Variations within same floor plan layout within same year.

[McRod]

We are noticing that some of the exact same floor plan layouts have varying components that don't seem to be "options" that you would request from the manufacturer. Does anyone know why the same floor plan would have various components?

For example, look at these 3 pictures from the exact same model of a Montana 3611RL Legacy. Each one has differences in the entertainment and kitchen components that would be a big deal, if we got something that we didn't realize we would get if we ordered a unit from a dealer.

Picture 1, has cabinetry around the fireplace and shelving next to the TV. The kitchen island is the "long 4 drawer" version. The countertop next to the stove is the "short" version.



Picture 2, has feaux stone around the fireplace, no cabinets or drawers at all in the entertainment area (besides the ones above the TV). The countertop next to the stove is the "short" version, the kitchen island is the "short 3 drawer" version.



Picture 3, has the same entertainment center as picture 2, but notice the countertop next to the stove is the "long" version with an extra cabinet between the stove and the entertainment center. This also has the "long 4 drawer" version of the kitchen island which is the same as in picture 1.



These are all the same year, same model, etc. It's not like we are asking why the furniture is different color, those are obvious "options" that the buyer can choose, however, these little variations have us guessing which we would get if we "ordered" a unit.

[Mr_D]

The manufacturers always reserve the right to change options and features throughout the model year. You need to find out which is the newest from the factory.

[Half Dimes]

Looks like another case of 'buyer beware'. If you were to order one, the floorplan (which includes length and type of cabinetry) should be made part of the sales agreement. RV manufacturers don't necessarily adhere to model years when it comes to features and layouts. They may constantly 'improve' or change features due to availability of parts and fixtures. I noticed the ceiling light fixture over the island also seems to be different in one of the photos.

[NLOVNIT]

Originally Posted by Mr_D

The manufacturers always reserve the right to change options and features throughout the model year. You need to find out which is the newest from the factory.

Yep. Happened to us, long time ago, when we ordered a TT. When ours came in it was minus a window in the bathroom & the interior counter color was different that the model we looked at & from which we were placing our order. We actually preferred the changes, but were nonetheless surprised by them when we arrived to take delivery.

Lori-

[paz]

Manufacturers sometimes make running changes throughout the model year. It could be some component was no longer available from a supplier, or it could be attempts at design improvement. It could also be the result of different option choices that aren't immediately obvious like a smaller refrigerator making more counter space possible. Stone around the fireplace could be part of a "premium interior" package.

Our experience when we bought a new 5th wheel last fall was the manufacturer made the change in designation of the model year in May or June, but didn't actually make changes to the design until fall. We started looking last summer, and had to make changes in our preferences when we actually placed the order in October. Interior fabrics had changed, exterior paint schemes and colors had changed, and the availability of a couple of options had changed. The prices also went up.

[wildtoad]

When we were looking for our new Newmar we did a lot of looking. Read all the brochures, web sites, downloaded the build sheets for the 3004 in both the Bay Star and Bay Star Sport. Keep in mind these are almost identical except for fit and finish. The Sport model in the brochure showed a cheap microwave and a separate range hood. The bigger brother had a 30 in microwave with built in exhaust fan. We asked if we could get the upgrade and was told my Newmar they we could not.

After ordering, I started looking at various website and found several units for sale with the exact configuration we wanted. Called my dealer and asked what the hay... He called and informed his Newmar rep what I'd seen and lo and behold Newmar had changed the build specs for the sport model. Keep in mind this was just days after I ordered, so how long had the change been in effect? Mine will have the changes.

Point being they makes changes and not everyone is necessarily made aware.

[jimcumminsw]

I ordered a 2015 Cedar Creek in Feb. of 2015 and we ending up getting a 2016 Cedar Creek with some changes in May of 2015. It happens all of the time in the industry in fact there were some other model changes in the middle of the build year of 2016 that I am glad we did not get.

[dayle1]

You need to look at actual build date, not model year, check the label on the street side of the RV. Model year generally begins late Feb. of the previous year. So, 2017s are being built now, but these 'early' 2017s will look nearly identical to 'late' build 2016s. As others have indicated, manufacturers can make changes any time of the year. But generally the real changes happen in the late fall, this is after production ramps down after the spring and summer busy seasons and prior to the big Louisville show around December. This is so the manufacturers have something new to show dealers to get them excited for the next year's camping season.

So, if you see a 2017 that is built in April and really like it but decide to wait til October to order one, almost definitely it will be different and the dealer will have no way of knowing if or what changes will be made.

One final point looking at your pics, #3 has a narrower RV refer and therefore a longer counter top, the others have residential side-by-side refers and therefore the shorter counter top.

[j88hynes]

I bought a new 2014 Avalanche, has the interior that the brochures shows for the 2014 model year, but the exterior is still 2013 model year. Go figure.