What does the RVCG do to rate rv's?
All their statistices begin with the literature on each model from the manufacturer. This compares 'apple' to 'apple.'
* to get payload capacity they take the GVWR figure posted in the rv, fill the coach with fuel and water and the holding tanks. What is left between the GVWR is the available payload. Sometimes it's enught for their 'weekender' or' vacationer' classification but not to their standard for 'snowbird' or 'fulltime.' Sometime the payload as weighed is a negative ammount.
* They use the standard featurs advertised in the literature to halep in classifying as to recommended clase for useage.
* To apply their wheelbase formula for comparing to therir minimum 55% ration they use those same stastistics.
* The only data they have to use as to long term durability are the comments of RV owners. The compare the nomber of complaints and kudos to the number sold.
* From my analysis, the one subjective area is in the are comparing cost to value. The last time I knew of real stats regarding the Blue Bird Wanderlodge was 'in '97. At that time, all but 7 BB's erver sold were still on the road. However, the upfront cost is very high and they depreciate a lot of the cost of purchase in ten years. The downgrade BB on this basis. For me, a rig that has 1m potential miles or more that will still be running strong, has payload and a solid steel body might well be worth the depreciation hit.
The caveat is always true. manf change their models to sell more or trim costs during the model year so each rig one might consider has to be retested for payload, length and features, e.c.t., to reach a more accurat analysis. The advantage is that one goes into the study with more awareness of critera to measure and test. For this task the RVCG has the only database available as a benchmark.
I personally will use every tool available to me to look at the product I'm about to invest in. That includes this forum, the RVCG and anything else I can find!
