How to buy quality and avoid RV lemons in 2023 - from a RV tech
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- Опубліковано 26 сер 2024
- FREE RV Shopping Class - Sign-Up Here -
www.undercover...
People email/message/comment daily asking for my opinion on various RVs they're wanting to buy. I found myself giving the same advice over and over. Finally, I decided to make a UA-cam video answering these common questions - "Is X a good brand? How do I buy a quality RV? How do I avoid a lemon?"
When you sign-up for me FREE RV Shopping Class, you will get an email from me every day for the next 60 days where I'll teach you how to shop RVs like a RV tech. There is a lot of information to cover, which is why I've broken it down into the following topics:
- "Don't Buy a Lemon!" Guide
- Slide-out Systems
- Plumbing
- Cabinets
- Countertops
- Refrigerators
- Air Conditioners
- Furnace
- Water Heater
- Roof
- Frames
- Suspension & Drive Train
- Fit & Finish
- Insider Shopping Tips
I’m going to bet the manufacturers don’t like you, but thank God the consumers have you and folks like you!
Yup! A major player in the RV industry (that will remain unnamed) tried to buy out my entire channel back when I only had 5k subs.... right after I announced I was going to start reviewing RVs for quality.... so they are really not going to like this new shopping class
@@undercoverrvtech can you send me the information on the shopping class please? I purchased a used class A from a large Florida dealer in 2017 and before I got it home the mirror on the drivers side was about to fall off, not to mention I it had a warning buzzer going off every thirty minutes. After taking it back to them three times and them charging me it didn’t get fixed until I took it to Cummins shop. There was other things that just could have been caught with an inspection, I definitely learned a hard lesson. I sold it in 2021 after I fixed it all so now I’m looking at airstream because of the simplicity of them, slides are a nice feature but pinched wires and misalignment make them not worth it.
@@walterrafolski5662if your gonna spend that kinda money on an airstream, you’ll get the same good quality on a full fibreglass molded travel trailer, and save thousands! 🍻
Iam looking for best quality 30ft ish couples travel trailer what brand should I look at
For the amount of money these manufactures are charging us, these units should all be 10/10 and have a 7 year bumper to bumper warranty period.
I’m not a RV tech by no long means, but i do have 20 years as a diesel truck mechanic and another 20 plus years as an industrial maintenance mechanic, and I can tell you that no matter what brand or model you buy, spend hours looking your new RV a over. The last 3 campers I’ve owned I can’t tell you how many hours I spent fixing stuff that weren’t broke, but would have caused problems later on. If you don’t know that much about wiring, plumbing, carpentry, etc., then pay someone a couple hundred bucks to look you new camper or RV over for potential problems. You’ll thank me later. You wouldn’t believe some of the things I found….😮😳
Jacob, I'm so glad I found you!! I've watched about 5 of your YT vids and I'm hooked !!!!Just signed up for your class. You are articulate, experienced, and intelligent in your presentations. You move quickly through your explanations (not drawing them out or digressing like so many other creators do). I love the way you point out that when it comes to RVs, its not just apples and oranges. It's apples, oranges, teddy bears and black holes! I plan to watch every video you have and will make before I purchase another RV. CHEERS!
I have owned several different motorhomes over the last 25 years and I am convinced manufacturers are just making things up as they build.
Jacob so thankful for your willingness to share your experience and expertise with us. I found your website and videos a week before we were ready to buy RV. Thanks to you man, we were educated enough to recognize quality from lemons. We recently drove 1200 miles to pick up our new 2024 Northwood Arctic Fox 25R in Colorado. Solid as a rock inside and out and not one problem trip home. God Bless you!
I’d like your thoughts on the fibreglass clamshell RVs, such as Bigfoot, Escape, Oliver, Casita, etc. They use all the same subsystems, but are fundamentally different in their structure and command VERY high prices, and I’m wondering if they’re really worth it.
I signed up for your RV shopping class. I'm not buying on this year, but I will be in the next couple of years. Looking forward to what you have to offer as assistance. Thanks Jacob.
I was looking for either a Montana or Cougar, but multiple units ALL had glaring manufacturing issues, loose cabinets, doors, trim, poorly installed doors, backsplashes and wallpaper. The salesman said they have to wait until purchase and everything would be fixed under warranty before purchase. I stopped by the service department and asked how long it might be, and he replied 1-3 months as they had a backlog.
Thank you for doing these videos. My family is going to do rving full time soon, due to housing prices and the opportunity for a lucrative traveling job. I appreciate your insight into this topic, as we will be using it to inform our decisions.
Wow!! How awesome! Good luck , God bless ! ❤
Glad I can help! Thanks for watching
@@undercoverrvtech I just read you slide system email. Amazingly clear and simply email, answered all the questions I had about slide systems. I will be signing up to financially support you. I have been considering it for a while, but that email was the tipping point.
About half way thru I was going to make a suggestion about putting a list out for all the best of each subststem, but I think this class will take care of it. Thanks
I will mention what a seasoned RV tech told me- 'Buy the one with the floor plan you like, because they will ALL break.'
Your channel is very needed/helpful, thank you. Recently retired and considering a truck camper to slide into my F350. Much less information out there on truck campers. Perhaps a future video on this segment would be helpful? Thank you.
Have you shopped the Northwood Manufacturing out of Oregon. We were recently at Rv dealer in Pueblo Co and they had them there . They were top quality
Now you know why Consumer Reports has to review cars every year. Keep up the good work.
Do you have a video for the best 5th wheel toy hauler?
Love your undercover series of videos. I hope your channel really blows up.
Thank you!
Your advice was so good that I am convinced I will never buy a RV. But your 4 different Rv's and reason's to buy was great. Because my wife and I have not started yet. I will probably get a small used RV to make sure that's the lifestyle for us. Signed up.
Thank you for detailing the building process of an RV. Your insights have helped tremendously
They should care about your opinion, some of us are listening. Thanks for your videos. We got a lemon with a 2019 Aspen Trail and looking to buy something in 2025 hopefully smarter. Keep sharing!
Have you reviewed Outdoors RVs that are built in LaGrand Oregon?
Have you ever been in a New Horizons? I walked into on at the Tampa show several years ago. The second I walked in I knew that it was high quality. The price??? 250k. But it really was WOW! I didn’t dig into the plumbing, electrical, or build quality because it was so far out of my price range. Built in Kansas, not Elkhart Indiana.
I enjoy your videos. Shopping for my first and hopefully last rv. I am looking for the elusive unicorn. ( great floor plan highest quality) I will probably never find it but the looking has been fun. Can’t wait to start your class. Thanks!
Ditto to everything you said. I'm agree and at the same spot in RV shopping/looking/dreaming.
@@juliebaird4156 I was kicking around the idea of a TT and saw a used Heartland on a dealer lot. I was initially impressed but on a return visit I was underwhelmed y the layout. Not that it was horrible but the sofa and dinette were too close together and I imagined on a rainy day we would get on each other's nerves being too close and being forced to stare at each other. It was also at that point I noticed some poor Heartland workmanship. So I started looking and looking and looking. I found other much more suitable floor plans. And after a few weeks I grew to like plans J hadn't initially considered.
I wish you well on your quest. I am so glad I am taking my time and really doing my homework.
Best wishes!
Glad you signed up! Hopefully it helps you find that unicorn
hopefully the new brinkley G model and the montana front office is on your soon to review list? thanks 🤠
I would like to see you do a video on Airstream quality
I appreciate and enjoy your videos. Thanks for the free RV shopping class. I'm looking forward to it.
Thanks for watching! I hope you find it helpful!
Yay! Thank you!! I'm looking forward to diving in. Do you have tips on how to get answers from the sales person? Or how to find the information yourself?? I hope so! Guess I will find out soon.
I made a list from some of your videos and started asking questions about the units I'm looking at. Seems like the salespeople don't know the answers and have to get back with me, and then... ... ... crickets. Looks like I found a good way to eliminate some dealerships too! If they are not willing to answer my questions, how willing will they be do make repairs or do warranty work?
I have to admit, it is fun going in armed with the knowledge you provide! I am betting when the sales team sees me coming, solo young-ish female, they think easy sale!! And then I'm out there checking the seals on the roof, crawling under the rig, looking at plumbing, asking questions and pointing out problems 😅 the last new rig I looked at had so many issues I asked the sales person if it was used! It was missing an outside front passenger side light-just a big gaping hole in the side wall, excellent place for some water intrusion. Poor seals in multiple places. A couple of the doors looked like someone took sandpaper down the edge of them ... good fun for me! Obviously didn't buy that one!
Anyway... thanks again!
I'd love to go RV shopping with you. LOL
So, a question that I and my fellow RVers have debated. What style of RV has the least amount of failure across the board from your years of doing this, since all this frame flex/brake issue has been surfaced and several of us watch your videos.
Travel trailer? 5th Wheel?, Class A, B or C?, Folding or Pop Ups?, or Truck campers or the big one, one off ultimate RV/ Tractor trailer?
Wow thats awesome for the newbees! 👍🏼
I mentioned your channel on rv miles in a comment just a few days ago, where their comment bashed alliance rv’s so i mentioned your channel so others would know to go learn more, and my comment was deleted! I was stunned 😳. Don’t know if utube deletes all comments if you mention other channel names? 🍻
Lets see if this comment stays because i just mentioned another channel.
I own an older(2017) Grand Design Reflection 5th wheel. We just had the kitchen slide fail due to (according to the RV repair shop that Grand Design recommended) a design flaw. It would be interesting to see a review of some of the "off road" RV's like the Imperial Outdoors Xplorers or even better yet, the new-ish Palomino Pause trailers...these are EXPENSIVE but would be interesting to see the ACTUAL build quality vs. the hyped build quality. Thanks!
I know truck campers are not as popular, but it would be great to see a review of a NuCamp Cirrus 820 and anything else similar that you think is worthy of consideration in that configuration. Thanks!
Is there a discussion about Airstream travel trailers?
I'm loving the emails so far and find them incredibly valuable. Thank you! Wondering if you have given any thought to adding sections for things like; floors (construction), walls, windows, nose cap etc?
Thanks for all your info love the channel and great work. I’ve signed up as I’m in the market for my first trailer and this info is amazing.
Awesome! Thank you!
Could you do review of ATC trailer? Seems pretty solid. Thanks!
What are your thoughts on airstream?
Have you reviewed the lil guy max tv?
My recent experience shopping for a travel trailer was eye opening. I identified issues with flex hose coupled with PEX using PEX crimps, single strand wire routed through the frame with no grommets or even loom, the MPPT mounted to the ceiling of the pass through to flammable material. On the MPPT issue I contacted the supplier and requested they send a service bulletin to the travel trailer manufacturer. They requested pictures of the install, the VIN, and the location of the assembly plant.
Why did I do this? The instructions clearly state it shall be mounted horizontally with the wires at the bottom to a non-flammable surface. This is a safety issue not just poor craftsmanship.
I own an Alliance and was wondering if you have a class on the cable type slide outs? They use them on the 2 bigger slide outs and I would love to know how to adjust them
What About Keystone 2018 Alpine 3500RL.
I'd like to see you review some of the better know supposedly highly quality RVs like Lance and Escape, etc and see how they fair against the mass produced "qualty" RVs.
Me too! I've added your brand votes to my list and hopefully will be able to go review them for season 2. Thanks for watching!
Excellent advice!
I'd like to know thoughts on rv covers. Some people say yes some say no that it traps moisture. I live in Central Missouri so I see all the seasons.
Could you do reviews on keystone rv’s specifically the toy haulers?
Im curious what your opinion is on really old trailers. I have an old 1988 19E Fleetwood Yukon. I pay a gentleman such as yourself that does mobile RV repair/maintenance. He tells me that new trailers are junk compared to my old one. He says, "there's a reason yours is a brick, it's just built with tougher materials". I have taken it offroad and probably places I shouldn't have and it has served me well. Just wondering if the same principle applies to pre 1990s trailers. Thank you for your channel.
I am considering purchasing a 2023 Winnebago 29V or 29NP. What are your thoughts/concerns on the quality of this coach? Thanks.
Hey Rigor I need to buy an RV by next week. I'm not just starting the process but I am just stumbling on your course... I don't have 14 days to receive all the lessons, any way you can expedite them to me?
Could you provide thoughts on the Coleman Lantern 17r or 17b?
Also would like some info on salem hemisphere 310bhi
Thanks,Jacob!🙂
Hopefully you find the class helpful!
Shopping emails -- great idea!
Thanks! I hope they help
I am wondering what your thoughts are on the 2023 Apex Nano 17TH
Where is the best dealer to buy from
what rv is good you have only told us about the bad
Are the Outdoor RV's good quality?
What do you think of 2023 coachmen galleria 24q class b sir ? Thanks for your feed back . Should buy an extended warranty with it ?
Hi there I’m looking into a 2004 Fleetwood prowler travel trailer 24 foot, was wondering if you are familiar with this model and what’s ur thoughts on it
Thank you
How are the new Alliance Delta 262RB....how is the slide in these units......thanks
I've not seen one in person. The best I can tell you right now is to sign up for my shopping course. That will help you identify what slide system it has and get an overall grade using my system. Here is the link, undercoverrvshopper.com/
Thanks!
What are your thoughts on a Cherokee 256rrbl 5th wheel toyhauler? I am looking to buy a small 5th wheel and trying to avoid slides. Thanks.
Price Quality Service - Pick 2
Jacob, would love to see a video of your opinions on the build quality of Rockwood/Flagstaff, especially the very popular Mini Lite series.
have you ever reviewed a Northwood?
Thk U
Where are the 100+ videos of ‘Undercover RV Tech’ posted?
Thank you
Hopefully you find the class helpful!
What about Intech RVs?
No videos in awhile now Jacob….I just hope you’re simply slammed with work and all is well with you and family. 😎
Did the lawyers visit him?
@@ghoover111 possibly….the left doesn’t like it when people are open and honest..
I have no doubt that several RV manufacturers CEOs have my face on a dart board - but no lawsuits yet lol! I was busy creating my new app/database/shopping course. If they hate me now, they're going to hate me more when all my viewers are running around grading RVs for my master database. I made the big announcement here - ua-cam.com/video/kqLkhQrOaKU/v-deo.htmlfeature=shared
@@undercoverrvtech Rigor, good to have you back. I enrolled in your new course. I'm also a neighbor - Papillion NE 🙂
Are there at least companies that are good about standing behind their products?
No
It feels to me that the rv manufacturers are not manufacturers but bankers. They are more focused on loans than a good product.
What you think about KZ rvs?
The best on the market
High end Newmar product built early in the new century.
Extra pieces parts=different slide out mechs! Pick what’s on the shelf! Ugh!!
Can you send me Rv check list
You keep mentioning multiple undercover RV review videos, but I only see one on this channel. Where are all the reviews?
I have only published two videos so far, here are the links.
ua-cam.com/video/gamZIUnWNp4/v-deo.html
ua-cam.com/video/Ejf9b1qDR0k/v-deo.html
Thanks for watching!
I’m coming to the conclusion that I’m going to just continue living in a cargo trailer and my truck. They are paid off.
I would love it if you reviewed a real off road camper like Kimberly, or patriot
I love your coffee cup, where did you get it.
Are you a politician because that didn’t answer the question . For instance most say stay away from ALL FOREST RIVER PRODUCTS. ALL dealers who sale MULTIPLE BRANDS and sale Grand Design say hands down buy the Grand Design
I think he went into pretty good detail about why that is - example of many manufacturers changing components and designs mid year, etc. I'd rather have information about how to evaluate by one's self than go by "this brand is always good."
Better thumbnail would be “Best RV is anyone’s guess.”
Ill make this qucik, dont buy new try for late 90s early 2000s. Country Coach, Monocos, Foretravel and Newels for dp class As, Rexalls Foretravels, old 70s GMC motorhomes and Travcos for Class As. Lazy daze, born frees for class Cs, Roadtreks and Explorers for class Bs. STAY AWAY from anything made by or owned by THOR, with the exception of airsteams.
Are you still doing Undercover RV Videos? The last one that you uploaded was over a month ago although you indicated that you have conducted a lot of reviews (over 100). I have great expectations for this channel but you have got to post videos. Hopefully, you aren't getting flak from the RV manufacturers. Your subscribers want to know!
consistent uploads every week calling out manufacturers, and then silence for a month so far... My two guesses are, the manufacturers have dropped a dump truck full of cash off at your house, or filed a lawsuit.
They are all WAY overpriced for what you are getting
Instead of constantly peddling your silly goose class couldn't you just offer it here in a few videos on YT? I mean, you're already getting paid by YT and I was married to a kick ass mechanic for 15 years so I know you charge book time but it never actually takes book time so you're already killing it. Why do you feel the need to peddle snake oil classes on top of it bro? Just be cool and post it here for everyone.
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