RVers TELL ALL About their RV's Quality!
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- Опубліковано 21 вер 2024
- #rv #towing #trucks
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Great video J.D. . I purchased a 2020 Outdoors RV used in 2022. It's a 24RKS Anniversary Edition. Great heavily built trailer. Yes frames are made in house ! Towed it almost 12,000 miles in 18 months now. We love it.
Yeah, I have no use for a part-time use RV. Full-time only!
We went from a 1983 40’ silver eagle bus to a 2021 KZ Connect rear kitchen model. There is no comparison that a bus is made for the road but we’ve had no issues with our Connect. There’s not much on the TT I can’t fix. Thank you JD!
Interesting video. If you go all the way to the Pacific Northwest for an Outdoors RV tour, while you're in the area maybe a tour of Northwoods RV as well. Both companies build their own frames and have a reputation for high build quality. Thanks again!
JD, you definitely need to take a look at Outdoors RV and take a factory tour. There are a few things I’l like to talk to you in depth about. 1. How to encourage an independent consumer group (Consumer Reports) to do a review of RVs. 2. How to get someone to establish an independent RV Certification company and standards. The RVIA is a manufacturers group, that’s not independent and has a totally different objective. The NHTSB (National Highway/Transportation Safety Board) is a federal organization who’s focus is only on the safety of the RV on the roadways, What’s needed is a set of criteria that DEFINES what 4-seasons is/means, what full-time is/means. Something similar to what Underwriters Labs does for electrical products. (I am a retired Quality Assurance, Test and Project Engineer). Any manufacturer can call their product full-time, or 4-season, or off-road because there is not standard recognized definitions for those terms. The idea is that this certification entity would issue stickers that recognized manufacturers whose products were tested to meet their standards. With no such organization in existence RV manufacturers have few mandated/legal requirements that they have to meet, most of which are not specific to RV’s. That is the primary reason why quality and performance is all over the place. When manufacturers set their own requirements it’s like the fox guarding the chicken coop. I’ve contacted Consumer Reports already about this but could use help convincing them it’s a worthwhile endeavor. I’d love to hear from you about this.
Hey JD buddy, sorry I disappeared on you. Love to the Fam. Remember the days when you used to take us for a ride? And you say Get in, buckle up and listen up. I got something to tell you. Lol, now we just look at the homestead.
I have some driving rants coming back my friend
We were looking for a full time 5th wheel. We paired it down to Luxe, DRV, And Riverstone.
We heavily considered construction 1st. Frame was 1b. We wanted real wood cabinets and trim. We researched all what was important to us. While any of these 3 brands would've worked. We chose the Riverstone Signature Series 41rl. We've had two issues with the unit. And between our dealer, Riverstone, Firefly, And Truma, our two issues were solved. Communication between Firefly and Truma, along with Riverstone and us was exceptional! We Love our unit, and plan on keeping it for a long time. We do full time in it since July 2023.
WOW, nice rig. I took a look at it. beautiful but PRICY$$$$
Thank you for all your content, channels like yours are helping me figure out what I want. I will be FT in a RV by January and start traveling.
Fantastic episode, JD. My wife and I had a 2013 Dutchman travel trailer that we towed extensively behind a ½ ton Chevy and, later, a ½ ton Ram. Both trucks handled it easily, even with the trailer being 25 feet long and around 5500 lbs. As we're now in our 50s and heading towards retirement, we wanted something more substantial. We initially considered higher-end toy haulers but found that anything below a Luxe felt subpar compared to our well-built 2013 model. Plus, I didn't want to invest six figures in a dually or hauler-body just for towing, still have another daily driver, then buy the toy hauler, and then have the dually sit unused while I mostly work from home. I really didn't have a place to put the thing either. All-in, I was probably over $300k to do what we "wanted."
After a year of searching, we sold the travel trailer and bought a 2017 Thor Palazzo 35.1 diesel-pusher with 11k miles. It cost less than a new dually (by itself), not including the fifth wheel, and now I tow just the ½ ton Ram behind it. Even fully loaded for an 8-week trip, a quick CAT-scale weigh-in showed we were 2100 lbs under the GCWR, even with 100 gallons of diesel on-board. Inside, the diesel-pusher offers unbeatable comfort and quality compared to most of the towables. The Luxe toy hauler was comparable, but the cost would have been much more than I wanted to spend while sliding into retirement. We're not going to live in the thing, it's a vacation toy in our case. I hated the trailer tires on the travel trailer, it seemed like they were either "brand new" or "need to be replaced" without much in between. With the diesel-pusher, Michelin bus tires last up to 10 years, maintenance is minimal compared to trailer tires.
I’ve tackled some deferred maintenance and made upgrades like integrated Starlink, 4x120 ah lithium coach batteries, 2 new chassis batteries, better plumbing fixtures, new outlets with USB-C everywhere, new BIM to manage (restrict) the charge rate from the alternator into the lithium while traveling (a big "must" with an older diesel pusher), new (tank) water pump, and then a 2nd new water pump and I also relocated (#2) to a not-stupid location to make future swaps easier) and some other minor "coach" stuff. It was only used from 2017 until early 2020 (COVID) and then went into heated storage until I bought it in 2023, so some little stuff wasn't unexpected. The Freightliner chassis is flawless, and I love the fact that the Ram HEMI gets about 14 mpg when "driving on its own", while the motorhome gets 11.5 mpg WHILE TOWING the Ram behind it. When I was a kid, I used to be a C-5 Galaxy jet mechanic, so I'm not afraid to tackle most of the coach-side projects, but maintaining the diesel on a pusher is a different story - access, it's super-heavy, etc., but outsourcing that is a breeze. I got set up with the Freightliner OASIS shops - around 500 across the US. I'm looking at about $600ish for a once-annual full-cycle - oil, filters, air filters, chassis air maintenance, air brake check, etc. I also did the flat-tow configuration for the Ram myself - that was much easier than I expected, but I wouldn't recommend trying it if you are not completely comfortable around automotive/electrical/etc. For that project, the Air Force One braking system (for the Ram- motorhome already had it) - $950, tow bar - $1k, - lighting - $150, and the removable faceplate connectors for the Ram - $550 (all from eTrailer!). It was an all-weekend project, but was 'done' and flat towing is SOO much easier than watching other people screw with dollies or trailers. 2 minutes and I can hookup or disconnect. The Ram doesn't have a steering lock, so I don't have to leave the ignition "on" either - Rams/Jeeps - both are super-easy.
Since purchasing it in 2023, we've doubled its mileage-from the 11k it had to over 20,000 now (already). The convenience of not having to fuss with slides and portable generators at brief rest stops is a huge plus. The 35.1 is perfect for us as a couple, with room for up to four guests if needed, but as they say about Pushers - "carries 6, feeds 4, but only sleeps 2!'" Traveling long distances is a dream, with a towing range of about 950 miles fully loaded for boondocking, allowing us to avoid expensive fuel stops in high-cost areas.
I would have considered a new ¾ ton and an Airstream - but my wife and I didn't find ourselves in agreement on any of the (Airstream) floorplans, and their backlog is a real pain in the rear. One might as well buy a "new" Airstream because the used ones are the same price tag.
We also looked at gas class-As (big difference - not in a good way - compared to a diesel), Class C's (but none of them had a washer/dryer which I had on the must-have list). I liked some of the diesel B-vans, but not a fit for our lifestyle - we go for months, not a few hours or days. I can see us going a little bigger though - something with a tag axle to better-tame a high crosswind (but I don't notice anything under 40mph in the short-diesel). Maybe a restored Country Coach or an American Coach, or even a vintage Prevost sounds like fun - for a short while - but the fact is - the Freightliner chassis/OASIS setup is a very good combination.
Hey JD, I hope you're having a great day! I don't have a RV yet but when I do get a RV I'm looking at a number of things before I purchase a RV! The main thing is it truly made for full time living!! The main RV manufacturer I'm looking at is Brinkley and Ember! I have been watching your videos for a couple of years now JD and I really learning a lot about what to look for an expect on RV'S by the pricing! Your number one fan an friend Leonard from North Carolina!!!!
Missed the polling...2018 Keystone Montana 3560-RL, special ordered with Legacy & full body paint. Just a few minor issues I was able to repair myself. I keep it in covered storage, use it 5-6 times each year. Great rig overall. We still love it.
In addition, your poll results look like a typical bell curve. Manufacturing was spot on with our Montana. Dealers and service centers lack quality personnel to make effective repairs and maintenance, in my experience.
I have a 22 Grand Design Reflection 341RDS and just got back from a trip to Colorado from North Texas. During the trip at our first stop in Raton, NM the bracket that holds the rack and pinion gear to the slide box broke loose. After closer inspection I found the bracket only had 2 tack welds holding it on. After a temporary fix and $100 we were back in the road. We got through the trip and on the last morning of the trip, the temporary repair failed. I was able to get the slide back in and made it home. This is the SECOND slide failure on this coach. We have had other problems as well. We use our coach about once a month or less. I keep it parked under cover when not in use. From my experience I CAN NOT recommend a Grand Design product. Take in to account the frame issues they have been having it boils down to BUYER BEWARE!!!!
We owned a 2005 Pilgrim travel trailer, We used that thing every week from late spring to late fall and towed it from Washington State to southern CA and everywhere in between. The ONLY issue we had was a water pump. In 2019, we traded it for a 2017 30 ft GD Reflection 5th wheel.. Its ok, but now we rarely use it. Mostly because we are tired of the "what will go wrong this time"...from slide out failure to water leaks. Last time out, plumbing water leaks, time before , slide failure, time before, plumbing water leaks...every time out its something. We are currently looking at an Outdoors RV travel trailer or a Palomino Pause Reboot.
I have 2020(built in 2019) wildwood heritage glen 23bhhl and its been great. We use it about a dozen times every year and probably put 5000+ miles on it. There's been a couple minor issue but nothing I couldn't fix myself.
Full timer Alliance Paradigm 301 rl 2023. Excellent But freezer 😢 great quality on major issues no problems little things not much. Would buy it again
Enjoyed this segment JD! I have a 2014 35 ft Keystone Cougar and got it as 3 rd owner. No big issues and I pulled it over 2,000 mi last summer on Vaca. So what is considered regular use? This year won't be using much due to health circumstance.
I find the results of your polls pretty interesting, especially the two where the poor quality response is 64% & 51%. My poll answers are positive & based on our current 2018 Winnie class “A” which has been amazingly problem free. Aside from this one which I consider an anomaly, I will concede our 6 older rigs were very problem free, the last of which was a 2008, 27' Holiday Rambler Savoy LX. All with the usual minor fixes/adjustments which is to be expected. Our disaster was the 2015 Voltage toy hauler. I have a huge amount of video, pictures, and correspondence of that ordeal that I’m considering making a documentary about, but that will take some time, and quite honestly my videos are not the best productions by any standard. I’m also apprehensive about dredging up two years of misery and reliving it again. It was especially difficult on the Mrs. who is disabled and didn’t take the ordeal well. I learned early in life that getting angry and combative with the people you are trying to get help from does not work, so I always kept the tone to a professional business level. On one occasion the Mrs. thought she could do a better job communicating with the G. Mgr. of the dealership than I. She is a soft spoken, educated, and very polite person who was reduced to weeping by the callous rudeness of this GM. I had to intervene and remove her and myself from the situation. Oh the stories I could tell.
"2024" (Really 2023.5) Grand Design 310GK...So far, so good...so far...
I have a 2015 Flagstaff 27VRL. Definitely not one of their more common models, but it's nice for couples. Have owned it since new. The overall quality and construction is pretty good. The attention to detail is severely lacking. Sloppy wiring, saw dust hidden everywhere, trim poorly installed, cheap water fixtures, yada yada. All things I was able to fix, tidy up and replace. Structurally the unit is solid. And it tows great with the torsion axles. Dual rack and pinion slides where the entire drivers side comes out. Have towed this thing all over the east coast with not a single structural problem. I should mention, if anyone were looking at one, this is not a 1/2 ton friendly towable. I did tow it with a 1/2 ton for 5 years, two different Ram 1500's configured differently. The second having a lot more payload. Didn't matter. Went through 3 different WDH's. Didn't matter. This trailer just bullies a 1/2 ton truck, even though the numbers are good. Stepped up to a Ram 2500 and smooth sailing.
RV industry is sorta reminding me of that sign I've seen in repair shops before..."We do 3 kinds of work, Good, Fast, and Cheap, you can only pick 2"
There are 3 kinds of RV's, Affordable, Lightweight, and High Quality/Durable... but you can only pick 2.
We have a 2024 Alliance 310RL with Independent Suspension. We just got done with a 7,000 mile cross country trip. It held up very well. Very happy so far.
We had a 2018 Cardinal prior to this one. The RV was built very well, and we were pleased. We had some suspension issues which were covered by Lippert when all was said and done.
So, overall, we have been very pleased with both RVs. We had to fix or address many small-medium issues we fixed ourselves, it not to difficult. We have NEVER had our RVs back to the dealer for anything. I would be hard pressed to go to the dealer for much of anything.
I think you make a fair point about the frequency of use.
Which puts Grand Design in a pretty poor light considering that they have been vocal in the past about warranting for full time use which means their units should be capable of that constant use.
I would say to the manufacturers. Imagine working in the oilfield for example. Instead of renting hotels a lot of the workers use RVs. I don't think quality has to be expensive. Just make them better.
Love the polls! Can you add an option for ppl who don't have an RV yet / just want to see the results? You might get some folks who just select any answer to see the results in the moment.
Maybe manufacturers should state their products are only good for very limited use 😂😂
The lack of reliability is pathetic, no other industry would be able to sustain putting out mediocre units like this.
NHTSA should regulate certain areas of them.
I would be weary buying an RV that is 2020 or newer... The exception would be Brinkley as I had heard that their quality is spot on.
23’ keystone cougar sport 33’ fifth wheel
No real issues yet.. a few minor fit and finish items but otherwise been good
Awesome content! Thank you!
I’ve had multiple Bounders hence the name… I can say the suite spot for RV’s is 2002-2008… period… built very well
As someone who owns the exact same surveyor as you I have a question. Would you do the same upgrades to that trailer if you didn’t have sponsors or get major discounts on products to include the trailer?
Absolutely. Every upgrade done to is a practical upgrades that I absolutely would have done regardless.
@@BigTruckBigRV I appreciate the honesty. As stated I think I almost over use mine and had I known that was even a thing before buying it I would have went with something a little more durable and meant for that. I’ve priced out the a/c and suspension upgrades and just not sure I could justify spending that on a 30k ish camper. That was the reason for my questions.
How many of those cheaper rv's are rated for FT use by the manufacturer? I think manufacturers are throwing the term "rated for FT use" around way too much. Remember when the term "4 seasons" was started when all the manufacturer did was screw a piece of coroplast on the underbelly and an open piece of heat duct to keep the belly warm. I had a fifth wheel that was so called rated to be pulled by a "half ton" truck (and FT use as well). Thankfully I knew better but when manufacturers market their product like this, they and their dealers open themselves up to some pretty harsh scrutiny. The terminology "Buyer Beware" has never been more valid than in today's market. No matter what class or quality of rv you purchase, you must educate yourself.
There’s a difference between “rated” for ft and “warrantied” for ft. There’s only 3 to my knowledge
JD - we had a macerator toilet that leaked and from the start never worked right. Pulled the information from the toilet mfg and determined it wired totally wrong. When posting our results many people from multiple years all said they did this fix and reported it now works, even after talking to the rv mfg and the toilet mfg they said it was wired right. So this is not always a RV mfg issue when the vendor could not figure out that the “sea pump” should not have been hooked up guess they did not ask if this was a boat or RV.
Miss the poll but yup jayco north point too many major issues. Poor poor poor
Curious of the 25% who are disappointed and have problems are 1) newbies in the RV lifestyle; and 2) of the majority of these units Covid units? I’ve never RV’d before, I’m in research stage and someday I’ll start renting first. I’ll NEVER buy a Covid era camper, I don’t care what the price or who the manufacturer is. Why take the chance.
I disagree with using it too long… most of the Bounders I buy are with somewhere in the 30k mileage range yet I know others with the same rigs pushing 100k or more and no issues. I don’t see how this argument can be made even if you use it a lot they are made to last for 30 plus years if taken care of so use is going to be averaged out
If it’s not up to full time use, then why even bother shelling out thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of dollars for something you’re only going to get a handful of uses out of. Doesn’t make much sense. I’m either buying a Brinkley, a Luxe, or an Outdoor Rv. Won’t trust my family or money to the any of the other garbage out there. Not worth the money or my family’s safety.