Community Forums

Beachcomer · 07-27-2007, 01:53 AM

Looking to buy a good quality travel trailer in the 24-29' within the next 9-12 months to full time in for a year, or more if I like it, and I was wondering if it was worth it to join the RV Consumers Group?

Does anyone belong or have knowledge of this group?

Thanks,

Dan

Beachcomer · 07-27-2007, 01:53 AM

Looking to buy a good quality travel trailer in the 24-29' within the next 9-12 months to full time in for a year, or more if I like it, and I was wondering if it was worth it to join the RV Consumers Group?

Does anyone belong or have knowledge of this group?

Thanks,

Dan

Route 66 · 07-27-2007, 05:44 AM

I was member when I first started looking at MHs.

I no longer am a member.

They are the only group offering consumer information.

BUT,

a lot of their ratings are based on formulas, and calculations, not actual evaluations, and they present their opinions as fact.

I believe they offer some valuable information that should be considered as just one part of your information sources, not the bottom line, or gospel.

Many of the rigs they rate as unacceptable, are in fact acceptable to their owners.

If you have no experience with RVs, then joining would be beneficial.

Other folks will disagree with me and speak very highly of RVCG.

paz · 07-28-2007, 03:20 AM

I never joined RV Consumers Group, but when reviewing their web site I got a similar impression about them that Dirk described. Much of their emphasis is on safety, which is not as critical for a towable as it is an a motor home. I also heard, as Dirk said, much of their opinion was based on calculations rather than on tests.

If you are looking for reliability information, check out rvreviews.com. They may have information on some of the makes and models you are considering.

Also, since you have a little time before your planned purchase, I recommend attending as many RV shows as possible. You can also visit dealers, but be careful not to get caught up in their sales pitch until you are ready to buy. Look in the cupboards for raw edges. Look in the corners for loose parts, crooked trim, gaps, etc. That will give you an idea of the build quality.

rebelsbeach · 07-28-2007, 03:43 AM

Hey Dan, WELCOME to iRV2!!

I truly believe you've found one of the best sources for RV related information on the web....right here!!

I would encourage you to post questions about certain specific models you may be interested in and I believe you'll get some very good answers right here in the forums.

We have several "manufacturer specific" forums,as well as "motorhome" and "towable" generic forums where you can ask all the questions you choose...

Feel yourself around the forums and let us know if we can help!

Good luck in your search!

j2detoit · 07-28-2007, 10:04 AM

Yes indeed Welcome The one thing you will find is that there will be as many recomendations for different brands,styles,and sizes that there is sand on a beach I feel you shoul have an idea of what you want and what you can tow You can alwas fill in the blanks as you look at the different options and modles outthere Most of all HAVE FUN

Beachcomer · 07-29-2007, 05:18 AM

Thanks for the replies, especially the link for RV reviews.

I don't mind spending money for something like RV Consumer Group IF it is worth it, and that is what I was trying to find out.

Thanks again,

Dan

Tom N · 07-29-2007, 12:08 PM

The RV Consumer Group does no testing. Do not confuse the RVCG with any type of Consumer Reports type of product testing.

What they do is gather coach measurements and statistics from the manufacturers brochures and plug that data into a spreadsheet that calculates their wheelbase to length ratio and other stats. That data is them feed to a database that creates their reports. The handling characteristics are hypothesized from the wheelbase-to-length ratio. If you look closely at their reports you'll see that the sentence structure is the same for all reports. Only the figures change.

-Tom