I just learned of this family’s plight this morning. Their story is nearly unbelievable, although I’ve been reading more and more about the generally poor quality of RV’s built today.
In talking with other RV’ers (weekend warriors or full-timers) we hear time and time again about how so many RV manufacturers are pushing crap out the door. And when it comes to standing behind the products they make, their response seems to be “who, me?”
If you’re thinking of buying that new RV, I urge you to take a close look at what’s on the used market. The thousands you can save can go a LONG way toward changing out that outdated flooring or fixtures. And generally the frames (although they may have a little surface rust) and the structure are made of much heavier (stronger) materials.
When you look at the older (10+ years) rigs, pay attention to things like; leveling jacks and other frame components. Now compare how beefy they are to the ones on current model rigs. Look at all the cabinet work inside and compare. How many of the new rigs have real wood? It may look pretty, but get up close and you’ll likely see (and feel) that it’s nothing more than a man-made composite covered with a high grade contact paper.
Yes, I know … the older rigs don’t have the bells and whistles the new rigs do. But do the bells and whistles do us any good if our rig is in generally such poor shape after just a couple years that we no longer are able to use it?
Don’t believe this can happen? Read this one couples story via The Day our Heartland RV Left us Homeless
That is so sad.
Indeed. The story “The Death Spiral of The RV Industry” documents very well how and why this is happening. Very enlightening read.