Recently, my husband and I attended the RV show in St. Louis. Both of us were eager to see the latest RV models. We enjoy talking to RV vendors and other RVers, too.
I love looking at RVs. In fact, sometimes I wander through our local RV showroom just for fun. (The sales folks no longer ask if they can help me. They know I’m there to get writing ideas and/or just relax.) So, I’ll say it again: I love looking at RVs. However, I was soon shaking my head at all of the unnecessary bells and whistles manufacturers continue to pile onto their rigs.
The automatic drain stopper
Here’s something you never knew you wanted or needed. (That’s because you don’t!) The automatic drain stopper is activated by twisting the round chrome knob near the bottom of the photo.
I twisted the knob back and forth several times before finally discovering its purpose. My husband spotted it! When you turn the knob, the drainer drops to plug the sink. Reverse the turn and the sink drainer pops up to let water drain.
All I could think was, “Why?” It takes the same force and wrist action to activate the knob as it does to turn the sink drainer itself.
The glass rinser
The second gimmick I noticed was the glass rinser. You can see the rinser near the top of the photo. It’s next to the soap dispenser. I’ve seen glass rinsers in restaurants and bars and high-end stix-n-brix homes, but never before in an RV.
The glass rinser is just what the name implies. You place an inverted, dirty glass on the rinser, and a quick stream of water will spurt up and into the glass to rinse away whatever’s left of your drink. I wondered: How does this improve the camping experience? I’ll let you answer.
Dual-opening fridge door
The dual-opening refrigerator door was the third RV gimmick I spotted at the RV show. (I stopped counting after that.) This innovation allows the RV refrigerator door to swing open from the right OR the left. Seriously, who asked for that? [Editor: Tony Barthel likes it.]
What I DO want and need
Here’s what I’d really love to see: cupboards that stay mounted on the walls, slide-outs that function every single time, and sofa cushions that don’t start peeling within a year. I don’t ask for much—just an RV that holds up to the demands of actual travel and camping.
I’d like to arrive at my destination, set up my rig, and enjoy my trip without the drama of malfunctioning automatic steps or tank water lines routed like a jigsaw puzzle gone wrong. Is that too much to ask?
Too much glam and not enough quality
Don’t get me wrong—It’s always fun to see what’s new in the RV industry. But, honestly, how many engineers did it take to develop the automatic sink drain stopper? Instead of spending time and resources on these “showstopper” novelties, how about we focus on what actually matters: a solid, reliable RV that doesn’t fall apart after a few road trips (or sooner)?
It seems like manufacturers are so focused on impressing us with “innovation” that they forget about durability. Instead of cramming in techy gadgets and flashy upgrades, why not build a rig that can handle more than a handful of trips before needing repairs?
How about you?
So, I’m curious—What “extra features” would you gladly trade in exchange for a fully functional, well-built RV? Would you give up a Wi-Fi-enabled oven if it meant your slide-outs never jammed? Would you pass on color-changing LED cupholders for a freshwater system that didn’t leak? Let me know—I’d love to hear what really matters to fellow RVers!
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##RVT1196
I totally agree, lets have a well built RV without all the gadgets and techy stuff. Its just more crap that will quit working anyway. Ours is a 2006 MH that is well built and doesn’t need only the regular upkeep. All the fancy stuff is just a nightmare waiting to happen. We have been wanting to get a newer rig but all we see in the new ones is poorly made and the use of inferior components. All our RV seating is still original and in good condition unlike the newer rigs. We test drove one 3 years old that looked great but after the test drive I and the salesman had our backsides covered in peelings from the seats.
We have a 2013 fifth wheel, we leave at a site in central Florida. We travel in a 2015 class B.
We will never replace either of them. The new rigs are awful. As Robert said, only needs regular maintenance. I used to think that a rv could not be made any cheaper, but every year it gets worse. AWFUL.
The St. Louis Outdoor and Rv Show was my highlight of the winter. Went every year. Could hardly wait for the weather to break and get back in the woods. The deceased DW at the tine would not go camping in the winter. The beautiful lady I am married to now, is like me, LET’S GO!!!!
Safe Travels
Quality won’t happen until people stop buying the junk the RV industry is turning out! But most consumers are not well-informed and go for the glitter.
Most consumers are impulse buyers without any common sense…and the corporate thugs pounce on that.
Gail couldn’t agree with you more. What good are these “bells and whistles” when your rig is in the shop waiting for who knows how long and if it’s even fixed correctly.
One of the best articles I’ve seen in RVT and waaaaaay overdue. For me it’s function first, then form. For instance, whose idea was the extra narrow doorway that prevents you from carrying anything bigger than a box of Kleenex into your RV? And why the lame screen door inside instead of an unrolling fabric to keep out the bugs. Why do I have to lay down on the floor to check my fuses and breakers? Will the manufacturers ever get past the big LOUD lump roof A/C? Why not central air or mini splits? My point is there are much better technologies out there but this industry refuses to change, other than finding new ways to chrome plate a teeyouaredee. Check out what Europe and China offer.
A box of Kleenex ! 😂.. Why do I feel like I’m Indiana Jones when I’m trying to find electrical/mechanical items that Jayco conveniently hidden behind walls, etc . (Jayco Seneca 37FS). Gail, as usual, OUTSTANDING article.
I live a simple life and have simple tastes, bling doesn’t impress me but function does. Unfortunately maximum bling at the minimum price is what sells RVs. The factories know what gets consumers to sign on the dotted line. The pain and remorse of poor quality comes later after the manufacturer and dealer have already been paid.
Unfortunately buyers seem to forget all about that pain the next time they go shopping and are wowed by the newest bling.
They have to “keep up with the Jones”
What amazes me is that people PAY to be sold to.
RV shows are such a rip off… they should pay people to attend.
The big show in St Paul, MN has been free the last two years.
As it should be…
I hate to wear out an old cliché Gail, but you “hit the nail on the head”. Those goodies don’t even show up in houses we visit. And even Airstream doesn’t have this stuff. It would be nice to see a sign outside a new trailer that says. “Nothing new except our absolute promise for a trouble-free camping experience”.
No one would ever buy it, sadly.
Agree. I’ve done professional sales to manufacturers as a distributor. I was thankful the majority of my customers were quality suppliers in their respected industries of which I was a part of. Sell quality and reliability. I’m willing to pay for that – without being scalped. You still for the most part get what you pay for while being a good consumer.
Gene, I am willing and do pay for quality, if I can find it. I think that part of the problem within the past decades is that people no longer know what quality is or would not recognize it when they see it. I sometimes think that WE did not properly train our kids.
We rarely go to RV shows. When we do we are just reaffirming the decision to keep up our paid for Class C
This is one of the reasons (there are many) why we’re keeping our 2005 Winnebago Aspect 26A. Simple, pretty much bulletproof. No bling, no useless electronic “features” that are obsolete in a year or two and impossible to repair. It has 113,000 miles on it and I have no doubt we can double that. We’ve owned it for 15 years.
Great article, as I stare at our 2017 motorhome’s dishwasher. Never been used. Make a great storage for pots n pan, mainly because there is no other place for pots n pans. The fake leather upholstery should have been banned in the industry as no one is satisfied. At the Phoenix show last month I noticed the hard-to-keep-clean faux wood floors. It’s not smooth like a floor in a house, but porous texture (no-slip I suppose). Instant dirt magnet from the show’s foot traffic. Fragile ceramic tiles from the early 2000’s was a vast improvement over the dingy carpeting and linoleum.
Great Article Gail!
WOW! A slide out that works EVERY TIME!!?? Sounds like a dream to us!
I got a sick feeling every time I had to push that slide out switch in our Diesel Pusher!
I agree that the first ones don’t add utility, but a fridge that opens both ways is very handy in a model that has it perpendicular next to the trailers door. You’d have to come all the way into the coach to get something out if it hinged towards the door or you would be pressed against the exit door if hinged the opposite while inside.
Just purchased a small KZ Sportsman camper. Looked at several others with about the same floorplan. A couple had a slightly nicer finish and “cool” outside lighting but the Sportsman had more windows and a sink in the bathroom which the others didn’t. Easy choice for me. More windows and a bathroom sink over blinking LED lights.
We always say “have the people who Design RVs ever used a RV?” I suspect that overwhelming the answer is “no.”
Spot on Tom!!
I would like to see more RV’s that have a decent CCC. Our 35′ Montana has 3,900 lbs., which is one of the main reasons I bought it.
I just saw a 43′ “Luxury” family 5th wheel that had 2,500 lbs. How long do you think that will take to overload it? And they recommended a 3/4 ton was ok for towing if “equipped properly.” Wow, just wow.
More like a Freightliner toter instead of a plastic pickup.
I’ve even seen teardrop trailers with a ‘fireplace’. Don’t get me wrong; I love the electric space heater. But I could think of many better uses for the roughly 20X30X8 space taken up by the illusionary fireplace. As for using the money to improve quality, how about a waste tank level technology that doesn’t need cleaning? Or a built-in TPMS for trailers?
With you 100% on this article. I don’t need all the high tech stuff. I don’t need to control my RV functions with my cell phone. I don’t need a glass dash that when it fails ALL my gauges are gone. Etc.
Actually, I don’t have any of that in my 2013 RV, but I read all the issues others have with those things. Frankly, it’s what stops me from buying a newer RV.
Wise decision.
Agree! That’s why I still have my 1976 FMC. If something needs attention, I fix it and it stays fixed. All components are basic but work.
A glass rinser and automatic sink stopper? No thanks, not even in my house much less my RV. However, depending on how the fridge is situated, a dual opening door would actually be helpful.
Maybe with the downturn in new RV sales manufacturers will decide quality and workmanship is what will help improve their bottom line. We can only hope.
Gail I agree completely!!!! The RV industry is one that actually doesn’t give a damn about what the consumer really wants. I understand they need to address a broad market from the economy weekender to luxurious full timers, however the auto industry does it. We should get what we pay for, and we are not.
Too, I believe we consumers need to act as a large group and once and for all make them fall in line and have to obey lemon laws! Pretty sneaky and shrewd of them to lobby to exempt themselves when that came to the auto industry.
Bling serves to distract from the lack of quality.
Agree 100% the quality and reliability are the most important things for us. The way they wire and plumb these units is awful. Gadgets are the least of my concerns.
Anyone who has had an RV for a while can totally relate. Inexperienced (new) buyers compare bells and whistles while I would believe move up buyers are valuing quality much more as a priority. Just the other day I was joking with my wife that we should do a YouTube channel to educate buyers and show all the obvious issues we see on new rigs at RV shows.
Yes, yes, yes! If they need to put in lux features, how about pull-out slides or drawers in ALL storage areas. Or motion activated security lights all around. Or a meter that tells you how many watts of electricity you are actually using at any given time. Or holding tank sensing system that actually works.
Oh, come on – tank sensing systems that work? Where’s the fun in that? One thing that always has us carefully considering whether or not we want to dry camp is the fear of filling up waste tanks. Being able to rely on the sensor might take away the guessing game we always play.
Great article Gail. My wife and I also attended a local RV show last month. We came away with the same feelings as you of “Who needs that?”. We did see the glass washer on several models too. What came to mind for both my DW and me was the huge farm sinks in the smallest of trailers. Why? Wouldn’t that space be better used as additional counter space for preparing a meal? All I can think is that the RV industry is catering the the new younger RVers coming into the market, not the older experienced RVer.
“Too much glam and not enough quality” Statement of the day. They don’t “make em like they used to”.
With ya Gail! In fact, we had gone to the Saint Louis RV show 9 years in a row, and made the decision to stop going for this very reason. Last year we spent more time in the vendor areas than actually looking at units, the quality of construction went downhill during Covid and never has recovered in our opinion. Glad we are not the only RVers that noticed!
The reason these rv’s start falling apart is the crappy suspension. Take away some of the fancy sinks and fridge’s and put the money in to the suspension, like the MORryde independent suspension or the Curt independent system. Many rv’s go off main roads so these usually are just a gravel road. Even main hiways are bad enough to damage rv’s.
Minor correction, it’s not an “automatic” drain stopper as you still have to turn the knob. More like a remote drain stopper…..and unnecessary. The glass rinser is stupid, it doesnt’ wash the glass, just rinses it. Doesn’t the faucet do the same thing? Lol.
It’s the same as U.S. auto manufacturing. They work on how many and what gadgets rather than a quality automobile.
I agree on slideouts working. My Keystone Cougar had 3 slideouts. None worked properly. One almost stranded me in Yellowstone. I found out the cable attach brackets were improperly installed. I traded that Keystone after one year of ownership.
Like you, touring RVs is a hobby, a way to pick up ideas for my coach and a great way to get my steps in for the day! I have 2 major pet peeves….#1 I have arthritis in my neck. Stop putting 2 huge TVs less than 10 feet apart with neither of them straight across from theater seats. #2 Do we really need “blue” lights under cabinets, around stove knobs and around cup holders!
Spot on article. We too enjoy RV shows, like the op-ed here wrote, keeping up with new ideas within the RV industry world.
Totally agree with this article. We have a 2004 Tiffin Allegro Bus that pretty much has only needed routine maintenance for the 12 years that we have owned it. I’m guessing that a lot of the rvers on here that have older rigs keep them because of the quality (like us) and not because they can’t afford a newer rig. We have no interest in buying newer junk with gadgets and parts that will fall apart in a year or two.
My 5th wheel has something called “Compass Connect.” Instead of manually pushing a button, I can do it on my phone. Never used it. We also have fancy blue lights under the theatre seats and on the stove. Meh, never used. The dinette table has a faux “live edge” but I would much rather have a straight edge table because honestly, it doesn’t look that great. I don’t need glass in the cabinet doors. We also have a TPMS, but unfortunately the cab of my truck is too far away to register. Same with the back-up camera. Don’t get me wrong, because I do love my trailer but I’m sure I was charged thousands of dollars for items I never use and really didn’t need.
Gail, thanks for giving voice to what many of us are thinking: New RVs are junk!
Having worked in Quality Control and Quality Assurance in my professional life, I am appalled at the lack of quality in the RV industry, except at a few high-end manufacturers. The industry mantra is clearly “quantity over quality” and it will continue to produce junk until it gets away from the piecework manufacturing model, where the emphasis is entirely on speed of production. It’s going to take a major consumer backlash, accompanied by a sales crash, and perhaps some consumer-protection legislation to hold manufacturers accountable. Otherwise, they’ll continue business as usual and buyers will suffer.
It would also be nice if some of the online “influencers” – who are enabling the junk builders – would actually grow a conscience and not only stop promoting this crap, but expose the problems instead. That would be a much bigger service to the public than “rah-rah” videos.
I agree!
When I toured the Newmar factory summer of 2019 I about fell over when the tour guide said that production was 11 units a day and as soon as the floor had their output, they could go home. WHAT!!! Complete DISincentive to do quality work.
Now Newmar does a lot of things well, but that system incents rushing through. With a good portion of their workforce being Amish, that probably helps quality, but not the right incentive for overall quality.
That would be nice if RV manufacturers stopped the gimmicks and started putting that wasted money into quality.
The problem is that quality doesn’t sell. I know many people will disagree with me, but how many RV manufacturers advertise their quality? Those few that do, what is your experience with that quality? I bought a RV from a manufacturer that was “known” for their quality and it has had problem after problem, even with factory techs doing the repairs. Then it turned out that they did not even have a QC department, just trusted that the workers would get it right. I worked for years in an industry where quality did count, and trust me, you cannot add it in after the fact, it must be installed on the factory floor, along with all the bells and whistles they put in to help sell the unit.
KISS – Keep It Simple Stupid is my saying. I don’t need all of the useless fluff that will soon break while traveling down the road in an earthquake. just give me something that won’t shake apart and leak water all over in the first year.
I’ll take brass pex fittings over an automatic butt wiper any day!
We have a 2023 Durango Gold 356RLQ. All around probably the best RV we have owned out of about 10 units in 50 years. Truck campers, travel trailers, 5th wheels and motor homes.
The Durango has an automatic dishwasher. We have never used it for more than a draining and drying rack for the dishes. We live in the unit at our winter RV lot in Arizona for 5 months each year. Many other owners have removed the dishwasher in favor of more storage space.
I would have to go back to 1989 when you didn’t have all the extras that are the issues in today’s units. Heck back than an awning and air conditioner was an option. If you didn’t get them that was two less things to worry about breaking.
Glass washer and remote sink stopper. Those people are RVing or something other than camping. That needs to start answering the “is RVing the same as Camping” question. How much did the sink stopper and glass washer really cost once you add the interest on them over a 20-year loan? I do not need an RV that has more gadgets than my house – I wouldn’t know how to operate them anyway and there are some things I do not want to learn.
To those below that are carping about RV quality, I guess I missed the part where a gun is being held against your head to get rid of your current RV and force you to buy a new one? What am I missing? No one “forced” me to buy any of our RVs. If there is a problem or nuisance with my decision, I would have no one to blame but myself. From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs.
So let’s take an example. Winnebago just recalled RVs for not properly tightening the fasteners that hold the propane tank under the motorhome in place. Are you saying that prior to buying you have all the torque specs and check that all out? How about Grand Design’s frame flex issue? Yes, people know now, but early on no one would see or anticipate that severe issue.
While there are quality aspects that can be seen in advance, there are many that can be hidden. Do you really blame individual consumers for that?
No, not really. I guess, I wasn’t clear in my point. If you don’t like the floor plan of an RV, why would you buy it? Did one do their research prior to purchase, or conversely was one swayed by the bells and whistles referenced?. But an educated consumer is a manufacturer’s nemesis. If there are crappy reviews/comments, et al on a particular RV, why buy it if you don’t expect issues (Why I would NEVER buy a Forest River product). We had a saying in the Army, “that not inspected is often neglected.” Seems ALL RVs have problems, but I opine there are a lot more of them in the slapped together travel trailers than higher end DPs (yes, before the howling, I admit there are exceptions).
I feel caught… I was actually thinking of installing a glass rinser! The rationale is that they use less water, and they’re so quick to use that you can rise the glass when you’re done drinking it, therefore requiring less soap, too.
That remote knob is there so you don’t have to bother reaching through dirty or hot water. I agree it’s a bit silly in a camping context, and just something that can/will break.
I’m curious as to the age group that’s looking and actually buying into these new rv’s. Do they even know what quality is when they see it or just go off of youtubers and rv forums to make the choice on which is better than the other. Is the age group more into the “tech” age that manufacturers are catering to with the latest bling and colored lights offered? In my early 50’s, aviation industry started with “stem gauges” to “fly by wire” now and see the “tech” advancements, advantages, disadvantages with tech which has spilled over into my rv life and now wishing I had gone with an Airstream from the start with a gutted unit rather than the past two, a new KZ and an old Jayco…
Forget the 52 inch TV. Give me better insulation and heavier frames
Gail, you mentioned you would like to see sofa cushions that don’t peel.
Any ideas on what to do if the cushions do peel?
Hi, David. Gail might have more information than I do, but in the meantime, here’s a link to Dustin Simpson’s article on How to prevent damage to your RV furniture. The first product he linked in there, 303 Products Leather 3-in-1 Complete Care, says it is also for vinyl. (The other two linked products say they are specifically for leather.) I don’t know if that will help, but maybe it will slow down the deterioration. Good luck.👍 –Diane at RVtravel.com
Thank you for your observations, Gail! We haven’t any “bells or whistles” that I would surrender, but neither do our basic functions fail to operate “first time, every time.” Downside of presenting at RV shows is little or no time to wander through the RVs present. Upside is I didn’t have to pay to get inside. Have a great week and safe travels!
We currently have a 2002 Coachmen Captiva that we bought used 11 years ago. We’re looking to replace it before my husband retires. The current rvs seem to focus on you go camping to sit in the camper & watch TV all the time! We don’t camp that way. I want WINDOWS on the campside of the camper & less crazy steps to get into the camper! I agree the cup rinser is crazy to have in an rv. We rarely use real dishes. The length of rvs seems to be an issue also. We’ve found that our 28 foot length is kind of a sweet spot for easily finding campsites in our area. Yeah the 35-40 foot length ones are roomy, but where are you going to find a campsite large enough to fit?
We bought a 22 GD transcend BP trailer new.
And we totally agree with you about the need for better built RVs.
If you want to know more about our problems with this piece of junk, then email me.
We are full time nomads since Aug 22.
Crisscrossed the USA twice since we started.
Have seen and almost experienced it all as far as oops goes!
Good article you wrote.
Thanks