How RV OWNERS Would FIX The RV Industry

[@tonyrodgers6730]

Oh Dude (aka Jason). This is THE MOST NEEDED THING IN THE INDUSTRY!!! As a certified mobile tech AND an RV owner, I wish the whole industry could desire to move in this direction. You get a 10 (out of 10) for this episode!!!

[@ReflectedMiles]

About three years ago I was in a meeting with one of the most recommended, non-Indiana regional manufacturers in their offices just off the production floor. The discussion centered around a particular problem that a few, but not insignificant number, of their customers had with the product when using it for purposes that their marketing department sold as a major brand feature, but which had some fundamental engineering problems (conceptually and in execution) that they do not disclose to customers in advance. A good solution was put forward that would not involve much cost per unit but would require some up-front investment of time and testing, especially. The solution finally settled on? To do nothing. Why? It was cheaper and easier to just take the hits from a percentage of the customers than to go through a process of design improvement and testing that would actually solve the issue. I expect that this is repeated countless times throughout the industry, and until customers force a change by refusing to buy the products until they are done right, it will continue to be SOP. The kicker is that the customer has to know enough, in advance, to walk away until they get it right, and very few know enough or learn enough to do so, so the only effective solution is also a very unlikely one in most cases.

[@Honukimo]

We purchased our first RV in February 2021, an Alliance 310RL. We both camped as kids, but an RV was a completely new experience. For the most part, we have had a great experience. Our dealer, Wilder RV in Clinton, MO, did a thorough PDI and the tech who performed the PDI also did our walk through, taking as much time as we needed to understand our rig. Being RV newbies, having a small RV Park on or near the property would have been a great addition to the customer experience. Alliance has also been great to work with post sale. To your question, Jason, what would entice us to purchase a new RV? First, build quality in general. Although our build has had few problems, there have been a number of cosmetic things we had to fix, mostly because the wrong or wrong type of fastener was used. In addition, the rats nest of wires, pluming pipes and hoses was a huge turn off. Alliance touted the color coded and numbered wires, but then had no schematics, not a one. Build quality, in my opinion, includes neat and orderly wiring, plumbing, etc and MUST, include the proper documentation and build drawings. I have seen some improvement in some current builds. I also think the warranty’s need to be three years. Another issue I see in the RV industry is Elkhart. There are to many jobs chasing to few skilled personnel. The solution to this is to setup manufacturing in areas with good labor pools and areas where work ethic is highly regarded.

[@TheGunCollective]

All of these things that you're describing are exactly why i DIDNT buy an RV but instead am building a custom campervan. I know every little part of this thing and how it goes together. RV brands are cash grabs at best.

[@luminousveiws]

Buyer price sensitivity is a huge issue. Far too many buyers can barely afford the luxury of an RV so the difference can be whether they buy at all. I'm looking for quality that isn't just high gloss polish. High end brands seem to put too much into fancy decor and extreme convenience. Heated and massage seating, but plumbing that leaks.

[@DiamondL99]

You guys need to interview Liz Amazing. She is making some strides with RV companies.

[@zackdemundo]

Digging below the surface to get to the heart of the matter of RV and camping stories that need greater focus. That’s why this channel is so stellar.

[@ceciliapetrowsky2572]

This video is 🔥! So many great points. I LOVE the video idea. If you buy an RV, the customer gets a video of that exact model. The manuals you get are insufficient. Thank God for KZbin so people can look up how to fix their issues. Also, your point about having some parts on hand. I never understood the stupidity of having a customer drop their RV off for service and then waiting several weeks on a part order. It’s madness. I’m so grateful we did our research and bought our fifth wheel from an excellent manufacturer. Seven years and not one problem!

[@melaniedeare5427]

Okay, I have to ask. What brand is your fifth wheel? I'm in the market. Thanks!

[@ceciliapetrowsky2572]

@@melaniedeare5427 Arctic Fox by Northwood.

[@melaniedeare5427]

@@ceciliapetrowsky2572 Thank you!

[@andrewmoore1403]

This a great conversation , I come from as a licensed electrician and facility manager. I wonted to cry when I found a non water proof box with just wire nuts under my trailer. I also don’t understand why the A frame is so close to the body of the trailer. Now I bought my geo pro going into it knowing I was going to have to make significant changes to the electrical system, plumbing system in HVAC system, and frame. I just wanted the box. I had a bent frame from the factored and they covered most of the repair. The new A frame is now 18” longer, and I am happy we did that ,it forced me to re -wire all the feeds and get rid of the non-waterproof electrical connections under the trailer, all the in line fuses and install a break battery that is off the house battery. I would be willing to pay a bit more if the electrical was installed just to National electrical code and the United States Coast Guard yacht code for 12v systems. A basic wiring diagram of the system would also help in trouble shooting. I would also love to an exterior hatch that houses all the electrical controls equipment , just like a school bus. just my 2cents

[@JesseHires]

Quality Control and training would do wonders. I'm a first time RV owner. My RV was purchased new by my father. It was too big for his liking, so I bought it from him and he bought a smaller one. He had multiple warrantee fixes on it including one that cost him the first season of use. When I bought it from I figured maybe the bugs were worked out. But I am finding poor manufacturing and quality control issues all over the place. Drain valves placed where they cannot be turned. Hot water bypass installed so it doesn't actually bypass hot water. Wiring worn through on sharp metal cross members with no grommets or poor routing. A screw driven straight through the 35 amp main feed. Low point drains that were not the low point. The plastic fender flares that are all cracked at every screw because they were driven in with such force it cracked the plastic. What are the parts that I haven't seen yet? I'm pretty sure I won't be buying my next RV from that manufacturer, but it does give me some things to look into before taking ownership of one. I can repair most anything myself, but some of these things shouldn't have to. I know manufactures and dealers need to make money, but if they don't make a product people have faith in they will make even less.

[@towgod3096]

Thanks for your info, just another RV HORROR STORY! Unfortunately, they are so common, consumers are starting to think this normal for the Rv industry. Please tell us the name of the brand/ manufacturer!

[@sherriweber7105]

Can’t believe no one told this gentlemen that he had two grey tanks. Someone should have told him. Glad there are Rvers out there that took a class to learn about fixing RVs like their own. Jason I agree with you on all of the above. Thank you for this news and information.

[@NicholasLuthy]

@rvmiles - dunno if you’ll see this but: 1) Until quality is better, less random junk adding. Lighting under chairs… so we can see dust? Speaker and sound systems when we could do Home or Alexa? Many of these systems are one off and don’t play well anyway. Please don’t make us pay for things we don’t end up using. 2) better components for driving and suspension. I’m excited for the stuff in your recent videos about the shock absorbing hitch (with spring) and better suspension. Maybe less damage while driving reduces many of the other quality issues?! 3) sensible construction choices. Too many to list but a few examples: our skirting around the outside bottom of the rig is panels held on by screws but they are not backed by anything so they just unscrew and fall out. Our cabinets in the kitchen… the shelves were fastened with non threaded finishing nails from the bottom up… putting anything on the shelf pushed down and the shelves fell. I had to rebuild them just to hold a small pot and toaster. 4) dealer addons. Complicating the purchase process are the addons dealers push. And they flirt the line of pressuring and lying that things are required. I said no to most but fell for the run flat junk. Thinking “safety… yes let’s be safe if and when a blow out occurs.” Well the run flat exploded and destroyed tires and rims in all four tires within 2 years. I still had many miles on my tires. But now I’m out the money for the bum upgrade, plus a full set of tires and 2/4 new rims. Though I should have done the other two rims but decided to wait a little for budget reasons. 5) systems that play well. I shouldn’t have to have 6 apps to use my rig for the stuff the manufacturer provides. If they are using a hardware component they should provide a software integration. In a truck you don’t need the manufacturer app and the sound system app and the app for lighting and the tire app and the fuel app. Why for RVs are the systems they choose to use not integrated into their central app and systems? Aside from the specifics, it would be nice if RV manufacturers stopped saying that RVs weren’t meant to be used, or lived in, or driven. That’s the product they are selling. They need to start believing that and acting accordingly. It’s as if ford didn’t intend people to put anything in the bed of a pickup. That’s what the vehicle is for!

[@stuartstuart866]

We received our new RV with our water system in winterized mode, in Phoenix, in July. No mention of this from the dealer or how to switch to normal use mode so we could heat our water. We figured it out eventually but it took awhile. There is so much to learn with new RV’s and the complex systems that are installed.

[@slamboy66]

Not saying who, but my dealer has a private RV park on site. The do the whole walk thru and set up with you and are available for questions.😁

[@CeruleanSky1111]

Who? Do tell! 😁

[@kenmcclow8963]

@@CeruleanSky1111probably many, but I know of Motorhome Specialists as one example who will put you in their RV park for several days so you can get familiarity with the systems

[@10001694]

@@CeruleanSky1111Lazydays in Tampa does. I stayed 2 days going over and setting up the rv. They would come out every day and answer my questions and make any repairs or adjustments. Now their service department is a different story.

[@NicholasLuthy]

That’s awesome! We only got 90 minute walk through when we bought. And they didn’t even help me hitch for the first time. Never hitched in my life. They said they’d help but the guy never showed up.

[@dannidunn9302]

@@CeruleanSky1111Sunshine State RV in Gainesville, Florida does that.

[@thisoldrelic]

I understand you said don't just say build higher quality stuff but that pretty much sums up what I have to say. I have spent a lot of time and money at the hardware store just upgrading simple things like screws. I still have to purchase and replace broken plywood that was hidden instead of not used in my RV. My firdge advertises that it doesn't need to be mounted or door latches. I had to engineer a way to secure it because it kept coming out during travel and had to add a child proof lock to secure the door. Had cabinet doors fall off during travel because they used the wrong type of screws to secure it. My attena broke off on our shake down trip instead of fighting warranties for the same garbage I purchased a higher quality and installed it myself. Not knowing the old antenna was hallow and was raining through, fortunately it wasn't that bad by the time I replaced it. I have had to restaple the walls and ceiling back up. Did I mention it's a 2024 model? I am having fiberglass cracks in the side and I called my dealer to schedule service. The service department couldn't take my call at the time so they took my info for them to call me back. 2 weeks still no call back. I emailed Gulf Stream the manufacturer about the fridge. Never got a response back. Months ago. Just responding to the customer would be good. I feel as if the moment I took delivery I pulled out and got a big middle fingure from the dealer and manufacturer as I drove away. A happy problem was my rig was advertised with an electric hot water heater it's actually gas. Not complaining I actually wanted gas. You mentioned advertising I found out advertising claims such as the fridge doesn't hold up to what they say. The first big problem ends up being manufacturer quality. Fix that and a lot of the other problems are fixed. Forgot to mention no owners manual with my rig and I never got the details on the $12,000 worth of warranties I paid for.

[@NicholasLuthy]

Customer Service! Yes. I’ll bet we could all (mostly) better handle issues if someone was engaging. We may not be happy, but there would be less frustration. Had my dealer installed run flat explode into shards of metal inside my tires and ate my tires from the inside out and chipped my rims to the point they were bad (when I found this). I called the dealer and was dropped to voicemail. I’m still waiting for a call back (5 weeks of calling). This is only a 2 year old rig. But replaced tires and rims. No customer support sadly.

[@marychristie6194]

Yep 👍

[@LoCleTXRV]

I like the idea about entering in the vin number and everything comes up. Just like on my new F350. Yes, Ford care improve on it but it a start for them. I contacted the RV manufacturer and asked for a wiring diagram. They said it was proprietary information. Why? Contacted the RV manufacturer again while still under warranty, 3 roller blinds broke. They sent me to the blinds manufacturer, who send me to their repair department, who sent me back to the blinds manufacturer, who stopped responding. RV manufacturer now says the 1-year warranty is over contact the extended warranty company or take it to the dealer. It is all an endless circle. I do not want to drive the entire trailer 40 miles to a dealer to sit in a lot for months, just to replace the defective blinds. The whole process needs improvements. You have made some very good suggestions. Can only hope some can become reality.

[@StressLessCamping]

I am glad I got to sit in on this round table discussion. It was incredible how many good ideas there were and how common some of the complaints/challenges are. Nice recap, Jason!

[@vincentsmith8594]

The industry should operate more like the automobile industry. Dealers for specific brands and Service Techs and parts on hand for those brands. As well as implementing more automation

[@paulshannon4576]

Yea on the wiring. I just added several plug for use with just my inverter. Running the cable for my Starlink and router. Auxiliary lighting for at night when dry camping. Fix. Have a wiring chase, front to back to run wires, cables through that has access area in each room and compartment. In truth a major of people would never use them but it would probably be helpful for technicians and upgraders to use.

[@fellixx11]

200% Agree. Maybe also a diagram that tells you the path that wires run through the RV so your not guessing when chasing wire faults or doing an upgrade.

[@mrwayneoinsano]

It’s pretty sad when 95% of what you just spoke about in this video is common sense yet many RV manufacturers just don’t have it. My wife and I purchased a 2022 inTech sol horizon with the Rover package. From camper quality to the dealer experience to the factory, even keeping us up-to-date while our camper was being built was fantastic. inTech has a very good website, highly informational and a marketplace tab where you can buy almost every part of your camper separately. An example of how a manufacturer should be when there was a problem with the awning they went ahead and upgraded us to the next model at no cost. I think this is the kind of company that a lot of RV manufacturers could look to to learn how to build quality camper and treat their customers Respectfully. Thank you so much for all the great videos. Please keep up the good work.

[@penelopebartell840]

Insulation. Windows. Insulated water bags and lines and not cheaping out on plumbing. Packages for stuff that some of us don’t need (TVs, speakers, etc). Some pride of construction/craftmanship would be nice. And yes, sales and service model should be re thought.

[@NicholasLuthy]

I’m assuming by packages you mean that we don’t need. If so, wholly agree. We’ve never used the external speakers. It’s annoying when others blast their sounds at 10pm at a campground, why would we. Rarely are folks camping solo on a beach with 5000+ feet of distance between rigs like in the marketing photos. When you’re 15 feet away, it’s just too much sound. Also, don’t need LED lights on oven knobs or under recliners. Don’t need expenses and bulky Bluetooth speakers (we can put a Google home or Alexa in if needed).

[@kenmcclow8963]

I went to a RV show 3-4 weeks ago and I saw one of the models that I was interested in and they marked the price down, so I started getting excited about it. I went inside and the door to the bathroom was stuck shut. I pulled it open and couldn’t close it again. There were some other things but I wandered around and looked at some things and went home. I think they do have a ridiculous amount of overlap of models. Maybe there is a reason that I don’t know. A B van that I am interested in by Thor has two models, Sequence, and Tellaro. They are identical. They each have four floor plans which are also identical. One floor plan appeals to me as a solo traveler, but they are producing two name plates that they glue or screw onto each van. Plus they are producing separate brochures and maintaining separate websites for each. Then someone buys a unit and it almost immediately goes into the shop for service where they wait the first five days for a part, of the first 40 days of ownership, 30 days are spent in the shop. I don’t know what is on the dealer and what is on the manufacturer, but I do know from watching a legal YT channel if I was the customer, I probably wouldn’t be the winner if they started pointing fingers at each other. With that in mind, I decided to buy a used unit from a rental company. I haven’t taken possession yet, but I have an online version of the owners manual, and hours of video on how to work everything in the van. There are also videos on assorted channels of people using and reviewing the vans. I also have a 40 year old trailer and it has operating manuals for everything in it and the original manual that came with the trailer. People have to be proactive about getting information instead of waiting for it to manifest. Just prior I was reading an article about retirement and people upset that it was not going as expected. They went through their whole lives saying nobody told me. They must have assumed they would push the button and it would be cake and cruises with no effort on their part. RVs are the same. You can pay someone else to do it all for you if you can afford it. Everyone else has to learn to do some stuff for themselves

[@anthonyb2334]

Jason- great video. We purchased our first RV in 1985. We are on our 9th rig. There isn’t much we haven’t seen or been through with RV’s. The more stuff we add to our RV’s , the more issues we’ve had. But we’ve learned with each one and we may be one of those rare owners who see the possibilities more than the problems. Competing on Quality would be the biggest step forward they can take. In my opinion. Second is training for owners. Excellent video. Excellent points We love RV’ing. Thank you

[@Livin_inRVA]

Jason, thanks so much for this! As potential first time Class A buyers, your content hit on many of the key points that has caused us to go VERY slow in our decision process. We'd love to experience the positives of RV ownership/use but are put off by the industry and the way it appears to be run...with few exceptions. For such a large purchase, you would think that the process of research, purchase and acclimation would be more "professional" and geared towards the consumer. Luckily, we do have the internet and an array of smart, experienced RV'ers who have helped us learn more about the ins and outs of RV'ing. Unfortunately, sometimes the internet focuses on the bad...for clicks sake; and thus we get a skewed view of things at times. We've been doing research for over a year and are still no where near making a final purchase decision until we feel confident that our entry into RV'ing will be a positive one. Hopefully, your and Abby's advocacy and assistance in helping the "industry" understand the consumer side of the puzzle will help things move in a positive direction for everyone involved. Keep up the awesome work!!

[@campnut6076]

Excellent points raised Jason. Love your idea of entering a VIN number and receive all the info about that RV you need. Make the RV more serviceable is a great idea also, If the thru frame lag bolts need to be checked on a large fifth wheel on a schedule to prevent frame failures, make them accessible and tell the customer this info. It would also be great if the RV manufactures would communicate with the truck manufactures. The truck manufactures only want 12 - 15% pin weight in the bed of their truck, but the RV manufactures make their pin weights 22 - 25% of the GVW. If the truck manufacturers adopted J2807 as towing standard, then RV manufacturers should follow those weight standards also.

[@drguyor]

Quality is definately a selling point. My bride and I went to the RV show a couple of years ago to look at models with a similar floor plan. We walked into one RV and she said, "Oh, hell no." We walked in to another with the exact same layout and chose that because it just felt like it was put together better. I'm not mentioning any names, but we ended up spending $50k more for the better motorhome. Would we buy another? At this time, no. COVID wrecked more than just the quality, it totally destroyed the depreciation chart that everyone could use before 2020. My coach is 3 years old and should be worth 70 - 75% of the original value based on the old depreciation. It's now less than half. We went looking and the best trade-in offer I got was 35% of MSRP when it was new. Good points brought out in your video. Thanks for sharing the information.

[@bobthiele7737]

Great topic. I wish RV manufacturers put more into suspension, materials and QC. As fast as they push out different models it's amazing how well they do turn out, but there is definite room for improvement. Quality often comes with additional weight, but I think it would be worth it. They should start with proper connectors for plumbing, published maintenance schedule and giving legit access points to wiring and plumbing connections. Underneath should be removable panels that we don't have to cut through to make repairs. If they need to reduce price cut the speakers, you can't use the ones outside mounted by the roof and you can buy a Bluetooth speaker that sounds better. I can buy a TV to put in the RV. Tell us how they make the RV better (Morryde, TPS, Anti-lock brakes, solid surface counters...) Educate us on how it will make the RV/Trailer safer and last longer. When I find one that I think is well built and doesn't cost $200K I'll pull the plug and get one. Until then its better to rent and leave the headaches for someone else. I'd like to camp in the RV instead of visit it at the shop. If it does have to go in, the dealer needs to have enough techs as well as dealers having enough staff to remake the parts to get them turned around so you don't lose your camping season.

[@NymsView]

You really hit the main points-we want value for our hard earned dollars. Quality build, why isn’t ABS standard, why not better quality suspensions to reduce chance they have to do warranty work in the rig? These are things we care about when purchasing. Floor plans are niceties-inferior quality components are deal breakers.

[@gpgos105]

I agree that the video for your specific rv would be very helpful. A bumper-to-bumper video explaining all the components and all the construction features would be helpful. I've been a rv owner for several years now and Ive owned travel trailers, 5th wheels and diesel pushers, and I've learned a lot on my own through trial and error and KZbin. It's a shame that KZbin has been our go to for information, but it doesn't always have the answers to my specific rv like the manufacture should. Great video, I hope it doesn't just fall on deaf ears. Northwoods is my vote for one of the better quality, travel trailers and 5th wheels, but I still have questions regarding my rig that a video would sure help.

[@richardburguillos3118]

All so well said! You should talk to NIRVC and how they are tracking performance and what they are finding on their inspections. Some Custom RV manufactures expect a 1yr tuneup visit where they go through the complete RV and make sure it’s still meeting quality requirements and even upgrading items to what they found works better in the latest model. I seriously discounted in the quality and lack of warranty length from our RV manufacturer and “IF” we purchased another RV, I’ll be willing to pay the premium to have a customer house or smaller well know manufacture build it for me. A 1 year warrant speaks volumes as to how much a manufacture does NOT believe in the build quality of their rigs. They should all at least have 3 years as do most automobile manufactures offer. What’s funny is that our manufacturer did not even reach out to offer an extended manufacturer warranty at an extra cost. All new cars I have purchased, they all reach out when your close to the end of the warranty period and offer a factory backed extended warranty. I honestly think that our manufacture prefers we don’t buy an extended warranty from them directly.

[@kasa942]

I used to be a quality engineer. I’m grateful that I was able to work in an industry where quality control was essential. Quality control is methodical, purposeful, and very expensive. For it to work, both the company and the employees need to be committed. Put yourself in their shoes. If if your job security and your family’s financial well being are dependent only on the company’s bottom line and how quickly you can turn out product, then it is easy to not fund quality control or to look too deeply for defects. There are three ways that we’ll see meaningful changes in the RV industry: * Government requirements similar to the FDA or automotive requirements * Monetary pressure from customers choosing to buy more used RVs, foreign RVs (I prefer local manufacturers, but competition does help quality), or a class-action lawsuit. * Self-imposed, meaningful industry standards Btw, Instructional videos are a great idea. RV influencers like RV miles and Bish would be great at this.

[@sgriffith2353]

I teach my MBA students, when they are working on their capstone projects, to get data that goes beyond the symptoms and reveals the root causes of the problem they are addressing. In the case of the RV industry, there are conflicting pressures that make the business model unsustainable. First, there are the laws of mechanics and physics. These dictate the size and, more importantly, the weight of RVs that people can reasonably tow with a realistically sized truck. As consumers demand more and more amenities and more house like equipment, this makes maintaining a reasonable weight more difficult. If you add washers, dryers, residential refrigerators, multiple slides, and the like, you have to save weight somewhere and this means reducing the weight of of structural elements, furnishings, and components which makes them less durable. The same applies to cost. If you want to maintain a price point, you have to reduce the cost of the basic structures and components. In addition, there is little differentiation between many products since they all use the same major components such as air conditioners, furnaces, water heaters, and the like. As a result, the only thing to use to differentiate products is price which results in a race to the bottom. Just look at the so-called "show prices" vs the MSRPs and any show. The reduced margin at all points throughout the supply chain makes it difficult for dealers to make the investments necessary to improve training and service. It is an axiom that, in industries where margins are tight, distributors seek to expand to more locations and take on more lines. That is the only option they have to grow. If you want dealers to devote enough time and effort to create differentiation based on the sales and service experience, you have to ensure they make a reasonable profit on your product line. Airstream seems to come the closest to this with their Five Rivet Dealers. However, it is curious that organizations like Airstream Nuts and Bolts and Vinnie's North Bay Airstream seem to make money on major repairs and upgrades. In most situations, dealers would want to do this and be equipped to do it. As for your comments on quality, it is an axiom in manufacturing that you have to design in quality, you can't inspect it in. The product has to be designed to facilitate assembly in a way that facilitates quality. Of course, this requires enough margin for the manufacturer to devote the time and effort to better design practices and more advanced assembly methods.

[@turnbullstravels735]

Great comment. The race to the bottom has been a real issue, but I hope that new mfrs like Alliance and Brinkley have been able to demonstrate there is more room in pricing than the industry previously believed.

[@sgriffith2353]

​@@turnbullstravels735 The race to the bottom occurs when price is the only differentiator. The most successful companies such as Apple and Caterpillar enjoy price premiums because they provide a value proposition that includes quality, functionality, selection, after sales support, user training etc. The more of these you offer in a fashion that is better than what is offered by the competition, the more differentiation you have and the more sustainable competitive advantage you can gain. If I were, for example, a product manager at Airstream, I would be fixing the small niggling issues like door locks, latches, and the like that cost little but can destroy the image of a premium priced product. I would also be lobbying to change the designs to make it easier for users to upgrade their trailers with additional batteries, larger inverters, more solar, etc. I would also be evaluating the reliance on Mercedes for the Interstate vans. The product features are great but the availability of service for the chassis is problematic and the cost of service and maintenance is very high. The price of the chassis also raises the overall price with questionable value. I would be reaching out to people with experience with other vans to gauge the overall reliability of the chassis. The only drawback might be the lack of a diesel option in other alternatives.

[@rvgalpals7245]

Great video! Absolutely agree with your accessibility comment. Many issues within an RV could be fixed quickly by yourself or a trained technician IF you could actually get an adult upper torso into that space with room to breathe and move your arms. Access panels are very doable, just some extra hardware. In the long term it could reduce the amount of time and money required for repairs. Standardization has needed to happen in the RV industry for a long time. It’s sad that the industry itself isn’t leading the charge.

[@robertpanick2660]

The same thing goes for the component manufacturers. You mentioned autosensing converters. The WFCO autosensing converter is so bad that if you pull it out and send it to WFCO they will put in a jumper that forces it to be Lithium compatible. Sad part is for a short time they were selling a unit with a switch. Of course if you look at the Victron unit you can control the unit from an app, and set all kinds of parameters to match your particular battery. BTW, nice episode.

[@user-je5jq1xp5q]

My small teardrop trailer was in for 9 weeks at the manufacture/factory for just miner repairs and adjustments. This is a quality trailer but service has a lot to be desired from the factory service center! I lost 8 weeks of camping for the whole month of August & September. Got my trailer back first part of OCTOBER 😐

[@joedonbaker1673]

Great video Jason! You nailed all the major concerns. I want better axles, frames, fit-n-finish. I want things to last the life of the RV. I want switches, not a touch screen that can crap out in the middle of nowhere. I'll pay for quality! I want color coded wires and a wiring diagram. I want a quality thicker roof. Maybe one piece fiberglass or something? Stainless steel hardware on anything exposed to weather.

[@NicholasLuthy]

A wiring diagram for the actual rig we own would be amazing! We have our 12v Fritz out and not even grand design could give a diagram of the exact model. We had to work from an approximation that GD provided after multiple requests

[@mattmeyer6471]

yeah a vin decoder with links to a video on each system and simple troubleshooting would help immensely.

[@rmccabe117]

Having packages for the quality of items available. Like, upgraded fridge choices, or better grade electronics or even a "Pex upgrade" that changes all the plastic fittings to brass, for a price! Cars have lots of option packages and they could do some of the same so people could choose what's important to them.

[@cjc1103]

The problem with that is the more choices there are, the more complex the manufacturing process is, and this increases the chance for error. Pex ought to be the standard instead of the current leak prone plumbing.

[@PMUP2016]

Many dealers could care less. Once the sale is done so are they. I bought my rig from a major RV Dealer and their parts and service departments are nowhere to be found. They ignore website service requests, NEVER answer their phone and there is NO voicemail! Call backs are non-existent even for offering pay for service!!!

[@anthonypelchat]

I got one thing that bothered me horribly while shopping for an RV. When you go to look at any RV under 6 figures, every single thing turns into a bed. My current RV can sleep 9 people. Only 2 comfortably, but 9 in total. Maybe more. But what was it that I really wanted and needed that NONE of the RVs had an option for? A computer desk or workstation. Work from Home started prior to Covid and amplified afterwards. And yet the only RVs that I've found with workspaces of any type have been the super expensive, McMansion on wheels or a handful of destination RVs, along with a very, very few selection of other 6 figure RVs.

[@camustang1966]

Great video, Jason… I talked to my dealer after purchase about putting on a “RV School” at his dealership. He loved the idea. I told him I would develop the outline and I would teach the class (I am a very experienced RV owner). I put together a curriculum and we even set up a possible date. This would be a great option for potential buyers and existing owners to learn about RV systems and camping. He asked me how much I wanted to put this on, and I said $250. He stopped responding to my emails. This would’ve been a great regional service for this dealer, but he didn’t want to pay anything reasonable to put it on.

[@MillerFamily-r8z]

I have an Escape from Escape Trailers in British Columbia. They provided several videos on how to use various systems before I took delivery. I have watched some of them more than once. Some could have improvement still. When I wanted to replace the anode in my water heater, I had to go to You tube to learn how. Several times I have emailed the factory with questions, and they have been very good at replying with helpful responses. My inverter did not work. They called and stepped through a complete troubleshooting exercise on the phone before sending me a replacement part and authorizing time at a local mechanic. They are not 100% perfect. I wish they could know exactly what is in my trailer from the serial number. But I think they are better than many of the other brands you mentioned.

[@richardnwilson]

Talking about the quality of RVs. The first commercial you have is where to get a good mattress for your new RV because the one that comes with your RV is probably no good. You actually could probably say that about every single piece of equipment in a new RV.

[@russellnell3474]

I took my Rockwood to Indiana because of a long-standing auto level issue. They were awesome and fixed a dozen items. A few that were my fault, and a number of them that I didn't even know about. That is the service I want to see locally, and not have to drive 300 miles for (but was well worth it).

[@Ceerix]

The dealers should know the warranties and be able to handle warranty cases

[@Coolguyjason]

I think the quickest fix to quality would be to reduce holes in the roof. Why should I need to seal around an Antenna? I would love to see entry level trailers where everyone knows they don't use the shower or don't use TVs half the time to have the cheap skylights over the showers and odd antennas removed. Likewise, a product that requires roof inspection should have a ladder prep mount for a removable telescopic ladder or a built in ladder.

[@posteroonie]

RV manufacturers are about where the big 3 American auto manufacturers were in the late '70's. It took Japanese competition for them to get their act together. (China is now making RVs, hmm.) Bob Lutz tells a story about having $30M, I think it was, to straighten out GM's panel gap problem. Lutz met with the main production guy and he said "We can do that for free, we just didn't know it mattered." What?! In the RV market, maybe the engineers just don't know that wheel, tire, and axle quality matters to the customer. Maybe the assembly guys don't know that gaps, wire runs, and sealant consistency matter, and we don't like finding scrap wire, sawdust, and metal every time we look behind a panel. Maybe the interior designers don't know that we're kinda over the look of a 1970's den with wood paneling and wall-to-wall carpet. Maybe no one told them that we want deeper sinks and quality fixtures. I understand why customers didn't think we even needed to say we want quality, but maybe nobody actually told the RV manufacturers. Thanks for this video, it's part of letting them know.

[@ottodelphiahawn2646]

Customer service virtually does not exist for many manufacturers. I purchased a 27ft 2021 Lance 2285 trailer in December of 2020. We had a dozen small issues that should have been covered by the manufacturers warranty. We even purchased an extended warranty, but the games the dealer played with us wore us down. After finally getting an appointment, and then our trailer sat on their lot for 3 months and the only thing repaired was a manufacturer recall on the gas stove, we realized the warranty crap was a scam with this dealer. I determined to repair things myself after that , but when I called the Lance home office to ask for guidance, the young girl on the phone did not know what to tell me much less who to forward my call to. We love our trailer. It’s a very expensive and high quality trailer. But like all RVs it has its issues. I’ll never purchase another Lance because there is no resource provided for the customer. You are on your own, and if you want to protect yourself, you’re going to have to figure it out yourself.

[@kimberlykessing4551]

Great video, the elephant in the room, the quality, safety, convenience futures, electric seats and windows etc are sub par for $. I was shocked and stepped out of market to buy.

[@steveegbert3554]

Great video, I think quality has to do with price point and the materials that get used. Lower price points use fake wood that sometimes does not hold up well. And the other problem seems to be is quality control in the factory, they seem to need more checks or inspections, implement a Quality Management System. My last comment is sometimes the design is poor drawers and doors that hit each other, I have seen units that if that happens it's going to leave a mark.

[@chipper7711]

Just follow the boutique indie builders. Their materials and QC are leaps and bounds ahead of the giant assembly line corporate builders.

[@tomc9299]

As a 40 year industrial factory worker, I was only allowed to take my parts to an inspection department before moving parts on to next department

[@SolarKaylaTiger]

It would be great if they would have proper plumbing (correct connections to correct hoses) made to a minimum standard. That’s not something that would be a huge expense. I don’t know why this isn’t a thing. What they do now with plumbing ought to be criminal.

[@Freightmeister]

You are correct on everything Jason.

[@willgraves5288]

Wow! Jason, one of your best ever. Thanks so much. Dedicated Pop-uppers, but that class C at 14: 09 had me dreaming...

[@phred.phlintstone]

Outstanding points and video.

[@RVMiles]

Thanks!

[@jocelynb8935]

In the Army we called it the give a s$!t factor. Most companies don’t have it and very few do. Until the RV industry is regulated at a federal level then I don’t see the manufacturers seeing any reason to change.

[@mildredlackey1938]

Good information, thanks for this video,

[@bennettwallace6004]

This would be my wish list The RV Industry Association creating/implementing the following: 1. Min manufacturing/equipment standards based on the class/model of RV 2. The idea you had about getting all the specs of an RV based off of the VIN as well as implementing a "CARFAX" type system for buyers 3. Require all dealers to implement min 2hr walk-thru and training of the new RV being purchased and also ensuring new buyers understand all the safety features, towing requirements, maintenance items, schedules, etc. 4. Extend warranties to 5 years minimum 5. Implement an emergency tech hotline to respond to RV owners equipment malfunctions, breakdowns, emergencies, etc..and if not already created, create a nationwide database of certified RV tech's to connect them too if they need someone to respond on site 6. Maybe have a yearly RV owner's award ceremony This what I can think of for starters and I'm sure others can expand on this. Thanks for doing this and getting these ideas to the RV industry decision makers!

[@smartelectriccar]

Heat pump for hot water and AC. Single system vs THREE or more separate devices. Simplify. Less intrusions in ceiling and walls

[@billr1005]

Awesome video. Very spot on with your points. Old designs and poor service are major issues. The RVs in Europe are so much better designed and built. Too bad Elkhart can't follow suit. And lithium batteries and solar should be standard in this day-in-age. Thanks.

[@merrileepuccio7677]

LONGER WARRANTIES, That we can actually access.

[@NelloCambelli]

Consulting with Oil Well Repair Company and a major aluminum can manufacturing started to track the MEAN TIME TO FAILURE - not having the appropriate parts on the truck for five moving parts down hole reduced cost and down time for the oil well pump. RV Manufacturing can compile the data for their repair facilities.

[@romaldemgle5867]

Let the consumer put feed back on new rv modles

[@lawrenceschlitt2947]

This video is right on! Bottom line for me is improve quality and stand behind that statement with a LONGER WARRANTY! Companies that claim to be high quality and still offer 1 year warranties should be suspect! Along those lines, all other things being equal, I would buy a Pleasure Way Camper Van because they offer FIVE YEAR FREEDOM WARRANTY on new motorhomes. Now that's what I'm talking about!

[@ChopperChad]

The RV industry has shown that they can't police themselves. It's time for the DOT to get involved like in the auto industry.

[@PavewayJDAM]

It is amazing, especially in the coaches that do carry passengers in the back there are no (virtually) crash standards on the seating/seatbelts. Seat belt bolted to some plywood? DOT - seems fine to me.

[@ChopperChad]

@@PavewayJDAM and there's so many motorhomes out out there with an OCCC of 500-600lbs but have enough seatbelt seating and storage to encourage over loading. It's nuts.

[@rodt5177]

Amazing. You hit on many good ideas and problems that should be addressed. I think you should start your own rv manufacturing business.

[@lifewithlennie]

If you get a chance, take a newmar factory tour. I know they are expensive but we have fewer problems with our newmar than others with other brands. NOT PERFECT, but take the tour and you will see a difference 😉

[@rpodadventure]

I've been really impressed with the construction quality I've seen in many 2025 RVs from several manufacturers. At least some manufacturers are listening to customer concerns about construction materials and quality. However, RV owners can be bafflingly unaware of the necessity of regular RV maintenance (like checking and resealing roofs and sidewalls, lubricating slide outs, or maintaining electrical panels etc, etc). Overloading RVs beyond their CCC is also a frequent problem that can cause axle and/or frame failure. Dealers need to ensure that buyers know how to take care of the RVs they buy beyond winterizing it (something everyone seems to know about). Maybe providing a list of scheduled maintenance tasks would help. I've noticed some people neglect their RVs into disrepair, and then blame the manufacturer because things don't work anymore.

[@mikeholczer]

Even if a full BishFix style program doesn’t scale, I’d be happy to bring my trailer to the dealer for a short appointment for them the diagnose an issue while I wait and then bring it back once they have the parts. As it is, they don’t even ask me what the issue is until I drop is off.

[@marktwiest4303]

WE the rv owners have the most say, we need to be informed before we purchase. Money talks. If an RV is of subpar quality it should Not sell. The auto industry is a good example look at the brands that no longer exist.

[@desertdog2282]

You brought up several great points. Lets see if they address these items.

[@tedwalford7615]

Yep. Will def pay a bit more for known quality and a couple days of training.

[@TheRafterjp]

After just spending an entire day trying to (hopefully) stop the annual mouse invasion into my Forest River RV, these are the things I feel need to be better: - seal the 6" holes into the underbelly! Especially the ones that only need to be 2". - wire management. I am shocked at the tangle of high and low voltage wires behind my converter. How is that even safe? - why are trailer plans/drawings/wiring diagrams not readily available online? I know it was built to these specs, why can't i use them after i buy it?!

[@brucefay5126]

No matter what the RVIA claims, I have never considered them a “standards” organization. They are the marketing (and lobbying?) association for RV manufacturers.

[@rollingeezer]

RV manufacturers should know what specific problems are recurring in their products. For example. We own a Tiffin motorhome that has had numerous issues with the schwintech slides. One of the primary reasons for the problems is owners don't properly retract and extend the slides so the motors remain synched. I learned how to use the slides when I visited the manufacturer in Red Bay. Given all the issues with these slides and the very simple solution I remain perplexed as to why Tiffin hasn't sent every owner a bulletin that describes how to properly use these slides. Instead they are spending a lot of money fixing the slides after a problem occurs. Manufacturers need to do a better job analyzing warranty claims and proactively contacting owners. They can save a lot of money and enhance customer satisfaction by doing this simple task.

[@sewinlove_co]

I sell sewing machines, and every sewing dealer out there offers at least a few free training classes for new owners. The classes offered by each dealer play an important part in choosing a machine and a dealer to buy it from. Some of the machine mfgs have extensive libraries of video training online. I'm shocked that something as complex as an RV doesn't come with training, and I do NOT want to pay for it!

[@Mangler316]

Try getting a wiring diagram from a manufacturer. They don't even have it. The wiring placement is dependent on how the factory employee ran the wire on your particular unit.

[@paulsylvester1394]

As long as we keep buying units, nothing will change. The fix at the RV level is simple. ISO 9000 compliance. Document each production process and demonstrate how you guarantee that you build to the process. And you need a corrective and preventive process so when you have a problem, there is a process to both fix the problem and prevent it from happening again in the future!

[@MicheleHeinyScott]

Maybe an buyer's agent. Someone who knows manufacture's, techical, service and consumer law's with regard to RV's. An agent that would be the go between. A buyer would go to the agent with their needs, wants, budget, etc. The agent would have a list of available new and maybe used RV's that fit the request. And the agent would negotiate the price, sale and lending? Kind of like a highly qualifed Real Estate broker. Just an idea.

[@ADKMan]

My 2018 StarCraft is a pretty good unit. So I run a facebook group named StarCraft Owners, and the quality has been poor…really since 2020. StarCraft must have heard because they messaged me asking to be part of the group. So maybe there is hope after all.

[@missouritravelers]

Learning more about my solar system and how to add on panels

[@tinakeene1566]

Excellent video!! As a solo female it would have been helpful to have a little training. I am willing to pay for better quality!!

[@kilcranp]

The comments about better access would be great. There is almost no way to know where the wires go in the walls, and the Clipper used wamo connectors that came loose when looking behind the charger. Straight runs for wires and a schematic would be great.

[@MaryWehmeier]

Oh hell yeah!

[@cris_miko]

I think the difference between the automotive and recreational vehicle industries as they relate to quality builds and consumer information may be due to the fact automobiles have become a daily necessity but recreational vehicles for most buyers are a luxury.

[@Real_Natural]

The automotive industry can be fined by the government for safety issues.

[@jamesr208]

Be the first manufacturer to bring a 5 yr warranty to the market, then develop a reputation for standing behind it. Would force the mfr to identify and improve the quality of the most failure prone components, and may just stir the competition to do the same.

[@kilcranp]

I just purchased a new Clipper 12000ROK. We picked it up in Las Vegas and drove back to Tucson, Az. The Solar does not work and the brake lights failed during the trip back. This is a 2025 and the wiring for the solar panel is shorted in the wall. It is like they never verified that it worked from the factory and the dealer also never checked other than it started. As for quality, this is a lower end trailer, but there are 3 in screws that stick down 2 in under the trailer. Even the window shades were n9teven around the windows. 5here is a lot of work that needs to be done.

[@TonyBenton0728]

Should have had an independent inspection done on it !

[@joef2932]

Yes the inspection is great but everything should at least work at the beginning. There should be some final inspection at the manufacturer.

[@dlyose]

This is such a good video. Loved it.

[@RVMiles]

Thanks!

[@scottwood9832]

Thank you for your channel. I am on my 3rd motorhome and ready for a $$$$ DP. I am scared, very scared. Why? Because water intrusion ruined the prior 3. Dealers couldn’t fix them before significant damage was done. I’m sick of it. I watched a video by Liz Amazing of a brand new Tiffin Zephyr with water literally pouring through the roof. I’m looking at buying the model the Zephyr is based upon; a Tiffin AB 45FP. I’m scared. I am also a certified NRVIA inspector (non-practicing). Inspections don’t include any type of testing for water intrusion. Every single RV should be subjected to storm strength water dousing and examined for water intrusion. I bought a brand new Thor Miramar in 2019 from Motorhome Specialists RV in Alvarado, TX. They tout having the best rain tent testing in America. I drove down from MD with a water damaged Class C to trade in on this Class A purchase. On the way back, half way home, I ran into a thunderstorm and water was actually running down the inside of the windshield! Not only that, but water was running down the walls from both front side windows. I’m very worried.

[@TheDefenderSisu]

I asked Ibex for the spacing of the supports in the wall of my Ibex 23RLDS so I could install an proper outdoor shower connector with hot water and was told that the information I was asking for was proprietary and they would not give it to me. I just did not want to drill into a stud. In the end I just went for it and missed the stud by a few mm’s. Got lucky I believe. Also I could not have the wire diagram for my trailer. Why ?

[@Badgeweefixstuff]

Well awesome video. What I find people by an inexpensive trailer and want the quality of airstream or Lance. The manufacturers are so behinds the 8 ball. They should give the option to NOT TAKE the warranty. For the reason most warranty repairs are minuscule and not money maker for the dealer. You know people will tie there trailer up for months because I $10 dollar gidget don’t work. But it’s under WARRANTY so I am taking it back. They could fix it them self for $12. It don’t make sense to tie your trailer the gas the time to fix something you can do. There is not enough rv techs in the world to correct the warranty issue. We bought 15 Vlite from forest river and I had lots of warranty repairs. Take this WH module send it to Domectic test this it’s faulty they test it yep here is a new one. Yes you’re right I never lost a minute of my trailer.The horror story’s over warranty are crazy. You know that where the people be pro active and just fix the little things save a ton of money. Thanks for listening 🛠️🇨🇦🛠️🇨🇦

[@lindasteller]

Great video. I thought I would save some of this headache by getting a custom built van. I did get a brief training session, but there are things in my rig that I don't know how to use. It's taking a lot of work to figure it all out. I did, however, get an RV Mattress using your code. I love sleeping in my van now.

[@RVMiles]

We learned a lot during our school bus build as well. Don’t be afraid to reach out for more help so you can fully understand your van. Glad you’re getting a good nights sleep!

[@slamboy66]

Companies are more than welcome to cheap out. They will be in the column with YUGO and EDSEL

[@roybeck-u6r]

Maybe they need to truely state the lifetime expectations so if I am a part timer not a weekender I know why I should consider the other model.

[@Jasonrcsd]

Great vid!!! Hope a key excutive(s) of RV mfg(s) sees this and it goes somewhere!

[@d.r.eisenbarth1032]

RV's are like timeshares .. they seemed like a good idea and some how the math made sense when it seemed like everyone else was buying one too.. but I can tell you when I go to the storage yard that I'm forced to keep my trailer (HOA!!) to do maintenance, get it washed, replace some widget.. the yard is full of new and old motorhomes, trailers, fifth wheels that haven't seen an open road in years if ever. I believe the manufacturers design and execution is based on the idea that very few of their products will be used more than one or two times a year.. and even less if you bring them in for warranty work. If you use them and they fall apart - it's your fault because you did something wrong; if you don't use them and they fall apart it is your fault, because you didn't do all the maintenance that is required to keep them working .. how idiotic is it to think that you have to inspect your roof once a year.. what... twice a year.. what every quarter.. what weekly? So basically you are selling a product that has a roof designed to fall apart in 3months. All of this said - just know I bought one just like all of you... but the best upgrade we've purchased for our RV is a Hot tent and wood stove.

[@Kim-3204]

Manufacturers need to build RVs that will sustain using them for more than a couple weekends a year. Especially with the increase in full time RVers. Makes no sense that in this day and tech age that most RVs can't handle being on the road for any length of time without falling apart.

[@IamSpectre2020]

We have a 1997 Holiday Rambler, why such an old unit? It solid, Tubular aluminum frame, floor to roof to floor all one piece welded ribs every 16" center and an entire exterior aluminum wall and all aluminum roof. We have spent a fortune having the entire Ford chassis completely rebuilt, engine tranny everything, the whole interior has been modernized with the latest in electronics cameras, security and solar. One day I called Holiday rambler gave them my VIN number and they were able to tell me what day is was built and every build detail including Sherwin Williams paint number, gave my A/C serial numbers they still have 27 years later have the entire build file on hand including which employee put the plumbing in. Does any Company have this kind of service today?

[@benboruff]

Maybe the RVIA should also do QC checks. If a manufacturer fails too many times, they lose their RVIA approval.

[@paulgreen2303]

Winnebago does a fantastic job of providing Operator's Manuals and putting everything online to learn literally everything about your MOTORHOME. But they do none of that for their towable products. Why????? It's great that I can see plumbing and wiring and even 3D Models that list every single part of my motorhome online. But owners don't really get any kind of manual, printed or online, to detail a travel trailer of 5th Wheel. Yet, if owners of Winnebago towables call the Customer Service line they can get a PDF sent to them of just about anything. Why isn't that just made available up front. It's nuts. The problem with pricing for quality is that too many people decide to buy a RV kind of spur of the moment. They "assume" that all RVs surely must be of equally good quality, so they buy on Price. And, since it's a luxury to own an RV - even though it's not a luxury product, they want to spend the least amount they can to attain the product. Experienced RVers want quality and manuals, and responsible dealers. Newbie RVers want the cheapest RV available.

[@DAVIDBOYKO-e5v]

My Wife and I have a 07 Newmar and we’re want to up grade to newer unit. Some folks want to sell us there 2017 Integra. It’s beautiful but it have been told it will take about 8-10 k a year in maintenance. Wow. Also there have been problems with the Aqua house and DEF systems on so many of these units. I have been talking to other Integra owners and this seems to be a requing thing. We like our unit and probably won’t sell it because we know what we have and and and are happy with the quality. Tell me what you all think please

[@sciota20]

Maybe be able to have regular parts so I can buy them at the big box stores or online