Building a Fifth Wheel RV! Coachmen Fifth Wheel factory Tour! Part 1

[@heavenonearth9959]

I love this, you actually get to see how main sections are put together.... Especially the frame and the different I-beams and their widths..

[@tonypiwko3634]

Outstanding part one JD. Can't wait for the sequel! By far this is the best factory tour out there on KZbin. I am glad you got to film it with the workers actually doing the work. Makes it feel like we are there in the moment instead of "after hours". Makes it more authentic and not like the factory cleaned up everything we "shouldn't" see before opening up for a public showing. Life unscripted more or less. Thank you very much to you, as well as to Coachman for allowing us to come along with you on the exploration. Top notch team.

[@BTBRVReviews]

That's why some factories only have certain hours for tours. They can prepare the floor for people

[@fiveoaksfarmofgeorgia7605]

Awesome to see what went into building my Chappy! Thanks, and can't wait for part 2!

[@garyi8608]

It's amazing how step by step rv's trailers are put together and different materials and quality parts in building each rv.

[@iana36s]

Love these factory tours. Always great to have a better understanding of what is behind the walls.

[@gunrightsfan]

Dude that is very cool! That's probably the best informative video yet in the KZbin world. Thanks so much for doing this series. 🙂 love all your video's and information. Keep up the awesome work.

[@suemuller2294]

Thanks for showing us! I like how they don't look like they are rushing around to put it together.

[@BTBRVReviews]

That's exactly what I thought as well. Everything was at a decent pace but didn't appear rushed at all.

[@suemuller2294]

I've looking at Grand Design ,Cougar. I like what ur showing, so I think Chaparral has moved to top of the list. Thanks for ur videos.

[@tomd.benjamin762]

Love seeing the inner workings of the plant as they make the rig! Outstanding.

[@TheLakingc]

Thank you! Great series. I am trying to find a full-time coach and did not even know about Coachman! So glad this series popped up. It really helps to understand how RVs are put together. I visualized it, especially walls all wrong. I really appreciate Coachman doing this. I would love to know more about lamination especially the outside walls. I pictured the fiberglass/azdel all wrong! When one manufacturer said they had 3 inch walls, i thought it was 3" of azdel! When things go wrong, or you want a change, it helps now to picture the internal and problem solve. Very interesting!

[@soving]

Always amazed at what they can do with pallet wood.. The base units and high end luxury are virtually made the same, just the more money units have more lipstick.

[@marthamryglod291]

This would be the best field trip as a kid

[@takeitallin6882]

I watched this one twice. Extremely interesting to see how my own '17 Chaparral was likely built. I was impressed with the apparent integrity of the azdel walls, the single piece floor and roof. Great video JD. I see what you mean by Fred being a bit on the quiet side. Thanks for all your work on this series in particular. Good stuff. Safe travels. bg

[@thechroniclesofmaintenance4192]

Great video, props to the GM for allowing us to see. Interesting they run wires through the frame cross members without protection, at least it wasn't visible in the video.

[@tylerdavis4875]

I love knowing how they are actually built

[@clintontate5260]

Wow this is so interesting never new how involved it is to make a rv you got me hooked .

[@myleshansel7950]

Great video, can not wait for the rest of the build.

[@ricwestdoesitwork]

This is so cool JD. I am liking this series.

[@hansschotterradler3772]

Thank you so much BTBRV! This video gives you a great insight on RV construction.

[@BTBRVReviews]

I even learned quite alot

[@JB_WhoWork]

Good stuff! I do like how my Keystone has a racetrack style air conditioner vs this overall design. It stays very chilled in the sun!

[@BTBRVReviews]

Thanks! I've learned so much about why manufacturers use different types of systems for different applications. In the RV world, almost everything is a trade-off. Racetrack systems are nice but you tend to have a lower airflow at each vent, but more airflow overall because you have more vents. Coachmen's direct system forces more airflow through fewer vents but you get more intense airflow focused at you, so it has more of a "fan" type feel.

[@JB_WhoWork]

Big Truck Big RV I can agree with this. I opted mine to come with a second unit and when I only run 1 AC, I tend to dump the air in that specific location because the air comes out in lower volume like you said. With both units on however, it is a wind storm inside the rig!

[@original72canuck]

Thanks for sharing. Always enjoy seeing and understanding the assembly of items we use nearly every day. What a mess of wires though! Almost every shot seemed to have someone messing with wires and large 'birdsnests'. You'd think they could improve quality and save some assembly time actually designing harnesses that drop into place or through channels instead of using the tried and true home building technique of pulling wires... Anyhow, looking forward to part 2.

[@NissanPRO4X]

Cool video and nice insider information. The condition of the workshop floor starting at 9:30 is driving my OCD crazy not to mention the safety inspectors.

[@jasonharrison3928]

I toured this factory when my Chaparral 360ibl went down the line. The people at Coachmen are awesome . They make a great product. I am extremely picky and somewhat of a perfectionist. I couldn't find anything wrong with my unit when I took delivery. This will be my 3rd season and it's holding up great. Your videos and commentary are spot on in my opinion and I look forward to seeing what you guys come up with on a new floor plan. I would love to see a 1 1/2 bath mid-bunk/loft set up with an outside kitchen or something similar to the Mesa Ridge 376FBH you did a video on last year. My only complaints with the Chaparral 360ibl are no outside kitchen, the bunks are to short for teenagers/adults, and no half bath. Everything else we love. Still a great floorplan over all. Your videos are great.

[@BTBRVReviews]

Outstanding comment! And I agree! Also agree with your Midbunk assessment. I've talked to them about it. Should be some cool mods to the new 360IBL coming soon

[@anthonykeely5901]

I would like to see manufacturers of fifth wheels use side opening storage doors especially were the slides block the storage doors from being able to be lifted completely out of the way. This would make it easier for tall people or people with prior back injuries to get items out of the storage bay safely.

[@chadly1337]

I could watch this forever

[@EverythingRVbyPat]

Loving the tour. I'm excited to see what you have been working on to help design one for yourself. Keep up the great work, Pat

[@TAMBestBuild]

KD. Really liking these videos. Well done.

[@brentweisgerber3616]

Wow, thanks for that look. Appreciate it.

[@suetucker9264]

I enjoyed the video. The noise didn't really bother me at all! I felt as if I were there! Seems like an excellent mobile home. I loved the other responder's comment about the wiring being housed better for less chafing. Anyone have one of these?

[@BTBRVReviews]

We are working to address that

[@09turbodiesel]

I am glad your doing this, I have wondered about some of this stuff. Thanks for this. Great video.

[@robertspivey46]

Enjoyed seeing how they do things. interesting how they build it from the inside out. Seems to me though they would benefit from a modular wiring system.

[@BTBRVReviews]

That is something we are trying to address as well

[@tadred1]

I recognize that Chaparral, it looks like my 370FL. That's cool to see!

[@johnphillips7066]

I like what I'm seeing here! Getting educated on a build. Might have to take a serious look at the Brookstone. 👊

[@andrewosborne5146]

Pretty cool video I gotta say. Thx again JD

[@schl356]

Really interesting how these things are made

[@greendog195]

This audio is... *splendid

[@JoseMedina-fu5yc]

thanks don't worry about the noise. I'm loving it. for those lime who new to 5th wheels. can you tells us more about coachman rv & how its compare to other brands who is their competitors. etc etc. thanks 🙏✌

[@outbacker292]

Very good footage!!! Last footage I viewed from Coachmen was “Josh the RV Nerd” with Haylett RV. Look forward to more vids and enjoy you stay...from an Elkhart Country resident!

[@dennisdunbar604]

Outstanding.

[@Chris.Donley]

Quality built coach, But-Wood, wood, more wood, then add some more wood, and let's finish out with wood. Wood on the floors, wood on the walls, wood on the ceilings, wood wood wood. When is the US RV industry going to realize that wood and RV's just don't mix. There have been so many advancements with man made waterproof/resistant materials, there is no reason to be using this much natural wood. The industry needs to keep selling 500k units per year, and having campers that last over 10-15 years would be a major problem for them. They need to make these things disposable, thats why.

[@BTBRVReviews]

You may be right but people tend to be price focused and not willing to be the huge premium for those type of construction practices

[@gatti5002]

built to rot...

[@TBJK07Jeep]

They went through the expense of doing aluminum support in the floor but not the ceiling?

[@scottfirman]

@@TBJK07Jeep Thats what I thought. Not one laminate beam in ANYTHING. Even houses today benifit from laminate trusses, not this garbage. 1980 called, they want their RV's back.

[@Chris.Donley]

@@BTBRVReviews ???RV builders like ATC, Livin-Lite, Oliver, and more., have been doing it for years. There is a way to build these things "Non-Disposable".

[@TimothyMichaels]

168K and going strong. 👍

[@jonhalldav]

Really gives an idea of what goes into a RV. Perhaps you can ask Fred a couple questions: Can you come to the factory as your coach is being built? If the roof is walk-on why did it look like some wiring is not under the framing? Seeing how the coach is built there's not any paint on it, can it be shipped white and have the decals in the coach for a custom paint? Seeing the different products and the upgrades you suggest, can the upgrades be order at the plant. Thanks for this content. Think I want a Brookstone!!!

[@uowebfoot]

Not much goes into them considering how much they cost.

[@edcullen8286]

its amazing the price of these trailers and how cheap they are made. Look at the walls, Styrofoam and thin, very thin wood . dont get me wrong I have TT so I spent the money too.

[@tikkin11]

Since buying my Chap. 298 5'r I've wondered where all the tanks are located..now I have some idea. Thanks for the great content and thanks to Coachmen RV for allowing this. How great would it be if every mfg'r put up videos or still photos of each model at various phases of construction just so current or potential owners could have a reference.

[@cbramsey5898]

At least you get to see them putting the rig together. Heartland offers a factory tour but it occurs after the work shift is over.

[@scottkaercher1733]

Thats plant 110 i use to build those.

[@naviontravelers7161]

Thank so much JD, very informative.

[@305element]

awesome video. great information.

[@sv4851]

I figured you would be the guy to ask. The Wife and I will be on the market for a 5th wheel soon & was wondering why not mention to the manufactures the idea of having an outside laundry room for the washer/dryer. Some of the larger 5th wheel have ample space and if it was located in the right place could even be used while driving. Just a thought.

[@glennkennedy441]

Excellent video, thanks !

[@gfunk4014]

I know you are a diehard Chaparell fan. However, could ya maybe do a Grand Design Reflection factory build video sometime? That would be awesome since the Reflection is one of the most commonly sold entry level 5th wheel trailer. Thanks

[@BTBRVReviews]

Not a diehard fan of any one brand. Many great brands out there and some not so great brands. Grand Design makes a great product as well.

[@randybryant9936]

Man that was neat awesome video

[@losthomas7589]

Great video!👍🏻

[@sprucegoose1016]

Def very informative 👍

[@midstaterustics4507]

So cool to see how these are actually built. Looks like I may be looking at a Brookstone or Chaparral in the near future.

[@Spoolingturbski]

After watching a Riverstone be built in a tour I remember saying that the frame, wall and plumbing designs alone had me sold. It only got better and better. Sub 100k you can’t get better than Riverstone.

[@BTBRVReviews]

Not sure you can get a Riverstone for under $120k anymore

[@thetraveler5798]

Interesting....! And educational 😊👍👍👍👍👍😊

[@usafvet6766]

Very interesting. Thank you. !

[@ctbt1832]

Yea I like videos like this

[@howardkepple5623]

Good job 👏🏼 👏🏼

[@CapitalWheeler]

Lot of hustle

[@jeffward7502]

I am curious about the Brookstone and have a dealer 100 miles away so pretty easy to put me feet in one. Im researching my next rig for 2021 and my top 3 are Arctic Fox, Grand Design Solitude or the Vanleigh Vilano. The price point of the Brookstone makes it worth at least a look see.

[@buddha65281]

Awesome video.. thanks!

[@billbillinger2491]

3:25 that wiring dragging across the concrete... compromising the wires coating...what kind of problems will the customer experience 'down the road'?

[@grey8ghost1]

I might be mistaken but your guide seems to have drawn the short straw to be the escort. If the management finds giving individual tours a real pain in the posterior they should produce their own video they can then provide to anyone who wants to show how things are done to post on their own websites.

[@TriggerTravels]

great video....but I think this convinced me to buy a class A. This looks like slap it together as fast as possible with as cheap of components as possible.

[@phillijp]

And how is this any different from class A construction?

[@rickyvilella4763]

Just bought 11/13/19 a 2019 373 chaparral it is in the shop of Florida Outdoors two weeks after purchased went camp out noticed the body and chassis moving on the hitch , the panels bowing out 3" hitched . When the front panel was off there is welds missing on the construction no quality control .

[@jeffward7502]

Nice video

[@Adventures101.]

Thanks for making great videos I love the Walk through building of each trailers. I almost bought a brookstone and I'm glad I didn't.. we ended up going with the Montana.. I just don't like the way the floors are built . 2 Peace luan 8th inch thick just way too thin The Chaparrals and Brooke stones that we looked at and almost bought Just didn't like the fit and finish of everything . was very flimsy feeling. The Montana's we feel everything is solid as a rock. Just our observation this is are 8th camper we purchased so we've had experiences with good and bad . I do wish the Montana used Azdel in their walls though. And also they don't come with whisper quiet AC . But thanks for a great video. Nice work

[@BarryDuttonSellsHomes]

And so it begins.

[@jburritt426]

If you have a long bed they all work. I do like the design but I will keep my 2000 Nash 24.5N.

[@richardmain8059]

Do they glue and nail the woodwork/cabinets or any of the wood structures together or is it just glued? Thanks for the Insight and the wonderful skills that you have harvested to bring us your BTBTV.

[@scottfirman]

Stapled. Come on. Technology hasnt cought up with the RV. They are mass produced with sub standard materials and marketed at prices flaunting great advancements but there are none. Those roof beams should be laminate like all roof beams today are. The strength of a residentual home is better. Remember, these things travel down our roads( poorly maintained) and should be held to a much higher quality than a modular home. Yet thats exactly how they are constructed. The suspension systems are so antiquated its not even funny. Why do they not offer air ride suspension system?

[@chrisbrandt3642]

Great video. Keep them coming. Would really like to see a few Toy Haulers. I know the people at Genesis Supreme RV and bet they would let you do a video. Let me know and I will reach out to them and ask for you.

[@jeffchancey4273]

ESSENTIALLY !!!!!!

[@peterstgermain1454]

Great video!! Fred’s a little dry...

[@ryan_torres]

Very cool to see how everything comes together. I would've thought by now that they would use wiring harnesses like in the automotive industry. To me, that would cut down on labor as well as chaffing while the coach was being transported. But then again, why fix what has been working, I suppose.

[@chrisphillips5229]

I have a question for you, hoping you can help me make a decision about whether to add airbags or add one additional leaf in my suspension on my 2018 f150. purpose is to just add peace of mind for carrying items in my 6 1/2 box and towing of my camp trailers.

[@gorillaman08zx]

In the beginning of the video did you see what I was talking about referring to the Lippert 3.0 ground control system, there is about an inch and a half added to that for the pad. Another thing I was surprised to see working on my unit that the back wall is made of luan bored not Azdel.

[@shawnn5109]

Are Shasta Phoenix made on the same line? They appear exactly the same other than cabinet color appears the same as Brookstone. I liked the wood tones of the Shasta better and wanted to verify this.

[@justinlinnane8043]

great video and certainly covers the process much more comprehensively that most videos . interesting that they stlll use so much wood. Most european manufacturers have now gone 100% wood free in their external construction ( roof, walls and floor ) are there any US brands that have gone the same way ?

[@BTBRVReviews]

ATC

[@CSOurNextMove]

Will you encourage them to add the Whisper Quiet System, this is holding me back from my next coahmen, I have the 360 same as yours. Thanks

[@BTBRVReviews]

Yep

[@StudioDaVeed]

Great behind the scenes! The slide sides pre-cut out of the side was very interesting. JD; decades ago I had heard (Urban Legend? Or true back then?) that most RVs were constructed in a 3-5 month window for any given model year. Then designing and planning took place for next model year. Any truth to this? Thanks...looking forward to Part 2!

[@ger13nunyah56]

Nice

[@Someonehad2sayit]

I guess part II will inform me that I can't pull this with my half ton.

[@Melie1111]

correct ahahahahahah

[@markbergthold6181]

I expected all wiring on the roif to go through the trusses - why are there some laying on top of the trusses? Seems that would get smashed when the top layer is installed.

[@chimrichalds1422]

Those things are built better then I figured they would but they could benefit from a good manufacturing engineer. Leaving the wiring hanging every where unprotected is not good.

[@RC-hm9vg]

This sales guy is cracking me up! He is so board! He doesn't want to be any where but in his office!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@nmbarcode8217]

So I want to install a cargo slide tray inside my basement of my 5th wheel. How can I make sure I don’t puncture any of my tanks underneath in the belly?

[@koroba01]

Very interesting, good video. However I’m surprised that Fred is out on the production floor without proper safety glasses. His glasses may have shatter-resistant lenses but they do not have side protection.

[@rockinrichud1]

What about sidewalk construction? Wood or aluminum framed? Didn’t see any of that

[@BTBRVReviews]

Side wall is aluminum lamination with Azdel

[@michaelmooney3369]

I really like those trusses in the roof.

[@bptraveler6608]

How do they attach the side walls to the frame and the roof to the walls?

[@DrewBe59635]

WOW!

[@VetJim]

I am wondering if aluminum would be better for the roof instead of wood. I know there is a price trade off and the aluminum might not flex the way wood does. Still seems odd that we are still using so much wood instead of other stronger products like planks made from recycled plastic that way they don't absorb water and rot. Have you seen any carbon fiber used in RV's?

[@BTBRVReviews]

Aluminum might be good for some. Of the roof, but you're right, without the ability to flex if could lead to metal fatigue and cracking. But for cross members and rafters, it would be a good material.

[@sammolloy8129]

So when (not if) the water heater leaks, where does the water go? (Trick question I already know)

[@scottfranson4215]

5*s Video , most folk Never , seen inside a RV .MOBILE HOME factory. This Is It . We Made 6 A Day . Yes That’s The Truth. Mobile Homes

[@comervwithus2788]

Heated holding tanks?

[@akbychoice]

Looks like you’ll be in Indiana for awhile. Did you tow your fifth wheel to Indiana? Looks like a great design on the tank placement. Like any production shop it’s noisy in there. Guessing they use a lot of vacuum lifts to move panels? Curious what type of wood they use on the framing for the walls, I hope it’s not the “ White Wood “ like at the big box home stores. My toyhauler has an all aluminum construction for framing of the walls. A very interesting insight into the construction process of these trailers. The one piece roof is the only way to go. Over the years I’ve seen so many trailers and RV’s ruined because the roof separated at a seam. Nice review.

[@snomass1]

akbychoice he was in a Passat rental in an earlier video so I would say he flew in

[@BTBRVReviews]

@@snomass1 yep. Already few out as well. Takes days to edit a visit like this.

[@jimchristman1037]

Which Brookstone is that with the water works in the back left corner?

[@BTBRVReviews]

344fl

[@omargarza3863]

Those WELDS on the aluminum looks like it needs a little more mustard on it

[@randygraves1189]

Yeah in 3 days I know grand design Solitude does I own one many many problems