Travel Trailer & Fifth Wheel

183 Pages·2017·3.64 MB·English

Travel Trailer & Fift h W heel
Com parison Guide

2 0 0 6 - 2 0 1 4

Rating RV Manufacturers that build:

• Travel Trailers
• Fifth Wheels
• Toy Haulers

Published and distributed by JR Consumer Resources Inc.
3660 Nicklaus Drive, Clarkston, WA 99403
Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]
RVReviews.net Email: [email protected]

JR Consumer Resources Inc. is a consumer based company that offers rating guides for
recreation vehicles in North America. We remain committed to our readers by offering
unbiased information about the RV industry. We have NO hidden agendas. We receive NO
commissions or advertising kickbacks. We have not accepted any payments to promote one
company over another. We can assure you that all of the information contained in this
guide is based on independent research and countless interviews and is from an objective
point of view.

Copyright © 2006-2013 by JR Consumer Resources Inc.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without
written permission from JR Consumer Resources Inc. Although every precaution has been
taken in the preparation of this book, the publisher and author assume no responsibility for
errors and omissions. The author and publisher disclaim any liability, loss or risk, personal
or otherwise, which is incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use and
application of any of the contents of this book.

Cover design: DiggyPod
Table of Contents

Acknowledgments 1

Preface 2

Introduction 3

Chapter 1 What Type of Buyer Are You? 4
Camper or weekender
Vacationer
RV trekking or boondocking
Working solos
Snowbirds
Full-timer

Chapter 2 Construction Techniques & Methods 7
What matters most?
What to look for in a quality trailer frame
How to spot a good weld
A-frame design
Enclosed underbelly pros and cons
Exterior wall construction - What to look for
Aluminum siding verses fiberglass siding
Interior finish & cabinets
Insulation materials - Which is best?
What to look for in quality windows
What to look for in a quality roof

Chapter 3 Towing tips 19
RV weight limits & terminology
Basic towing tips
Towing guidelines

Chapter 4 Customer Satisfaction 22
Interviews with existing RV owners
RV discussion forums
Additional RV online resources

Chapter 5 Dealer Ratings 24
Interviews with RV dealers (new and used)

Chapter 6 Resale Values 25
Depreciation chart
RV report service

Chapter 7 Rating Charts & Parameters 27
RV manufacturer rating chart (sample chart)
Rating definitions

Chapter 8 Travel Trailers 30
RV Manufacturer Rating Charts
2006 – 2007 rating chart
2008 – 2009 rating chart
2010 – 2011 rating chart
2012 – 2013 rating chart
2014 rating chart

Chapter 9 Fifth Wheels 38
RV Manufacturer Rating Chart
2006 – 2007 rating chart
2008 – 2009 rating chart
2010 – 2011 rating chart
2012 – 2013 rating chart
2014 rating chart

Chapter 10 RV Manufacturer Articles 45
List of RV manufacturers featured in book
Company background and history
Principle target customer
List of popular model(s)
Average MSRP of popular models
Editorial staff comments

Chapter 11 Conclusion 176
Acknowledgments
I would like to thank Linda Dahl and Ryan Eaton who assisted me in researching the RV
industry. Their dedication and hard work is truly appreciated. I would also like to thank my
lovely wife for her many hours of research and assistance. Because of her support,
encouraging words and belief in me, she has made it possible to write these resource
guides.

And in loving memory of my father, James Eaton (1937–2008) who encouraged me to write
an RV Rating Guide to help people make educated buying decisions.
Senior Editor and President
Randall Eaton

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Preface
Buying an RV can be one of the most rewarding purchases you’ll ever make. Imagine having
the freedom to travel whenever and wherever you want in a luxurious home on wheels.
Unlike the unfamiliar setting of a hotel room, your travel trailer allows you to bring along
the comforts and joys of your everyday life such as your own pillow, favorite board games,
golf clubs and other familiar comforts. There is no need to make hotel reservations or try to
decide where to eat.
Vacationing in an RV provides an excellent opportunity for families to have fun together. It
is estimated that owning an RV reduces vacation costs by 60%, which means you can afford
to get away more often. Take a weekend trip to your favorite get-a-way or visit America’s
amazing national parks and landmarks. Your RV is home away from home and can be ready
to take your family on a fun-filled adventure within hours.
This towable trailer guide was written in order to have information build upon information.
We suggest you start with Chapter 1 and read through the entire book. Then, as time
permits you may want to reread certain sections in whatever order you desire. We also
recommend highlighting areas of interest and taking this book with you as you shop
different RV dealers. “The contents of this guide may reflect certain opinions based on
research, study and experience; it is a work of advice and opinion. JR Consumer Resources
Inc. is not engaged in rendering or giving any legal or professional services. As such the
author and research team are not responsible for actions taken based upon the content of
this guide.”

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Introduction

There are a number of buying guides for RV consumers today but none offer fair and
balanced ratings, until now! To fulfill this need we at JR Consumer Resources Inc. have
published this Travel Trailer & Fifth Wheel Comparison Guide to help buyers understand
their options when considering a new our used trailer.

We remain committed to our readers by offering unbiased information about the RV
industry. We have NO hidden agendas. We receive NO commissions or advertising
kickbacks. We have not accepted any payments to promote one company over another.
We can assure you that all of the information contained in this guide is based on
independent research and countless interviews and is from an objective point of view. Our
company is a consumer based organization and we have not been hired by the RV industry
to promote their products or lifestyle.

About the Author: Hello my name is Randall Eaton, president and senior editor of JR
Consumer Resources Inc. I am a research analyst and a best-selling author. My specialty is
uncovering the truth about a particular industry and publishing the results. I have published
two best-selling books regarding manufactured and modular homes. Both books were the
first of their kind and have helped tens of thousands of homebuyers. Both books did the
impossible by rating individual housing manufacturers throughout the United States.

It’s ironic that many of our readers who purchased my housing publications suggested I
write a comparison guide for the recreational vehicle industry. With the help of my research
team, I decided to start researching the RV industry. Our goal was to rate the majority of
RV manufacturers in the United States and Canada. What started out as an idea many years
ago has turned into a rewarding and successful business. This guide focuses on
manufacturers that build; travel trailers, fifth wheels and toy haulers.

This amazing resource will answer your questions in regards to which RV manufacturers are
building quality models over multiple years. Knowing how the manufacturers compare to
each other is the first step towards making an educated buying decision.

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Chapter 1

What Type of Buyer Are You?

When we interviewed the manufacturers for this guide we asked the question, “How would
you best describe your customers?” They were able to choose from three selected
answers below:

• Entry-level Price being the biggest factor
• Mid-range Quality and price both playing a big role
• Upper-end Quality and style being the most important

Below are some terms you may or may not be familiar with. The way you intend to use your
RV will help define what type of buyer you are. When visiting an RV dealership your
salesperson will probably ask you, “How do you plan to use your RV?” Some common
terms used today are:

• Camper or Weekender
• Vacationer
• RV Trekking or Boondocking
• Working Solos
• Snowbirds
• Full-timer

How you will use your RV will determine the quality of construction, floorplan and options or
upgrades you’ll want to consider. It will also have an impact on the trailer frame,
suspension system, size of appliances, holding tanks and other operating systems. The
definitions listed above are not intended to cover every type of RVing but are common
terms used today that reflect certain types of people and how they use their RV. You will
probably be able to relate to one or more of the definitions listed below. This will help you
understand what type of buyer you are and type of products you should focus on in this
guide.

• Camper or Weekender: Those who take very short trips in their RV, typically for a
weekend or up to one week. This type of person would be considered a camper or
weekender. Nearly half of RVers are between the ages of 35 and 54 according to a
University of Michigan study. Many are working long hours and are seeking to get
away on the weekends. Whether near or far, weekend trips in an RV are getaways
from the daily routine. The growing trend is not just for families anymore, but for
anybody looking to recharge their batteries by visiting a familiar campground, friends
or a new destination each weekend. People that fall into this category typically spend
less than 45 days combined in their RV per year. If this describes you and your
traveling habits or desires then focus on companies that fall into the, Economy
category in this guide. This type of buyer would be considered an entry-level buyer.

• Vacationer: Many purchasing an RV dream about taking the family to popular
destinations for a few days or a couple of weeks at a time. Vacationing typically
involves taking week long trips during the summer months. It's easier on the kids
because there is no settling into a hotel and they have a greater sense of home and
familiarity with the family RV. Over time, an RV is well worth the investment instead
of hotel rooms, airline tickets and rental cars. People that fall into this category
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typically spend less than 65 days combined in their RV per year. If this describes
your traveling habits or desires, focus on companies that fall into the, Economy or
Above Average category in this guide. This type of buyer would be considered an
entry-level to mid-range buyer.

• RV Trekking or Boondocking: This describes a person who wants to get off the
beaten path, spend time away from the crowds and enjoy the outdoors. Trekking or
boondocking will require a heavy duty chassis or frame and a good suspension
system. The operating system needs to be made of high quality materials, which can
support two or more people for a week. RV trekkers or boondockers will typically
spend one to three months in their RV throughout the year. If this describes your
traveling habits or desires, focus on companies that fall into the, Premium or Above
Average category. This type of customer would be considered a mid-range to upper-
end buyer.

• Working Solos: This would describe entrepreneurs or salespeople who love the road
and the lifestyle it offers. Working Solos consider their RVs as their mobile office for
visiting clients, selling products and visiting multiple company locations. Many feel it
beats high priced hotels and with all the high-tech gadgets available today, like
“Automatic roof-mounted satellite systems”, Internet access is always just a
click away. On the weekends they can head back home or visit family and friends.
Working solos will typically use their RV for three to six months combined throughout
the year. If this describes you and you’re considering using an RV for this purpose
then you want a quality product and should focus on RV manufacturers in this guide
that fall in the, Premium or Above Average category. This type of customer would
be considered a mid-range or upper-end buyer.

• Snowbirds: Snowbirds like to head south during the winter months. They typically
leave during late fall or early winter and head for the sunshine. To live in both
climates they take their RV for an entire season and return home in spring or early
summer. During the summer months the RV generally sits unused until the cold
weather returns again. Snowbirds live in the RV for months at a time and
consideration should be given during the RV selection process to each person's
hygiene routine to ensure that the selected model will meet the needs. People
considering snowbirding must select a durable unit that can withstand up to six
months of constant use per year. Strong consideration must be given to the
floorplan, quality and feel of floor coverings, durable furniture and one-piece shower
units with good ventilation. Kitchen appliances need to be high-end to keep up with
constant use. If this describes your traveling habits or desires then focus on
companies that fall into the, Premium or Above Average category. This type of
buyer would be considered mid-range to upper-end.

• Full-timer: Many define full-timing to mean no house, condo or any other physical
roost to return to. Others allow that if someone is living and traveling in their RV up
to nine months out of the year they are considered a full-timer. They may stay in
one place for extended periods or roam from one destination to another. When
selecting a model the kitchen appliances must support the demands of year round
living. Bathrooms and plumbing fixtures must be of highest quality. One piece
tub/showers are recommended and ventilation in these areas must be good. It may
become cumbersome if the RV does not offer all required facilities, forcing the full-
timer to use RV park showers or other facilities, which can become inconvenient at
times. The heating system needs to be of high quality with proper amounts of
insulation to keep the unit nice and toasty during cold nights. Solid wood for the
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interior cabinets should be considered. The roof should be made of fiberglass or a
quality EPDM rubber roof with a 10 year warranty or longer. Laundry is a weekly task
and needs to be considered when selecting a particular model. Full-timing requires a
well-built RV with attention to detail from the chassis or frame to the roof and
everything in between. If this describes your traveling habits or desires then focus on
companies that fall into the Premium category. This type of buyer would be
considered an upper-end buyer.

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