RVforum45
WA.
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Thanks to you for your comments on length of a RV vs. mileage.
Now to brand names! I know several of the quality names (Coach House, Phoenix Cruiser) but I also need to know which ones to stay clear of....I am single and not very mechanically inclined. And I don't want my RV in the shop for silly little things all the time! Which are the most dependable (and still affordable)?
I realize these answers are opinions...but opinions are based on experiences. Therefore, will help me in my decision! Thanks!
Jan
2004 Fairwinds Chateau Citation
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crickeydog
Marietta, Ga.
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RVforum45 wrote:I don't want my RV in the shop for silly little things all the time!
Take this with the spirit intended: You may want to reconsider buying an RV. Regardless if you spend $10K or $1M on your RV, if you use your RV, none are built to take abuse or neglect and all will break sooner or later even when "babied". All RV's are hobbies, and all will have "silly little things" go wrong as well as the "Hard Broke" stuff. Buy the RV with the floorplan that you can easilly afford and an extended warranty. Then buy yourself a well stocked tool box, a large bottle of aspirin, develop good routine maintenance habits, buy a good emergency RV road service, and develop alot of self control and patience. You'll be fine.
NOW BUY SOMETHING AND GET OUT HERE WITH THE REST OF US!!!
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4Eddielee
Newport. Oregon
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Slightly used is my advice. Presumably the previous owner will have already worked out "the silly little things". As pointed out, no RV is built to be rebuilt. Oh, it can be done - with lots of time and money - but they were never originally put together with the idea in mind that they will ever need to be rebuilt. With the exception of the "box" on its back, all motorhomes are on the same chassis, carry the same heaters, 'fridges, A/C's, hot water heaters etc. Late model MH's usually have Aluminum framing and similar roofing material. Mostly, the difference in price is in the stuff making up the inside of the "box". In my opinion, all motorhomes rate a 6 or below on a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being the very best money can buy), as far as dependability goes. I second crickeydogs thoughts, find one (used - late model) with the floor plan you like and get out there!
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AstroRig57
near Tehachapi, CA
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I second the prior opinions and responses. I too am not trying to discourage you but trying to bring your expectations down to earth.
From what I read here on an almost constant basis, is that many people mistake issues with their manufacturers with issues with their dealers. A disreputable dealer, who does not perform an adequate PDI and take care of operational and cosmetic issues before delivery (and they ALWAYS exist), can go a long way toward besmirching the reputation of the manufacturer. In like manner, I have seen dealers tell the customer that the "manufacturer denied the warranty claim" when, in fact, the dealer just didn't want to perform the warranty service at the manufacturer's contracted warranty service rate.
Having worked in the industry, albeit a long time ago, I have seen good and bad units from all manufacturers. I used to inspect the units as they were delivered from the factory and write up the work orders for things that needed fixing before we could even put them on the lot. Some of the things I saw, even from the "best" names in the industry would astound you. A second such inspection was performed after the sale, and before delivery, with even more attention to detail. When I took delivery on my own unit, I saw just how much many current dealers have fallen down in this regard. (...and this, even after my salesman, with whom I had worked while in the industry, had told the service department that I would be "picky" and perform my own PDI before taking the unit.)
Get the basic floorplan and features you want, from a manufacturer you can afford. If you buy from a dealer, ensure that they do a comprehensive Pre-Delivery-Inspection. Following the delivery check-out, do not just accept the keys and drive off the lot. STAY on the lot for a time performing a bit of your own inspection and DO NOT take it off the lot till any issues that you find are either taken care, or noted on an outstanding items list stating they WILL take care of them. If possible, do not be in a rush and do not plan a trip for immediately after the scheduled delivery. You may not have any issues, but be prepared, and be willing, to tell them, "I will not take it till xxxx is taken care of," then walk back in and tell your salesman the deal is off till they make it right. That usually lights a fire under the service department.
As crickeydog said, ensure that you have a decent selection of tools and learn how to maintain the unit and take care of the "silly little things" yourself. If you take it back to the dealer for every loose screw and rattle, you will never go anywhere in it. These are complex machines, a house on wheels, and the shaking and rattling while on, and also "off-the-road" will uncover things that need attention. Accept that you should take care of the things that you can, and save trips to the dealer for those things that are beyond your skill level or which, if you attempt yourself while under warranty, might void the warranty.
I've said it before, and taken some flack for it, but I don't think anyone should own a motorhome, or any RV for that matter, without having at least a rudimentary understanding and aptitude with the various mechanical and technical disciplines that it will take to maintain it. If you don't have those skills now, buy some RV maintenance books and learn them.
Having an RV is a wonderful adventure, and whole lot of fun, but you must recognize that, just like an airplane, they will take a certain amount of maintenance time for every hour you spend in the field.
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Westronics
Redmond, WA
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Pretty much every motorhome will have some issues.
o Things that are pretty much the same:
o Appliances including fridge, oven, microwave, water heater, heater and air conditioner.
o All chassis components, including engine (but there are choices of which chassis to get)
Generator
Things that vary:
o General build quality.
o Cabinetry (some used solid wood cabinets, some do not).
o Floor-plan (well, obviously).
o Tank capacities (water, black, gray)
o Location and operation of fresh water and waste tank valves.
o Method of filling the water tank (gravity fill or from the water hook-up.
My recommendation is you start by ignoring manufacturer. Instead, look first the floor-plan (that's impractical to change later) and second to other features that are important to you. Physically look at as many motorhomes as you can. Decide on which floor-plan is the best fit for you. Then ask for help for which manufacturers carry your favorite floor-plan concentrating on subtle differences like which way the bathroom door opens and whether doors open into the kitchen area or not, and, if so, do they interfere with food prep?
Once you do all that, you'll be down to just a few choices and you can make the final decision.
* This post was
edited 07/25/10 09:26am by Westronics *
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mikhen
oley, pa
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These things bounce and shake going down the road. Expect some minor repairs and some major ones along the way.
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JohnRN
Wilmington, DE
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I happen to own one of the "Quality Names" and agree with all of the above. I spend a great deal of time on maintenance and even so I have the same issues as everyone else. Be prepared to be prepared.
John & Susan
Wilmington, DE
2003 Coach House Platinum 270XL
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brianj1945
tennessee
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i bought new last may a holiday rambler "C" absolutly pleased with
build quality only issue was a bad converter.i purchased w/ an after market warranty.if the old pre bankrupt monaco was in buissness i would reccomend them in a heartbeat..ithink quality is mostly preception however ,think about the car you drive you love it or hate it,being raised in detroit i could never buy a non big?? three car but see a lot of fine cars that i wouldnt own on the road now go buy one if you get a bad one i will listen to your rants if you get a great one i will listen to your gloating NOW JUST GO AND ENJOY
brianj
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flibmeister
Gold Canyon, Arizona
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JohnRN wrote:I happen to own one of the "Quality Names" and agree with all of the above. I spend a great deal of time on maintenance and even so I have the same issues as everyone else. Be prepared to be prepared.
Concur. We have a Bigfoot now, and fulltimed in a Country Coach Class A that we bought new. Both had as many (or more) issues as the brands than aren't considered "high line".
As far as dealing with those issues goes, all it takes is the proper tools. In my case, since I haven't the slightest bit of mechanical ability, the tool most often used is the checkbook.
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joanne0012
Boston, MA
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Westronics wrote:Pretty much every motorhome will have some issues.
...
Things that vary:
o General build quality.
o Cabinetry (some used solid wood cabinets, some do not).
o Floor-plan (well, obviously).
o Tank capacities (water, black, gray)
o Location and operation of fresh water and waste tank valves.
o Method of filling the water tank (gravity fill or from the water hook-up.
My recommendation is you start by ignoring manufacturer....
I think the OP is asking about which manufacturers have a reputation for inferior build quality.
However, the question was "I don't want my RV in the shop for silly little things all the time! Which are the most dependable (and still affordable)?" So despite mentioning RV makers, they might actually be asking about the chassis manufacturer.
Joanne
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