GaryB
Well-known member
Hi All
Now that I've narrowed down my choice to 5er and 3/4 ton truck, or TT and 1/2 ton truck, I'd like to start looking at specific 5ers and TTs in detail. But I'm baffled by the seemingly large number of brands out there - Jayco (JayFlight, etc.), Keystone (Montana, Laredo, etc.), Forest River (Flagstaff, Cherokee, etc.), Thor (Dutchman, Four Winds, Tundra, etc.), Trail Cruiser, Fleetwood, etc.
From a quality standpoint, are there any brands or models to avoid (or to target) based on past quality/reliability data? Are RVs like lawn tractors in that "you get what you pay for". If so, I'd like to target the $20000-30000 range, including add-ons. I'm assuming there is no "Consumer Reports" of RVs that gives predicted quality/reliability scores. I know there are RV buying guides, but most I've looked at in the past don't offer any criticisms - they are more like advertisements with specs.
My second question may be tougher since I'm sure it's based to a large extent on individual preference. Are there any "must have" features? For instance, after reading some posts here, I will be sure to get 15000 BTU A/C since smaller ones seem to struggle to keep the trailer cool (maybe 15000 BTU will struggle also, but I guess it's as good as I can get). I'm the type who doesn't want to fool around spending alot of time hooking up/tearing down, and we like to be comfortable. So I guess things like electric leveling jacks, stabilizer jacks, awning, etc. are important. Just trying to figure out which features are most critical in making the RV experience as easy and fun as possible.
Thanks again. I really enjoy hearing everybody's opinion on this forum. It's fun to piece together all of the advice to form a big picture view as to what to do and how to do it.
Gary
Now that I've narrowed down my choice to 5er and 3/4 ton truck, or TT and 1/2 ton truck, I'd like to start looking at specific 5ers and TTs in detail. But I'm baffled by the seemingly large number of brands out there - Jayco (JayFlight, etc.), Keystone (Montana, Laredo, etc.), Forest River (Flagstaff, Cherokee, etc.), Thor (Dutchman, Four Winds, Tundra, etc.), Trail Cruiser, Fleetwood, etc.
From a quality standpoint, are there any brands or models to avoid (or to target) based on past quality/reliability data? Are RVs like lawn tractors in that "you get what you pay for". If so, I'd like to target the $20000-30000 range, including add-ons. I'm assuming there is no "Consumer Reports" of RVs that gives predicted quality/reliability scores. I know there are RV buying guides, but most I've looked at in the past don't offer any criticisms - they are more like advertisements with specs.
My second question may be tougher since I'm sure it's based to a large extent on individual preference. Are there any "must have" features? For instance, after reading some posts here, I will be sure to get 15000 BTU A/C since smaller ones seem to struggle to keep the trailer cool (maybe 15000 BTU will struggle also, but I guess it's as good as I can get). I'm the type who doesn't want to fool around spending alot of time hooking up/tearing down, and we like to be comfortable. So I guess things like electric leveling jacks, stabilizer jacks, awning, etc. are important. Just trying to figure out which features are most critical in making the RV experience as easy and fun as possible.
Thanks again. I really enjoy hearing everybody's opinion on this forum. It's fun to piece together all of the advice to form a big picture view as to what to do and how to do it.
Gary