Did you make a great buying decision on your present RV? Or did you buy the wrong RV, at least for you, and now regret your decision?
We all know there is no “perfect” RV. But then what’s “perfect” for one RVer may be far from perfect for another. And, of course, there are RVs that have great floor plans and appearance that are mechanical disasters.
How about you? How happy are you with your present RV? Remember, it can take a few moments for the poll to load, so stand by. Your comments, of course, are welcome.
Bought a 2002 Monaco Windsor in Dec 2003 from the original owners who purchased it in 2001. Have now owned it for over 17 years and have no desire to switch to something newer with lots of problems. Sure doesn’t look pretty anymore after 110K and three trips to Alaska and back but it is mechanically sound, road worthy and I keep it that way.
My 24ft. 2012 Tioga with Mercedes diesel is perfect for me. The diesel handles mountain passes easily (I live in Colorado) and it handles beautifully.
I bought a 2001 Glendale Titanium from the original owners and I’m very pleased with it.
2008 Winnebago 31 foot class C, is it the hottest looking rig on the road? No. But every time we contemplate anything different, we realize that she’s built well, the chassis has a ton more miles to go, and the size is definitely a “goldilocks” fit for us. Paid off long ago, as well. She’s old enough that we feel comfortable messing around with mods and upgrades. No warranties to worry about voiding!
Our 2012 Phoenix Cruiser is perfect for the two of us and cats. Small enough for older campgrounds. Powerful enough to go on any road. Just ask the GPS.
Hey Tom, We have 2019 Phoenix Cruiser, model 3100. Bought it new late in 2018. Downsized from a 40′ diesel pusher that we full-timed in for 10 years. Took some adjustment to the smaller size, but, it sure is easier to maneuver. We really like it. Dont run into many PC owners.
19 yrs old in a couple of weeks. 220K miles. Would not give it up even if offered a new one for free. Yesterday had it washed and waxed as we do every year we come to Florida (half the price of having it done at home in CA and our guy who has done it all these years is great) and people ask what year. When we tell them 2002 they are stunned because it looks so great. We ordered this coach so did it the way we wanted. Probably the best investment….it was very expensive….was the upgrade to real wood cabinets. They look the same as the day we picked the coach up. We’ve done upgrades over the years, new floors with carpet only in bedroom, couch, fixed some things. We love it.
2015 Rockwood fifth wheel. Nothing but problems ever since I’ve purchased it, new from a dealership. Presently I am having a problem with the rubber roof, which is falling apart. Forest Rivers solution. They are going to send a strip of material that my dealership will apply as a patch. I contacted Forest River myself and I’m getting the “I will have so and so contact you.”
Like all social media sites…you only hear the complaints. The vast majority of owners enjoy their RVs problem free.
I have a 2006 Airstream that replaced a 1975 Airstream. The 1975 was much better made. I wish we had just remodeled the old one.
I agree with Engineer; We owned a 2014 Tiffin Phaeton for five years with minimal issues and now own a 2020 Airstream International. Both are/were great experiences and enjoy every minute we spend in them.
Only 2 things we’re disappointed with: gas filler is on back wall, making it critical to choose gas stations carefully (especially when we have the toad) & not being able to camp in some national & state parks because we’re 2 feet too long. Other than that, we’re very happy with it, even with 1-2 extra people, our dogs & an extra dog bite & then. 2011 Coachmen Mirada 29DS.
Well, first off, there is no such animal as a perfect RV, PERIOD! Having said that, we are on our 2nd Foretravel and are very pleased with the coach. Also, one thing to consider is re sale value of your RV. In other words, what is it worth when you go to sell it? Having sold and worked at a dealership in the past, I always suggest to those looking to buy, buy USED! You miss the large hit off the dealers lot and you are not upside down with your purchase. So many look for the bling and floorplan in their decision to buy. Look to see how the unit is made, as that is what will get you down the road! Best of luck and stay safe out there! There are crazies out on the road!
I have enjoyed towing my Aliner, despite all it’s design flaws. It is my backpack on wheels, and the less stuff I take, the happier I was. Now I am moving to an Airstream as I have gotten older, I hope to use it for ten or more years, and pass it on to my children.
We had an Aliner when our son was little. So many fun adventures with it! Similar to you, we called it our tent on wheels. Alas, our son grew bigger and started wanting to bring a friend along camping, so we sized up to a 23 foot travel trailer, then to our current class C. Our C fits us great, especially now that we have two large dogs, but I still miss that little Aliner sometimes 🙂
Our special order 2015 Holiday Rambler Ambassador Class A DP WAS far from perfect when it arrived from the factory NOT AS ORDERED. Yes it took time but my Dealer and the Manufacturer stood by their warranty and every item from major water leaks, paint issues, outer and inner slide seals, slide controller, satellite wiring, to minor stuff like awning lights, driver window screen, front windshield power screens, passenger window screen and others as well as every fit and finish issue was resolved to our satisfaction. In the end we were awarded a new 2 year warranty and have only had small issues that “knock on wood” I have been able to repair. We did take out a 7 year Extended Warranty and have used that over the years on other out of normal warranty issues on our residential fridge, microwave, Allison transmission and Freightliner radiator and fan clutch. At that time we were very fortunate and pleased how our Dealer and Manufacturer worked with us to do all repairs at no cost.
We have a 2015 VIVA “Super B” motorhome. Ever since getting it we like to look at similar models, over the years. We have yet to find another one that we like better than the one we chose. We also have a 38′ Forest River Classic 5th wheel. Again, we’ve looked at other models and still prefer the model/floorplan that we got. We are very happy!
Being able to repair any problem that might come up has made all my RVs great. I typically buy used and just fix them up.
We did however purchase a new forest river TT a few years ago and love it, traveled full time in it for awhile and now use it for camping. Only had a couple of items that needed to be fixed or modified to suit our needs. With over 25k on it’s still in great condition and will work for us until we decide to go back on the road again.
You just need to take your time when choosing the rig that is right for you.
Other than quality issues, we are very happy with ours. Since we are not new to camping, I just address the quality issues as they arise. And……boy do they arise.😊
We love our Outdoors RV 22FQS Titanium perfect length at 26′. Very heavy because it’s built so well. No problems whatsoever. Tow it with a Ram 3500 turbo diesel 4wd. PERFECT for us.
Had a 43′ diesel pusher for 7 years, downsized a year ago to a new 33′ gas motor home. Really like it, wish I would have never bought the diesel pusher, too expensive to buy, operate and maintain.
We got a great deal on our motorhome because it had gone unsold for so long. Unsurprisingly, there were a few things wrong, in part because it sat for 18 months, or longer, on the dealer’s lot. Just about everything was addressed while under warranty. Sadly, we used Camping World of Chattanooga for the first 10 months of the warranty period. Fortunately, we learned our lesson about Camping World and used the manufacturer for the last 2 months of the warranty. We bought an extended warranty and continue making annual pilgrimages to the manufacturer for repairs. Aside from the slides of the motorhome being too deep, making it difficult to use in travel mode, we are very happy with it now. We have driven it 35,000 miles, including a 4-month trip to Canada and Alaska in 2019, and it just purrs along.
We bought our current 2008 Tiffin Allegro Bus in 2014 because we couldn’t find anything new that seemed both well designed for full timing and well built. Over the next few years we updated all electronics and systems to more modern equivalents; heavily renovated the interior to add storage; workspace, and a king size bed(!); and installed solar and lithium so we could go anywhere despite crowded campgrounds. (All thanks to the cottage industry that has grown up around the Tiffin plant in Red Bay, AL.)
We still go to shows (though not this year) and look, but the same quality problems that turned us away from new in 14 are prevalent today. (And some of those antiseptic “contemporary” interiors? Seriously? It would be like living in a doctor’s office.)
Today we have a 12-year old like-new RV for a fraction of the cost of buying new. Is it perfect? I’ll always have some other project or upgrade to work on, but it’s perfect for us.
Our 2000 Fleetwood Southwind 35S has had no major problems. It was purchased in 2006 from a private party (original owner) and had only 2,712 miles on it. Yes, you read that right 2,712 miles. The original owner would leave it at a campground for the summer and store in in a heated building in the winter. The first year we replaced the house batteries and the next year the tires because of their age, although they still had plenty of tread left. It is now worth more to me than it would be worth trading it in, although I have considered downsizing. We like the floor plan and made only very minor changes to the interior. We have no complaints about the quality.
We own a 1999 Avion Savanna 37′ 5th wheel trailer, bought new in 99. At the time of purchase it was a “top of the line” trailer. Don’t recall ever having it in the shop except to have new awning fabric installed. Wish it had a larger frig and bigger shower. Have upgraded seating with power loveseat, tv’s to flat screens, another ac unit, and smaller couch. Still has original water heater, furnace, frig, and ducted air. Have replaced convertor and queen mattress. As you can probably tell we love this rv. I do 99% of my own maintenance, know every nut and bolt on it. Best part is unit is very user friendly. Can access tanks, water pump very easily. Extremely well built with quality appliances and parts. Excellent workmanship!
We are very happy with our 2017 Winnebago Fuse 23A. We bought it used last summer with 13,000 miles. We’re not new to camping, but this is our first RV so it feels lux. We did think hard about what we wanted (and didn’t want) and shopped for about a year. No regrets.
We love our 2008 Fleetwood ICON class “C”. It is built on the worry free Mercedes chasis. I just wish they still made it. Great floor plan and a dream to drive.
We love our 2017 FR Surveyor 251rks. It is the perfect design for us because we like to bring friends with us. The trailer allows each family their own sleeping area without impacting the other during the night.
We love our 2020 29k Odyssey Entegra motor home. Only thing I will look for next time is a little bigger shower
We love our small Rockwood 2109S except for the jackknife sofa, which is very uncomfortable to sit on for an evening. If we get a truck with more towing power, we might consider the 2509 with theater seats.
Just to be the end of the curve, Chaumière is a 1973 GMC. We love her, but what could use some help would be some current technology. Not too much, because as she is I can fix things and keep her going, but things like anti-lock brakes would be good. Most everything else I can add.
I feel with you as my motorhome is 1976 Ford powered. Good quality and keeping with simplicity makes it so much easier to maintain. Why do you feel you need anti-lock brakes? I’ve never had a wheel lock up, even on a wet road.
2016 Springdale 20 foot travel trailer. A newby, I started small. Huge mistake. Too small, poor value for the cost. Sits most of the time until I pay it off and sell it. Size let me go lots of places, but dwarfed in RV camps and resorts.
I answered: I’m happy but far from perfect. I had low expectations when we bought it new and they’ve been fulfilled. After a thousand dollars or so and hours of work, it’s a lot better.
Reinforced bed platform after reports of it collapsing, added caulk and replaced too-short screws around wheel wells, sound proofed water pump.
Installed: shields around sinks and stove to prevent wall damage, drawer and cabinet locks, 12v and USB outlets, input jack for Sirius/XM radio, audio out for wireless speakers by bed, secondary valve for leaking tank drains, 12v fan for refrigerator, shelving in kitchen and bathroom cabinets.
Replaced: junk tires (after 500 miles and one failure), mattress, jack-knife couch, toilet, locks, too small house battery, gray and black tank vents, propane regulator, wiring in stove from igniter to burners, too bright ceiling LEDs with dimmable ones, faulty Furnace/AC thermostat.
And lots of small fixes and replacements.
I’m happy but far from perfect. We have a 2020 motorhome I like our layout, size, diesel engine, ride and many other qualities, after 15,000 miles I feel the coach itself is a good build. What I am not happy with are the components that were used such as air conditioners, toilet, diesel fuel furnace and a few other bolt on items. These are the same components used on many other motorhomes that have been recently built. The coach is still in warranty and all components still have their own warranty. However factor in many internal components are foreign made (mostly China) and COVID, making repair parts or replacement of whole units a nightmare and if I go to another dealership that sells the same brand forget getting help. I will not mention the manufacture of the coach as they have been very supportive replacing items without issues when I am able to get the coach to them but being in Florida with 1 out of 3 air conditioners working has been very uncomfortable.
Other than the appearance, I am extremely happy with it. With the book value at $8000, the looks will not be a high priority. My motto on all my equipment is “Shine she May, Run she Must!” I will keep all the mechanical systems running and serviced as required. I will not spend time on touching up scratches. Keep the leaks repaired and sealants inspected and repaired as necessary. Love my 1995 vintage Class A.
We kept the first two RVs we bought for less than a year each. By the time we got to the third one we knew pretty much what we wanted. We have been driving it now for a little over ten years and have it set up pretty much the way we like it. It would take a lot to get us to change at this point.
When we bought our 2004 31′ Class C. We were looking for a rig with a slide. We had two larger motorhomes without slides. We full-timed for 12 years and enjoyed it. Like any RV you purchase, you will find something you would like to change. Maintenance is something you always have with your RV, just like your car. We required a basement model for storage. We now have slowed down but still use our rig as much as possible and love it. We are in the process of removing the carpet flooring and installing plank linoleum. We are seeing most new RVs are using linoleum instead of carpet. We didn’t use the cabover bed so made it into closet/storage.
Moderately happy with it. Wanted a Class B van with all the amenities. Got a Winnebago Travato. Winnebago’s design was perfect for us. Quality of their portion of the build is just ok; something of a fixer upper project, but we’ve now modified much of it. The RAM Promaster chassis is not high quality. It spends way too much time in the shop.
after going to a lot of RV shows, i had a list of deal breakers. i changed my list so i didn’t have to spend so much money. i still want a shower and not the mini-bathtub, a king sized bed would also be nice, but that is it!
I am 77 and buying, new, our 2016 Newmar Ventana LE 4040 is one of the top 3 mistakes I have made in all of those 77 years. Wife and I are full timers and we can not afford to get rid of it and buy another. In our first year we spent more of our time parked in the dealer’s lot than we spent away from it. Even now, 4 years after buying, we are still having major, $3000+, problems and are lucky not to have been killed by some of them. BOTTOM LINE : Never, Ever, Trust or Believe a RV Dealer or Manufacturer unless you know them from experience with them.
Love our bought new 21-5 Nash 2010 Fifth wheel. It has been great other than the floor showing some wear so going to replace with vinyl laminate this spring. So many people love the size of ours, we hope to enjoy for many more years
We love our Jayco 212 QB our only regret is wishing we had purchased a model with a dinette slide out.
We’ve owned our present RV for 9 years now. Although we loved it for many years we are ready for a different one! Want to get a motorhome and travel more!
I have a coachman clipper and I love it. But sorely miss my Jayco slx. The jayco slept 3 but we needed something bigger and got the sleeps 5. 4 people in the coachman takes talent and skill because it is not as big as it seems but it works. Sleeps everyone cozy but trying to stay organized isn’t easy. Especially when 2 members are not very organized. Now down to 3 people and then 1 when I hope to get a job up in Maine in a few years maybe I can keep it organized. Otherwise I do love the coachman. 21 foot and easy to tow with the grand cherokee. Happy camping.
My first and only RV the girlfriend found, a 1977 22′ motorhome for sale and pushed me to go look at it. It was in pretty decent shape for its age so we bought it for $300. Being a mechanic nearing retirement, I was able to repair what it needed. Had to fix a few other things the first few years but have really enjoyed going places with it pretty much trouble free the past 4 years. So overall, I’ve been happy. Everything works but the one thing I wish it had was larger holding tanks.
It’s a Tiffin Allegro Bus,
Need I say anything more?
Two trailers; one 34 ft. class a gasser and 14 years later we have our dream motor home-2006 Tiffin 40QSH diesel pusher. Purchased 2nd hand but in great shape. Only complaint is that Covid happened and only got to go on 3 trips.
2016 LTV Serenity. Its lived up to its name. And remember once you buy an RV, you’ve just started to spend money.
35ft Georgetown Class A gasser, and the best part is the triple slides. There could have been a LOT more things on it, and I’m finally getting around to adding an inverter, and I may add a few LiFEPo batteries. Soon I’ll upgrade the suspension and add some soundproofing under the cab because she is a noisy monster.
1998 Jayco Eagle 246, 27 ft. No slides to give me problems. Front bedroom with no walls except for the rear bath. Makes it feel very roomy and can use the bed for extra seating. The best part, is, it has the second door on the left side by the bed. That gives me the ability to have the best cross ventilation I have ever seen in a RV. I would purchase a new trailer if I could find one with a door on the street side, it is fantastic. With no divider walls it feels like a much larger trailer. LOVE IT!!!
It took three TT’s in a year but the Keystone Cougar 32rli that we bought in October has everything we wanted and then some.
We love our 2021 Airstream International 30RB : )
We love our 2004 Carriage Cameo fifth wheel. Made to last.
2014 Passport 2200 RBWE, very happy with the limited time we have to use it. This our 2nd TT, our first was a Jayco 165. Loved that little trailer but it just got too small. We store our Passport at a Rv park at the coast. Weekend getaway !
This is our 3rd Class A. We bought our 2005 39F Meridian Itasca used in 2019 & love the floor plan, free standing dinette with long triple windows, residential fridge & huge pull out pantry!! We travel about 4-6 months a year & she travels well. Of course she’s not perfect & we’ve had slide issues in the lounge area (3 slides), but overall most needed maintenance has been on the honey do list & done. We’ve updated a few things & made the interior “ours”. I took down mini blinds & made blackout drapes to fit with tie backs at dinette, changed out the original 2 basin sink to a larger single basin stainless with a new gooseneck faucet, removed mirrors around stove & sink walls & replaced with stick-on stainless 1″ rectangular/square tiles which is modern looking & cleans well.Will not paint, but am going to subway tile the bath room area & toilet room next. At age 81 we will continue driving for only 5 yrs more, but with Meri!
I love the layout of our TT. The build quality could be better and there are a few things I would change. Like how the black flush inlet is some 20 feet away from the black tank outlet and positioned directly above the electrical hookup.
Have 2020 Roo19, very happy. Made improvements and can’t make anymore. Been out camping alot. Camped, tents, trailer, motorhome, popup, the Roo19 by Forest River is my last one.
We love our Casita! Perfect for us and the community of owners is like an extended family.
My Jayco Alante 26A is the perfect sized RV for me. It’s easy to drive, easy to set up and has the perfect space for one travel nurse (unless I am VERY much in love with a second person). The only problems I’ve had have been taken care of with the warranty, and even then, it’s all minor stuff. The only thing I would change would be the uncomfortable love seat. It’s fine for an hour, but not for relaxing at the end of a day. Would have loved to have had a recliner instead.
We did a grunch of research, drew out the floor plan we wanted, fell back on the experience of our presently owned RV, and THEN went to the dealer to look at new ones.
We shopped around two years ago with the idea of upgrading our 2011 gas motor home to maybe a 2016-17 gasser. Landed up buying a 2014 entry-level diesel pusher, Sportscoach, because it only had 15K miles on it and it looked brand new. Prior to the purchase, I was interested in a DP, only to scare myself away from one by reading to many RV forums.
Now that both my wife and I are retired and we prepare for our longest RV’ing trip yet coming in two weeks, we are excited to get out on the open roads with our Sportscoach!
Love, Love Love my Tiffin 34PA. This is my 3rd Tiffin, and I finally found the perfect floor plan. Runs like a charm, I’ve added all the extras to this one because I know it’s a keeper! My other Tiffins were mechanically, etc sound too, but this one really fits the bill for me….
We have a Grey Wolf 26RR we owned for 4 years before going fulltime. We knew it wasn’t ideal setting out but figured out we’d adjust as necessary once we settled into the life a little over a year ago. Now we’re working on borrowed time with a rig that isn’t designed for fulltime life in a pandemic in which we don’t have options to remedy our situation. Or what we now call our “Shituation.” So no, not loving our rig. 😉