A while back, I looked in the mirror and shared who I think carries some of the blame for the perceived lack of quality in the RV industry. And, yep, it’s us. But today I want to share something I saw that made me very, very happy.
As I write this, I’m sitting in the heart of the RV industry in beautiful Elkhart, Indiana. And, yes, I’ve only been here one full day and have already had a run-in with Rise’n Roll’s famous cinnamon caramel powder donuts. More about those in a moment.
What prompted this week’s miscellaneous ramblings was something I saw that’s a direct result of something we’ve said.
I have mentioned that the RV industry is very, very receptive to building whatever it is we’re asking for. If we wanted our RVs gold-plated with butler pantries, we’d get that. But, based on sales numbers alone, we’re asking for inexpensive RVs with less than top-notch features. But not all of us.
I’ve leaked info on plumbing
As I wander through a bunch of 2027 RVs, something that absolutely made me smile was the plumbing. Not one of the RVs I saw, from the most affordable model to the most premium, used a PEX clamp on a flex hose. So what, you say?
There are a number of RV content creators on YouTube, including That RV Tech and Rigor RV Repair, who have pointed out that PEX clamps on flex lines are an almost guaranteed leak point if not done properly. In fact, the combined videos on this subject have gotten hundreds and hundreds of thousands of views.
Earlier this year I went to see all the 2027 Tiffin products in Alabama and was pretty disappointed seeing that they all had PEX clamps on flexible hoses. In many cases, those were in places really difficult to get to. So if you did have to do a plumbing repair, you had better hire a contortionist.
And that’s assuming that you are aware of any leak before it causes major damage or mold. Not that I’m guaranteeing that what I saw was incorrect; but I’m pretty sure it was.
I’m spending this week looking at Forest River’s 2027 products, and I didn’t see one PEX clamp on a flex hose in the entire bunch. It seems that they’ve taken a stance on this and listened to what is being said out there.
I also saw some Puma stick-and-tin models, which are arguably some of the more affordable products in the line, with AlphaPly roofing systems. I consider that the best flexible membrane-style roof in the industry.
Now, I never want to encourage people not to inspect plumbing, or any system, on an RV regularly. Seals, hoses, and all these systems take a beating as we’re shuttling down the highway.
But I’ve had several RVs where I had to replace several fittings because these PEX clamps on flexible hoses just don’t seem to hold very long. And then things leak. And then cabinets and other wooden things get damaged.
To me, what’s happening is that companies are listening to what’s being said out there. I can’t wait to go see other manufacturers’ products later this week.
I’ve talked about some of the safety technologies coming down the road (hehe, see what I did there?) and how I’m glad for them. Plus, this is from an industry that is very much self-regulated.
So, while I think there are certainly things the RV industry can do differently and better, this is a good sign and proof that they do listen when we speak in a unified voice.
Oh… the donuts
I almost forgot about the donuts. There’s a bakery in the Elkhart area called Rise’n Roll, known for its cinnamon caramel powdered donuts.
If you’ve ever been to New Orleans and had a beignet, you know that they’re not shy about the powdered sugar on these.
Well, Rise’n Roll isn’t shy about the caramel cinnamon powder on their donuts, either. In fact, the locals affectionately call them “Amish Crack” because Rise’n Roll was started by an Amish couple in 2001 and is now in multiple locations.
I can’t recall ever visiting the area and not getting a box of these. Today I did that, but brought the box to share with the team at Forest River. And, guess what?
My doctor, apparently, thinks I’m fat (remember the whole displacing a lot of water in the pool?), so I have been pretty mindful about what I eat. And what I ate today did not include one of those donuts.
I know, right?
But if you’re ever in the area, please do yourself a flavor and at least get one of these donuts. Or, if you’ve had them, share with us what your impression is.
Amish crack, indeed.
READ THIS NEXT:
- It’s true: RVers are encouraging bad-quality RVs
- RVing still wins when it comes to travel—My Amtrak adventure to Indiana
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