I bought a 2022 Palomini 186 RB off road edition. It was a really good solid camper. The only issue we had when we bought it was a defective electric jack, minor leak in the shower and one interior bathroom wall panel was defective and replaced. Due to supply side issues the factory was unable to install a ladder on the back of the camper. Our dealership gave us a lippert telescopic ladder. We would have kept that camper until we viewed Josh’s review on the Rockwood / Flagstaff 22FBS and we fell in love with the model. We discussed it and traded in the Palomini for the 2025 Flagstaff 22 FBS. We put 1500 miles on it and not one issue to fix so far. The Flagstaff feels very solid and the fit and finish is great.
I am just a dumb retired truck driver,my best friend was a service manager for 30 plus years.I have heard all the horror stories.That being said my belief is that if they would just slow down the assembly lines.they would have better quality.But the real down fall is when they go public and answer to stock holders .
Shout out to the service dept. at Pete's RV in South Windsor, CT. Shopped for and eventually bought my 2022 Jayco 22rb (off the lot) in late August, 2023. They went through the entire rig BEOFRE my PDI day, found several items that required fixing and needed parts. My PDI came 6 weeks after purchase. This delay didn't upset me because I KNEW what I was buying. I educated myself on the industry and what to potentially expect and how the repair process works. After 6 weeks, I went for PDI. Everything worked and looked great. I just completed my first season with the camper. There was nothing significant to report. A small water leak in an access space which required nothing more than tightening a threaded plumbing connection. 1/2 way through my season, my tongue jack started to fail. The up/down switch was intermittently operational and it sounded horrible. I reported it to Pete's and they ordered me a new tongue jack ASAP. Not more than 2 weeks later, they told me the new jack has been received and I could bring my camper for a replacement. In that 2 weeks, I managed to rewire the switch and got it at least, working better than intermittently. That way, I didn't have to interrupt my camping season taking a trip to the dealer. Instead, I made an appointment for this late October. I drove the camper up there, parked out front and right there, on the spot the service tech installed my new tongue jack. Quick and painless. I think every person who thinks they want to buy a travel trailer should understand exactly what it is they are buying AND understand the industry as it is, today. Also, know you need to have a general amount of repair knowledge...be handy with tools, because you're gong to have to fix things along the way as well as MAINTAIN things. I'm super pleased with my camper and the service dept.at Pete's RV in South Windsor, CT.
@@JoshtheRVNerd SORRY JOSH. I TOTALLY FORGOT TO THANK YOU! YOU & YOUR VIDEOS were instrumental at teaching me! You helped me to understand what I was shopping for, what to expect, what to watch out for and how to recognize good and bad throughout the entire experience. THANK YOU SO MUCH!
I can diagnose and fix a discrete switch... those computer panels are another story. Just give me switches. And I don't want to get my phone to turn a light on.
Great video Josh. Cannot wait to see what you, Jake, and JD talk about in the next 1. It was a long video but a good one. No worries from me on the length of it, I simply paused it, did what I had to do (2 cats to deal with…) so it works out fine for me. I have been around since your early days as well as JDs and am a huge fan of all the information and insight you both share. Had 2 RVs and I agree with everything you all shared. Side note, do you plan on doing more b]videos on the Go Play series? Keep the great videos coming and enjoy some down time with your family, it has been well earned and deserved. 👍🏻👍🏻
Some of the cosmetic problems I encountered with my first trailer (Forest River NoBo) were down to their use of luan in places. 1/8 luan won't hold screws well, so I had various things come apart. I always e6000'd them back together and problem solved. Luan is truly junk.
41:59 I have a 2018 Keystone Springdale 270 LE I bought two years old. I put a bunch of miles on it with ONE problem. (A cheap little circuit board and the water heater that I replace myself for $30 ) it’s been amazing.Thanks nerd(s)
Listened to 2 hours on the other channel. The one thing I never heard was that the manufacturers know there are no RV lemon laws and they take advantage of this with slow repair times, and in some cases substandard repairs. They also insert clauses into contracts that requires a buyer to sue them in certain states or force binding arbitration. We don't need the government to regulate safety like cars, but we do need to hold them accountable for shoddy work.
Guys, these things cost alot of money, the expectations are to have a relatively trouble free unit and decent customer service. Dealer after sale service is really bad, not having qualified technicians and repeat repair visits. We are looking at newer rvs, but no way will we be buying anything until things improve.
There were some downright shady things done in the build of my RV, blatant corner cutting, but none of them surprised me. I knew I was buying a chassis and whatever went wrong with the box on top of it was mine to deal with. I took the chance and overall I am enjoying it. I did not watch this video because I don't have the attention span but I like the 'between two ferns' set from Josh.
@JoshtheRVNerd You never know. This could wake some people up. Notice that all the things you said they are now making standard on some units (Azdel, MorRyde, good tires,etc), are all happening because customers are LEARNING about RVs. They now shop with these things in consideration, which most didn't before. As the customer base wakes up to quality issues, maybe the manufacturers will HAVE to address that, too.
I can attest to the Rockwood quality. We ordered ours at the tail end of Covidiocy and it was largely well put together. However, our dealer was awful. Real simple issues were overlooked which made me think there wasn’t a pdi done at all. And then it took several trips and lots of time away from us to solve. If I had to do it over again I would have just fixed myself given the absurd process we had to go through. Or even better, done business with Bishs which was a hundred miles away.
Thanks guys - I'd love to listen to more like this. Maybe do an episode focused on each 'category' of rv. Maybe a whole review on 'insulation' and 4-season ratings with explanations for cold weather but especially for 100+ weather since many parts of the country have been seeing that in the summers. A discussion of all the new stuff would also not be misplaced --- like what's the best most expensive fan out there compared to the best value fan - that kind of thing. Is there any way for someone to compile a comparison of each brands quality procedures?
One of Josh's comments hits home where the customer wants an expensive trailer for an inexpensive trailer's price. This is a common consumer characteristic in the US: folks want Nieman-Marcus quality at Walmart prices, which is insanity. You want high quality? Be prepared to pay handsomely for it. There are compromises where you can have good quality at reasonable prices.
Supply and demand always works. When we look at new cars, no OEM would even think of offering a new for sail with out a 36 month bumper to bumper warranty. This is the cost of entry. That said, the demand for new cars and competition is driving this behavior. When we look at RV's the lack of engineering and fit and finish is laughable. Why is this the case? When we look at any new car, the complexity and engineering is all about chasing the market (1567 Billion - 2023) which is huge. When we look at new RV's the market, around 31 billion (2022) is why we are where we are. What I find fascinating is the complete lack of channel infrastructure for RV sales as compared to Automotive OEM because there is no market for it and no agency protection laws. It all goes back to supply and demand and the stagnation of the RV market. When we see independents being bought by "majors" that is all about buying market share which may be problematic based on the anti-trust laws. Any consolation hurts competition, full stop. I'm in the market for an RV and I am looking of by a quality product, but I soon realized I need to lower my expectation because the market today is tolerating junk. This is a fact. The notion that there are 5th wheel frame issues, and nonsensical plumbing issues and these manufactures has not been subject to a class action suits is interesting to say the least. Any company knowingly building a sub-standard product supplied to an OEM builder, because they are thinking their OEM customer may indemnify them is also interesting. This bean counter mentality (we built it because our customer paid lots of money to build it even though we know is was not structurally sound) is always problematic. In the limit it's always supply and demand. Im my case an RV OEM says we are them best, I would expect them to prove it and put their money (warranty) where their mouth is. If they built a quality product then a three year performance warranty should be easy.
My husband and I are buying a new RV in the spring. When Brinkley first appeared on the scene we were so excited about them and we were seriously thinking about getting one. Then the flippen new Flippin Brinkley owners turned us off! Big Time!! All owners kept saying was "Buy a Brinkley" everything else is Junk. You get what you pay for as far as low end pricing, middle and high end. Every RV has issues at one time or another even coming off the lots. Including Brinkly has had several issues. Some owners say minor issues, I have seen some major issues posted also. And also very nerve wracking when comparing Brinkly to an Ahara. The only comparison is the little bit of copying of the outside graphics. Floorplans aren't even close to one another. We are still researching what new camper we would like to our needs, size, tastes and price point. What we decide on is what we will love. There are plenty of beautiful RVs out there. I have a whole family of campers and each couple has their own style. I would never tell my family their choice of camper is junk. It is what they have chose to love. Problems are fixable just like your home and car. Your money to spend your camper love. No one out there should ever put on social media condemning something that someone else has purchased. I want to thank some of the Brinkley owners for turning me off of purchasing one.
You can’t judge a manufacturer’s quality in just a year or two. We’ll see in 10 years if the God like status given to Brinkley holds up, or if they just become another overpriced RV with typical RV problems🫤
@ophirpass , I agree with you about Brinkley having raised the stakes. But as JD had said units vary from each unit. I have been reading lots of positive reviews about Brinkley and I have been seriously considering purchasing one. They are not perfect and I recently experienced this firsthand when I recently inspected 6 of Brinkley models at a traveling RV show that was in Las Vegas recently. I found some issues in several of the models on display. Sharp edges on the door edge laminate, buckling in some of the upper wall panels, the splitting of the drawer side panel, etc. It has not turned me off of Brinkley, because they have developed a reputation of standing by the products. I will say I was not looking to do a full inspection of their trailers, I was there to place myself in their product to compare functionality for my physical size and needs. I am not trying to knock Brinkley, but just to support JD's point of each unit varying in quality.
They need to slow down their production focus more on quality than quantity. Walk through a couple brand new Forest River/ Flagstaff units at camping world and they had some of the same issues mine did from day one and they are sitting on the lot, Not even fixed with sliding doors that have fallen off the hinges.
I think most of the quality issue is because the manufacturers are putting the bottom line profits on the consumer instead of focusing internally on process improvements to build their bottom line.
I can say there genuinely are some brands working to improve the customer experience I can also say there is some genuine truth to your statement as well The problem is there's a long way to go for significant improvement and there's no way for a customer to be able to see/trust any of it has been done for the RV they're purchasing
nomadic Movement You tube channel bought a $150k Airstream and had nothing but problems with it on a trip around the US. I’m not sure is airstream is the quality people think it is.
Timestamp 27:10 - Is there an RV brand recommended for those that use it 12 times per year? Our average is about 10-12 times per year. Sounds like we'd look for something with the best suspension.
There are a lot of questions I'd like to ask as a follow up -- I'm the type that builds you a clock if you ask what time it is lol But to try to offer a quick "from the hip" answer w/o knowing any sort of segment you're hunting a few names that creep up to me are Rockwood Cougar Jayco Alliance Plenty of others definitely possible but i'm not sure the type of rv / style of camping you're seeking How much you tow may be a factor Again.. i want to build you a clock lol :)
Really concerned about an RV falling apart before it gets to a dealership what's going to happen when you pull away with this expecting many wonderful adventures😮
I would like to know what you guys think of Nucamp products as well as fiberglass trailers like Scamp; and how their process is different since a lot of them are factory direct or they have very good manufacturing process.
Every video on a bunkhouse with rear bagage door, the video host says "great to load a couple bikes". I want to see a video loading a couple of full-size bikes in that space.
I drove a tractor trailer for 4 million miles and if lippered would build their frames like Great Dane or Utility Trailers they use aluminum frame rails with steel crossmembers hotbed to the aluminum rails and a steel plate for the fifth wheel kingpin I’ve had trailers that go 1,000,000 miles and never have an issue welding cross members to frames is not the answer. It’s a weak point that eventually will fail hot fastenersstay tight and don’t come loose. There’s a lot that could be done to improve the frame rails and cross members and travel trailers and death wheels if the engineers maybe would talk to the engineers at some of the big trailer manufacturers and learn their process.
Nailed my thoughts to a tee. In my simple mind, a 5th wheel travel trailer could use the proven technology on a semi trailer and be so much better built and it may not cost anymore. I am no engineer by any stretch, but the concept to me is the same, just different weight being carried at a given point, like a low boy flat bed is the closest thing to 5th wheel travel trailer I can think of. Am I off in my thinking on this?
The Rv industry is like any other industry…my first Maytag was a 20 year old machine that lasted another 15 years. You can hardly get a machine that lasts 5 years now. Our first TT was a 2001 Dutchman sport we bought used. It was built like a fortress and we loved it and kept it 7 years until we outgrew it. We then purchased a new 2015 Jayco Jayfeather. It was beautiful and we’ve kept it 10 years but there are huge differences in quality. I understand they trying to make them much more light weight and appealing decor on the inside, but it does seem just like appliance industry..much cheaper quality, much prettier, more expensive than ever but basically disposable.
We’ve found a floor plan we love from KZ. I would love to get your reviews of KZ 5th wheels. I haven’t seen hardly any reviews of the quality of the Durango. We’re looking to purchase one to do some full time RVing. I am very impressed with KZ because the floor plan they came up with for 2025 is something I specifically requested and they listened!
The cost of a 5th wheel and an adequate tow vehicle is as much as buying a very small home. For that kind of $ it would be nice to think they are durable and will be problem free and last more than just a few years.
I've seen some fun stuff from KZ but we don't really seem to have them among our lineup at Bish's. If I ever find we start carrying them somewhere I'll certainly make it a point to get them captured!
@ we loved the Durango half ton 280RKD rear kitchen layout, but I wanted an east west bed so I sent them a floor plan suggestion and they listened! They put it in their 2025 Durango lineup! D281RKD! And we had a chance to walk through one at Lerch RV in PA. If we were financially ready I’d buy that unit today! Although I still questions about quality, I LOVE the floor plan! And I LOVE that KZ a clearly listens to their customers!! I was hoping to get into a 5th wheel in a year or two now I am trying to figure out how we can do it by next camping season!!
I would love a Forrest River luxury. I believe they make them right, my problem is they are too big. Has anyone heard if they will make one under 37 feet.
@@lindab3128 the only “dealership” I’d totally agree on that is Camping World! We have heard so many people tell horror stories of dealing with CW service!! Also have heard and found their prices on rigs tend to be significantly higher!
I won't claim we are perfect by any means but I can genuinely say there are just so many times we absolutely try to assist clients but things like slow parts fulfillment, no return calls from factory parts staff, getting the wrong parts shipped in, receiving damaged parts.. it's just.. it's awful how often that happens
Sorry chuck as we mentioned in the video this is an unanswerable question. We'd need to know more about the vehicle's capacities specifically, your camping intentions, and a bunch of info to know what to begin to recommend Our folks at www.bishs.com/contact-us can get to know you a bit to offer some suggestions that would be tailored to your idea of camping
I am thinking this is the dealers fault, if the dealers start rejecting the RVs sooner it will be a better process, the missing ducting in a RV that should have never been accepted by dealer
Josh, I agree with your statement about the marketing information!!! Just like what can tow the particular rv. Those of us who watch BTBRV AND YOU provide some of the best information about the quality of materials, suspension and weight/towing requirements. THANK YOU 🙏
@@johnminichielli8957 in this case because people are typically buying a toy that’s only used a few times a year and I’m guessing most new buyers have no idea what would be considered “good quality” in an RV since 2020 and beyond RV manufacturers have driven weight and costs down and made “prettier” interiors at the expense of quality, while raising prices of rigs consistent with inflation. We are shopping for our third rig and we have the benefit of having owned an early 2000’s TT so we know the quality of rigs has changed significantly. We probably couldn’t financially afford any rig built today that matched the quality of our first TT and honestly I don’t want anything that heavy to pull either! There are definitely features of our first rig I’d like to see built in a new rig though! We are seasoned consumers who have spent hours researching and there is still many features of manufacturing we wouldn’t begin to know what to look for!
I bought a 2022 Palomini 186 RB off road edition. It was a really good solid camper. The only issue we had when we bought it was a defective electric jack, minor leak in the shower and one interior bathroom wall panel was defective and replaced. Due to supply side issues the factory was unable to install a ladder on the back of the camper. Our dealership gave us a lippert telescopic ladder. We would have kept that camper until we viewed Josh’s review on the Rockwood / Flagstaff 22FBS and we fell in love with the model. We discussed it and traded in the Palomini for the 2025 Flagstaff 22 FBS. We put 1500 miles on it and not one issue to fix so far. The Flagstaff feels very solid and the fit and finish is great.
I know we talked about it a lot in this video but I have such huge respect for rockwood and flagstaff
I am just a dumb retired truck driver,my best friend was a service manager for 30 plus years.I have heard all the horror stories.That being said my belief is that if they would just slow down the assembly lines.they would have better quality.But the real down fall is when they go public and answer to stock holders .
slowing down really is one of the keys
But that cuts into the profits so... yeah
Brinkley has raised the stakes…but they need to hold Lippert/Furrion’s feet to the fire!
Shout out to the service dept. at Pete's RV in South Windsor, CT. Shopped for and eventually bought my 2022 Jayco 22rb (off the lot) in late August, 2023. They went through the entire rig BEOFRE my PDI day, found several items that required fixing and needed parts. My PDI came 6 weeks after purchase. This delay didn't upset me because I KNEW what I was buying. I educated myself on the industry and what to potentially expect and how the repair process works. After 6 weeks, I went for PDI. Everything worked and looked great. I just completed my first season with the camper. There was nothing significant to report. A small water leak in an access space which required nothing more than tightening a threaded plumbing connection. 1/2 way through my season, my tongue jack started to fail. The up/down switch was intermittently operational and it sounded horrible. I reported it to Pete's and they ordered me a new tongue jack ASAP. Not more than 2 weeks later, they told me the new jack has been received and I could bring my camper for a replacement. In that 2 weeks, I managed to rewire the switch and got it at least, working better than intermittently. That way, I didn't have to interrupt my camping season taking a trip to the dealer. Instead, I made an appointment for this late October. I drove the camper up there, parked out front and right there, on the spot the service tech installed my new tongue jack. Quick and painless. I think every person who thinks they want to buy a travel trailer should understand exactly what it is they are buying AND understand the industry as it is, today. Also, know you need to have a general amount of repair knowledge...be handy with tools, because you're gong to have to fix things along the way as well as MAINTAIN things. I'm super pleased with my camper and the service dept.at Pete's RV in South Windsor, CT.
I love seeing good stories. I've met the fellas at Pete's. They seem to be a quality bunch of people & I have a lot of respect for them
@@JoshtheRVNerd SORRY JOSH. I TOTALLY FORGOT TO THANK YOU! YOU & YOUR VIDEOS were instrumental at teaching me! You helped me to understand what I was shopping for, what to expect, what to watch out for and how to recognize good and bad throughout the entire experience. THANK YOU SO MUCH!
Thanks JTRVN & BTBRV and The RV voice.
Our pleasure. TY
I can diagnose and fix a discrete switch... those computer panels are another story. Just give me switches. And I don't want to get my phone to turn a light on.
i used to disagree
I've come around
i'm with you on this
yep..any cool gizmo that gets added, you have to think about what happens when it does not work and how worthwhile was it in the first place
Great video Josh. Cannot wait to see what you, Jake, and JD talk about in the next 1. It was a long video but a good one. No worries from me on the length of it, I simply paused it, did what I had to do (2 cats to deal with…) so it works out fine for me. I have been around since your early days as well as JDs and am a huge fan of all the information and insight you both share. Had 2 RVs and I agree with everything you all shared. Side note, do you plan on doing more b]videos on the Go Play series? Keep the great videos coming and enjoy some down time with your family, it has been well earned and deserved. 👍🏻👍🏻
yeah.. speaking of cats to deal with I got attacked by mine halfway thru lol
Some of the cosmetic problems I encountered with my first trailer (Forest River NoBo) were down to their use of luan in places. 1/8 luan won't hold screws well, so I had various things come apart. I always e6000'd them back together and problem solved. Luan is truly junk.
41:59 I have a 2018 Keystone Springdale 270 LE I bought two years old. I put a bunch of miles on it with ONE problem. (A cheap little circuit board and the water heater that I replace myself for $30 ) it’s been amazing.Thanks nerd(s)
For years we saw less service work from Springdale vs any other stick and tin brand. That 2018 year was a good time for them
I loved this! We’re looking to buy our retirement 5th wheel and you’re helping me know all the things we need to think about and watch for!
Listened to 2 hours on the other channel. The one thing I never heard was that the manufacturers know there are no RV lemon laws and they take advantage of this with slow repair times, and in some cases substandard repairs. They also insert clauses into contracts that requires a buyer to sue them in certain states or force binding arbitration. We don't need the government to regulate safety like cars, but we do need to hold them accountable for shoddy work.
Great video. Hope you do more with the guys.
Great information thank you all
Glad you enjoyed it! :)
Guys, these things cost alot of money, the expectations are to have a relatively trouble free unit and decent customer service. Dealer after sale service is really bad, not having qualified technicians and repeat repair visits. We are looking at newer rvs, but no way will we be buying anything until things improve.
People cheer laws requiring more and more mandated standard equipment on cars without thinking about how it's making their cars unaffordable.
Right. And then look at the mandates away from gasoline autos and imagine what costs will be like.
yeah that's the flip side. JD mentioned that several time thru the video
There were some downright shady things done in the build of my RV, blatant corner cutting, but none of them surprised me. I knew I was buying a chassis and whatever went wrong with the box on top of it was mine to deal with. I took the chance and overall I am enjoying it. I did not watch this video because I don't have the attention span but I like the 'between two ferns' set from Josh.
Looking good Uncle Josh! ❤
Great video, guys! Here's a thought. Maybe the RV industry was watching, too. #Nerdherd! 🇨🇦
I was actually getting texts from several people I know at a few different factories during the stream!
@JoshtheRVNerd You never know. This could wake some people up. Notice that all the things you said they are now making standard on some units (Azdel, MorRyde, good tires,etc), are all happening because customers are LEARNING about RVs. They now shop with these things in consideration, which most didn't before. As the customer base wakes up to quality issues, maybe the manufacturers will HAVE to address that, too.
Oh, and plumbing. PLEASE give us good plumbing!
Good stuff!
Keep up the good work and reviews! Yes keep doing this!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Will we actually see JD?
Looks like we get to see his backside.
I can attest to the Rockwood quality. We ordered ours at the tail end of Covidiocy and it was largely well put together. However, our dealer was awful. Real simple issues were overlooked which made me think there wasn’t a pdi done at all. And then it took several trips and lots of time away from us to solve. If I had to do it over again I would have just fixed myself given the absurd process we had to go through. Or even better, done business with Bishs which was a hundred miles away.
I have such a good feeling about them
Thank you for this. Love the open dialogue.
Glad you liked it!
Dave from Eastern shore Maryland (Salisbury) loving your show
Thanks guys - I'd love to listen to more like this. Maybe do an episode focused on each 'category' of rv. Maybe a whole review on 'insulation' and 4-season ratings with explanations for cold weather but especially for 100+ weather since many parts of the country have been seeing that in the summers. A discussion of all the new stuff would also not be misplaced --- like what's the best most expensive fan out there compared to the best value fan - that kind of thing. Is there any way for someone to compile a comparison of each brands quality procedures?
love the ideas. Ty so much
Deb & Rod from Central Pennsylvania
Get a 3rd party inspection before you buy and that goes for new ones as well.
Ty for the video from Meridian, Mississippi!
Our pleasure
Great stuff 👍 thanks for sharing ✌ YES 🇺🇲 GOD bless America 🇺🇲
One of Josh's comments hits home where the customer wants an expensive trailer for an inexpensive trailer's price. This is a common consumer characteristic in the US: folks want Nieman-Marcus quality at Walmart prices, which is insanity. You want high quality? Be prepared to pay handsomely for it. There are compromises where you can have good quality at reasonable prices.
At the same time - I also think it is reasonable to spend THIS kind of money on an RV for "some assembly required"
Supply and demand always works. When we look at new cars, no OEM would even think of offering a new for sail with out a 36 month bumper to bumper warranty. This is the cost of entry. That said, the demand for new cars and competition is driving this behavior. When we look at RV's the lack of engineering and fit and finish is laughable. Why is this the case? When we look at any new car, the complexity and engineering is all about chasing the market (1567 Billion - 2023) which is huge. When we look at new RV's the market, around 31 billion (2022) is why we are where we are. What I find fascinating is the complete lack of channel infrastructure for RV sales as compared to Automotive OEM because there is no market for it and no agency protection laws.
It all goes back to supply and demand and the stagnation of the RV market. When we see independents being bought by "majors" that is all about buying market share which may be problematic based on the anti-trust laws. Any consolation hurts competition, full stop.
I'm in the market for an RV and I am looking of by a quality product, but I soon realized I need to lower my expectation because the market today is tolerating junk. This is a fact. The notion that there are 5th wheel frame issues, and nonsensical plumbing issues and these manufactures has not been subject to a class action suits is interesting to say the least. Any company knowingly building a sub-standard product supplied to an OEM builder, because they are thinking their OEM customer may indemnify them is also interesting. This bean counter mentality (we built it because our customer paid lots of money to build it even though we know is was not structurally sound) is always problematic.
In the limit it's always supply and demand. Im my case an RV OEM says we are them best, I would expect them to prove it and put their money (warranty) where their mouth is. If they built a quality product then a three year performance warranty should be easy.
My husband and I are buying a new RV in the spring. When Brinkley first appeared on the scene we were so excited about them and we were seriously thinking about getting one. Then the flippen new Flippin Brinkley owners turned us off! Big Time!! All owners kept saying was "Buy a Brinkley" everything else is Junk. You get what you pay for as far as low end pricing, middle and high end. Every RV has issues at one time or another even coming off the lots. Including Brinkly has had several issues. Some owners say minor issues, I have seen some major issues posted also. And also very nerve wracking when comparing Brinkly to an Ahara. The only comparison is the little bit of copying of the outside graphics. Floorplans aren't even close to one another. We are still researching what new camper we would like to our needs, size, tastes and price point. What we decide on is what we will love. There are plenty of beautiful RVs out there. I have a whole family of campers and each couple has their own style. I would never tell my family their choice of camper is junk. It is what they have chose to love. Problems are fixable just like your home and car. Your money to spend your camper love. No one out there should ever put on social media condemning something that someone else has purchased. I want to thank some of the Brinkley owners for turning me off of purchasing one.
You can’t judge a manufacturer’s quality in just a year or two. We’ll see in 10 years if the God like status given to Brinkley holds up, or if they just become another overpriced RV with typical RV problems🫤
Awww. 😺😺😺 Doing what kitties do best, when you're in a Zoom meeting. 🥰
lol yeah I had a lamp on my table basically he knocked into my computer when he jumped up
Lance has automation. They use CNC machines to cut out parts. Thats why they don't need that goofy piece of vinyl filler around the cabinets.
Odometer and warranty time frame is an excellent idea.
I think it would be a *MASSIVE* step to properly setting customer expectations
@ophirpass , I agree with you about Brinkley having raised the stakes. But as JD had said units vary from each unit. I have been reading lots of positive reviews about Brinkley and I have been seriously considering purchasing one. They are not perfect and I recently experienced this firsthand when I recently inspected 6 of Brinkley models at a traveling RV show that was in Las Vegas recently. I found some issues in several of the models on display. Sharp edges on the door edge laminate, buckling in some of the upper wall panels, the splitting of the drawer side panel, etc. It has not turned me off of Brinkley, because they have developed a reputation of standing by the products.
I will say I was not looking to do a full inspection of their trailers, I was there to place myself in their product to compare functionality for my physical size and needs.
I am not trying to knock Brinkley, but just to support JD's point of each unit varying in quality.
totally fair and respectfully stated. TY
I think Josh was trying to say every industry wants in on the bottom end or per se the economy model
They need to slow down their production focus more on quality than quantity. Walk through a couple brand new Forest River/ Flagstaff units at camping world and they had some of the same issues mine did from day one and they are sitting on the lot, Not even fixed with sliding doors that have fallen off the hinges.
I think most of the quality issue is because the manufacturers are putting the bottom line profits on the consumer instead of focusing internally on process improvements to build their bottom line.
I can say there genuinely are some brands working to improve the customer experience
I can also say there is some genuine truth to your statement as well
The problem is there's a long way to go for significant improvement and there's no way for a customer to be able to see/trust any of it has been done for the RV they're purchasing
nomadic Movement You tube channel bought a $150k Airstream and had nothing but problems with it on a trip around the US. I’m not sure is airstream is the quality people think it is.
Timestamp 27:10 - Is there an RV brand recommended for those that use it 12 times per year? Our average is about 10-12 times per year. Sounds like we'd look for something with the best suspension.
There are a lot of questions I'd like to ask as a follow up -- I'm the type that builds you a clock if you ask what time it is lol
But to try to offer a quick "from the hip" answer w/o knowing any sort of segment you're hunting a few names that creep up to me are
Rockwood
Cougar
Jayco
Alliance
Plenty of others definitely possible but i'm not sure the type of rv / style of camping you're seeking
How much you tow may be a factor
Again.. i want to build you a clock lol :)
Really concerned about an RV falling apart before it gets to a dealership what's going to happen when you pull away with this expecting many wonderful adventures😮
I like to look at cougars 😂
you're not the first to share that ;)
I would like to know what you guys think of Nucamp products as well as fiberglass trailers like Scamp; and how their process is different since a lot of them are factory direct or they have very good manufacturing process.
I'd love to weigh in on this but I lack real exposure to those brands and don't feel qualified to offer insights as a result
Yes
Josh, you did a 'tucking your long hair behind your ears,' move at 1:29:31 🤣
well it's not easy keeping this lucious man-mane under control
@@JoshtheRVNerd 😆
yes yes yes yes yes yes yes
Yes!!!!
Yes, keep doing these chats! 100%!! #Nerdherd!
Every video on a bunkhouse with rear bagage door, the video host says "great to load a couple bikes". I want to see a video loading a couple of full-size bikes in that space.
You have to pop the front tire off and then it's not an issue
Or get a folding ebike like mine.
I drove a tractor trailer for 4 million miles and if lippered would build their frames like Great Dane or Utility Trailers they use aluminum frame rails with steel crossmembers hotbed to the aluminum rails and a steel plate for the fifth wheel kingpin I’ve had trailers that go 1,000,000 miles and never have an issue welding cross members to frames is not the answer. It’s a weak point that eventually will fail hot fastenersstay tight and don’t come loose. There’s a lot that could be done to improve the frame rails and cross members and travel trailers and death wheels if the engineers maybe would talk to the engineers at some of the big trailer manufacturers and learn their process.
Nailed my thoughts to a tee. In my simple mind, a 5th wheel travel trailer could use the proven technology on a semi trailer and be so much better built and it may not cost anymore. I am no engineer by any stretch, but the concept to me is the same, just different weight being carried at a given point, like a low boy flat bed is the closest thing to 5th wheel travel trailer I can think of. Am I off in my thinking on this?
Need to have the Lemon Law apply, regardless of State it is built in.
Ty for watching. I know this was a long one
The Rv industry is like any other industry…my first Maytag was a 20 year old machine that lasted another 15 years. You can hardly get a machine that lasts 5 years now. Our first TT was a 2001 Dutchman sport we bought used. It was built like a fortress and we loved it and kept it 7 years until we outgrew it. We then purchased a new 2015 Jayco Jayfeather. It was beautiful and we’ve kept it 10 years but there are huge differences in quality. I understand they trying to make them much more light weight and appealing decor on the inside, but it does seem just like appliance industry..much cheaper quality, much prettier, more expensive than ever but basically disposable.
We’ve found a floor plan we love from KZ. I would love to get your reviews of KZ 5th wheels. I haven’t seen hardly any reviews of the quality of the Durango. We’re looking to purchase one to do some full time RVing. I am very impressed with KZ because the floor plan they came up with for 2025 is something I specifically requested and they listened!
The cost of a 5th wheel and an adequate tow vehicle is as much as buying a very small home. For that kind of $ it would be nice to think they are durable and will be problem free and last more than just a few years.
Speed Queen
I've seen some fun stuff from KZ but we don't really seem to have them among our lineup at Bish's. If I ever find we start carrying them somewhere I'll certainly make it a point to get them captured!
@ we loved the Durango half ton 280RKD rear kitchen layout, but I wanted an east west bed so I sent them a floor plan suggestion and they listened! They put it in their 2025 Durango lineup! D281RKD! And we had a chance to walk through one at Lerch RV in PA. If we were financially ready I’d buy that unit today! Although I still questions about quality, I LOVE the floor plan! And I LOVE that KZ a clearly listens to their customers!! I was hoping to get into a 5th wheel in a year or two now I am trying to figure out how we can do it by next camping season!!
I would love a Forrest River luxury. I believe they make them right, my problem is they are too big. Has anyone heard if they will make one under 37 feet.
Sorry - not sure which brand specifically you're referencing Sharon
Cedar Creek? Riverstone? Something else?
Ps I am on my 6 th Rv
Rodent control. Does foaming cracks and crevices void warranty
No - that's not really modifying structure
What I've heard is that customers are most upset with the dealership service department they are working with. working wth.
@@lindab3128 the only “dealership” I’d totally agree on that is Camping World! We have heard so many people tell horror stories of dealing with CW service!! Also have heard and found their prices on rigs tend to be significantly higher!
I won't claim we are perfect by any means but I can genuinely say there are just so many times we absolutely try to assist clients but things like slow parts fulfillment, no return calls from factory parts staff, getting the wrong parts shipped in, receiving damaged parts.. it's just.. it's awful how often that happens
What is lights weight best price around 30s to 40s that can be pulled with a 1/2 ton trunk
Sorry chuck as we mentioned in the video this is an unanswerable question. We'd need to know more about the vehicle's capacities specifically, your camping intentions, and a bunch of info to know what to begin to recommend
Our folks at www.bishs.com/contact-us can get to know you a bit to offer some suggestions that would be tailored to your idea of camping
41:38 bad cougar. 😅
hey now lol
@ my apologies. It’s still a family show. 😆
I am thinking this is the dealers fault, if the dealers start rejecting the RVs sooner it will be a better process, the missing ducting in a RV that should have never been accepted by dealer
Did you know dealers are not allowed to reject factory shipments in about half of states?
It's crazy
Great show. Just too long. Maybe, break it down to at least two 1 hour segments.
@@reneleroux2661 just at 1.25 speed.
we were targeting and hour but both JD and I know we talk... a lot
Josh, I agree with your statement about the marketing information!!! Just like what can tow the particular rv. Those of us who watch BTBRV AND YOU provide some of the best information about the quality of materials, suspension and weight/towing requirements. THANK YOU 🙏
You bet. Appreciate your kind words
What is a PDI??
Pre delivery inspection
Probably didn't inspect
@@axiomproductions 🤣
Axio LOLOLOL - I'm going to have to remember that one
I’m from Florida 😊
Ga
If people are stupid enough to buy junk, guess what manufacturers are going to sell them. Try selling a junk RV in Australia and see how far you get.
@@johnminichielli8957 in this case because people are typically buying a toy that’s only used a few times a year and I’m guessing most new buyers have no idea what would be considered “good quality” in an RV since 2020 and beyond RV manufacturers have driven weight and costs down and made “prettier” interiors at the expense of quality, while raising prices of rigs consistent with inflation. We are shopping for our third rig and we have the benefit of having owned an early 2000’s TT so we know the quality of rigs has changed significantly. We probably couldn’t financially afford any rig built today that matched the quality of our first TT and honestly I don’t want anything that heavy to pull either! There are definitely features of our first rig I’d like to see built in a new rig though! We are seasoned consumers who have spent hours researching and there is still many features of manufacturing we wouldn’t begin to know what to look for!