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Fleetwood and Thor???
- Thread starter Dkevdog
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Fleetwood & Thor have a very negative reputation in the RV world. Fleetwood sells a lot of units but they are problem prone as well as Thor.
Check out the chart on Monaco (MNC) and Winnebago (WGO) stock. It is climbing and they are both busy turning out units and can not keep up.
Check out the chart on Monaco (MNC) and Winnebago (WGO) stock. It is climbing and they are both busy turning out units and can not keep up.
Yes its a shame that Fleetwood and Thor have put out so much junk over the last few years. It sure wouldn't surprise me if they go bankrupt and start out new again. Its amazing the number of RV manufacters that have used the courts to get out from under there problems and start over again. It seems like that is the view that corporate America has taken. Which is bad for us as consumers. There are alot of good RV manufacturers out there but there are also a bunch of bad ones that give everyone a bad name. Seems to be the old saying "Let the buyer beware"
Charlie
Charlie
ronsram:
I have a Wanderer by Thor of Ca. . Now there is another Thor in Indiana. If the one I have is "junk", I need to find more of it. We looked for 6 years for the lay out and price we liked. I guess I don't know what I have.
If I had wanted a top of the line I would have bought a Teton. My wife and I use ours at the race tracks (NASCAR) and camping in general. We haven't had any trouble with the trailer. Well now the tires don't count. Everything in the trailer has worked for the three years we have owned it. The only thing I would like to have is more insulation. I did change one of the access doors in the front for a larger size and had a 5500 Marq. Onan generator installed.
The wife and are happy with ours and it fits the bill for what we wanted.
. . Preston. .
I have a Wanderer by Thor of Ca. . Now there is another Thor in Indiana. If the one I have is "junk", I need to find more of it. We looked for 6 years for the lay out and price we liked. I guess I don't know what I have.
If I had wanted a top of the line I would have bought a Teton. My wife and I use ours at the race tracks (NASCAR) and camping in general. We haven't had any trouble with the trailer. Well now the tires don't count. Everything in the trailer has worked for the three years we have owned it. The only thing I would like to have is more insulation. I did change one of the access doors in the front for a larger size and had a 5500 Marq. Onan generator installed. The wife and are happy with ours and it fits the bill for what we wanted.
. . Preston. .
Turbo,
Exactly what you said, I bought mine in 2000 and have used it two years without any problems and that includes pulling a 4,000lb boat behind it.
I bought my Thor built Tahoe because it has 12 inch on center studs in the walls and ten inch on center floor and ceiling. I cannot find another with that kind of building quality. The quality of the whole package is outstanding at this point. It is a stand up model and has all the whistles and bells that the high end products have for about ten thousand less in price, even more if you want to go to the extreme top end. Maybe things have changed in the present models compared to the past but I think every year the bar gets raised and to compare todays models to models five to ten years old is unfair.
If I'am wrong, please, somebody reply. I don't want this to be a mine is better or mine is bigger or mine is best because I own it. If there is a problem with thor products I want to know.
Ron
Exactly what you said, I bought mine in 2000 and have used it two years without any problems and that includes pulling a 4,000lb boat behind it.
I bought my Thor built Tahoe because it has 12 inch on center studs in the walls and ten inch on center floor and ceiling. I cannot find another with that kind of building quality. The quality of the whole package is outstanding at this point. It is a stand up model and has all the whistles and bells that the high end products have for about ten thousand less in price, even more if you want to go to the extreme top end. Maybe things have changed in the present models compared to the past but I think every year the bar gets raised and to compare todays models to models five to ten years old is unfair.
If I'am wrong, please, somebody reply. I don't want this to be a mine is better or mine is bigger or mine is best because I own it. If there is a problem with thor products I want to know.
Ron
BigMike,
Winnebago is a totally independent company in Iowa. Their stock symbol is :
WGO. They also make a pretty good product.
To others about Thor... I read the RV websites that have owner comments on their respective rigs. Fleetwood has the most negative comments because they sell so many more than other companies. Thor also has a lot of negative comments.
If you are happy with yours that is great and consider yourself luck.
None of the RV's are of real top quality but some are worse than others. They are made as cheaply as possible.
In my personal experience with 7 RV's over the years..... entry level rigs have some cheap stuff in them; mid level has more cheap stuff and real expensive top end rigs have lots of cheap stuff in them.
That is all IMHO. Happy camping. .
Winnebago is a totally independent company in Iowa. Their stock symbol is :
WGO. They also make a pretty good product.
To others about Thor... I read the RV websites that have owner comments on their respective rigs. Fleetwood has the most negative comments because they sell so many more than other companies. Thor also has a lot of negative comments.
If you are happy with yours that is great and consider yourself luck.
None of the RV's are of real top quality but some are worse than others. They are made as cheaply as possible.
In my personal experience with 7 RV's over the years..... entry level rigs have some cheap stuff in them; mid level has more cheap stuff and real expensive top end rigs have lots of cheap stuff in them.
That is all IMHO. Happy camping. .
You think Thor can hide the cost of the 2 year warranty in the price of their unit? I agree Thor does build a good RV. My father has a 2 year old Tahoe and has had no problems so far.
As for my Forest River product, a $100 check made out to Forest River at the time of purchase of the Rv and now I am covered for 2 years.
I agree Thor does build a good RV. My father has a 2 year old Tahoe and has had no problems so far. As for my Forest River product, a $100 check made out to Forest River at the time of purchase of the Rv and now I am covered for 2 years.
I am not the total RV expert, but I will comment on my experiences with Fleetwood. The quality on MY trailer was less than satisfactory in many areas. The cabinet over the stove (the one with the CD player, has a bow in the inside where there was not enough room for the wiring or something.
The blackwater tank would not completely drain. The tank sagged when anything was in it and always left about 5 to 10 gallons of waste in it when I tried to drain it. I even tried driving the high side up on some 2x6's in order to get it to tilt and drain.
The freshwater tank also sags. I have to fill it above the 1/4 mark before the water pump will draw water out of it and can never get the last 10 gallons out of the tank (even when I use the system drain on the bottom of the tank).
The trim on the ceiling between the panels was only stapled in 3 places and sags between staples.
Driving down the highway, I noticed the aluminum siding sucking outward just behind the front left corner of the trailer. It pulled out so far thet the seem would not go back together. Fortunately, I had some of the foil type "duct tape" (never, I mean never go anywhere without it. Super strong and doesnt come off) and was able to get it home 1500 miles later with no additional damage to the trailer. If it had been nighttime, I would have lost the entire front section of siding (loud metal flapping noise would have been my first clue).
May I suggest Sunnybrook if you are interested in a good quality low end trailer. I am buying one from Worldwide RV. I have a couple friends who have Sunnybrooks and they are much happier with theirs than I am with mine. The workmanship looks better and the cost is about the same as a Fleetwood. Amish workers put them together, so go figure.
Worldwide RV gave me a price almost $8000. 00 cheaper than I could get on the same trailer here in Denver. But you have to do it through internet sales. Go to their site www.worldwiderv.com and click on the "build a trailer" icon. Select all the options and it gives you the MSRP price, if you send it in, they will respond within a day with a price well below that.
The blackwater tank would not completely drain. The tank sagged when anything was in it and always left about 5 to 10 gallons of waste in it when I tried to drain it. I even tried driving the high side up on some 2x6's in order to get it to tilt and drain.
The freshwater tank also sags. I have to fill it above the 1/4 mark before the water pump will draw water out of it and can never get the last 10 gallons out of the tank (even when I use the system drain on the bottom of the tank).
The trim on the ceiling between the panels was only stapled in 3 places and sags between staples.
Driving down the highway, I noticed the aluminum siding sucking outward just behind the front left corner of the trailer. It pulled out so far thet the seem would not go back together. Fortunately, I had some of the foil type "duct tape" (never, I mean never go anywhere without it. Super strong and doesnt come off) and was able to get it home 1500 miles later with no additional damage to the trailer. If it had been nighttime, I would have lost the entire front section of siding (loud metal flapping noise would have been my first clue).
May I suggest Sunnybrook if you are interested in a good quality low end trailer. I am buying one from Worldwide RV. I have a couple friends who have Sunnybrooks and they are much happier with theirs than I am with mine. The workmanship looks better and the cost is about the same as a Fleetwood. Amish workers put them together, so go figure.
Worldwide RV gave me a price almost $8000. 00 cheaper than I could get on the same trailer here in Denver. But you have to do it through internet sales. Go to their site www.worldwiderv.com and click on the "build a trailer" icon. Select all the options and it gives you the MSRP price, if you send it in, they will respond within a day with a price well below that.
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WHAT ?????????????
I would hardly call the Sunnybrook a "low Level" or "entry level trailer". Fleetwood, yes. Thor, yes. Prowler, Nomad, yes. It ain't no Teton or Travel Supreme, but entry level... ... ..... I don't think so. Sounds like You are getting a good price. I am more than likely going to purchase one, it has come down to either the Arctic Fox or the Sunnybrook. Personally, I like the Sunnybrook better.
Kev
I would hardly call the Sunnybrook a "low Level" or "entry level trailer". Fleetwood, yes. Thor, yes. Prowler, Nomad, yes. It ain't no Teton or Travel Supreme, but entry level... ... ..... I don't think so. Sounds like You are getting a good price. I am more than likely going to purchase one, it has come down to either the Arctic Fox or the Sunnybrook. Personally, I like the Sunnybrook better.
Kev
Wasn't trying to indicate that Sunny was a bad trailer, but it is signifigantly less costly that Sea Breeze, Hitch Hiker... . It is a 5 star trailer at a Fleetwood price with much better quality construction (my humble opinion). That is why I am buying one.
Quality
I own a 27' 1990 Terry Resort by Fleetwood fiver. I got it new in 1990. It is great! I have had this thing all over the east coast and have had ZERO problems(I mean ZERO, NONE, ZIP) I have used it year round. When I was over seas, my wife and kids stayed in it for 5 months till I got back. My parents have owned Prowlers and Terry's with no trouble! When they started full timing they got a Teton based on reputation(new not used). They had roof leaks that caused the back support strucure to fail inside the walls. They took it to the factory out west to get it fixed and still had leaks. Then the slidout saged and leaked. They traded it on a Collins (Based in Oregon I think) nice unit but now they are Out o' business. I think you can get good and bad with any manufacturer. Like someone said , the more you make the more exposure your brand gets.
cph
I own a 27' 1990 Terry Resort by Fleetwood fiver. I got it new in 1990. It is great! I have had this thing all over the east coast and have had ZERO problems(I mean ZERO, NONE, ZIP) I have used it year round. When I was over seas, my wife and kids stayed in it for 5 months till I got back. My parents have owned Prowlers and Terry's with no trouble! When they started full timing they got a Teton based on reputation(new not used). They had roof leaks that caused the back support strucure to fail inside the walls. They took it to the factory out west to get it fixed and still had leaks. Then the slidout saged and leaked. They traded it on a Collins (Based in Oregon I think) nice unit but now they are Out o' business. I think you can get good and bad with any manufacturer. Like someone said , the more you make the more exposure your brand gets.
cph
My brother-in-law has a motorhome that was built by Thor, in California. It is a nice looking motorhome, but he has had a lot of problems. Plus the tag on the motorhome has some mislabled information. I don't think they are in business anymore. They travel with us during the summer and during each trip, we wonder what will be the next problem or problems, that we will have to fix. I don't think you would get a recommendation from him.
Bug Out
TDR MEMBER
First 5th was aThor
My first 5th wheel was a Wanderer 26'. I did not know their rep at the time, but I never had any major problems.
Condensation was a problem in winter months, but I guess I got lucky.
Oh, The only MAJOR problem was, being new to RV's, I didn't sit on the potty when I checked out/bought it t see what the leg room was.
I had to mash the door against my knee's to close the door!!!LOL
No newspapers to read for me. .
My first 5th wheel was a Wanderer 26'. I did not know their rep at the time, but I never had any major problems.
Condensation was a problem in winter months, but I guess I got lucky.
Oh, The only MAJOR problem was, being new to RV's, I didn't sit on the potty when I checked out/bought it t see what the leg room was.
I had to mash the door against my knee's to close the door!!!LOL
No newspapers to read for me. .
OK, here is what I was talking about for those of you with great Fleetwood Trailers. I have only owned 1 and it was a 26W (2001). Here we go:
1) Blackwater tank will not drain completely (leaves about 10 gallons of waste in the tank due to tank sag).
2) Freshwater tank will not draw until at least 1/3 full and will not draw below 1/4 tank.
3) Cabinet over stove has a bulge where the wiring for the radio/CD goes.
4) Siding pulled out on the driver side when driving. Staples were driven too far and the siding would have separated from the trailer if I had not noticed it (like at night).
5) Trim on ceiling was only stapled in 3 places. trim sags.
6) Fabric on the couch seams unravelling.
7) Bathroom cabinet is falling off the wall. Screws will not hold because they are only through the paneling.
8) Linoleum was cut by slide out. Not sure why.
9) Cabinet drawer comes off its track. Had to install a brace under the track to support track.
In general, I am dissatisfied with the workmanship.
Warranty covered everything, but I am still not impressed. maybe I got the lemon of the batch. Just telling my experience. There were other minor problems, but every trailer has those. So, I probably won't buy another Fleetwood, but that is just my opinion. For those of you who are happy with theirs, great. Glad to hear all is well. I was just sharing my experiences. i do NOT look down upon those who own Fleetwoods. Cheers.
Sincerely, Bailey
1) Blackwater tank will not drain completely (leaves about 10 gallons of waste in the tank due to tank sag).
2) Freshwater tank will not draw until at least 1/3 full and will not draw below 1/4 tank.
3) Cabinet over stove has a bulge where the wiring for the radio/CD goes.
4) Siding pulled out on the driver side when driving. Staples were driven too far and the siding would have separated from the trailer if I had not noticed it (like at night).
5) Trim on ceiling was only stapled in 3 places. trim sags.
6) Fabric on the couch seams unravelling.
7) Bathroom cabinet is falling off the wall. Screws will not hold because they are only through the paneling.
8) Linoleum was cut by slide out. Not sure why.
9) Cabinet drawer comes off its track. Had to install a brace under the track to support track.
In general, I am dissatisfied with the workmanship.
Warranty covered everything, but I am still not impressed. maybe I got the lemon of the batch. Just telling my experience. There were other minor problems, but every trailer has those. So, I probably won't buy another Fleetwood, but that is just my opinion. For those of you who are happy with theirs, great. Glad to hear all is well. I was just sharing my experiences. i do NOT look down upon those who own Fleetwoods. Cheers.
Sincerely, Bailey
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