Starting to Think They're all Junk...

[Maggiedad]

Add me to the camp of buying an older high end rig. We have a 2002 Monaco Dynasty that is built very well, and has a chassis that is designed to go hundreds of thousands of miles. Plus, on a rig like this, you get air suspension, leveling and brakes. All big truck, heavy duty stuff that is built to last. Interiors have very nice solid wood cabinetry with corian tops, and the rest we ripped out and did a total remodel!

[SAMPL]

We purchased a used 2011 Tiffin Allegro Breeze 28ft in 2013. Workmanship was not as good as our previous used 1997 Airstream Land Yacht by Thor.

Original electric horn was miswired and was a single note. Took the dual electric horns off the old one. Installed concealed dual air horns on the the front bulkhead. Several underbody doors would not stay closed. One would not open. Electrical compartment door under driver's window leaked. Moved driver's seat to the right 3/4 inch to place it squarely in front of the steering wheel. An inexpensive screwdriver keeps the shower door from rattling when closed. Put in a CB radio. Installed dual redundant circuits for most lights after going dark on a trip with no stop or turn signals. Was not a blown fuse. It never happened again.

Later rewired the headlights and daytime running lights. Added truck type double faced directional signal at front sides. Original inboard directional signals are now daytime running. Headlights are - you guessed- used solely as headlights. Not possible to trace circuits since most wires are white with small numbers. Bypassed original light switch with a rocker type headlight switch from a Bluebird school bus. Much easier to signal truckers when they pass. Got a ScanGuage to plug into diagnostic socket in order to have real time oil pressure and temperature at a glance. Installed a backup alarm which can be switched on or off depending on location. Just put in separate voltmeters for chassis and coach. Partly because of the short wheelbase, treated myself to a truck air seat for the driver. Also a dashcam.

The best things - No trouble with International Maxx 7 diesel or Alison trans. Air brakes are great. Exterior paint is still glossy. How about up to 11 1/2 mpg?

[Bobthegod]

So are there quality built RV's out there? Well Maybe. How do you find one? HIRE A CERTIFIED RV INSPECTOR ! ! ! They're worth their weight in gold. They will spend an entire day inspecting the RV, and then you'll get a very comprehensive report, that you can now use to negotiate to either buy the RV or walk away. I'd use an inspector even on a NEW RV no matter who built it. They will check things you'd never know to check until it's really a problem. Good Luck Click here to find an inspector https://nrvia.org/locate/

[HMCSW]

Originally Posted by SWFL

Are there any brands that are truly built to a higher quality?

I've been shopping for my first (used) RV and have been astounded by the poor build quality that I've seen so far. Rusty parts with sheets of paint falling off, sloppy/missing silicone, cabinets barely held together with staples and tacks, flimsy mechanicals, crappy components, and on and on.

It's really shocking to see something so expensive, cobbled together with the same level of quality as a Chinese barbecue grill.

Are there any brands that are truly higher quality and actually built to last?

Airstream ( even tho it is a Thor company): Renegade: both $$$. We have a 2021 Thor Aria and no complaints. A couple minor items that the dealers took care of.

[HMCSW]

Originally Posted by Bobthegod

So are there quality built RV's out there? Well Maybe. How do you find one? HIRE A CERTIFIED RV INSPECTOR ! ! ! They're worth their weight in gold. They will spend an entire day inspecting the RV, and then you'll get a very comprehensive report, that you can now use to negotiate to either buy the RV or walk away. I'd use an inspector even on a NEW RV no matter who built it. They will check things you'd never know to check until it's really a problem. Good Luck Click here to find an inspector https://nrvia.org/locate/

We came from boating and a survey is always part of the purchase. We spent $2000 for our last survey after putting an offer of a 40 foot Meridian. That survey discovered "wet stringers" and we walked. The fix would be $40K-$100K.

[Btheresoon]

I would have to agree with what everyone has already said. Rv’s are big bucks and repairs are big bucks ! Not to mention sales tax , excise tax , insurance etc, depending where you live. We had a smaller fifth wheel when we had kids. Not very well built but we sure had a lot of fun. Took a break from the real world and got a year old class a Newmar. The quality is much better but still had lots of expensive repairs, alternator, ac unit, truck ac( that one left us stranded for awhile, burnt up the belt) and so on. We are are back in bricks and sticks but decided to buy a 2012 Newmar fifth wheel ( last year they made them) had a few things to fix up but the quality is definitely a grade above most. Find something that won’t break the bank and keep up on the repairs! Just expect it, that’s rv’ing.

[MEC57]

Have a 2006 Fleetwood 37C. About 45K on it. Well made and well maintained southwest US rig. Almost no rust. Great exterior as well.

Motorcoaches are all hand made. So they vary greatly from unit to unit. Our experience with this private purchase was really good and I would do it all over again.

In our "window shopping", we have seen a lot of newer rigs with bunches of new features like fireplaces and flush windows and real low overall quality. So next time around we'll look at a Fleetwood again if floorplans are good. Also have Newmar on the list. We probably want to stay with a gasser, so that will limit our longer length floor plans, but we're OK with that.

Happy shopping!

[PCBmarv]

We could not be happier with our 2000 American Dream. Owned much newer top brands but the build quality of this coach is exceptional. Never would have thought we would need to buy an older coach to be satisfied.

[DocHaley]

No one builds a better RV (in this instance a Motorhome) than Fortravel and Tiffin.

Doc

[Etorina]

A year before we retired we started researching this website particularly theOwner Forums to see which diesel units had the best reviews and least amount of problems. We settled on the Newmar and have been happy with our new unit that we purchased in 2014. It took about 2 years to iron out the kinks but we still have some issues. Those we created or those that time and wear and tear created. If you are not handy with fixing a lot of minor issues RV ownership can be very expensive but the memories of our travels have been more than worth it. Do your research and settle on 1 or 2 brands. Look forward those that have been garage kept and service records are up to date. Good luck. Hope you have safe travels and the time of your life!

[IBCNU]

It's so disheartening that RV coach builders, and almost all of the appliance/systems manufactures inside of them, won't stand behind their products for more than a year or so. And that's only if you're the original purchaser, as their meager warranties are not transferrable.

[fitzjohnfan]

We just purchased a 2003 National Dolphin (National no longer in business). I was very happy with the quality of this unit. It had solid wood cabinets, corrian countertops, all doors and windows were in good condition and the paint/graphics were what you would expect from an 18 year old coach.

Too bad they are no longer around.

[picker]

Unless you are a Powerball winner, there is NO quality out there in anything more than 18 or so ft. long.


Some of the little guys......Casita, Burro, any of the "plastic egg" TT's are, pretty much, high quality, that will last forever.


Lots of folks can't take the size though.

[rcbc]

You can try looking at New Horizons. Keep in mind they are a top of the line trailer and will be priced accordingly.