Bad Repair records – which ones?
Question:
Steve Word of mouth advertising is the best you can get. Reccomendations from satisfied customers will build a business faster than all the yellow page ads there are. I would accept that kind of "Spam" for my business any day of the week. Best Mike N
Response:
I agree that the RV Consumer Group is extremely helpful. We decided to join because when spending thousands of dollars on an RV, it makes some sense to spend another hundred to get informed opinions, to find out what questions to ask…and we learned that the salespeople talk to you differently when you carry that green book into the dealership! You can call their hotline and ask questions, run some info by them… Wish we had done MORE research, because now that we are having problems, we are learning how difficult it is to find out exactly who has the bad repair records from ANY source other than RVCG. I have a feeling that people who purchase a dud or purchase from a manufacturer who won’t stand behind the product feel embarrassed to talk about it. What do others do when they have continuing problems with their RV? It appears that most just let themselves get beaten down, then finally take a major loss and either live with the rotten and rotting unit, or pay for their own repairs, or trade it in. It is possible for a good manufacturer to deliver a lemon…but they have to stand behind it. And we RV-ers have to STAND UP and SPEAK OUT about the way the RV industry treats the owners. Gwen in Southeast Pennsylvania 30 miles NW of Philadelphia RV-ing and Quilting across North America
Response:
All the different types of coach construction have their potential faults if done incorrectly or sloppily. Visiting a large RV show and doing your own close inspection will sort out the higher quality brands. Put as little weight as possible in what the salesmen will tell you, and return to inspect those you may be interested in after any bad press you get from their competitors. As far as repairs, most of those will be needed on the chassis, drivetrain, and interior appliances, and there is little variation there from brand-to-brand. Steve – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Which Class C motorhomes (or Class A, for that matter) have notorious records for being problem vehicles? We’re looking for used MHs and, obviously want to stay clear of the really troublesome ones. Is there someplace where records of motorhomes are tabulated and reported? Thanx for your help.
Response:
writes: Pardon me, but the RV Consumers Group is a *non-profit* organization Really? What section of IRS code have they filed under? They might squeak by under education and 509(c)(3). Do they claim that? Sure would be a lame filing, though. They don’t need to SPAM as their members do a hell of a job. Steve
Steve, I too, was sceptical about the RVCG. One of their members approached me about 4 years ago to do some research for them. They wanted my $100 to join first and I thought that was pretty nervy. I also know that the opinions expressed by them are not infallible. I am not, currently, nor have I ever been a member. Last Fall, I got to see their rating book through a friend who had joined. I was impressed despite myself. My friend was looking to purchase a motorhome that RVCG had not rated well because of the wheel base ratio, however the model RVCG had reviewed was a gas puller, not the Diesel pusher my friend wanted. The wheels were in a different position. They called JD and he took the numbers they provided and rethought his opinion and gave them advice on the specific unit they desired. Before we buy a new unit, I’m going to spend the $100 bucks and join. He may not be the best game in town, but he’s the only game in town. I also plan on touring factories, interviewing owners, and doing my usual obsessive, compulsive thing. As you know, not all not-for-profits are 501c(3) organizations. All NFPs have salaried employees. You could ask them for their latest 990 and audited financial statement (which, as an NFP they’d have to give you), and a copy of their IRS dertimination and find out where the money goes. As a former grantmaker and trustee of a private foundation, I’d be interested in the results of your study. Would you be so kind as to post it here? Janet Wilder, The "Road Princess" Full-timing through North America E-mail: delete noQspam
Response:
Pardon me, but the RV Consumers Group is a *non-profit* organization
Really? What section of IRS code have they filed under? They might squeak by under education and 509(c)(3). Do they claim that? Sure would be a lame filing, though. They don’t need to SPAM as their members do a hell of a job. Steve
Response:
exceptionally good post on this issue, correctly commenting that: Right now you’re going to get responses from people who have never owned a "Wonder Bus" brand motorhome that hate everything about them. Are their opinions valid? You then might temper your input by saying who has owned a particular "Wonder-Bus" and how does that person feel. Again, you have to get the person who wrote the check to say he was a dope for doing so.
Now this is mostly valid. . . but is it NECESSARY to have bought a lemon in order to know that it’s not a good value? Hardly. Athough the author of the above note regularly expresses contempt for anyone who comments on a product without personally having bought it, the discerning buyer CAN identify some junk by inquiry and inspection. But having made a GOOD point, the poison leaks outa his keyboard with: There’s a commercial outfit that you’ll get spam from … from the members … that publishes a rather high priced book.
Pardon me, but the RV Consumers Group is a *non-profit* organization that does a pretty good job of objectively evaluating rv’s. Their $100 membership (or $50 for their Ratings Book) is considered expensive only by people who are penny wise and pound foolish. RVCG has NEVER, to my knowledge, spammed this or any other NG, but people who are members (and therefore know what they are talking about – hehehehe) regularly testify to their good results from same. I am NOT a member because I am not in the market, but I heartily endore the RVCG and recommend that anyone who’s not personally experienced but considering the purchase of an RV call 800 405-3325 and sign up. IMO the cost is mere pocket lint compared to making a mistake buying the wrong rig. Oh yeh – tell ‘em Steve W8IZ sent ya! 
Will KD3XR
Response:
Which Class C motorhomes (or Class A, for that matter) have notorious records for being problem vehicles? We’re looking for used MHs and, obviously want to stay clear of the really troublesome ones. Is there someplace where records of motorhomes are tabulated and reported? Thanx for your help.
Response:
Which Class C motorhomes (or Class A, for that matter) have notorious records for being problem vehicles? We’re looking for used MHs and,
I’ve observed that "repair" means different things to different folks here on the group. I tighten my own screws but have seen people hopping mad about having to take their 50-foot-"Wonder-Bus" in for screw tightening. I am also quite tolerant of manufacturers as long as they are working to get something fixed. Others get hopping mad if everything doesn’t work the minute you unbox your RV. Brand loyalty is also a factor. Plunking down $250k on a "Wonder-Bus" inclines a fellow to believe he has the best of the best. You VERY rarely hear "I was the jerk who paid a quarter-mil on a rolling wreck!" (I’ve had three motorhomes. Two were/are Winnies. I would have no other brand. Others hate them. I can’t stand the Fleetwood products. Others swear by them.) You’re asking for opinions that have more at work in them than you may be bargaining for. Right now you’re going to get responses from people who have never owned a "Wonder Bus" brand motorhome that hate everything about them. Are their opinions valid? You then might temper your input by saying who has owned a particular "Wonder-Bus" and how does that person feel. Again, you have to get the person who wrote the check to say he was a dope for doing so. There’s a commercial outfit that you’ll get spam from … from the members … that publishes a rather high priced book. Good luck! Steve
