RIVERSTONE Fifth Wheel RVs Do it Different! Factory Tour Part 6

[@Larry-GeorgiaTrains]

Hey JD, I have been following you several years but, have never subscribed. I am not one to make a lot of comments online but after watching all 6 episodes I have subscribed and Kudos to you and Nick for a great evening of covering the latest going ons at Riverstone. In October 2022 we purchased a new 39RKFB off the lot in Knoxville,TN. This is our 4th 5th wheel in 10 years. We owned two Heartland Big Horns and special ordered 2021 JAYCO Pinnacle 36FBTS which my wife was very unhappy with because of lack of space. She started following the Riverstones on you tube and really fell in love with them. We were actually sitting in a traffic jam on I-40 in Knoxville one Sunday in October 2022 and my wife looked out the window at an RV dealer and there were 4 new Riverstones lined up on the lot. We were camping at Anchor Down in Dandridge for a week so the next morning we went to the dealer and looked at several units and after a couple trips we purchased a new 39RKFB. After our purchase and already many trips I am still amazed at this rig. The quality, features, and comfort is still amazing to us. The Riverstone’s don’t get all of the attention press the other famous brands do but, the dedicated factory and focus on quality and features makes the Riverstone a “sleeper”. The detailed videos you did with Nick really made me proud to be an owner and part of the Riverstone family. We call ourselves “Stoners”. Again thanks for the great videos and comments!😊

[@BTBRVReviews]

Glad I could earn your subscription my friend. Thank you for the kind words

[@BobbieJoForrest-du]

It’s funny you said that, “I’ll never buy another Forest River product”, because I’ve made that statement numerous times. Our RV has been a nightmare and I’ve personally towed it to the factory where it was built more than a dozen times for both in and out of warranty repairs. I own a Rockwood which was supposed to be a pretty good unit, Not top of the line but certainly in the upper tier of available products on the market. Now after looking for a replacement for our Rockwood for at least 4 years, and looking at few different brands other than anything Forest River, I find myself pretty well decided on the Riverstone 422MC as (hopefully) the last RV my wife and I will ever buy. I’ve been in the industry since becoming an avid RV’er and worked at New Horizons in J.C., Kansas. I’ve seen quality rigs, helped build them. I’m really impressed with what I see coming out of this Factory in Topeka, IN.

[@barrytobias6921]

Thanks for the tour of Riverstone. I had put all Forest River companies into a bucket of something I would never look at. This was an eye opening experience

[@texillini1]

Thank you J.D. and Riverstone for making this video. This was an excellent PR move by Riverstone to show their quality for future sales. I find it interesting to watch how things are made. I’m only in the research stage of buying my first RV. Because of this video, Riverstone is on the possible purchase list should I ever buy a 5th wheel. Thank you again to both of you.

[@chrishuebner2547]

JD, this was an amazing series!! Having been in product quality industry Riverstone is doing things right. They are doing all the right things to provide a superior product to the end user. All that said, still things can happen and that’s what warranty is all about. I’m sure that Riverstone’s after sales division is just as dedicated to serving the consumer as is their production Again, thanks for another great aeries

[@RobMcqueen-t5t]

Wish they made a few smaller models. Not everyone wants a 40+ foot rig but they are willing to pay for a well built unit

[@wisrdb]

Luxe makes smaller units..Take a look at that.

[@RV_Enthusiest]

I heard a rumor they are working on a 34-35FT floorplan.

[@patriciastamp4788]

I totally agree!!!

[@MarkHillyard-b4e]

We purchased a new 39RBFL in 2021 and love the product and our dealer in South Carolina and have had to go back to the factory for cosmetic repairs after backing into a fence. They have excellent product and superb/ honest support. We enjoyed a factory tour while there too.

[@EarlSimpson-k4j]

Jd, Nick & Riverstone thanks so much. Your videos only confirm to the Riverstone product is far above some of those other products. I just love the product. JD you have really done some good justice to the Riverstone Brand. They should really appreciate what you have showed here as well as the rest of the RV community, period! Thank you again! 👌👍

[@miketokar909]

Thank-You JD for a GREAT series on Riverstone RV's. As a previous owner of a Forest River product who had the worst experience ever, I would consider a Riverstone in the future , because they have the customer in focus. This from a current Grand Design customer. Thanks Again!

[@ThePeteutube]

The series of videos you have provided was thorough and fair. Thanks.

[@johngilbreath1605]

Enjoyed this series. We bought a 2024 39RKFB in January. It was nice to have this confirm our decision to go with this model. We have owned Forest River products before. We also currently have a 2019 Wildcat we have had many issues with and almost refused to go with Forest River because of it. It’s clear they are not all made by the same company even though they’re under the Forest River brand. We live in the Riverstone, and use the wildcat for traveling (now that we have fixed most all the issues). There are a few issues with the Riverstone, main TV is a little crooked and one of the sliding pocket doors is not aligned properly. Other than that, we are very happy. Would’ve liked to have had the fiberglass roof, but it’s undercover so shouldn’t be a problem.

[@rayldelehoy8724]

Thank you for doing the video. It was a great in depth look at the Riverstone and how well they are made. I was impressed with the quality of how they are made. It would of been nice to see the inside of one of the finished coaches.

[@Patricksmancave]

Big fan how well build drawers! Like the look of full body paint. Love to see a brand who has quality. Thank you for the videos! Have a good day JD!

[@WilliamNau]

I have been critical of you in the past of talking too much in these types of videos. But this time you did a great job. Most of your talking was to ask the questions or to add clarity. Good job, great series of videos. I learned a lot.

[@HetteshWorld]

JD love this Riverstone series thanks for the showcase. Also at that facility Riverstone has a full service department. For both warranty and non warranty items in only $85 an hour which is unheard of in today's market.

[@julieryan6453]

Thank you so much for these videos. Like I said on a previous video I love Riverstone. Great to see the bones of one.

[@suitjames1]

Thank you for the incredible video series on RiverStone. I bought a 2025 42FSKG thanks to your help. No other videos on RiverStone or on this floorplan go into as much depth and detail as yours which was very helpful in the purchase process.

[@kenhelmers2603]

After some months of research, I decided on Riverstone Legacy, 42FSKG or maybe the newer 421FK(?) Which model, doesn't matter at this moment, it WILL be a Riverstone Legacy. Thanks JD and Nick for this series.

[@Dean-i4d]

I usually Hack on JD, but I have to say I really enjoy this video great content good Job JD and good job Riverstone for making a great product!! Well done!

[@kevincassidy8131]

They’re definitely upping the quality game !!!!!

[@jamesmclamb8578]

We were strongly considering a Riverstone this last time we purchased but two reasons we went elsewhere. 1. They need more toy hauler options. 2. Liz Amazing's video several months ago about a guy with his new Riverstone problems just scared me away.

[@thechroniclesofmaintenance4192]

Good series, many thanks to you and Riverstone. Two key takeaways. First and most obvious is they are using high end components for a high end product. Second and most importantly, they are using proven manufacturing principles. Most important of which is a quality program with in-progress quality inspections that I would bet has the teeth to require correcting quality flaws as they are found (reference minute 6:55). This is where lower cost manufacturers totally drop the ball by allowing preventable and correctable flaws to ship. A robust quality program, in the final analysis, does not cost more for the manufacturer. In fact it generally increases revenue by reducing warranty disputes, multitudes of claims, replacement parts, and PR nightmares. There is no valid reason for any RV manufacturer at any price point to roll defective products out the door to dump onto consumers. Thanks Again.

[@walterrafolski5662]

This series makes me more excited about getting a Riverstone Legacy, I’m in the retired tribe he talked about. I want quality but understand humans build them, between Brinkley and them it’s now going to be Riverstone. Just have to find a good dealer that I feel warm and fuzzy about, in South Georgia our options are slim. Called the one Riverstone suggested and they haven’t called back after two calls, done with them.

[@walterrafolski5662]

Another question for JD, what do you think about using a GenY gooseneck hitch in the Riverstone 39RKFB?

[@Warm_Pepsi]

Fantastic series, well done. Thanks for the insight!

[@jacobwilliams4724]

Thanks for the great videos on the RIVERSTONE brand. We have been looking into getting a fifth wheel in the next year and the front office is at the top of our list. We do think it would be great to see the square windows on the unit and maybe getting rid of the swirls. Would be cool to see a RV brand that had more solid colors with a variety, versus all the swirls.

[@sirg2424]

Thank u J.D., this was a very insightful series. I wish there where more video's out there like this covering what these videos just covered with other manufactures. I myself am in the market for a new toy hauler and with the videos I have seen (nothing as detailed like this video series), videos I have seen, I am focusing in on Forest River Stealth, or Genesis toy haulers because what I have seen in videos. Keep up the great coverage, hope to see more videos like this in the future.

[@BTBRVReviews]

Thank you!

[@jerrysgaragethemoneypit2028]

Thank You! Very good content.

[@rudyvega1710]

Nick is awesome

[@danielcolantuono9824]

Wow Thant you for all the great videos they make some beautiful fifth wheels

[@tech3nc]

Riverstone is on our short list for our retirement rig for sure. We have had many different rigs over the years but never have had a fiver. This will be our last rig and love everything but the saddle color upholstery. The floorplan we are going with is the 419RD should we go with Riverstone. I would love to know if you can have other colors to pick from. Great video series JD!

[@Ken-rr9zr]

Not an RVer yet, but I've been a big fan of the riverstone legacy. I want a front kitchen, but my wife wants a front living. Will be a few more years before we can afford either one.

[@glyndaschulle6336]

Great series JD 👍

[@peteengard9966]

How about an air disc brake with air ride axles for people using medium duty trucks as an option? That would be cool.

[@anthonykeely5901]

Does Riverstone approve the use of gen y gooseneck hitch?

[@wisrdb]

Riverstone is a great product...All N

[@markb9764]

Gotta get rid of the one-piece molded shower and go back to the pre-2025 showers. We have a 2023 442 and love the shower. We're considering getting a 2025 425 FO and are now a little reluctant because of the shower change.

[@jonathanharrison2348]

JD, thank you for this amazing series of videos on the manufacturing process of one of the nicest 5th wheel brands out there - very cool! I was wondering, did Nick talk about the Signature model at all? Is the 2023 Riverstone 41rl Signature a " 1 and done" for 2023, or are there plans to continue the Signature moniker/ ultra premium models in the future? Again, thanks to you and to Nick for filming such an informative series of production videos! Only makes want a Riverstone even more!😁

[@jjones5424]

This is a nice quality built 5th wheel from Forest River. Although this brand, Riverstone, has only been around for about 3 years or so, they have patterned the construction techniques and build quality from another high end Forest River product, Cedar Creek, which has been making quality built 5th wheels for over 24 years!

[@BTBRVReviews]

I think they've been around since 2017

[@connietomgiordano7756]

JD, do more of these

[@kylecheeseman2313]

Thank you JD for all of these videos. We placed an order for a 2025 421FK a couple of weeks ago and it was good to see this factory tour. We are also visiting the factory the end of June and can't wait. Did Nick at any point say that this is the end of 2024 models and this is the start of 2025. Do you have any other video of the 2025 changes?

[@PaulLetourneau-w5n]

I'd like see a new updated tour of the entry level Cherokee grey wolf 2024 . I purchased one in February so far I can complain to much especially being its entry level .so if you ever get the chance to do that tour . Or if you did it JD could please share that thanks .

[@1798iscomingback]

Ducktails: It doesn't matter that you don't have problems with the cheap construction, its all about perceived value. If you are paying $180K for a unit, you don't want to see anything that may even resemble how a $20K camper is executed. About Reality: It is really sad they don't have anything below 40ft... They should have at least a couple models on the 36-38ft for those that don't want a 45ft beast...

[@jetdriver]

I’m surprised on the unit with the rear pull out tray they didn’t extend the paint to the rear cap. I think that’s a change they need to make. I think you did a nice job letting him talk in this series. I know that’s a hard balance to strike but I felt this series you got it right.

[@BTBRVReviews]

Thanks! I was actively making an effort

[@RunawayRoses]

Nice work on the Riverstone videos! As a fellow KZbinr can you please tell me what camera you use? Good image stability is it just a GoPro? Thanks.

[@BTBRVReviews]

For these types of videos I use either a dedicated iPhone 15pro (not max) and/or Samsung Galaxy S24. Gopros fail too often.

[@RunawayRoses]

@@BTBRVReviews Thanks for the response! I use an iPhone 13pro max but thinking about upgrading to the 15 or waiting for the 16. Your 15 video looks good though. I rarely use my GoPro as well. BTW, I have the same Mapex drum kit as you. Love it and love the color, sounds great live too! Keep up the good work!

[@bounderchris]

I would never buy a forest river product… when I’m looking for a rig and someone is helping me I tell them to skip Thor, forest river, etc… but I would buy a riverstone after seeing this…

[@anthonymurphy2540]

So you can’t buy direct from Riverstone ?

[@billpenning2256]

By any chance have you ever checked out the Lux LUXE fifth wheels in Elkhart Indiana? If so, how would you compare the Luxe and the Riverstone?

[@BTBRVReviews]

Hello. I have been out to the RV Factory (LUXE) several times and filmed their units and process. They are a custom builder and a MUCH smaller outfit. This can certainly be a good thing.. they really build amazing RVs. They are expensive but you also can really customize the heck out of a Unit. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qmjEe5-He9iSn9ksi=y7e4MfxFV1wd0q0-

[@gregmiller674]

What type of slides do they use? Hydraulic on the large slides? What is used on the smaller slides. It doesn’t say on their website.

[@TheBurnsStuff]

I think its part 3, No frame flex, they talk about the slides.

[@andrewmeitner4818]

What do they use to move those big fifth wheels in the factory?

[@Built05STI]

Some of these units are having paint checking. What are they doing to prevent this problem? I know a high quality paint can prevent this.

[@bobbym3057]

You didn’t touch on plumbing or under wiring

[@aaronbritt2025]

Hope you look at the 42FSKG. ;) BTW, I searched your videos and didn't see one of the FSKG. EDIT: NVM... I found it. Unfortunately, you spent the entire video in the kitchen and never showed the unit.

[@ARoadLessTraveledBy]

JD, it is clear that you have a lot of knowledge, but you continually talk and talk and talk way more than the people you are supposedly interviewing/interacting with. My two cents man, but you would be much better served to maybe let them do most of the talking and then hold most of your thoughts til afterward if you have a speech/diatribe to go off on. You constantly come off as the kid in class that can't wait to prove how smart he is by having something to say about everything.

[@BTBRVReviews]

Thanks for the feedback. What most viewers may not be aware of is that many folks are terrified, uncomfortable, and or do not know what to say when you put a camera in front of them. His typical tour only last about 30mins. Going into this type of tour wasn't not his norm and he and I discussed how to go through it. This was the format that made his the most comfortable.

[@Aken711]

It's so weird. Every plant tour I watch they go to say how they have xyz inspection stations and do everything differently, better than the next guy. Yet end results are hmm

[@MichaelJones-uw8gi]

No thanks JD, I own a Forest River Product and will NEVER own another one. It is under lemon law right now and the quality, fit, finish etc was crappy. It spent 136 days the first year in the shop for repairs and 95 days the second year. No Thanks, No Forest River ever again for me.

[@larryphillips4164]

Need a 2 story hydraulically lifted 43’ fifth wheel rv with full solar panels and 45 kWh 48v battery system instead of a generator… like Anderson mobile estates but for a fifth wheel rv… the demand is there. Build it!