RV manufacturers update?

[wyosteve]

It appears my current Arctic Fox 5th wheel is sold, so I'm in the market for another RV. It's been years since I bought the current unit so if anybody has any suggestions on manufacturers to stay away from, I'd appreciate it. I know in the past anything from Keystone or Forest River was pretty much junk. Even the newer Arctic Fox units seem more cheaply constructed. Looking for units in the 29 to 32 ft. range and either 5th wheel or bumper pull. Thanks in advance for any thoughts.

 

[Wiredawg]

I'm sure there are folks that can help with the manufacturers to stay away from, but from my experience of manufacturers/models TO get, I would Google your requirements to come up with a list that interests you. Then you can narrow down by reading reviews and product construction info. Look for LOTS of reviews... and interpret them... I've read a lot of reviews that owner's don't understand how new RVs can have so much wrong with them and look at the issues: structure major wiring or plumbing issues could be a bad sign. Also, check BBB for manufaturer, models, and dealers.
Then, you can search the model(s) you like to find price points and great deals. Also, either new or used, do a thorough inspection. Looking inside cupboards, walls, behind, under things, fit and finish inside and out, plumbing, electrical.

I've just completed reasearch and bought a new (used) MH, and while doing research found many complaint on the regular shakedown stuff, one owner bought a used unit, had front end alignment issues, and tried to go after manufacturer.

Anyhoo, hope this helps.

Cheers, Ron

 

[wyosteve]

Thanks Ron. Good suggestions. I'll be looking at used and do most of my own maintenance since I know warranties are about worthless with a dealer. Have Lippert axles been improved or are they still on the 'stay away' list, if you know?

 

[bcbender]

Problem is that many of the RV builders (companies) are all owned (controlled) by the same bean counters.. Not to many that are still the same as years ago. I would find what you like and then narrow from there as has been said. I've had a Jayco Eagle, Keystone Cougar, and now Forest River Sandpiper.. they all have their strong and weak points.. Key thing is to make sure your coach matches your usage.... cold weather? hot summer? dry camping? weight / tow vehicle? There is a huge difference in weekend warrior usage and full timing it and everything in between. I would not generalize to say FR or Keystone are crap, I've had good experiences with mine and have met people who own Redwoods and other "high end coaches" that have similar issues (or worse). Look at what components they use.. only problem I have had is with the A/C units.. I'm on my second Dometic ducted unit in 7yrs... Glad I have 2... or the wife would not be happy when its hot.

 

[bcbender]

If looking used, check springs, shackles, WB.. Look under compartments, and check inside cabinets for mold (mildew ) as many stored outside sweat and that stuff is in the ceilings under the sink and in cabinet tops. Walk the roof!!! or get someone too check for soft spots. check the membrane make sure it was cared for correctly and not bleached for a quick sale. Look for signs of delamination (smooth side coach) usually on the front or around windows and doors. excessive cracking of trim caulking signs of panel movement. Check the welds (pinbox area) on 5er. . I could go on and on..

My Cougar had worn out shackles and a broken spring when I got it, but it was handme down from my grandparents who drug it all over the US so pretty good IMHO.

 

[GAmes]

I have pulled nearly every brand at one time or another. My opinion is the quality builders of the mid 2000s went out of business. Too many people bought cheap units and passed over quality. Companies like Alpenlite and Carriage couldn't compete. We bought a new Northwood trailer 5 years ago based entirely on the fact that they still build there own frames. I was disappointed to see it sported a Lippert hitch but the frame is solid, a receiver hitch for double trailering was an option. The AC was installed improperly and wouldn't cool the unit until I fixed it.

If you can hold out awhile I see a glut of used trailers coming onto the market soon. They were selling like hot cakes last summer. It won't be long until a lot of them are in the RV Trader, etc.

 

[bcbender]

If you can hold out awhile I see a glut of used trailers coming onto the market soon. They were selling like hot cakes last summer. It won't be long until a lot of them are in the RV Trader, etc.

I couldn't agree more.. so many people bought RVs due to COVID.. long term prices are gonna drop.. humm maybe I'll keep an eye out.

 

[Jim W]

I have a Forest River made 5er a "Cedar Creek", bought new in 2015 but is a 2016 model. I have had a few issues with the unit, but all of my problems have been with second- tier suppliers. For the most part the second-tier suppliers have honored their warranties. My biggest issue with my trailer so, far is the Irving Shad and Door Co, their Slow Rise window shades. The brackets that hold the shade in place will fail overtime so, they need to be replaced in order to keep the shades up. Irving Shade and Door company will provide the brackets free of charge for replacement, you just need to install them. The company usually sends me six at a time when I need them so, then I have replacements for later.

Would I buy another Cedar Creek? Yes, and or a Cardinal, Columbus 1492, River Ranch or a River Stone model but that is all I would get in the 5er line up from Forest River.

 

[AH64ID]

It appears my current Arctic Fox 5th wheel is sold, so I'm in the market for another RV. It's been years since I bought the current unit so if anybody has any suggestions on manufacturers to stay away from, I'd appreciate it. I know in the past anything from Keystone or Forest River was pretty much junk. Even the newer Arctic Fox units seem more cheaply constructed. Looking for units in the 29 to 32 ft. range and either 5th wheel or bumper pull. Thanks in advance for any thoughts.

My 0.02 is to stick with the Nash Family brand of RV's.

We currently own a Outdoors RV 5th wheel and our next one will likely be a Fox Mountain.

 

[endoscott]

We looked hard and ended up buying another AF (27 5L) in 2019. They still make their own frames and they are stout (and on the heavy side, but I like that). Dexter axles. Had grease on the brakes right out of the gate, had to have happened at the Dexter factory. To their credit, they overnighted complete hub assemblies to a very out of the way desert location to replace them. Not an Arctic Fox problem. Craftsmanship maybe a tick lower than on our 2008 but very good overall. Randall Eaton puts out a book rating all different RVs, totally worth the $50 investment if you are buying a new one and looking at different manufacturers. I think Mobile Suite is the only one with disc brakes. To my knowledge you can't even get that as an option on Northwood trailers. One of these days will probably do the conversion on our 27 5L.

 

[wyosteve]

Thanks for all the insight. I'm in no hurry so will take my time to find the right one at the right price. I think I'll start by looking at newer Arctic Fox units since my current one is an '06 and did well. Probably be looking in the 2012 to 2016 range.

 

[Jim W]

I too tried to look at Northwood manufactured 5er, but the close dealer was 300 miles from me, one way. So, that ruled out this brand for my use.

 

[AH64ID]

I too tried to look at Northwood manufactured 5er, but the close dealer was 300 miles from me, one way. So, that ruled out this brand for my use.

I follow an ORV facebook page and many people are driving from the east coast to CO, WA, OR, and ID to purchase ORV's. 300 miles for a Nash product is nothing... heck I drove that far to buy a used one sight unseen.

The distance people go for them speaks volumes to their reputation and build quality relative to other RV's.

 

[GAmes]

They are sold in MT and NM too. I went to OR to get mine but I go to OR (from TX) all the time.

 

[endoscott]

We bought our first AF 5th wheel from a couple in New Mexico. Totally worth the drive back and forth, fun trip. We went on a factory tour in LaGrande before deciding on the brand and that tour sealed the deal for us. No regrets at all. Have heard so many horror stories about some of the brands of 5th wheels out there. Friend of ours has a toy hauler with a cracked frame. Probably cost almost as much to repair it as its worth at this point. That won't happen with a Northwood, their frames are stout.

 

[Tuesdak]

I couldn't agree more.. so many people bought RVs due to COVID.. long term prices are gonna drop.. humm maybe I'll keep an eye out.

Don't forget all the people who had their homes burnt to the ground in the usual non-stop wildfires. They need a roof over their head while they rebuild.

X2 on the AC ducting in the AF needing work, but, I speak to the older 2003 unit.

Edit: I detail the massive AF air leak here. Sealing the AC grill intake from the cold side made a massive improvement to the AC performance.
https://www.turbodieselregister.com/threads/need-more-air-power-rv-ac-question.264023/

 

[endoscott]

Had to do a little work on my AC ducting on the 2019 as well. Just not very well executed at the factory but easy to fix. I don't know if there are any RVs that don't have these kinds of little things to fix.

 

[bcbender]

Friend of ours has a toy hauler with a cracked frame.

I've seen this with the generic gooseneck adapters out there.. especially when folks tow hard and fast with overloaded toyhaulers...

 

[GAmes]

Our last 5th wheel with a Lippert frame cracked just behind the king pin mount, both sides. The nose waved up and down while moving. It's a wonder it held together enough to get it home. No gooseneck adapter ever used on it. A previous 5er did have an adapter. The king pin plate failed on it due to the leverage stress.

 

[bcbender]

yeah.. Ive often wondered who signs off on some of the welding... Certainly not done by certified welders IMHO. Best bet is to check it yourself

Funny (not funny) story, just bought a 10' enclosed single axle trailer from Leonard (in NC) and the tongue frame member was not even welded on one side.. weld was there but only on one side of the steel plate(s)... Gonna be a warranty issue I think but speaks volumes about QC in these big companies........