RV Durability

[grimmal]

We have a 2006 hornet and have pretty much lived in it fulltime since new. Has been to each coast at least twice and all in between. Cannot complain at all. Only things in 11 years are steps , toilet seal and converter. So other than regular care it has been a great trailer.  The majority of its life has been out west so that  helps it a lot.

 

[closeanuf]

I noticed in post #8 on the left side of the picture there is an old trailer with a tilt out room: that was before slideouts.  I bought one of those years ago and if you think a slide out is a PIA the one I had was heavy and always leaked, and took up a lot of space when tilted in for travel.

 

[decodancer]

Recently my sister and I visited a huge Lazy Days rv supercenter. Top of the line everything. We asked the salesman what he thought the best used class C was and Tioga was the first name he mentioned. I smiled from ear to ear because that's what I have. After 40+ years of camping and 9 different rvs, I do know what I look for. Older ones have more windows which I love, some of the newer ones are like caves inside. Floorplan is very important, it may run great but can you live in it. My only complaint in my current rv is the size of the shower. It's exactly 2 foot square and part of that is taken up by knobs, shower hose and shampoo holder. Drop the soap and you have to open the door to retrieve it. Is there enough counter space? Enough storage for what you have to carry? With class C's the cab is the same as a van which makes the transition easier. I prefer Fords but you can choose the brand you like best.

 

[user 37446]

A lot of folks say the Foretravel bus coach class A diesel pushers are pretty high end.  You have to drop into the 1990's to afford one, that is if you are a member of "CheapRVLiving".  If you want a newer one, or a Newell class A DP, go to "WealthyRVLiving.com"

https://www.rvtrader.com/Foretravel...&layoutView=listView&make=Foretravel|2262132&

Here's an example ad: https://www.rvtrader.com/listing/1989-Foretravel-GRAND-VILLA-121921392

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

• Condition: Used
  
• Year: 1989
  
  
• Make: Foretravel
  
• Model: GRAND VILLA
  
• Class: Class A
  
• Location: Laguna Niguel, CA
  
  
• Mileage: 92,361
  
• Fuel Type: DIESEL
  
• VIN Number: 10T9M9A87K1037026
  
• Length: 36

DESCRIPTION & COMMENTS
I have owned this motorhome since 1995. I purchased it used at Travel land RV dealership. It originally sold for $240,000. The real value is in the Diesel Engine. It has a 300 CAT engine with only 92000 miles. recently install new batteries, refrigerator is in new condition, Tires have 1000 miles on them. New license tags as of 2017. Newly recovered Leather seats. The cabinets are beautiful and has a queen size bed. Some TLC is needed to bring this RV up to your standard but you can not beat the price for a class A Diesel RV. Hurry make an appointment to view this RV before it is on it's way to your next Camping trip.

 

[hepcat]

Well, I finally went to a local RV dealership to examine modern RVs first hand. In my opinion, the build quality is very poor. I cannot imagine these things handing well the abuse from full time use. So, anyone with experience, please provide an account of what you have seen. How well do they last? When they do break, are they difficult and/or costly to repair?

You've gotten over two pages of responses... but I'm going to take a little different approach.

First, the term "RV" is generic and covers everything from the smallest ancient Montgomery Ward tent camper to million dollar motorhomes.  What kind of RV are you specifically looking at?  That'll narrow this task considerably.

"How well do they last?" is like asking how well a car will last.  It depends on the brand, model, and construction.  Some you might get three or four seasons out of, and some may last you the rest of your life, with care.

And your last question about repairs is, once again, significantly dependent on the type, make, and model you're looking at.  One thing that they all have in common is that the only thing a manufacturer can claim as their own is the structure and frame.  ALL of the other components come from off-the-shelf, third party manufacturers who are responsible for the quality of THEIR products, including the tanks, plumbing fixtures, windows, and all the appliances and furniture.  You may find exactly the same refrigerator in both a cheap travel trailer and a higher end motorhome.  All of the A/C units will be by one of two manufacturers, and so forth.

So, please give us a little more info on what you're looking at, and we can give you a better idea where to look for better quality.

 

[tx2sturgis]

In my opinion, the build quality is very poor.

Prospective RV buyer looking at new $150,000 RV:

Buyer: So, it looks pretty nice, but how is the build quality?

Salesman turns to wife: Ma'am, just look at this pretty kitchen countertop and see how the slideout curtains match the collar on your cute little poodle? And did you notice the graphics on the outside of the coach? Its a new pattern for this year!

Buyer: What is the R-value of the walls? How about the cabinets, are they stapled or glued-and-screwed? Is the plumbing easy to access for repairs or leaks?

Salesman: Just look at this nice shiny finish on the lazy-susan pantry. And imagine how your RV park neighbors will enjoy your new 40 inch outside flat panel TV with surround sound in the power awning!

Buyer: What about the roof? How long is the warranty? Is it rubber, fiberglass, metal or what? And what if it leaks when we are 1000 miles from this dealership?

Salesman: Did you notice the digital furnace control? Its new, exclusive to our brand, and you can control it with an app on your smartphone phone from 50 feet away!

Buyers Wife: We'll take it!

Yeah...build quality...  

 

[tx2sturgis]

So, please give us a little more info on what you're looking at, and we can give you a better idea where to look for better quality.

Especially the price range....that lets us focus a bit better...