What makes a quality Motorhome?

[Gordon Dewald]

Quality is a unit that meets your personal expectations within your price point.

[Bluebird Bob]

We own and travel fulltime in a 32 year old Bluebird Wanderlodge.
Managing an rv park in Arizona during the winter, we see the lack of quality in almost ALL the motorhomes that come in the park.
Wife asked me if we should upgrade and I told her, almost ALL the newer stuff is crap!
Especially anything made or owned by Thor.

Bluebird Bob
1984 Bluebird Wanderlodge PT36

[okcnewbie]

Originally Posted by BRex45

Pretty sure it was a joke to use the yardstick of 100 HP for every 10 feet.

I would be totally happy to have 50 HP for every 10 feet of coach. Lemme think....... 2000 HP and how much torque?

Deep breaths for everybody

It was said tongue in cheek but not a joke.

40' coach = at least 400 hp (40/10 = 4 X 100 = 400hp)


Don't forget the ornate ceiling and 4 series Allison.

[rorr1821]

First of all do not take anything a salesman tells you as correct until you check it out from another source!

Go to the factory and take a tour. I have been to the Thor Tuscany and Entegra factory. Their manufacturing standards and detail is like night and day in my opinion. I was considering a Tuscany but not anymore.

I am in the decision process of buying a motorhome. I have concluded that the top three in my price range are Entegra, Newmar, and Tiffin. Newmar is a better choice if you want to customize your unit and Tiffin has a great reputation for service. However, Entegra has a 2 year warranty and seems to take care of all warranty issues. Entegra builds all of their diesel pushers structurally the same. The differences are in the amenities. My next unit will most likely be an Entegra.

All of this being said, you most likely will have some problems. I has need seen or heard of a perfect motorhome. Even a Prevot or MCI conversion has problems.

Things I want are good chassis, great insulation, quality construction, company that stands behind their product, and a floorplan that meets my needs. You need to determine what you are looking for.

Best of travels.

[tropical36]

Originally Posted by Bluebird Bob

We own and travel fulltime in a 32 year old Bluebird Wanderlodge.
Managing an rv park in Arizona during the winter, we see the lack of quality in almost ALL the motorhomes that come in the park.
Wife asked me if we should upgrade and I told her, almost ALL the newer stuff is crap!
Especially anything made or owned by Thor.

Bluebird Bob
1984 Bluebird Wanderlodge PT36

Always liked and thought I wanted a Wanderlodge and mainly because of it's chassis and drive reputation. Thought it might be nice with having a 500+ HP Detroit to go along with it. With the older ones we looked at to fit our budget, we found a lack of slides, 1 1/2 baths were seemingly non-existent and the the deal breaker of Formica covered particle board for the cabinet doors and framing, instead of solid wood. The last one we looked at (don't remember the year), was a Art Deco lover's dream and outfitted with mirrors everywhere, including the ceilings. Never saw so many switches in the cockpit and although impressive, I'd hate having to get in there for anything.
As for upgrading, I imagine a lot can be done with them and especially if you go it yourself and just as long as this Sherman tank, if you will, isn't already above it's weight limit like some models of the BB were noted for, like the 450 LXi. Having said that, there were some recalls out there, that should have been taken advantage of, so maybe all were fixed to the government's satisfaction.
Story short and after much research, we settled on our present American Coach that says Fleetwood on it, so saved paying for the American name, as well.

[trux]

Hi Larry,
I was in the same situation you were in 6 1/2 years ago when I was looking for the best possible coach for our needs. Here is a link to a RV Consumer Group, a non profit organization that has been rating RV's for over 45 years and they are not tied in anyway to the RV industry or manufacturers. In 2010, I bought a membership and also guide books and data base for my A Class Diesel pusher I was in the market for. At the time my membership and database were $179.00. It was the best money I ever spent. As a result, I save over $200,000. on my new coach purchase. I also knew that I bought one of the highest rated coaches on the market and have not been disappointed with our purchase decision. Glad to hear that you can see beyond a smooth talking salesman. Here is the link to their site: https://rv.org/ . Good luck shopping around and take your time. If you require any further info or help let me know. The RV industry does not like this organization for obvious reason. You will learn all about that in their literature.
Best regards, Trux

[Laara]

Originally Posted by trux

Hi Larry,
I was in the same situation you were in 6 1/2 years ago when I was looking for the best possible coach for our needs. Here is a link to a RV Consumer Group, a non profit organization that has been rating RV's for over 45 years and they are not tied in anyway to the RV industry or manufacturers. In 2010, I bought a membership and also guide books and data base for my A Class Diesel pusher I was in the market for. At the time my membership and database were $179.00. It was the best money I ever spent. As a result, I save over $200,000. on my new coach purchase. I also knew that I bought one of the highest rated coaches on the market and have not been disappointed with our purchase decision. Glad to hear that you can see beyond a smooth talking salesman. Here is the link to their site: https://rv.org/ . Good luck shopping around and take your time. If you require any further info or help let me know. The RV industry does not like this organization for obvious reason. You will learn all about that in their literature.
Best regards, Trux

[Pretz]

I've read a lot of posts on several different forums & Trux post is the first one I've seen recommending The RV Consumer Group.It will be the best money/time spent before purchasing an RV.I hope everyone reading this discussion will heed his advice.I truly believe that RV Buyers armed with their (RV Consumer Groups) info can force the mfr's to make/build better quality units or suffer poorer sales.

[Gordon Dewald]

Have not heard many positive reviews of the RV group. Many say the next motor home they visit will be one of the first.

[trux]

Originally Posted by Pretz

I've read a lot of posts on several different forums & Trux post is the first one I've seen recommending The RV Consumer Group.It will be the best money/time spent before purchasing an RV.I hope everyone reading this discussion will heed his advice.I truly believe that RV Buyers armed with their (RV Consumer Groups) info can force the mfr's to make/build better quality units or suffer poorer sales.

Thank you for your comment Pretz. It is so true what you stated. Information is very powerful. The RV industry knows this, but the credit is not for me to claim regarding this powerful consumer information. It should all be directed to the folks at the RV Consumer Group who have compiled this research data over the decades.

[nothermark]

FWIW I have never seen a consumer group that wanted what I wanted or worried about what I worried about hence I give all of them no more than a cursory glance.

[JCM]

Yes - per foot. Thanks for the correction.

[ffpmdefi]

Their is always someone everywhere that makes everything a little cheaper. And for those who consider price only is this persons lawful prey.

[gk42]

Your tagline re understanding binary might be the best I've ever seen! Love it!