!

"It's a rating system" is exactly right. "Entry level" is used as a not very subtle economic status indicator, usually by those wishing to imply that it's the lowest rung on the socio-economic ladder.

The phrase "entry-level" is widely used to describe the least expensive way to "enter" or participate in a sport or activity, and applied to gear often times purchased by people new to the activity who do not know what gear they'll ultimately want. It must take quite an inferiority complex for one to actually take offense from the phrase.

I see people utilizing "entry-level" motorcycles, "entry-level" climbing gear, "entry-level" RVs, "entry-level" boats, and more- and I guarantee many of them are simply new to the sport, and not lacking in socio-economic status.

You do know that you can buy an "entry-level" Porsche or Mercedes? The "entry-level" product can be a brand's offering to get people to try their wares... Often times "entry-level" products are the best value and offer the manufacturer the lowest profit margin, again to entice people to sample their brand.

With the pages of discussion following the initial soapbox, I've yet to see any meaningful suggestions as to another phrase that would better describe the gear that's typically labelled as "entry-level", leading me to believe that either A) people just like to gripe, or B) entry-level isn't such a bad way to describe it.

I own top-of-the-line equipment related to activities I take seriously or in which I've a lot of experience, but I own "entry-level" gear for activities in which I merely dabble . I'm certainly not offended by the phrase and generally think it's quite accurate.

[colliehauler]

Francesca Knowles wrote:

colliehauler wrote:
I can't understand why people must make a correlation between entry level and social economic status. It's a rating system, nothing more.

You explained it to yourself in the second sentence!

"It's a rating system" is exactly right. "Entry level" is used as a not very subtle economic status indicator, usually by those wishing to imply that it's the lowest rung on the socio-economic ladder.

So if I'm of higher discrectionary income I'm not allowed to buy a entry level camper? A person below a certain level of income will not be allowed to buy a mid level RV? Your the one that wants to pigion hole people as a status indicator. I simple said it's a way to compare different MFG's product.

[Francesca_Knowl]

colliehauler wrote:
I can't understand why people must make a correlation between entry level and social economic status. It's a rating system, nothing more.

You explained it to yourself in the second sentence!

"It's a rating system" is exactly right. "Entry level" is used as a not very subtle economic status indicator, usually by those wishing to imply that it's the lowest rung on the socio-economic ladder.

[Kit_Carson]

Once we were camped at Branson. The campground had a rally of Prevost owners there the same time we were. 16 Prevosts all in a row and what a pretty sight. Most of them were "snobbish" people and not very friendly. The morning they were leaving they were all dumping the same way we do, washing the sewer hoses like we do, so I guess in some way we are all alike.

[JiminDenver]

dodge guy wrote:
You want the definition of entry level? walk through an Ameri-lite trailer. when we were looking we walked through these. these are as cheap as they come. I thought in a few spots the floor was going to give way! very little in the way of features other than the standard RV options.

This is in no way a put down to those that have one and doesn`t mean they are a lesser RV`er, but compared to other TT`s they are very basic which means cheap($). And no I wouldn`t tell them they own an entry level RV.

I don`t care if you camp next to me even in a truck camper :E :B. as long as you are not a crazy drunk I`ll enjoy your company!

What's interesting is that the only complaints you hear about Ameri-lite is from those that didn't buy it. Those of us that did find they go year after year without issues.

The floor of a Ameri-lite is solid wood on 13 inch joist, not foam core. I weigh 230 pounds and have never felt the floor give at all. Although Ameri-lites are narrower and shorter, the construction is much the same as other Gulfstream products. (according to their website) The other weight and cost saving items like plastic sinks or OSB in the cabinets have no impact on our ability to camp as both do what they are intended to do.

Check into some of the other more popular "respected" brands and you'll see post of how they are rolling wreaks until the dealer finishes the factories job and if they can't, just send it back for a rebuild. You may not be able to camp but you will have a respectable trailer right.

Personally I'll stick with my well built, budget entry level trailer that I can use over something with real sinks, hard wood everywhere and a reserved spot at the dealership because it was built poorly.

[jaycocreek]

RHM

That was a good post and spot on.

[rockhillmanor]

That all said about 'entry level'.......after 6 years of full timing I still find it VERY amusing that no matter what the outside of an RV looks like or what type it is or how much it costs....the guts are all the same and made by the same company!!!!!

When I had my first Class C I traveled to sporting events with 4 friends that had Class A's.

News flash: The stove, the fridge, the shower the toilet, hot water heater, water pump, sewer valves, etc, on and on, are ALL the SAME.

Their day/night shades broke just like mine, water pumps would fail hot water tanks would not ignite, etc. Didn't matter how much you paid for the RV the innerds are all the same. Except for maybe some Cherry Wood Cabinets!

I had my share of jabs driving a C with them BUT the one day that I found out that they had to put a 'light bulb' in their sewage bay to keep the water line from freezing I thought I'd die laughing. $300,000 coach and you have to put a light bulb in a sewage bay in cold temps? Too much!

My Class C did NOT need a 'light bulb' in my sewage compartment to keep my lines from freezing. In fact I was the only MH that didn't have frozen lines.

Sometimes it's good thing to be in the 'entry level' category! :C

[JBarca]

Lantley wrote:
Maybe we all just like buying as much gas/fuel as possible?

Well..... that "might" be a stretch...:B

Just cuz we do it, doesn't mean we like it....


You must of been testing us to see if we would pick up on that... We did.

[colliehauler]

I can't understand why people must make a correlation between entry level and social economic status. It's a rating system, nothing more. I own a Ford F-250 XL the base model, the top of the line would be a F-250 platinum. Most MFG call it price point so you could compare models in the same price range from different MFG without offending anybody.

[Lantley]

There have been some great comments,but in the end those that are offended by the term entry level need a bit thicker skin.
Entry level itself is not an offensive term. Many seem to take offense to who is saying it vs. what they said.
If a guy in a 40' diesel pusher calls the rig a entry model some are offended however if a guy in a pop up refers to it as entry level no offense is taken.

Unfortunately we tend to bring our own baggage and stereotypes with us.

I was sitting around the fire with a bunch of DP owners who referred to me as the guy in the 5th wheel, I could have taken offense to the comment, however the person meant no harm and was merely describing my camper. It seems some are offended if their small camper is referred to as a small camper. Particularly if the person making the comment is in a large camper.

In the end entry level does not mean inferior,likewise everyone that drives a 40'diesel pusher is not evil and condescending.
Yes there are a few bad apples but RV'ers/campers tend to have a lot in common regardless of the size,quality and type of RV.
Otherwise we'd come to our senses save our money and stay in a hotel.
There must be a common defect that causes us to find enjoyment in the RV world.
There are cheaper,easier,simpler ways to find relaxation and escape the rat race. Other than bringing our makeshift houses with us.
Maybe we all just like buying as much gas/fuel as possible?

[WoodGlue]

The term "entry level" shouldn't be taken as disparaging. It's a "base model" but people just term it as "entry level" here on RV.net for whatever reasons.

I myself have gotten into the habit of terming it "entry level" and I'll probably continue to do so, unless I remember to use the term "base model".

WoodGlue

[dadmomh]

Not totally convinced that the more options and "stuff" = better quality. Also not convinced that "size matters". We went from tent to boat/cottage, to bigger boat to bigger boat to nothing to HTT that had everything we needed to TT that fits us to a T...our choice was based on what could safely be towed by our existing TV. The bigger boat thing actually just translates to bigger gas bill, bigger maintenance bill, bigger slip, bigger dent in the checking account.

Another dear cousin has "issues" and needs to have size matter. His wife was happy as a clam with their original Outback, about 27' or so. He had to go Class A, bigger Class A the next year, repeat, now to a 45' monster Class A/bus. Can't get the thing into most campgrounds, unhappy wife, KOA is about it for them. Before I get into trouble for the KOA reference, she'd be happy sitting at a wooded site, a nice campfire and a glass or two. He's still not happy with this monster but will not go back. Issues.

wrvond....really like your floorplan! Nice!!

[wrvond]

When I started shopping for a new camper, one of the first things I asked was "what are the top of the line campers". Nobody really knew the answer. There were plenty of opinions, but nobody could definitively name the top of the line campers for each manufacturer. I spent a lot of time looking at various campers, and salespeople were glad to show me the most expensive campers on their lots, but I was unable to find anything that met my punch list of requirements. So I had to rethink my strategy. I discarded all pre-conceived notions and simply started looking at campers based on my prioritized list of criteria. Once I found the exact camper I liked, I looked at the price tag. I was surprised at how inexpensively I could have everything I wanted. BTW, my last TT was an "entry level" and it lasted 23 years before I passed it on to someone else. One thing I don't need is a mirror in the ceiling that I'm going to have to keep cleaned, or ceiling fans to keep clean, or wood that needs polishing. I want my vacation home to be low maintenance so I can enjoy my time doing fun stuff. It's a lifestyle choice.
We enjoy staying at a camp park at the beach, and spend as much time outside as possible, while we're there. I remember a really impressively huge DP with full body paint landed on the site next to us. It made our little 26 foot TT look dinky and worn. It positively glistened. I assume the driver pushed a button or two inside, and I kid you not, the thing auto leveled, the four or five slides came out, and the awning extended. This guy and his wife came outside where she watched him open a bay door and connect the power, water, and sewer hose. They then went back inside and we didn't see them again for four days until they came out, unhooked, retracted everything and drove off.
I don't understand it, but that's the choice they made for whatever reason, and I assume they are happy.

[tatest]

Entry level is a market position for a manufacturer. It means it is the lowest price offering. Thus it means one thing at Jayco, Dutchmen, Keystone, K-Z who built to several price poing, and something else at Airstream, Lance or Casita, who may not.

[westend]

rockhillmanor wrote:
It's all relevant! :B

...""Thor Motor Coach Palazzo motorhome is a 34-foot diesel pusher that features ... If you are looking for an entry-level diesel pusher that has many of the options of...all for under $200.00....""
http://www.fmcmagazine.com/motorhome-articles/7161-thor-motor-coach-palazzo?tmpl=component&print=1&p...

Darn it, missed it on the naming. I'll save that "Palazzo" for the next rig.:B