Is your present RV your “dream come true” or maybe your “nightmare come true”? For most of us, it’s likely something in between, hopefully not even close to a “nightmare.”
Is your RV the perfect size, or too long or too short? Or maybe you wish you had another slide out. Or maybe you wish there was an extra two inches of headroom in the shower so you wouldn’t need to bend forward when you bathed? And why didn’t you buy an RV that had room for a washer/dryer? Those trips to the RV park laundry are getting old!!
Is your RV a travel trailer, but, darn, you should have bought a fifth wheel for some reason? Or maybe after 20 years of owning it, it’s time for a newer model.
And so we come to the poll question of the day. How happy are you with your present RV? Please leave a comment if you are not a happy camper and tell us why.
Had a truck slide on Camper,3 Class C’s and 2 Class A’s. Our 2011 Winnebago Sightseer is the BEST QUALITY well engineered unit of all of them. From easy access behind panels or under cabinets to information from manufacturer it has been great to own. They all need repairs at some point,driving your home down the road will do that, and I do the work myself. Has been the easiest to work on. IF we have to get another, hoping this is last, it will be a Winnebago.
Our Phoenix Cruiser Model 2552 is perfect for two. Twin beds a very nice plus. Fits everywhere.
2017 rear bed Flying Cloud Airstream, I love my Airstream, it is comfortable, easy to maintain, tows easily, zero complaints. Solar on top keeps my batteries charged all year round, the twin beds make it feel so open. We camp simply, not a lot of gadgets and extras, no genny, sol stove etc. we both know how to set up and to hitch up, we both drive, love traveling, get excited every time we go out.
We bought our 04 Newmar Mountain Aire MADP from the original owners in 2017, a year after we went fulltime. We’ve been happy with it, some problems of course, that’s to be expected. It’s not our first rodeo. The worst problem is the windshields, like many others, the windshields are huge and the front cap doesn’t have enough rigidity to support them properly and we don’t have the money or time to replace it.
But, we won’t be getting rid of it any time soon.
I put “I love it”, but that is because of all the modifications and repairs I’ve done in the past 2.5 years.
We absolutely LOVE our ’08 Country Coach, which we “graduated” to after years pulling a 5th wheel trailer. But the Caterpillar engine (which was the early version of their emission control system) has been nothing but a PITA. It’s now in the shop being completely overhauled, so we will get a fresh start soon. Fingers crossed…
All – There is no perfect RV, but, mine has not given us as much trouble as the last one. And company stands behind it to the max, so very pleased with it overall. Floorplan could use some tweaks as all can, but for most part good.
I have had nothing but problems since I purchased this 2015 Forest River Rockwood Signature Lite Fifth Wheel. Yes, Forest River fixed many of the issues while it was under warranty. But it’s the aggravation of having to deal with all the issues and the hour and forty five minute drive to the dealership. Many of the problems I have repaired myself, for example: Someone at the factory failed to use a locking nut on the bolts that hold the slider from moving out of position. I actually believe my fifth wheel was the last one being made on a Friday afternoon when all the workers were looking to get off for the weekend.
Our ’01 CrossRoads is just right for us. We’ve owned it for five years. It has needed a few repairs that I’ve been able to do, but for a 20 year-old travel trailer that has endured countless miles of rolling earthquakes, it is phenomenal. IF it holds together, we will probably be using it for another 15 years.
In 2017 we purchased a 2007 Holiday Rambler Endeavor diesel pusher, with under 20k mileage, from the first owner. He had never towed a vehicle behind it on his familey vacations, which was it’s only use. It was stored in a heated garage and was taken care of. We have been happy with it, but that is not to say we have not had typical problems of water pump failures, microwave replacement etc. We have put almost 20k on it in less than 4 years with no mechanical problems. It has a Cummins 400 hp engine with Alison 6 speed transmission. We have Cummins service it annually. This will be our last RV, but feel fortunate to have found this pre-DEF engine built when there was still some quality built into them.
After many years of research, 2 years before I retired, we bought a 40′ Winnebago diesel, planning to fulltime after retirement. We used the rig almost monthly in those 2 years to work out the bugs. After 7 years on the road we bought a stick house and went to rving about half time. The rv is now 19 years old with apx 125k miles. We still go to shows off and on, and have seen only one new coach that even remotely tempted us to think about trading. We still love our coach!
We have worked through all the initial problems five years after buying our RV. However, we are getting into some problems from use (overuse?). A recent beach trip turned into almost two weeks of boondocking at Freightliner dealers. The first bunch treated the symptom without seeking the cause. Sadly, we were there the longer amount of time. Happily, the second bunch sought and found the cause. Thankfully, part-availability did not constrain their repair or our return home. Unfortunately, after taking our RV to our time-tested, trustworthy, and extremely competent local mechanic, he found some of the recent work lacking and part-availability has become a constraint to him addressing the problems they left behind. Fortunately, he appears to have successfully found the required OEM part and our next trip, although delayed, will take place.
We researched for 2 years then bought a Newmar Cypress 5th wheel in 2005. In 12 years we never had any major problems.
In 2017 we traded in the 5er for a Canyon Star class A once again by Newmar.
Would never buy an RV mass produced. I hope Winnebago doesn’t screw it up.
I’ve invested ‘way too many upgrades in it to even think about trading.
At 11 years old, its time to replace our TT because its dated. I’d like solar, a back up camera, and a power jack and stabilizers. Also a Murphy bed would be great. DH would like a shorter camper too, the 27′ makes him nervous. Our 2010 Keystone Passport has a fantastic floorplan and if I could shrink it a little and update it–well it would stay.
I have a 2010 Sunset Creek by Sunny Brook bought new. Perfect layout for us. It is a 279RB. Have had no problems. Unfortunately no longer in business, bought by Winnebago.
Had our Lance trailer almost 10 years and still love it. The real story is that we saw a smaller model while in California; looked at the website when we got a connection; then phoned the manufacturer while traveling through Louisiana to order. There wasn’t much choice of dealers east of the Mississippi so we had to travel to Detroit to pick it up once it arrived there. The dealer there had never seen one and couldn’t really explain anything about it. The folks at the factory were great to answer questions. (Prior to the Lance, we camped with a Little Guy teardrop.) My records show that it has been pulled nearly 150k miles; ready for a 4th set of tires. Quality does count.
We are the third owner of a 2005 Winnebago Voyage that we purchased 6 years ago. We like it. While the previous owner claimed good maintenance, we quickly realized the repairs were shoddy. For example, the brakes were a mess. Fortunately we found a good Rv service company for the coach and a good mechanic for the chassis. We intend to Rv tripping as long as we and/or the Rv can
The article on drab to fab, regarding women actually turning their rv into a comfy, cozy Hygge home was AMAZING. An RV DOES NOT need Foo Foo. The window treatments sometimes look like coffin draping. Women designers (and) men need more input into design. Not sure why industry doesn’t listen to the mistakes being pointed out while customer are shopping..
When shopping for our 2nd. Fiver, we knew it had to be a home, or one I could transform. And I did. With 2 opposing slides/a fireplace,I tossed the trailer furniture. We bought a loveseat/bed. Perfect recliner, Persian rug, 2 antique lamp tables with artsy lamps. A large art basket full of throws and foot stool for a tray. All in taupe,wine and Grey. Everyone who comes in remarks how it looks like a real home. Table: Ikea, chairs: non matching oak. 14 years on the road and no end in sight. Early 70,’s
Sounds beautiful!
Our Hitchhiker II is 17 years old and in great shape other than the living room carpet is due to be replaced. I doubt that there are 5th wheels built like this anymore.
We have an Outdoors RV Creekside 20FQ. Perfect size for traveling and we can pretty much park anywhere. Outdoors RV makes great trailers, unlike midwest manufacturers. We’ll keep this for a long time.
Perfect ,5th, 2021, but so many issues and days lost back at dealer. Last stay 47 days and still not right. They really don’t care. All we get is sorry so busy! But still THE ONE.
Loved our Sunnybrook but no longer have it because my husband passed away and I could not pull it around. Not that good at driving. It was perfect for us and I am really sad that they no longer are made.
“We” love our 2002 Newmar Dutchstar with 220,000 miles on it. Even with the issues we’ve had….few and far between…we never blame it. Got to fix things in a S&B, so same with a motorhome. We are pretty sure it will out last us. If it doesn’t, no plans on investing in another one at our ages. It would be an age decision, but after reading stories about quality issues with new motorhomes, DEF issues, finding campgrounds, we will transition to car travel and hotels. Not the same, but willing to accept it.
We purchased our little Vengeance 19V Toy Hauler new in 2014. While I now wish we had waited and gotten one just a little larger it has been a good purchase as far as function and reliability. The only issue we had was the bathroom door would not latch when we first bought it, so we took it back to the dealership and it was fixed within two days. We are leaving with it and my Honda and my wife’s Harley in August to hit the Blue Ridge Parkway and surrounding area.
We’ve been full-timing for 4 years and are on our 3rd motor home. We pretty much love everything about it, except for the occasional repair-jobs needed. We have gone up in price and size with each one, and expect this to be a “keeper”.
Very Happy!! We have had it for 16 years.
We have had our RV for six years now. It has taken MANY modifications to upgrade or fix what is to be expected from typical RV quality. We love it and it keeps me busy with the next project my wife or I can dream up to make it perfectly ours.
I have never met any RVer that loves their RV who didn’t have at least one or two, “but I wish ” items. It may be more room, less carpet, or even less repair/upkeep. I am a “gadget” guy so there is always something new or improved. We’ve come to realize that the 100% perfect RV doesn’t exist.
Roy-
I’ll give you one: but I wish I know more about how my coach works.
I still cannot figure out how to get the TV’s to work!! I figured out how to use the DVD player on one (of 5) TV’s, but not the over the air channels and I know they work.
I love the layout of my MH. I love that it is paid for. Since have lived in it since 2004 it is in bad need of an inside facelift! Now that is it just me would be nice a little shorter but then I would loose my layout I love.
2012 Tiffin Phaeton, our third motorhome and first diesel, has been fulltime home since May 2012. It is perfect in most respects. We would really like a second throne, but the idea of taking the time to get a new coach up to our requirements has stopped us cold, so far. We have had mishaps and failures that have cost us time but full time living results in plenty of wear, we are ready for another round of carpet replacement and most every place we touch on a daily basis could use a refresher. Fortunately Tiffin started with solid wood so we are looking at refurbishing not replacing.
We are new to the RV world and absolutely love our 2014 Entegra Anthem 42RBQ. It is the exact floorplan my wife wanted and just the right size for us. We are still correcting some issues because the dealer flatly refused to do them (Aqua-Hot fluid replacement, new slide toppers).
Next time (and there will be a next time)….we will only purchase from NIRVC (Atlanta).
In 2015 we went from 30 years of tent camping to our new 2015 Tiffin Allegro 36LA. We did a lot of research before buying this coach. We are very happy with our decision. We were considering selling it and buying a new Tiffin. However Just can’t fnd a layout or anything we like better than what we have. It fits us just fine. We are holding on to what we have. BTW, 48,000 miles on it now.
WE had a class c motorhome and moved up to a class A that we used for 5 years then traded for a class A Newmar Dutchstar in 2000 now 20 years later and 143,000 miles we still love the coach have not found one better.
We always wanted a Winnebago after having other brands, Winnebago is worth the extra money, not paying for a name, paying for quality and great engineering, have a vista 32YE and very happy with it
We’re selected our Coachmen Mirada 29DS, thinking we’d live in it for several months at a time. Still love it for living space. BUT, we’re not welcome at meant older national & state campgrounds because we’re actually 31’11” kind & they limit to 30′ or less. Also, th had filler is on back wall so we have to take up a full island to get filler to rearmost pump, and can have big issues with layout if islands are perpendicular to store, as we also you’re a Honda Fit.
We have a 2014 Forest River 43′ 5th wheel bought new in 2014. Never been in an RV before (we jumped into the deep end of the pool for sure!). I quickly became aware of the cheapness of assembly (price wasn’t cheap tho’). Warranty wasn’t worth the paper it was written on, and that even in my naivety, I knew more than the dealer did. Since I know one end of a Philips screw driver from a hammer, I started in on re-engineering, rebuilding many elements of the rig. We’ve been full-time RV travelers from the “git-go”, so all my work was done “on-the-road” and surreptitiously in RV parks. I’ve replaced the suspension, installed commercial rims and tires, completely refinished the whole interior, ripping out the cheap carpet, and linoleum (along with 50 million staples). Re-did all shelving. Probably put another $20K into the rig. Worth every penny. We plan on enjoying our rig for many more years to come.
We love our Winnebago Navion 2019D with one (MASSIVE) exception: The roof is delaminating all the way across two different areas, both of which appear to be due to at least one sheet of luan losing its adherence to the closed-cell Styrofoam beneath it, lifting the fiberglass. These areas are getting exceeding larger and have become progressively more detached to the point where the areas rise and fall if stepped upon or even pressed with fingertips. It’s like stepping on marshmallows in these areas.
If Winnebago admirably takes responsibility and remedies this serious issue, we will be on the your “It’s perfect… I’m very happy” list. On the other hand, if Winnebago fails to stand behind their expensive Class C and refuses to fess up to this serious manufacturing blooper, you and the rest of the world will know how unhappy we are whilst we bid adieu to Winnebago.
Didn’t I say, “We love our Winnebago…?” We do, but time will tell how deep is our love.
Our 2000 Fleetwood Southwind has never had a major problem. Last trip (a week ago) the Kwikee electric step connection broke. I have scheduled the repair. Not bad for a 21 year old motor home. Very satisfied. We bought it in 2006 when it had 4,212 miles on it. It just turned 70,000 miles.
We purchased our 2003 Dutchman Express solely on the fact that it was the perfect size and weight to be professionally converted to four wheel drive. We did luck out that it was the last series with the larger engine and an acquaintance owned the dealership. At 26′ it does have the worlds smallest grey tank (20 gal) and no slides. We have accepted it’s other shortcomings and dealt with the colors, fabrics and less than stellar quality.
It would’ve been nice to have some of the nicer things that are available but at 93K plus miles we sill got it…
To be perfect, it would need solar power, and perhaps reconfiguation of the queen bed to twin. Thats a very recent evolution- DH wants to sleep cuddled everywhere but in the camper.
We got tired of issues with our pop up, the second one years ago. Then also realized it was a lot more work after we got older so we traded it in after the issues we had with the prior camping trip. Husband was done. So I traded it in for a jayco sleeps 3 slx and loved it. Perfect size until everyone saw it and said we need to go camping in this. Sadly had to trade for a bigger unit. Sleeps 5. 21 foot coachman clipper. Now that everyone is off on their own adventures it fits me, solo nicely but miss my jayco. But I am keeping it because it was the last thing my mother and I did before she passed away last year. This is the last family trip for 10 days next weekend until I go solo in Maine next summer. It is cozy and all the bells and whistles. Can’t wait. Gordon Ramsey did an uncharted adventure up in Maine and gave me great insite into the culinary foods. Yum.
Love the design, hate the workmanship!
Same here
Same hereeeeeee
We love our travel trailer now, but that is after I worked on it for two years to fix all the shoddy workmanship, cheap (junk) parts and materials, and downright poor design issues. After just one return visit to the dealer, I quickly determined that I was much more qualified to repair our camper than the dealer’s staff. Anyone that buys a RV better have mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and carpentry skills. That and carry an assortment of tools to do emergency field repairs in the campground, or sometimes on the roadside. RV manufacturers must buy staples by the trainloads! They surely must represent at least ten percent of any RV’s total weight.
Bought an Alliance 370FB last November & love it! No major issues and manufacturer stands behind their product 100%.