RV manufacturers update?

[wyosteve]

Thanks Tommy-I know they can all have issues, but you're right, the frame and axles are the most important in my mind. Doing some 'window shopping' I can tell the pre-2008 units seem to have better construction generally. I've located a couple Arctic Fox 5th wheels that I'll be looking into. Appreciate everyone's insights.

 

[wyosteve]

Just thought I'd do a follow up. Ended up with a 2013 Jayco Eagle 31.5. Has Dexter axles and seems to be fairly well constructed. Since Jayco has been able to stay in business for 50 years must be an indication they are doing something right. Pulled it home last weekend. I looked at another Arctic Fox, but to be honest, I didn't feel my old one was that much better than some other brands so couldn't see paying a premium for the name. Thanks for all the insight.

 

[SSage]

I want another mid size Arctic Fox, older model! I've had a few RV's now, looking back I like the Arctic Fox the best, simple and robust. It was well built and well insulated, just very plain. I've seen some Jayco's that look decent used, I don't want a new one. Hopefully get one with less bugs to fix!

The Forest River Day Dreamer was actually good once completely fixed, the repairs worked and it was a good unit overall. My KZ New Vision toy hauler was just okay, fairly well built structurally, but lots of issues with the kitchen slide. Dealer could not fix it after a year of trying, the only way to get it kinda water tight and the cabinets fixed was a return to the factory! They did try to make me happy, but I felt it was a bad design and should have never been produced.

My KZ had major issues with the trim parts peeling and wood swelling on the huge kitchen slide. When it rained I had to pull it in, it leaked bad at the front wall. I'm now thinking about going back to an older used Arctic Fox 5th wheel with one slide. I've learned I like minimal slides, I like a really usable interior that can be used on the road without opening slides up. Something I can keep cool with my little Honda portable generator. But, I'm not full timing anymore so something smaller is fine.

 

[endoscott]

We still love our 2008 MY Arctic Fox 24-5N. 28 feet fits anywhere but big enough for even a few weeks if not a few months. Single slide, robust, easy to replace shear pin, very solid frame. We have a 27 5L also but I think we will sell that eventually and just keep the smaller one.

 

[SnoKing]

Had it gusseted and reinforced.

View attachment 126823

Welds look like Seagull S H I T to me.

 

[GAmes]

Welds look like Seagull S H I T to me.

I'm sure you are a master of welding over your head on a summer day in TX. I should have called you since the beauty of welds is so high on my priority list.

 

[SnoKing]

We have a 2017 Bighorn 3575el that we really like. It is 39'4" and we did two round trips to Arizona from Washington. It is now roofed and setup as our summer home in Washington. We full timed in it for almost two years. We choose this model because of lighter 2435 dry pin weight as be already had the 2015 RAM 3500 SRW truck. Loaded heavy for full timing we met all the weight ratings. Start with a trailer that has 3K dry pin weight and you will be pushing your rear axle GAWR of 7K. Washer/Drier and gen set or not, forget it, you will be over weight on the trucks rear axle.

 

[SnoKing]

I'm sure you are a master of welding over your head on a summer day in TX. I should have called you since the beauty of welds is so high on my priority list.

Lack of penetration on one side or the other is the issue. Sorry but that is what I see on several of the welds pictured.

 

[GAmes]

Lack of penetration on one side or the other is the issue. Sorry but that is what I see on several of the welds pictured.

What I see is the work of a professional welder working in my back yard with a 120volt arc welder while wearing a leather coat on a 90+ degree day. He did me a huge favor and I think he did a terrific job.

 

[SnoKing]

Red areas that I see little penetration on one side of the weld.

 

[SSage]

I had a custom ordered GN frame under my 44' KZ New Vision, it was plenty stout for a change. Never had any issues with it, nice and beefy. I was sick of overloaded axles, so I went with a triple 8K set up. Haven't seen one like it since. I had a king pin and a GN attachment for the trailer so I could pull it either way. The 1995 just had the B&W turn over ball, we eventually got a companion hitch and it stayed in the 2003 for years. I would like to get another GN hitched RV, I really liked it. The Day Dreamer had the air ride pin box. That was nice a riding trailer too, but I missed the flat bed with no 5th wheel hitch to deal with.Never really had any issue with the GN KZ, stuff stayed put on the road better than expected. But, it weighed about 17K empty!