BEST Entry Level Class A Motorhome PERFECT For NATIONAL PARKS!

[@petercolquhoun2086]

We looked at one of these because it had the features we wanted; it "checked all the boxes". Problem was it is "entry level". Construction and materials were very cheap. It felt like everything was one bump away from breaking or wearing out. Stay away from entry level. You're better off buying mid-range used.

[@pyroman49wedd86]

Yea but outside walls are not cheap there azdel siding it will never delaminate

[@pyroman49wedd86]

I been looking at these models for 3 years they have improved them .

[@Zx14rRider67]

So buy used for the same price and get a solid luxurious RV? What used RV for $129,000 would be great?

[@partone709]

It is a good time to hold off any purchase of motorhome or travel trailers at this time. The manufacturers have prices way to high and the quality is worse than ever on all units all makes. Prices will be dropping as sales plummet due to rising gas prices and fear of recession deepens! Due your due diligence but wait andvI believe competitive forces and slow sales will bring these overpriced units back to sensible levels. Matt is promoting these lower priced units which are also overpriced because the manufactures know people are not able to pay the prices we've all seen in grow in the last couple of years, different times different sales tactics used.

[@partone709]

Mid range may be cheaper quality but high end units quality just as bad these days, send a message to the manufacturers and dealers by not purchasing these low quality rvs no matter if they are entry level or high end units.

[@kcpd4573]

You guys should get a drone to fly over the tv for the ones with no ladder.

[@hotelboz]

We have a 2021 30ds which we like very much. One year, and 7000 miles full time on the road and very few problems. My wife loves the combo washer/dryer and I like the length. We dolly tow and have been able to fit easily into most parks, especially Florida SP. We have a roof ladder. Are they out of ladders or trying to save money?

[@unknownriderinbound]

Why are there exposed wires in the bunk area?

[@ourvlife1]

The freezer door debacle was outrageous but the exposed wiring at the front cap with the bed deployed…..what’s with that🤪

[@slscamg]

For $129,000 I guess that’s what you get these days.

[@Lokielan]

Nothing a thin ply wood can't solve.

[@RLTtizME]

@@slscamg That was a pattern in the fabric.

[@blakehendrix8697]

I hate to say that something like no rear ladder is a deal breaker but for me it kinda is. The cockpit looks nice although it needs more cupholders. Also it definitely needs a 12v fridge (or residential with an inverter)

[@JohnDoe-xm9ql]

Great video Matt and Andrea.. A bit of love needed for the fit and finish.. Cool rv.

[@TNWisky7]

That is a Perfect RV in My Opinion. It may not have an Outside Kitchen but that's easy to fix. That is the only RV where I liked the Dinet. Everything to me is perfect.

[@JetzeMellema]

Make sure to read the forums before you buy. Owners report a lot of problems with the FR3, especially the current models since the pandemic. It's far from perfect, unfortunately.

[@stevendunn264]

Can you put a Brookline mattress with that slide? It has to it under the cabinet.

[@sunshineviking9933]

The layout is very good. A two-way fridge is great for boondocking, and camping in places like national parks that may not have hookups. Residential/compressor fridges are power hungry, and require either a massive solar power set-up or frequent generator use to keep things cold. RV manufacturers put them in rigs because they're cheaper, and then tell customers that it's an upgrade. It's fine for those wealthy types driving 40' diesel pushers who wouldn't think about staying anywhere except the finest of RV resorts, but I'll take the silence of propane and forest camping anytime.

[@usafcnor]

Agreed - especially for the Winnebago Vista NP Edition you’d expect a two way fridge. It is really annoying having to run the generator all the time.

[@debracox5254]

I love the dinette!! Also love the King Bed!! Also love the large shower. Dislikes..What were they thinking with those cabinets pulling down!!!??? Also dislike the cabover bed!! I think you could do better. And I dislike lack of storage under dinette

[@donaldsalas2571]

I've always liked the refridgerator running off of propane and electricty, they work great when there isn't any hookups available.

[@peeteepaablo8522]

Great review! Yes Andrea broke the freezer door. But it is an entry level motor home 😆. I would still buy it.

[@LibbyRal]

Was this unit not finished? Bunch of stuff was a mess - rough wood edges in the under dinette storage, wires all over the place by the front bed, dirty shower floor. Yuk

[@sherriweber7105]

Hi Matt and Andrea! My dislikes are the cabinets are pull down and there is no door for the bedroom. Didn’t like the bathroom. And my likes are the dinette the theater seats across from tv and the theater seats. Love the shower and bedroom. Thank you Matt and Andrea!

[@kn-qz7by]

I love love love wraparound dinettes in motor homes and travel trailers and the one in this unit is VERY nice and big. If they installed large wraparound dinettes in travel trailers WITHOUT a slideout I'd probably sell my trailer and buy it.

[@kathleenkendrick9034]

Andrea a tesseract is just a pretty cube that does exist in four dimentional space....

[@pyroman49wedd86]

I have been waiting for this for a long time . Thankyou both

[@sharonb.9128]

Great video. You two are the most positive and easygoing reviewers in the business, BUT even you two could not make this sow’s ear, a silk purse! The drop down bed, refrigerator door and Matt’s expression when he jumped on and then lifted the bed had me dying!

[@barbarashikiar6]

Love this RV except for the toilet and the pull down doors on the cabinets. Loved the dining area...great size.....and the washer-dryer combo. Happy to see you guys are okay. Where is Una. Is she with you?

[@foxcroftandrea3213]

This video was prerecorded.we are all home in Florida now.we got extremely lucky here.Yoona is happy to be home 😊

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

Finally no carpeting underneath the dinette and 1/3 of the price of the last motorhome!

[@CharmaineSilva777]

Was that wires on the back of the drop down bunk? I couldn't see great but liked like a lot of wires handing down. Love the colors, size, layout and price. But those cabinets opening down is horrible.

[@SIRROSLYNPARKS]

Boo No Potable no Share ! Love all the Videos ! ty Andrea !

[@cherjohnson5807]

I wish they would make a 22/23 Class A

[@joannsmith7185]

I didn't like bunk over the cab with wires. Downward cabinet doors.

[@loujackson5649]

My dislikes are the cabinet doors folding down instead of up. They are in the way. Also, the kitchen has no shelves in the cabinets. Do they make one with the outdoor kitchen?

[@pyroman49wedd86]

Easy fix to fix the cabinets to make lids go up

[@besweeeet2]

Never seen one with the missing wood near the bunk. Absolutely sloppy. How the hell did that get by QC? Also, every RV at MHSRV seems to have drink bottles hidden everywhere...

[@carefulpilgrim]

I like the cabinet doors to open down - you can lay things on them while you’re reaching for something else. An Matt, quit blaming Andrea when something breaks - it’s NOT her fault! And she’s so sweet and cute who could blame her, anyway?

[@pennylynch4471]

What was up with all the wires when the over the cab bed came down? It looks very unfinished and I, or anyone sleeping up there, would get legs or arms tangled. I don't mind the toilet size, at least not as it seems from my couch. I expect the bathroom to be small. As long as I'm not scraping the wall with my hips, I'm good. The counter space in the kitchen is great. I was happy with the flip up, but they did the drawer too. I am also not happy about those overhead storage cabinets. I don't know the odds, but I bet they wouldn't take long to break them. I suppose you could reset them, but do I want to take the time for that, or just buy the same layout from another manufacturer.

[@oldengineer1519]

With all of those wires hanging out behind the bunk and the broken fridge door it doesn't make me feel like I want to buy an FR3 nor purchasing one from this dealer (who apparently doesn't have a very good PDI program).

[@gregorysmith3097]

Love this little motorhome. First off, I have no idea why anyone would put downward folding doors on all the cabinets. Horrible decision. Second, my wife insists I tell you that the backsplash is Qbert.

[@foxcroftandrea3213]

🤣I remember that game

[@pyroman49wedd86]

I think I would change those few drawers to flip up to roof . Not a big deal to fix

[@femalism1715]

LOL! A tesseract is a geometric four-dimensional analogue of a cube.

[@ejs6010]

Good review - thank you. The toilet room door opens to form a door for the bedroom. Question: the power cord outside left the compartment door flapping in the wind? Poor design - would be much better if the cord disconnected and plugged in on the side of the RV, and the compartment could be locked. Downward cabinets very poor design!

[@mariaatkinson4838]

There was an opening in the floor of compartment for the power cord so the door could have closed.

[@yncr18]

First time watcher. The intro was nice! Short and to the point.

[@rmford555]

Hoping you do a review on the new 2023 Newmar Bay Star 3020 and the 2023 Newmar Bay Star 3124. Will keep checking your reviews as they are so informative with exterior storage and interior features. Thanks

[@reallymatt6494]

Couldn’t you just flip the doors over the recliners so they open up?

[@jamesscott1932]

The fresh water tank is so small. You can figure 5 gallons per day per person being careful and washing yourself miserly. At 10 gallons per day for a couple this FR 3 will give you only 5 days before you hunt down another source. The earlier model of this floor plan, the DS280 had an 80 gallon fresh water tank. Did Matt mention whether this coach has 2 roof airs or just 1? Note the price: here the “Sale Price” is $130,000. The DS 280 listed at $120,000 and sold at $75,000 to $80,000. Is Godzilla worth $50,000?

[@alisonshanahan9529]

I'd love to have that fridge in my house!

[@laylapaz8822]

Enjoy your vids. Keep them up!👏👍

[@MattsRVReviews]

Thanks :))

[@deborahlush2426]

I bought it!! It also has a solar panel on the roof to keep the house batteries charged. An older couple traded it in for something smaller so only 7000 miles and looks and smells new .. and it was driven to me straight from trade-in to look at so it wasn't cleaned first. Dont think the washer has even been used. 😊

[@deborahlush2426]

I go drive tomorrow to make my final decision, pretty impressive! When I went to look at it I was told it is solar ready, another plus!

[@JetzeMellema]

Just spent two weeks and 2.000 miles in a 2023 FR3 30DS. The cabinets open the other way around, handle is on the bottom and the hinge on top.

[@randslites]

Even though Matt didn't climb on the roof , that hop & skip made up for it. Lol 😆 😆 😆

[@tinacasteel7902]

I love the very begining of ya'll's videos! I love the little cartoon people and the music ya'll play with it.

[@garylaurendeau628]

I love this motorhome....it has everything and more in a entry level model... great job Andrea and Matt😉

[@wjwoods7]

Love the layout on this one and the large dinette.

[@gottuso]

I just want to say, I'm glad you two are still doing these videos. By the way, I grew up in Jacksonville (now in Seattle). You're the reason we got into RV'ing a few years ago. Keep it going!

[@sarahj.8372]

Lost my post,,,so agree with your likes and not likes and likes far and above make this one work for me...they all seem to really need to work on potty placement for real people in entry level and sometimes all levels of Motor homes for real people; ya know what I mean? But it is wonderful and If I could make the potty test and it was ok..I tell you this is an on list contender if i could end up going new or next to new in a year...truly it has nothing I loathe..and a LOT I love...it is awesome in window and light and I think I would be able to fix the cupboards if they no longer lie flat..I wonder if one could put in stronger holding hinges..or if that does not happen....them falling down or off too easily, the comfy seat dining and comfy recliner couch and 2 places to have large beds for non paying customers..and for short term, if a couple and not solo friend or two (not or wvwb partnered friends)... they can sleep one on the bunk and one on the table bed if bunk too much for 2 and each one can take their pick and bunk is high enough for swivel front seats so all can have coffee and rest before or after day or PM out and before you have to make beds or after you put them out before a night cap...they can watch tv in bed too...with you on chairs or each in their own room...I guess with friends you close the bathroom door or open it as it were and knock from inside your bedroom for you using potty at night...but when alone...just the couple...there is a safe feeling kind of listening and being by front but not exposed with bed other way...that north/south bed would have been worse with no door and just love all appliances and how they are set up..with patience..the W and D can come out if 2 couples ever went on a week together but really..BYO rig is best for that long. I am going long again..my problem..the windows placement..no gloom..the comfy places to sit and lie down and stretch out everywhere...a small new A at terrific price point for all allowing A's only but gas is ok and past 10 years only then being ok. OH..the 5500 gen and I hope 50 amp and 2 acs....also great...just so much. Both sides of oven having backsplash...uber workable kitchen, and the tank sizes..I love this small entry A that is truly better in terms of size than a C.,,Psssss thanks for someone liking..tried to fix more errors,,,

[@voodoo-rides]

Hey Matt why don't you use your portable ladder anymore ??? Do they break ???

[@unknownriderinbound]

They quit paying him!

[@barbarashikiar6]

I've been wondering the same thing.

[@cheryllundholm8779]

I figured they forgot it at home, this time.

[@foxcroftandrea3213]

No we just forgot it and it’s kinda of a pain to drag to the airport lol

[@voodoo-rides]

@@foxcroftandrea3213 ok I just thought they weren't good or they stopped paying for advertising you guys really pushed em there for awhile, through airport and all

[@benkmarchant]

Great review and cool motorhome! I have to say, though, that I am puzzled by the prices of some of these entry level products. Especially a FR brand, for which I'm expecting to get less than 10 years of life out of before it delamantes, the floor gets spongy, roof leaks beyond repair, or whatever. That's $130k for something that is going to lose massive amounts of value and be junk in a decade. Imo, don't make an entry level at all. Make something that costs the $200k but with the expectation that it will last if taken care of.

[@rodnabors7364]

Just my 2c, its important to look at and research the structure of any MH or RV. Just an example, the FR3 uses aluminum framing in the floors/roof along with 3/4" floor decking and 1/4" roof decking. I know a number of MFGers use 1/8" luan for the roof with maybe wood framing and some have used 1/8" luan with styrofoam for the floors (CRAZY!). FWIW, I think the FR3 is fairly well structured for the money and would last well if taken care of ( like an MH/RV).

[@jamesscott1932]

The Georgetown 280 DS is the predecessor to this FR3. A Quick review of the market shows there are half a dozen for sale right now that are 10 years old. The asking prices are $60,000-$70,000. Please note that the sale prices knew of those units 10 years ago were as low as $75,000. The history of these units show a cult-like following of owners. It’s a great size and it is a strong value.

[@JetzeMellema]

I just spent two weeks in a 2023 FR3, a rental but with a 6k miles on the odometer. The materials are terrible and show already signs of wear all over the place. Can't speak for pre-pandemic models but the build quality of the current FR3 is a disaster.

[@johnsorensen6800]

I agree that the overhead cabinets with drop-down doors are a big mistake. Seems like it wouldn't be all that hard to put the hinges on the top of the doors instead of the bottom and make the cabinets much more accessible to short people.

[@larryhudson3930]

Didn't know some State Parks had rv length limitations. We've been to numerous state parks and no issues with our 32.5' RV. 1200 lbs CCC in a class A?! I wouldn't consider it. What's a tank of gas and half a tank of fresh water weight? Likes: King bed, rear storage, layout. Dislikes: one bath, smaller tires, no ladder (deal breaker), brown cabinets. broken freezer door.

[@stevez340]

Love the two-way fridge for State Parks and off grid camping! Other than the “come watch me shower in the hallway” and no ladder for roof maintenance this is perfect👍

[@طهارقاالكوشي]

One of your biggest fans and followers on KZbin and Tiktok, and I missed the beautiful jump😁😁

[@foxcroftandrea3213]

Thank you so much ☺️

[@livinwithcovid1845]

Great review Matt and Andrea. Nice size Small RV. 👍

[@MattsRVReviews]

Thanks so much 😊

[@ColinPostell]

​@@MattsRVReviews@MattsRVReviews Can you lower the TV 📺 where the bed is or sit the bed up to watch TV 📺 can you have a big screen TV 📺 where the bed 🛌 is

[@astatine0085]

What’s an auto transfer switch?

[@brianclark2460]

It means that if you start the generator, the couch will automatically switch to it. If it doesn't have the switch then you have to manually plug the couch power cord into the generator outlet.

[@pyroman49wedd86]

@@brianclark2460 I think they changed it about two years ago

[@Twofrogs2]

Those cabinet doors that open down would drive me nuts--especially on cabinets overhead, since I am short. No bueno!

[@larryvisco9674]

once the freezer door fell off it, became a bad omen for the toilet failure.

[@Nattyuce685]

Probably the best paint job/ design on an RV I’ve seen from factory everyone knows white and matte black are top tier on vehicles I’d even wrap the rims this thing is a beauty I want it lol

[@garylaurendeau628]

Exactly, the white and black is definitely in...

[@markwilson6867]

Was the ladder in the pass-thru storage not for roof access?

[@foxcroftandrea3213]

It was probably for the bunk

[@markwilson6867]

I guess that’s probably right. I used to seeing those stored inside the rv that I didn’t even consider that.

[@davidcline9547]

Love the layout of the fr3. Hate the the doors that open down. We almost bought one but they only had them with the V10 and it was under powered. The new V8 is plenty of power!! Great review!

[@JetzeMellema]

Even with the V8 it's a bit underpowered. Not much happens at low RPMs so expect one or two downshifts when you require a bit more acceleration, the noise the V8 makes is deafening loud. That's not just when pushing the engine, the noise is incredibly loud basically from any speed above 55.

[@davidcline9547]

@JetzeMellema we have a bounder now with the V8 for a gas class A it has plenty of power. It is loud so we are going to use sound proofing on the dog house. So far we love the bounder.

[@pattijohnson8197]

I thought national parks only allow up to 30ft???

[@pyroman49wedd86]

Yellowstone has more than that

[@foxcroftandrea3213]

That’s the best length to get a spot.they do have bigger rv spots they just book up heats in advance

[@philb2879]

Dislikes for me is 1. No vanity in bathroom. That's a must 2. Silly downward doors on cabinets 3. Would prefer a queen bed with more room around the bed with wider side tables for CPAP machines. Thanks guys for another excellent review!!

[@robertlittle8672]

Why don't they luver the doors to the W/D,it can't cost that much, or does it?

[@grb454]

Usable when slides are closed is good, but the finition are really poor. Either the fridge door is made of tiny fragile plastic or Andrea is a super woman 😁. It’s really an entry level.

[@missseptvirgo]

3 Loves: Storage behind the tv, lounge chairs, nice size oven. 3 Dislikes: Cabinets opening down, the single sink (prefer double sinks), pantry should have sliding shelves. Suggestion would be to have an option for cabinets over the cab instead of the bunk and a separate screen so that the rearview camera can constantly be on and there still be a screen for navigation.

[@billmoore7133]

Matt your shiny again, it must be humid, its not so much the heat, its the humidity.

[@jyniewyatt3472]

There are three dislikes no door to the bedroom, drawers open downwards, the storage space under the dining seats, and there is no reel for the 50 amp cable. The layout and furniture are awesome, there is a combo washer & dryer, and huge tv.

[@bradlohse4420]

It would be helpful to show how to winterize this motorhome....

[@dronesandstuff61]

Love my 30DS!! If you open the cabinet by your left knee while seated it becomes a PPP! I hate the bathroom ceiling vent fan and the bathroom faucet. I've replaced both of those with upgrades so now I can't find anything I dislike about it. Great motorhome for the price (got mine for under 100k in May 2021).

[@robertking1036]

CAN YOU GO EASY ON THE COMPARTMENT DOORS.👍

[@DanielRuizNYC]

Forest River, please stop making those downward-opening cabnet doors! Oddly, the bedroom has no door to close it off. I do love the fact that it is a 31-foot Class A. I like the floor plan layout. Thanks, guys, for another great video.

[@mark43294]

Now I understand the massive sale price. Great video

[@xToddmcx]

I guess the hinges on the bottom of the doors saves the builder 5 bucks for a gas strut. Kind of weird to spend over 100 grand and know the builder couldn't spend an extra 5 dollars here and there.

[@jaissona.7361]

You both are the best....hi all the way from Brazil. 🇧🇷

[@gordschultz1980]

Lol. Holy cow Andrea! Go east on that freezer 😂. Great small class A.

[@davidpearce4714]

Love that your reviews always include CCC and this particular review illustrates why. We're considering an FR3. My wife wants a 34DS (she's 'always wanted' an RV with a fireplace and a 1/2 bath ????) I preferred the 30 DS (couldn't care less about a fireplace or 1/2 bath (its an RV and there are just two of us FFS) and the shorter length of the 30 makes more sense. That having been said, we now know, thanks to your reviews, that the CCC of the 30DS is just 1200 Lbs., which, for a class A, is a tad pathetic. Again thanks to your reviews, we know the DS34, even though it's the size of the Titanic, has a CCC of 2400 Lbs., due to the longer chassis, which is doable. Reluctantly, I'm forced to agree with my wife's choice (allow me to go with the illusion here that I ever really had any say in this ). Thanks guys, saved a four hour round trip to a dealers to look at a 30DS.

[@Lady_A.R]

Hi Matt & Andrea! Glad to see you two are back home here. I just saw a news clip that have shown a RV flipped on its side. It looked like the same manufacturer of this RV and it was modern too. No one found inside it. Imagine my surprise when your video here popped up in my list. 😯 I am not a fan of DIY decorum. Any vehicle I pay over $100k, will not have a DIY decorum. The price can come down another $40k. And I believe it will drop lower than that. Get some serious rest you two. Love & hugs ❤️🧸🤗😇🙏

[@AthenaisC]

I'm not an RVer, but is 1200 CCC enough?

[@foxcroftandrea3213]

It’s a decent amount not the best but doable

[@nicholasbaker3183]

Matt I'm on your side right there about the bathroom. The fridge could've been built better because the door fell off. I rather see the manufactures put their thinking caps on and start thinking out of the box. Getting creative that's what costumer like is when manufactures are creative. Think about what they would like. The drop down cabinet doors don't like it. I rather have the cabinet doors go up than dropping down. I think that's a bit a pain in the neck than anything else. I would like to go into an RV with nice things in it. I don't want to feel cluster phobic in the bathroom.

[@Scott924m]

I dislike that it comes with a broken refrigerator that Andrea broke

[@enz6312]

1st thing i would FIX is flip around the cabinet doors so they open upward...i can live without struts to hold them open....this would also make access to the cabinets easier.

[@robertlittle8672]

I'll be SURE TO RUSH OUT AND BUY THAT ONE. WHERE IS QC? HAD I MISSED SOMETHING LIKE THAT I WOULD HAVE LOST MY JOB,AS A QC,30 PLUS YEARS. THAT ONE WAS PRETTY SIMPLE TO FIND.

[@fredchastang2418]

Andrea, She Hulk ripping freezer doors off

[@jdmc1965]

Loved almost everything on this unit. I agree with the toilet, at least swivel more to center. Also the cabinet doors opening down, big fail. Otherwise this is a contender for us.

[@javelina100]

#1 dislike - Frig is a very shallow depth. Good width, but not deep enough at all.

[@coreyhays1832]

This RV seems really nice.

[@garyobrien2155]

lol sorry Matt but glad to see you read my comment even re used my saying

[@anthonyb2334]

I understand it is entry level and we looked at one last year. We did NOT care for the cabinets and the quality. Plus, the cargo carrying capacity of 1240 pounds is a deal breaker. I agree with ANDREA’S dislikes. 100%. Thank you again for your videos

[@Bucksandkids]

😂 dislike the wires above the bed all exposed, the freezer door falling off when you open it. 😆

[@alexreinhold826]

Great video but it really showcased some poor workmanship. The open wiring over the cab bunk is a huge red flag.

[@Dieseltorq]

❤️‍🔥🧚‍♀️❤️‍🔥 thank you guys

[@gregsayles9253]

Looks good!

[@onthegowithgreggsavage]

At frame 10:20 right after she opens the door under the dinette freeze frame it and notice the screws one going in one way and one protruding through the wood on top of each other and the unfinished plywood. Then directly below it look at the floor it looks like the laminate is coming up towards the left where the hinges are. If that's an indication how the rest of this motorhome is built I'll gladly pass... But I do love Matt and his total honesty about everything he does for the industry. He truly has concerned for the buying public not just for the profits to be made.

[@cherjohnson5807]

Does look nice👍

[@Metalrogue]

What's with all the spaghetti wire hanging out in the bunk?

[@sicily6740]

When you put the bed down we could see wires hanging from the front outer wall; that part of the unit was obviously unfinished. The tiny storage under the dinette seats revealed an open hole to what appeared to be empty space on the other side. Wasting what appears to be a large interior storage area seems silly. Upper cabinets with doors which swing down and block access shows lack of understanding or care about how people use an RV. The toilet placement is awful, and the lack of a bedroom door when several other people may be using the RV is just plain silly. I have to agree this checks a lot of boxes but it wouldn't be my cup of tea.

[@geraldturner9764]

Size of fridge is nice.

[@femalism1715]

Okay entry level coach.