You’ve heard the horror stories, but you’ve heard the wonderful success stories too. Which side of the story is your RV on?
In simple terms, how would you describe the workmanship on your RV as a whole (we’re sure there are many areas that are crafted better than others)? Would you say it’s excellent, good, poor or terrible?
Please vote in the poll below and tell us which best fits your RV. Leave a comment and tell us why you answered how you did. Thanks!
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Is “craptastic” a word?
If it wasn’t before, it is now. 😆 —Diane at RVtravel.com
Well I guess my 5th wheel must be put together pretty well because it’s a 1993 wilderness m25-5p model and it’s still gong strong. Just did some work on it because we are about to venture out to the tall and uncut in about 2weeks.
I put new tires all around and complete brakes with the back plates put including new bearings. Reworked the hitch assembly, new shocks, spark plugs, ( that was a chore look up replacing plugs on a 2004-2008 Ford F-150 5.4 3v Tritons engine!) also new tires on the truck.
Can’t wait to get going north out of the Central Valley of ******fornia to Mammoth Falls then on up to Milton Freewater Washington. Then from there God only knows!
Where the wheels quit rolling is where we will spend the night!
Not sure Good is correct but Poor isn’t either…somewhere in the middle of that.
And why don’t they use SCREWS instead of staples? Preferably screws of the same kind and size too.
If I had to name all the problems with any of my three fifthe wheels, you would need to get comfortable for a very long period of time. I have never seen a quality RV in my bag of purchases. Glue, staples, broken screws, missing all the above is comon practice in the RV manufacturing of most RVs. Miss alligned water pipes, leaking pipes, bad electrical connections, just to name a few. RVs are not made with quality in mind, just profit.
We have a 2008 Winnebago. Good compared to what it should be, but it would be Excellent compared to others in the industry. Any time we go looking and thinking about replacement, we realize that what we’ve got is pretty solid compared to other offerings out there.
It appears that the workers do a good job given the materials, designs, and construction methods they have to work with. My main concern (complaint) is with the quality of components: plastic fittings that should be brass, poor water tubing that should be real PEX, undersized wiring and poor quality outlets – stuff like that. The incremental cost for these type of items to be of high quality is minor and would greatly improve the perceived overall quality of what are otherwise mediocre units.
This is our first RV by Grand Design, much better quality than our previous RV’s.
I am not new to RVing. I new what I was getting into when I bought new.
I believe mine was built on a Monday by a group of hungover apprentices. The deeper I dig, the lower the my expectations become. Apparently the use of a straight edge or guide to make cuts is unnecessary since the trim will cover the shoddy workmanship.
Having said that, I’ve been able to correct and improve on most of the shortcomings. Some things I’ll just have to live with.
We enjoy the RV regardless.
As I’ve said to anyone that will listen, “the reason RV’s are built so poorly is so retirees like myself will have something to keep us busy. “
We actually own 3 RV’s.
2016 Coachmen Leprechaun 319DS – 34′ Class C (bought new)
2017 Coachmen Catalina – 40′ Park Model (Bought used for Father-in-Law)
2011 Cameo by Carriage 5th Wheel – 38′ (Purchased used from La Mesa)
Our 2016 Class is well built and we are happy with the performance.
The 2017 is probably the most poorly constructed of the group but you get what you pay for and the Catalina is very low priced for its size.
The 2011 Cameo is by far the best built of the lot and is upgraded from front to back. We believe that it was the best RV purchase we will ever make.
My RV is an Escape 5.0TA, a molded fiberglass 5th wheel, 21’ long, weighing in at 4,400 lbs fully loaded. While it is not as roomy as other RVs I have owned, the quality and craftsmanship far exceeds anything “coming out of Indiana.”
Despite so many forums saying by used to get a aTT with all the kinks worked out we went with new this year. Our 2021 Flagstaff Micro Lite 22TBS has given us no problems on 3 outings so far. Everything works, USB ports charge, AC runs, and no flaws in how it was constructed.
Most of unit was well crafted, yet some items where the problem from the start. Some of the parts used in plumbing are questionable quality. I think because that RV’s are selling so fast the bean counters have too much power in the quality of items in the RV. When you have to find problems in a unit you purchase and walk the dealer through fixing the items, is unfortunate.
I have an 04 Newmar Mountain Aire MADP. You might think I would answer excellent, but I didn’t. The workmanship is in between good and excellent. Many glaring errors that show poor quality control. I have corrected most of them, but I still have a few left to keep me busy.
I voted EXCELLENT, but would have voted VERY GOOD, if I had that option.
My trailer is a 2006 Forest River Surveyor 21 foot. So it is an older RV. We have used it often and it is still in great shape.
I answered poor because of mostly little things. Overall it is a great camper. When I first got it rain would come in at the bottom of the slide and pool on both sides on the floor. They fixed that. Almost all of the trim above the slide fell off going down the road.They used staples that just barely went through the trim with no chance of holding the trim in place. I put the trim back up and used screws, no more problems. The awning was put on about six inches too far to the front so when open in a rain the last four inches of the outdoor kitchen got wet. I moved that myself.What I am dealing with now is it looks like they grabbed a piece of gutter above the awning and installed it and then found out it was about a foot too short so they added a short piece to it and that is where it is leaking now in a rain. Of course that is also over the outdoor kitchen. I will eventually get that sealed too. All in all I still like my 2018 Jayco White Hawk.
I dont have very much criticism of the workmanship on our little motor home, Trail-Lite B+. The execution is decent, but I really question some of the design. I have to lay face down on the floor and reach back into the cabinet to switch around the water valves when I winterize it. Access to the water heater drain is blocked by the plumbing. The coach battery and generator access doors are OK, if I only want to look at them. If those need service I have to lay on back and slide my old bones under there. I guess it was built to serviced by the Keebler Elves. And maybe some day some one will explain why I need two separate keys for the side door, and why the screen door needs to be latched to the outer door.
We pulled a Heartland Cyclone 5th wheel toy hauler for several years. I’d call that one OK – not great but not by any means a high-quality piece of gear. And that surprised me because they have a pretty good reputation. So when we decided to move up to a Class A Diesel pusher (with a Hydra Lift for the motorcycle) I spent months researching the subject.
Our price range (below $200K) meant we had to buy used, and I discovered a fact that many don’t understand – that VERY high end coaches by outfits like Prevost, Newell, Country Coach and Foretravel are generally kept in immaculate condition (not surprising given the $$$$$$$ initial cost!) and still depreciate like most run-of-the-mill brands. So you can buy them used and say 8-10 years old in like-new condition for less money than a 2-3 year old middle grade coach.
We ended up buying an 8 year old Country Coach – which is spectacularly good quality and has made us very Happy Campers ever since!
Either I am fortunate or lucky, I’ll take either one, we have a 2002 Newmar Mountain Aire 38’ gas class A. We are the second owners and have had it 3 years, as far as I know other than normal wear items(tires, etc.) the previous owner replaced the fridge and bedroom A/C. We replaced the front A/C, compared to all the previous RVs I’ve had this is excellent, I did have a ‘99 Cameo 5th wheel that was very good, I don’t think anybody makes excellent RVs today, maybe if you pay a couple million for one, but if you’ve got that kind of money you wouldn’t even notice if it was bad. Lol
We’ve purchased a new 2014 Thor Axis 24.1 and a new 2016 Thor ACE 27.1. The fit and finish was sloppy on both units. Our current unit is a 2018 NuCamp Cirrus 820 truck camper. There are a couple design choices I would not have made. However, the workmanship on the unit is excellent. I’ve been through the whole unit and even in the “hidden” areas it was made with care. The wiring and plumbing are routed and secured properly. I’ve found no loose screws or other construction trash. The exterior caulking was a work of art. Nice change from the Thor RVs. This was just our experience. I hope my RV friends with Thor units have a good experience.
Ours is a 24′ 1998 Artic Fox. Fibreglass on the outside. Everything works and it’s in excellent condition in and out. The oak cabnets are very nice. Electrical panel access excellent, but the door to access the water tank is small, but we can lift the bed and access from above. Purchased as this is our 1st travel trailer ever, 9/21/19. We have since stayed in 17 locations, several BLM spots, 64 nights so far. I need to get new propane tanks as I found out in Bolder City they must be certified after 10 years!!! Pulling with a 2007 Dodge Dakota 4.7 magnum v8, auto speed. Weight distribution hitch and sway bar. 11 – 12 mpg pulling.
We own a 2000 36′ Travel Supreme 5th wheel with 3 slides. It has walnut hardwood cabinetry throughout. Bought it in ’05. Since then we’ve had to replace all the slide seals, had the roof re-coated, and replaced the sink faucet. Solid strong construction. Went through a hurricane without tipping over where other RV’s were totalled. I rated it excellent.
How can I say excellent when my RV is 35 years old? It is a molded fiberglass RV TT and they were built to last.
We have a 2018 Salem 28RLSS. The exterior is well done. Its when you get to the details and behind the cabinets where it gets sloppy. When holes where made for electrical and plumbing work it looks like they used a hatchet to cut the holes and the cutouts and sawdust where left. No clean up and very little clamping on both electric and water pipes. No wonder the pipes rattle when the pump is run. The quality control and pride in workmanship is nonexistent. I followed up by opening everything up and cleaning and clamping and putting wire protection on electrical under camper.
Interesting!
When I clicked on the poll over 60% described the workmanship on the RV as GOOD yet all we ever read about here and on other marque specific websites is the sorry state of RV workmanship and quality.
For ALL OF YOU that said GOOD does that mean your RV has provided you with the high expectations of workmanship your expected when you bought your RV OR was your expectations of quality and workmanship so LOW that you got what you expected when you bought your RV?
Which is it????
Bull – I think it is people generally complain when things are bad but do not note when things are good. This is true, unfortunately, in everything. When was the last time any of you had a good or great customer service but didn’t go to a website to say that? We all, myself included, need to start talking about the good more and less about the bad.
KB..I’m glad you wrote “generally” becuz my DW and I always go out of our way to rate the good services we find so we can share with all who would need that service. When the service is so-so or bad, we don’t waste our time, unless of course they’ve REALLY pissed us off, then watch out! Rarely happens tho, we’re pretty patient…
Like most polls it doesn’t cover nuances. Mine falls someplace between fair and good. Most things were reasonably well done. Some small things have fallen apart.
My expectations on a $20K trailer weren’t very high so that impacts the rating. If I gave my F150 an A, I’d give my trailer on the same ranking system an F.
I would not have rated our Thor nearly as high.
Like most social media RV blogs you only hear from those who complain. The vast % of owners have a positive experience
Renegade Verona SuperC. Build quality far exceeds any other fifth wheel, Class A, or TT we have owned in last 35 years.
I think the quality is related to age. The older the RV the better quality rating. New units are definitely built faster with less quality control, therefore not as well constructed. I utilize the factory repair center for repairs and have seen over the last 8 years more and more of the units being worked on are brand new rigs.
I have a 2001 Lazy Daze and it is still in excellent condition. They aren’t put together with staples; they’re bolted together.
Ours is a fiberglass Escape trailer from Chiliwack BC. Excellent workmanship
My 26-year-old Bounder is one of the best, out of the 16 RV’s I’ve owned. I have owned new, very old, and converted RV’s and none have lumbered down the road as well as this one.
We have a 2018 Vanleigh Vilano 325RL and have been full-time workampers since June 2018. We have been from coast to coast and from our most southern border to our most northern. Have we had problems? Yes. Mostly, minor, thankfully. But in every case, the Vanleigh customer service has been outstanding! OUTSTANDING!! From talking us through fixes to getting us replacement parts in a timely fashion and at no cost, even after the one year warranty. I know others have had more problems than we have but in every case I have heard about, Vanleigh customer service is consistently praised as being the very best in the industry. And finally, in Tishomingo, MS, near the factory, there is a service center that does outstanding repair work and modification work of such quality that you’d be hard pressed to find better. Did I say, OUTSTANDING!!!
If anything, I’d say very poor engineering. My tie downs on my truck camper pulled right out of the unit. Wood too soft ( to keep weight down) toilet too close to opposite wall, sink put in such a position that use is almost impossible to use. Low height in cabover where you sleep. Staples that hold the paneling on so short they hardly penetrate the paneling.
Then there is the fact that the person operating the stapler cant see as they ,in many cases missed the “studs” that were supposed to hold the wall. Stuff that would never be seen during a predelivery inspection. Only after it rattled down the road for awhile.
Which side of the workman ship are you asking, new construction or repairs? We have a 2007 Keystone Everest 36’ 4 slides. Frame cracked, fortunately insurance covered repair, not impressed with all the staples and pour construction cabinets, Electrical and plumbing looks like 3 spiders fighting designed it. I put 8K axles with 3” brakes at time of frame repair, trailer that size should have them had when it left factory.
We have had repairs done at Camping World in Eugene Oregon with excellent results, they seem to have a great crew.
We have a Forest River and a Gulf Stream. The Forest River is hands down a much, much better build all the way around!
Our current RV is quite good, but many of the other seven have been “dogs”. We actually had one motorhome, purchased new, which was in the shop 58 weeks out of the first 36 months. And, this was a coach which had a sticker price in excess of $430,000 back in 2004. My observation and that of a former QA/QI for a major motorhome manufacturer was they slap them together knowing they have problems when they leave the factory. Then, the dealers are stuck listening to the buyers complain.
Unfortunately the workmanship on our custom ordered DP motor home was poor. As a result it was back at the factory maintenance center within 90 days for 30 days of work. The first week I had a list of 25 major items. That weekend I came up with a list of 25 more not so major items. The list grew to more than 100 items by the time we were finished. The worst was the infiltration of rain on all slide seals. One slide had to be removed and completely rebuilt and they had to put us up in a local motel for 3 days at their expense..Many items were of the fit and finish type. But it is important to note that the manufacturer backed up our warranty and completed every item we requested work on. We did not scream and yell but worked with the manufacturer to solve all our problems. And the crew that worked on our coach knew their stuff to correct plumbing, electrical, construction and paint items. Sure we had some other small problems but they were taken care of by our dealer.
It’s always been an issue of quality control and engineering from the get-go my thought is to start leading women engineer to design of these coaches but it all seems like profit before quality and it doesn’t matter at what price point
I’m not a typical RVer on this website, but my custom class B is impeccable. Nothing squeaks, rattles or falls off. R16 insulation and great soundproofing.
Other posters have a point, that we often hear more about the problem rigs.
I waffled between poor and good but finally selected good. There were a few issues that never should have happened, leaky shower, weak connectors in the slide-out rams, and a few issues that the dealer should have caught, missing and loose trim, hydraulic fluid level for the jacks. Compared to others I think we got off light compared to some other stories we have heard.
Sounds exactly like what we ran into.
Our 2002 Newmar Dutchstar is 18 1/2 yrs old and the workmanship was excellent. Which is why we still have it. We ordered ours, instead of buying similar one off the lot, so we could upgrade items & change interior colors. We have had minimal issues given we have over 225,000 miles on it. The most annoying issue was the blow by coming out of the engine from the beginning. We even had it tested by CAT and it just passed. So had to put up with a somewhat messy tow vehicle for along time. It progressively got worse so 3 years ago had a new engine put it. The interior is still in excellent condition. We upgraded to new flooring and replaced a couch & cockpit chairs due to aging, just like you would at home. We will keep it until we decide to no longer travel. A side note. Over the years we’ve looked at other motorhomes and always walked away saying, nope…we love our Dutchstar.
Much better than the last camper we owned. Price was comparable. Gave good because we will be taking it on its maiden voyage this weekend. We have gone through it with a fine toothed comb and at present are very pleased. Will know more after we use it.
Lazy Daze. Nothing else compares in quality and build for a class C…
My 2018 Leisure Travel Van Wonder has been “wonderful” in everything working & continuing to work. Bought new. Only problem was mice getting in during the 1st winter due to a lack of factory sealing all pipe & wire chases. I had all kinds of rodent deterrents in the RV. That was careless & inexcuseable on the factory’s part. It caused & lots of work for me to steel wool & use sealant to stop rodent access.
Three cheers for Leisure Travel Vans (EEE) of Canada! Excellent design and workmanship. We bought a 2020 Unity TB a year ago and have had no problems with it. All questions we had were answered professionally and timely by their customer service department. As a B+, it came with a little sticker shock but that price bought quality workmanship we can count on. In addition, Smith RV in Galion OH, also provides excellent customer service and maintenance. Quality manufacturer and quality support makes a happy camper!
Tiffin makes a quality product, and our Allegro Open Road diesel is top notch. A couple Thetford components failed and were quickly and inexpensively replaced, and one of the Coleman a/c units recently needed to be replaced but Tiffin was 1/3 the cost for the replacement a/c. The rig is solid. With just now turning 40,000 miles on our 2007, the engine is just broken in. We love it!
Three cheers for Lazy Daze. We’ve owned three. All were solidly built and trouble free. We have also owned a Class A Fleetwood Bounder and a Class B Winnebago ERA. Both had issues that kept them off the road and at the dealer or factory. Currently in our 2009 Lazy Daze K32 Island Bed (Super C). Couldn’t be happier.
2014 Roadtrek on Chevy van: Have had no problems with the coach. Built very well. Spent first year working out some Chevy starting problems. Have taken some 5,000 mile trips and use as a daily driver. Very well built – before the Roadtrek Corp. sale problems.
The sooner you realize that they’re ALL junk to start with things will start to look a little better. Ours personally gets a 5 of 10 with side note of sh:&*y shower enclosure install (resolved by manufacture). The worst things were safety related, wires and wire looms with screws scuffing or penetrating the insulation in multiple locations. Wiring where visible was just terrible I mean TERRIBLE! I’d say the manufacturer name but things were resolved. But I still find issues I can fix 🙁
We’re almost there😎
Have a National Tradewinds and have been looking for a new coach for 10 years and really can not find one the quality of the Tradewinds.
Workmanship needs a definition. My 2019 Newmar looks great. Largely operated well but was broke for first 5 months. For the last 10 months no problems. Good machine.
I chose ‘excellent’. Mine is a 2014 Outdoors RV Timber Ridge purchased new in 2013.
Used full-time for four years, part-time for the remainder in temperatures from minus 8 F (minus 22 C) to plus 114 F (+ 45 C). Put on about 20,000 miles.
No problems. No factory warranty claims. No extended warranty claims. No recalls.
Paid $2200 for six years of extended warranty. Got a refund of $1950 when the six years were done because of no claims.
recently bought a new 2019 THOR ACE 33.1; it has 2 sinks and 1 shower. I had to replace
all 3 p-traps as they weren’t installed correctly, missing parts and not glued where
necessary, of course all 3 leaked water. YEA ALL 3! Would have thought THOR could have gotten one of them correct.
Our workmanship is good. Cant give excellent because corners were cut and could have been done much better. Trim on the dining booth seats weren’t screwed in to the wood. They popped off the first time out. Shower wasnt caulked. Almost all things were minor but they should have taken the time and rechecked what they did. No quality control I guess you could say.
I’m thankful to all for comments! I havent ever bought a new RV and am hoping to get my 1st this next fall/winter. Never gave much thought to problems occurring before ever taking on that 1st long drive. I’ll be sure to make several short and overnighters till im fairly sure no issues!
Get one a year or two old. You’ll save money and most of the bugs are usually (but not always) fixed.
The workmanship is OK. It’s the “engineering”, design (?), and some materials that are deficient. What the drawer slides attach to is a cheap joke, as are the cabinet door holders. And whoever designed how the device that holds the bed up is attached needs to go back to school for engineering basics.
I had a new 2017 Forest River XLR 43 foot toy hauler that from day one was total junk. We had water leaks, the island sink drain was not even close to the holding tank hole. Drilled off center. 3 months later, in Texas on a trip, the smell was so bad and now noticed water coming from under the artic package. We dropped the skin to find millions of maggots in the insulation from the pipe not being installed.
My motorhome is 43 years old. Back then, they were a little heavier but built to last.
Bought a 2019 Jayco 287BHS. On the 3rd weekend out, the control module went on the propane only hot water heater. It was under warranty but the gentlemen we dealt with said “They go all the time.” Hmm…new camper..not happy. I believe the camper was put together by the “D” team…not the “A” team. The price was the saving grace.
08 Fleetwood Excursion. I rated it “Good” only because of some materials used – wood grain vinyl cabinets- but otherwise fit & finish is great. Purchased 2 years ago from the original owner who took great care. Little things need to be repaired (small freshwater leak, screws replaced etc) but otherwise what is expected from a house shaken by “earthquake” roads.
I would have to say otherwise an excellent unit.
My 1997 American Tradition is without a doubt one of the best workmanship motorhomes I have seen. Everything still works and it has the old style things, such as solid wood cabinets, ceramic tile floors, and real leather couch and seats. I have had it since 2004 and put almost 70,000 miles on it and spent about 4-5 months each year living in it.
2017 outdoors rv glacier peak 5th wheel. Purchased new 2018. Spend 2018 and 2019 in and out of the shop for repairs. Love the layout of the trailer and the workmanship and quality of the inside. Poor quality parts and workmanship of installation. I’m convinced they installed used parts from other trailers(Based on statement from local repair shop)Had to replace electrical, septic and water systems. Clearly there was no testing of any of the systems to confirm they would consistently work. Neither dealer nor the factory had the knowledge to find and fix the problems. Most were fixed by myself. Luckily, the local shop has excellent mechanics.
Floor sags due to supports being too far apart (48″), various other crappy things about the build. We love the trailer, but not its construction.
Depends on which RV we have two a 1999 National RV 35 ft. Dolphin and a 1994 Avion 36 ft 5th wheel. Dolphin workmanship is good we love the openness and the large walk-through bathroom. The Avion is excellent all cabinets, entertainment center, and closets are solid Oak no particle board. Main slide is 16 ft long and 3 ft deep plus queen bed slide is nice.
i chose excellent. after owning several rv’s over the past 40 years our 2000 24′ born free deserves this rating. overall very well put together with attention to detail. 125K and going up.
I have had 2 A class units. Each has systems never planned or thought out. It has been continual fix ups, updates, from front to back. The items are far too many to list. I always say they are not built to Military spec. A friend who works on them says they are all built the same. Absolutely!!!
The colours, cheap finishes, and sales pitches simply cover over the reality of junk. Only in the showroom are they impressive.
FIND ANOTHER HOBBY…
1994 Dutchmen class C they built them good back then
Purchased a New 2019 Wildcat Max (26.4ft) 5th wheel. It is our 3rd trailer since 2000 and love it…..but it did have flaws…no quality control. Husband fixed over 30 different items…cabinet falling off in his hand, shade falling off brackets, plastic vent cover shattering after one year, a toilet leaked because the wax ring and seal were inside own. Dealer fixed a kink in the water fill hose as it would allow us to fill the fresh water tank. Still love it and making memories!!
I wondered why a picture was hanging on a wall in the bathroom. I took the 4 screws out to find a very large hole in the thin wall. That and making up the bed using the dining table. The table fell on the floor as the spacing was about an inch shy of holding the table.
My RV was built before the manufacturers decided to have a race to see who can produce the most defective RV’s. You know, back when they were proud to say they built them.
We have an arctic fox camper built in 2018. It has been built with care and quality. Worth the extra money you pay for one.
Had a 1994 National Dolphin and now 1998 coachman Santara made solid and have lasted many trips. Not looking forward to replacing the Santara as what is built now doesn’t seem to be built with quality.
I had to choose excellent. I have a Lazy Daze.
2020 Forest River Wildwood
Slide in installed wrong, jammed. Ceiling sagging, staples falling out, carpet staples sticking up, black tank flush broken, one recliner delivered broken, finish nails sticking out of trim, outside trim on slide buckled, front door jams in sill. Fire extinguisher fell off the wall. Had rv 3 days, big fight. Dealer took 50 days (7 weeks one day) to repair. Bought from FunTown Rv. Sold our 2018 Grey Wolf to buy this. BIG MISTAKE.