This book may be purchased online at the above website or by calling toll-free

Transcription

1 Published and distributed by J R Consumer Resources Inc Nicklaus Drive, Clarkston, WA Phone: (509) Fax: (866) info@jrconsumer.com This book may be purchased online at the above website or by calling toll-free J R Consumer Resources Inc. is a consumer based company that offers rating guides for recreation vehicles, modular homes and manufactured homes 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 by J R Consumer Resources Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without written permission from J R 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: Randall Eaton Cover picture: Entrance to Hells Canyon on the Snake River located in southeast corner of Washington State. RV images on cover: Top right: Gulf Stream Track & Trail Courtesy of Gulf Stream Coach Top middle: Gulf Stream Independence Courtesy of Gulf Stream Coach Top left: Safari Cheetah 2007 Courtesy Monaco Coach Corporation Bottom right: Fleetwood Bounder Diesel 2007 Courtesy of Fleetwood Enterprises Bottom middle: Keystone Montana 2007 Courtesy of Keystone RV Bottom left: Gulf Stream Ameri-Lite Courtesy of Gulf Stream Coach ISBN-10: X ISBN-13: Printed in the United States of America by DiggyPod, L.L.C Industrial, Suite A Saline, MI Toll Free First Edition

2 RV Comparison Guide Plus...Important Buying Tips! By Randall Eaton Featuring: Class A Motorhomes, Class C Motorhomes, Fifth Wheels & Travel Trailers A Comprehensive Rating Guide Comparing Over 98% of RV Manufacturers in North America Get the facts before you buy save time & money!

3 Contents Contents Acknowledgments Preface Introduction viii ix x Chapter 1. RV Manufacturers Featured 11 Company background and history U.S. Regions Company is strongest Principle target customer List of popular model(s) Price of popular model(s) Author s comments Chapter 2. Comparison Charts 13 Sample charts Rating parameters: Construction, Customer satisfaction, Dealer rating and Resale value Chapter 3. What Type of Buyer Are You? 18 Camper or Weekender Vacationer RV Trekking or Boondocking Working Solos Snowbirds Full-timer Chapter 4. Construction Techniques & Methods 21 What matters most? What components of a motorhome constitute the chassis? Travel trailer frames what to look for Exterior wall construction - What to look for Types of fiberglass siding Which is better - fiberglass or aluminum siding for travel trailers? Interior finish Insulation materials - Which is best? What to look for in quality windows What to look for in a quality roof Chapter 5. Customer Satisfaction 33 Online Resources Interviews with existing RV owners RV discussion forums v

4 Contents Chapter 6. Dealer Ratings 36 Interviews with RV dealers (new and used) Chapter 7. Resale Values 38 Depreciation chart New versus used Chapter 8. Class A Diesel & Gas Motorhomes 41 Airstream (Thor) Monaco Beaver (Monaco) Newmar Country Coach Rexhall Damon (Thor) Safair (Monaco) Fleetwood Tiffin Foretravel Travel Supreme Holiday Rambler Triple E Itasca Western RV King of the Road Winnebago Rating Chart Class A Diesel Motorhomes Rating Chart Class C Gas Motorhomes Chapter 9. Class C Motorhomes 83 Bigfoot Four Winds (Thor) Born Free Glendale RV Coach House Gulf Stream Coachmen RV Jayco Dynamax Lazy Daze Forest River Thor Industries Rating Chart Class C Motorhomes Chapter 10. Fifth Wheels & Toy Haulers 109 Ameri-Camp Fleetwood Glendale RV Holiday Rambler Jayco Keystone King of the Road Rating Chart Fifth Wheels & Toy Haulers New Horizons RV Newmar Nu-Wa Peterson Ind. Skyline Teton Homes Travel Supreme Western RV vi

5 Contents Chapter 11. Travel Trailers 142 Airstream (Thor) Bigfoot Carriage Inc Casita Coachmen RV CrossRoads RV (Thor) Dutchman (Thor) Extreme RV Forest River Gulf Stream K-Z Northwood Starcraft RV Sunline Coach SunnyBrook Thor Triple E Rating Chart Travel Trailers Chapter 12. Conclusion 179 What does the future look like? RV communities Chapter 13. Buying Tips & RV Resources 181 Free buying tips online How to select the right RV 10 tips for selling your used RV Discussion forums Cell phone and Internet access Popular RV magazines Popular RV websites Chapter 14. RV Manufacturers Contact Information 188 Notes vii

6 Acknowledgments Acknowledgments I would like to thank Mindy Spar, Cindy Meyer and Melissa Syverson who assisted me in my research. Their dedication and hard work is truly appreciated. I would like to thank my lovely wife who has supported me throughout the years. Her encouraging words, patience and belief in me, has made it possible to write these resource guides. I also want to thank my dad, Jim Eaton, who encouraged me to put forth a comparison that he felt, was desperately needed for the industry. Randall Eaton viii

7 Preface 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 RV 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% to 75%, 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 guide was written in order to have information build upon information. I suggest you start with Chapter 1 and read through the entire book. Then, as time permits and need requires, you may want to reread certain sections in whatever order you desire. I 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. J R 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. ix

8 Introduction Introduction There are a number of buying guides for RVers today but none combined buying tips with a fair rating system, until now! To fulfill this need we at J R Consumer Resources Inc. have published an RV comparison guide. 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 of J R 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 home buyers. Both books did the impossible by rating individual housing manufacturers throughout the United States. Many predicted that a comparison guide rating popular manufacturers was impossible. It wasn t easy and many in the industry would not talk about or reveal statistics or other information that could be useful. This being said, I discovered ways to conduct research without jeopardizing those we interviewed. Since 1999 both books have been considered the #1 resource for buying a manufactured or modular home. If you re interested in a factory-built home or would like to learn more about the benefits in utilizing this type of construction you can visit our website at: About two years ago I decided to write an RV guide with the help of my research team to rate popular RV manufacturers in the United States. It s ironic that many of our readers who purchased my housing publications suggested I write a comparison guide on RVs. This confirmed my initial thoughts about such a task, so we decided to start researching the RV industry. There are more than 3,500 RV dealers in the United States, selling a variety of products from folding camping trailers to full size million-dollar deluxe diesel coaches. There are approximately 125 RV manufacturers in the country. This guide focus on 98% of the industry in North America. This guide will give you an overview of the industry and rate popular manufacturers with insightful tips and suggestions. My hope is that after reading my RV Comparison Guide you will be able to determine which RV manufacturer is right for you. This guide is intended to save you valuable time by outlining where particular companies fall regarding quality construction, dealer and customer satisfaction and resale value. If you have any questions or comments regarding this guide please me at info@jrconsumer.com. I will try to respond to your questions or comments in a timely manner. x

9 RV Manufacturers Featured RV Manufacturers Featured Chapter 1 Overall the RV industry has been open to speaking with me and my research team. As expected, a few companies declined to speak with us but most welcomed the chance to get their information out. Within this guide there are over 55 different RV manufacturers rated; including in-depth articles. RV Manufacturers RV Manufacturers RV Manufacturers Airstream (Thor) Four Winds (Thor) Nu-Wa Alfa Leisure General Coach BC Peterson Industries Ameri-Camp Georgie Boy Rexhall Beaver (Monaco) Glendale RV R-Vision (Monaco) Bigfoot Gulf Stream Safair (Monaco) Born Free Holiday Rambler Skyline Carriage Itasca Sportscoach Casita Jayco Starcraft RV Coach House Keystone Sunline Coach Coachmen RV King of the Road SunnyBrook Country Coach K-Z Teton Homes CrossRoads (Thor) Lazy Daze Thor California Damon (Thor) Mandalay (Thor) Tiffin Dutchmen (Thor) McKenzie (Monaco) Travel Supreme Dynamax Monaco Triple E Extreme RV National RV Western RV Fleetwood New Horizons RV Winnebago Forest River Newmar Foretravel Northwood Each article provides important information that is easy to understand with helpful facts and insight into each manufacturer. Each article is broken down into seven separate parts: Company background and history U.S. regions company is strongest in Principle target customer List of popular model(s) Price of popular model(s) Authors comments 11

10 RV Manufacturers Featured Company Background and History: My goal is to give you a brief description or, Snap Shot of each company based on interviews and information from each company s website. This is in no way intended to be an in-depth analysis but simply to put forth some basic facts about each company. This gives you some insight into how the company got its start and the main focus or direction the company is heading. U.S. Regions the Company is Strongest In: Knowing where a particular company is located and the areas the company is strongest in regarding sales volume does have its advantages. For example, Tiffin Motorhomes is very popular in the SE and SW but most living in the NW have never heard of Tiffin. Another example is Northwood Manufacturing, which produces the Arctic Fox and Nash product. While the company is popular in the NW and Canada, very few have heard of Arctic Fox in the SW. Knowing this information upfront will help you save time and streamline your selection process. Principle Target Customer: This is an important piece of information. Whether you re an upper-end, mid-range or an entry-level buyer, this guide will help you focus on companies that meet your expectations and comfort level. By listing the types of customers that RV manufacturers are marketing to, you will be able to concentrate on products that are within your budget. Chapter 3, What Type of Buyer Are You? goes into more detail about this topic. List of Popular Model(s): With each RV manufacturer I try to list the company s most, popular model(s) based on sales volume in each category. While a manufacturer may list a certain model as their most popular that does not mean it is the only model available. If you see a company with a good rating and they offer the type of RV product you re considering be sure to visit the company s website or stop by an RV dealer that offers that particular brand or model to learn more. Average Retail Price: In each article I try to list the average retail price of the most popular model(s) based on our research and/or interview with the company. It is only intended to give you a quick reference point for that particular model. You also need to be aware that within a model or series there are usually many different sizes, floor plans, options and a wide range of pricing. The price may fluctuate depending on where you live. (Please don t assume when we show an average price for a popular model it is the only model being offered by that company.) Authors Comments: During my time researching this industry I ve learned a few things about each company featured in this guide. Sometimes, I ll say what I like and don t like about a particular company. Many of my comments will reveal what previous owners have said about a particular company or products. Other times I will offer some suggestions or constructive criticism. My comments are opinions and only serve to add additional insight. 12

11 Comparison Charts Chapter 2 Comparison Charts This is not a model specific comparison guide where we purchase individual RV models and run them through a grueling testing period and then make our recommendations. Instead I wanted to rate individual RV manufacturers and put forth a rating based on overall performance in the areas of quality of construction, customer s satisfaction, dealer ratings and resale value. Many considering an RV are overwhelmed with all the choices and models being offered today. This comparison guide will help you learn who s who in the industry and how RV companies compare to one another. I do list best selling models based on interviews but my main focus is to concentrate on RV manufacturers. I believe understanding how RV manufacturers compare to each other is the first step in deciding which models to consider. This guide focuses on: Class A motorhomes Class C motorhomes Fifth wheels, (including toy haulers) Travel trailers This guide does not cover folding campers, tent trailers, truck campers or class B, (conversion vans). It s also important to note that I do not rate every RV manufacturer. As I update this guide I will try to include as many RV companies as possible. After a couple of hours of reading this guide you should have enough information to make wise and informed decisions, regarding your RV purchase. I have included detailed comparison charts at the end of each chapter that rates the manufacturers in each category. The chart shown below, for example, appears at the end of Chapter 8, which features Class A motorhomes. The chapter begins with different articles featuring each company that my research team and I have interviewed or researched and concludes with a comparison chart. My goal was to produce a chart that allows RV buyers a quick reference point when shopping for an RV, based on classification and price range. 13

12 Comparison Charts Sample Rating Chart Class A Diesel Motorhomes R Class Type Manufacturer Popular Model SC Price Range C CS DR RV Points Rating 1 P AD Company A Adventure AD 680K - 376K P AD AD 515K - 200K P AD AD 750K - 230K AA AD Company B Mountain Travel AG 380K - 175K AA AD AG 279k - 150K AA AD FW 330k - 230K E AD Company C Supreme Series TT 258K - 150K E AD AG 259k - 155K E AD AD 220K - 140K

13 Comparison Charts (R) = Ranking: The first category at top of the chart is, (R). Each manufacturer will be placed according to total points received within each classification. Regarding class please see description below. Class: The second category is called, Class. This category is broken up into three separate parts: (P) Premium (AA) Above Average (E) Economy Most buyers have a budget or set amount they are willing to pay for a particular product based on perceived value. An RV buyer will typically fall into one of the three categories listed above. Whether you re an upper-end, mid-range or an entry-level buyer this guide will help you focus on companies that meet your expectations and comfort level. In the example above Company A is number one in the Premium category. Company B and C are also in the number one position based on their classification. It would not be fair to compare Company A to Company C because both are appealing to different types of buyers with construction differences and prices. (P) = Premium: Denotes that the product is well-appointed, offers excellent performance and utilizes quality materials. This type of product is priced accordingly and is considered top of the line or the best of the best. Companies that fall into the premium category are appealing to upper-end buyers with quality and style being the most important. (AA) = Above Average: Denotes that the product offers many popular features, performs well and uses quality materials at a price below the top of the line products. Companies that fall into the above average category are appealing to mid-range buyers, price and quality both playing an important role. (E) = Economy: Denotes that the product offers satisfactory performance with basic features only, at an affordable price for those on a tight budget. Companies that fall into the economy category are appealing to entry-level buyers, price being the biggest factor. Type: The third category called, Type, refers to a specific type of RV being featured: (AD) Class A diesel motorhome (AG) Class A gas motorhome (C) Class C motorhomes (FW) Fifth wheel trailers (TT) Travel trailer 15

14 Comparison Charts Manufacturer: This is the particular RV company, which manufactures the product being rated. Popular Model: The most popular model category is only intended to give my readers some insight into the company s best selling model for the last six months. This does not mean that this is the only model you should focus on but serves as a reference point. Most manufacturers offer a wide range of models within a category so be sure to look at a number of models before making your decision. (SC) = Strongest Category: The sixth category called, Strongest Category, typically refers to the classification of product the company delivered in a twelve month period. This could mean the company sold the most units of that particular classification last year or the company believes they specialize or focus more on that particular classification. For example, a company may manufacture a number of types of products but lists: FW, (fifth wheel) as their strongest category based on sales volume or quality of construction. Some companies will receive a high rating in a particular category but may not list that particular category as their strongest category. This only serves as a quick reference point and does not mean that any other product the company offers is inferior. Price Range: The seventh category listed in the rating chart is called Price Range. In this category I try to give my readers a quick overview of prices being offered by a company in that particular category. Once again a company may offer a wide range of products from upper-end to entry-level in that category (ex: TT or FW). These prices should be close but manufacturers have the right to increase their prices at their discretion so if I am off a bit that is why. Rating parameters Categories 8, 9, 10 and 11 of the rating chart comprise the ratings for each manufacturer. While there are many different approaches or criteria I could use to rate each company, I decided to focus on: (C) Construction (CS) Customer satisfaction (DR) Dealer rating (RV) Resale value Within each category a manufacturer receives a rating based on our research and data collected. Each category C, CS, DR and RV has a possible 25 points, a 100 being a perfect score. (C) = Construction: Most, if not all, RV buyers are concerned with the construction of the unit being considered. Category 8, construction, is an important factor in the overall rating of each manufacturer. To learn more about how I arrived at my conclusions regarding construction, please see Chapter 4, (Construction Methods & Techniques). 16

15 Comparison Charts (CS) = Customer Satisfaction: We spoke with many RV owners and listened to what they had to say. Their experience and insight was especially helpful regarding the area of customer satisfaction. We have spent hundreds of hours speaking with different individuals both in and outside of the industry. We have read numerous books and articles pertaining to the industry as well. We have also read a number of studies that have been conducted by universities and other non profit organizations, which have been helpful. Chapter 5 goes into more detail about how I arrived at my conclusions regarding customer satisfaction. (DR) = Dealer Rating: In category 10, dealer rating, many different RV dealers and salespeople were interviewed to arrive at my conclusions. Both perspectives are important and help paint a broad overview of the industry and how RV dealers view the different manufacturers. We did not stop there; other important groups we spoke with were the different organizations like RVDA, (Recreation Vehicle Dealer Association) or RVIA, (Recreation Vehicle Industry Association) who work in conjunction with the industry. Their thoughts and comments also helped bring into focus the way I was going to approach this topic. Please refer to Chapter 6, (Dealer Ratings), which goes into more detail about this subject. (RV) = Resale Value: Many we spoke with were concerned about Resale Value which is the final category. Chapter 7 takes a more in-depth look at this topic and how I arrived at my conclusions. Total Points: All four categories, 8, 9, 10 and 11 are totaled to determine ranking and position within each classification. Rating: I decided to use a point system for rating individual RV manufacturers points Excellent 7-8 points Very Good 5 6 points Average 3 4 points Below Average 1 2 points Poor When shopping for an RV please remember this is just an overall rating of RV manufacturers based on our research, interviews, construction techniques and other resources. After reading this guide you ll be equipped to make informed decisions based on years of research which is intended to save you valuable time. For those of you interested in a guide that rates individual models you should consider RV Consumer Group at 17

16 What Type of Buyer Are You? Chapter 3 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, floor plan and options or upgrades you ll want to consider. It will also have an impact on the frame or chassis, 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 a 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 then 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. 18

17 What Type of Buyer Are You? 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 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 out doors. 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 upperend 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 floor plan, 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. 19

18 What Type of Buyer Are You? 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 fulltimer 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 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. 20

19 Construction Methods & Techniques Construction Methods & Techniques Chapter 4 In this chapter I focus on things like, what to look for in a chassis or frame. Different types of roofing materials and the pros and cons with each. You will also learn about common construction methods for exterior walls and types of insulation being used, and other important construction methods. We have spoken with many plant managers from various RV companies, which has been helpful in putting this chapter together. This chapter is in no way intended to include every aspect of the construction process. In my housing publications I incorporated construction guidelines to follow, which have proven to be very popular with my readers. Having the ability to compare brands and models to a set of construction standards that properly reflect a structurally sound product is very helpful and eliminates any confusion when trying to determine overall construction quality of a particular product. I have toured many manufactured home factories and I am familiar with how factory-built homes are constructed and the various methods used. There are many similarities between the two industries. This gives me an advantage when comparing different RV manufacturers and rating them based on construction techniques. When rating large manufacturers that produce a wide range of units spanning multiple categories, I tried to look at the big picture and determine who they were appealing to and common building methods used throughout their product line-up. (If you are looking at a manufacturer or model not featured in this book the information below will be helpful in determining the quality of product.) As we conducted our research we discovered that most RV salespeople did not know much about the overall construction methods of the product they were selling. This bothered me and it made me look deeper into the industry to see how much those at the top knew about construction techniques. Surprisingly, most in upper management were also somewhat hesitant in explaining which construction techniques were best, and what to look for in a quality built RV unit. I was beginning to think we would never finish this section until we decided to contact individual plant managers to see if they could shed some light on the subject. To our surprise, many plant managers were delighted to speak with us and they had the technical knowledge we were looking for. What matters most? A common misconception with most new RV buyers is they rate the floor plan as the most important aspect in their RV purchase. It is estimated that over 90% of new RV buyers focus more on floor plans then anything else. With 21

20 Construction Methods & Techniques experienced or educated RV buyers it is estimated that over 90% focus on the chassis or frame, drive train, engine, suspension and exterior construction when selecting a particular brand. Bottom line, what s underneath your motorhome, trailer or fifthwheel is the most important aspect and should take top priority in your decision process. Focusing on these important features will ultimately determine how satisfied you are with your purchase. What components of a motorhome constitute the chassis? A motorhome can be divided into two main components the body and the chassis. The chassis basically includes the frame, engine, transmission, axles, wheels, brakes, cooling system, electrical system, steering system, suspension and instrumentation. Looking at a motorhome chassis is like looking at a home that has not been constructed yet. I wish there was some type of comparison chart or consumer guide for motorhome chassis but there is not. Each chassis design is extremely difficult to evaluate because there are so many variables. It s also subjective depending on who you talk to, thus the reason for no comparison guide. I will attempt in this section to provide some needed information that will hopefully shed some light on the subject so buyers can make informed decisions when trying to select the right chassis for them. Frame Rail and Semi-Monocoque: The chassis under all Class A motorhomes today starts out as a basic Frame Rail, as the picture above shows. 99% of all RV manufacturers will take the basic frame rail chassis and incorporate cross braces and bridge-like construction in the bottom half of the chassis, so the strength lies not in the narrow center of the frame, but throughout its weight distribution. By doing this, the steel structure absorbs and resists the twist and turns of the road ahead without relying on non load-bearing components to do the work. This advanced engineering is challenging and time consuming but results in a safe, reliable and high-performance motorhome. This type of chassis is referred to as, Semi-Monocoque. Semi-monocoque construction technique is like that of a steel bridge with support elements diagonally placed between vertical and horizontal elements. Today most manufacturers use a semimonocoque type chassis as the picture to the left shows. Many consider a full or semi-monocoque design superior to a standard frame rail design. This type of design has become common place in the industry and is considered to be main stream. 22

21 Construction Methods & Techniques I do need to point out, there is a manufacturer called Western RV which has taken the basic frame rail design and improved it greatly. Western RV is located in Yakima, Washington and they produce a custom chassis called, Peak Chassis. The company has improved on the basic frame rail by adding additional supports which are bolted on and not welded to strengthen the overall frame, which provides a comfortable ride without the squeaks and rattles once associated with a basic frame rail design. They have received a number of awards for their design and it has proven to be a reliable chassis. In a way they are using a semi-monocoque approach but instead of welding they are bolting supports to the frame rail. Bottom line, I would recommend this type of chassis and they do receive high ratings in my book. Other than Peak Chassis, all other chassis manufacturers build a semimonocoque design by welding supports to the basic frame rail to modify the standard frame rail to include a semi-monocoque design at the plant. Chassis manufacturers like Spartan, Freightliner and Ford to name a few, supply frame rails to a number of different manufacturers. Winnebago, for example, works closely with Freightline to produce their own semi-custom version chassis called the, Evolution Chassis for Winnebago s Vectra series. Evolution represents in Winnebago s mind the next generation of diesel pusher technology with one-piece formed steel chassis rails that are 25% thicker than traditional raised rails for added strength and performance without the restrictive bulk and weight of stacked rails. Formed rails also provide increased mid-section storage, better weight distribution and improved suspension with an impressive 56 wheel cut, for even more luxury performance. Custom chassis: Any chassis that is custom made for a particular model has to be considered superior. Manufacturers that own a chassis company and build their own chassis on-site are serious about providing the best possible chassis available. While some may disagree on which design is best, custom chassis are in my book a step above the rest. Here is list of some manufacturers that provide a custom chassis: 1. Western RV (Peak Chassis) 2. Country Coach (Dynomax) 3. Monaco/Holiday Rambler (Roadmaster) 4. Foretravel (Foretravel Chassis) To expand on this subject I have taken text from Country Coach s website that explains their custom chassis in more detail. DynoMax chassis are engineered to the specific sizing, load and performance needs of Country Coach motorcoaches, with no other applications. Country Coach Engineers with decades of design experience are supported by the latest in computer aided and three-dimensional drafting technology. Not believing in "bolt-on" solutions, Country Coach engineers partner with companies like HWH and Caterpillar to provide unique and improved (and often patented) applications of developed technologies. Not a length of steel is cut for a DynoMax chassis until the motorcoach it is intended for has been ordered. As each chassis is intended for a specific coach, Country Coach avoids the rust, wear and obsolescence often created by needing to maintain a chassis "yard". DynoMax chassis are designed per floor plan or per 23

22 Construction Methods & Techniques customer, never simply per length. This flexibility leads to ease of maintenance, better floor plans and a superior motorcoach. I included the text above because I wanted my readers to understand, that when a manufacturer builds a custom chassis to fit under a particular model it s a cut above the rest. Newmar s website shows a video explaining the process of how a standard frame rail chassis is modified to include a semi-monocoque type design. To view their website go to, Click on, Why Newmar and then click on the construction link. I could not move on without spending some time talking about Roadmaster Chassis, which is a division of Monaco Coach Corporation. Roadmaster is one of the leading high-end diesel chassis manufactured in the United States. In fact, they have more motorhome chassis experience than any other manufacturer because that s all they specialize in. According to Roadmaster s website, We have a 100% commitment to producing only chassis for luxury diesel motorhomes. No delivery vans, garbage trucks or cement mixers. And that s something no other chassis manufacturer can say. It all starts with the desire to build a chassis that meets the exacting specifications of our top-of-the-line Monaco and Holiday Rambler coaches. At Roadmaster, every chassis is custom engineered for a specific model and floorplan, to ensure that everything works together seamlessly. In addition, by investing in state-of-the-art production facilities, we can count on greater efficiency and a higher level of quality. By completely integrating the design and assembly process from start to finish, we have superior accountability and total control. I really like the company s website and if you have time you owe it to yourself to visit their website, which is loaded with valuable information at Semi-custom chassis: This type of chassis is a step down from a custom design chassis but still a very good chassis none the less. Some manufacturers will purchase a stock or standard chassis from a company like Ford, Workhorse, Freightliner or Spartan and modify the design to improve the overall strength and performance. Stock-chassis: No real modifications have taken place with this type of chassis system. Usually found on entry-level Class A motorhomes. I found a good article online that goes into more detail at Travel trailer frames what to look for There are many different types or designs when it comes to travel trailer frames but the most common are: Tubular frames, (aluminum or steel) Stamped frames (steel, see picture below) C-channel frames, (steel) I-beams, (steel) 24

23 Construction Methods & Techniques The size and design of the frame will vary depending on the size of the unit and its classification. For example, a lightweight travel trailer will probably have a 4 or 6 aluminum tubular frame. The benefits in using aluminum is, it s lighter and won t rust. Another popular frame being used today in lightweight trailers is called an, Ultra Frame or Ultra-lite. The picture below shows an Ultra-lite frame, it is a stamped frame with oval holes cut-out running along the sides. I have heard of some complaints with this type of frame and I would caution people to do their research before purchasing a travel trailer with this design. I am not suggesting this is a bad design or it won t hold up over time but I would prefer a tubular frame for a lightweight travel trailer compared to a stamped frame. When it comes to premium travel trailers or fifth wheels most manufacturers will use steel I-beams or tubular steel frames. In addition to the frame most companies will incorporate cross-members for additional structural integrity and outriggers supporting the exterior weight of the walls. The next step down from steel I-beams or tubular steel frames, in my opinion, is the C-channel frame. C- channel is a good frame but it does have less steel compared to an I-beam or tubular frame and is probably the most common frame with mid-size trailers and light-weight fifth wheels. Below is how I rate the different frames being used in the travel trailers and fifth wheel categories: 1. Superior (Steel I-beams or steel tubular frames with cross-members and outriggers for additional support). 2. Good (C-channel steel frames with cross-members and outriggers for additional support). 3. Average (Tubular aluminum frames and outriggers for additional support for light-weight TT only). 4. Poor - (Stamped steel or aluminum frames for light-weight travel trailers). Remember, overloading a travel trailer or fifth wheel is easy to do. I recommend going with a stronger frame, which can support additional weight if the need arises. You have heard of the old saying, Plan for the worst and hope for the best. 25

24 Construction Methods & Techniques Exterior wall construction - What to look for Aluminum versus wood exterior construction: Both framing materials have their good points and bad points. Wood has traditionally been the material of choice for lower-costing RVs because it's cheap and easy to work with using inexpensive tools and non-skilled labor. Yet, wood framing can also be found in upper-end units, because it's also a good choice for RV construction. Wood framing can last as long as aluminum framing assuming it does not get wet. Generally, wood framing is less expensive, it s flexible, it's not a good conductor of temperature variations and it s fairly easy to repair. The biggest disadvantage is that wood can rot when it repeatedly gets wet and that's a consideration for long-term RV ownership in moist climates. Another consideration is bug infestation, which could lead to problems as well. The picture to the right shows standard aluminum siding, fiberglass insulation and wood framing. Aluminum framing has long been associated with more expensive RVs, at least partly because it generally costs more to work with aluminum and requires some specialized equipment and skilled labor. Most aluminum walls are welded using a single or double weld, (double welded being the strongest). Many manufacturers use a vacuum press where each wall is bonded under extreme pressure usually between 800 to 1,200 lbs. of pressure per square inch creating a solid one-piece composite structure. Aluminum frames leave no room for water to collect and are not susceptible to rot which destroys many wood-framed structures from the inside out. Vacuum-bonded composite walls set the highest standard for durability in the RV industry. The framing and vacuum-bonding process requires higher degrees of precision and attention to detail than traditional woodframing processes. Aluminum provides a rigid and durable base around which to build the unit while also making it lighter (compared to wood-frames). We are not opposed to using wood in RVs and we give a number of manufacturers a high rating that use wood framing. Some manufacturers that use wood frame construction tell us that wood frames won't crack at joints and handles the stresses placed on their coaches better than aluminum framed walls. You need to do your homework and come to your own conclusions regarding type of framing material. I have my own personal opinions on the subject but here again it s subjective at best. 26

25 Construction Methods & Techniques If you decide on aluminum framing be sure to ask your salesperson if all 6-sides are aluminum. Many companies will say their unit has aluminum construction but that may mean only the two side walls. The construction of the front and back walls are wood or it could be that all four walls are aluminum and the roof and floor are wood. So, be sure to ask the question and be specific. The picture here shows 6-sided aluminum construction. Types of fiberglass siding 1. (Best) Filon siding with Gelcoat and Clearcoat- smoothest surface, highest gloss, "wet look luster" and most expensive. 2. (Good) Filon siding with gelcoating-smooth, no glass fibered texture, higher gloss. 3. (Average) Filon siding-smooth but with glass fiber texture and lowest gloss. When selecting any siding, look beyond what the salesman says and read the actual specs from the manufacturer so you know what your actually getting and paying for! Generally speaking, fiberglass is the material of choice in the above average and premium categories. However, even some premium units have aluminum siding. It comes down to personal choice and function. Hopefully, reading the information above has helped you in determining which siding is best for you. Which is better - fiberglass or aluminum siding for travel trailers? Trying to select the right siding material can cause some frustration for many RV buyers. If you take the logical approach to the subject, most will be able to select the right siding based on the features or benefits of either material. Below is a list of pros and cons with both materials: Fiberglass is much more resilient to hail and other sorts of airborne damage. Most fiberglass or filon sidewalls are bonded to a wood backing material, (up to a quarter of an inch thick). This backing or support along with the protective layer of gelcoat helps prevent denting with fiberglass. Weight is one factor. Aluminum skins are generally lighter. In a 25 foot trailer the difference can be several hundred pounds. If you re concerned about gas mileage, then aluminum will be the better choice. 27

26 Construction Methods & Techniques Fiberglass has less condensation. Aluminum has the property of drawing moisture from the air, like a soda can sitting on a counter top. In a trailer, the warm, moist air is inside your trailer, so the condensation will tend to occur on the inside of your aluminum sidewall. This could lead to worse problems in the long run. Fiberglass offers better insulation. Aluminum is a conductor of temperature and wood is a far superior insulator. The transfer of heat (in or out) will tend to be far less in a wood/fiberglass exterior than an aluminum exterior. As a side note, some aluminum trailers have had improvements made in these areas (condensation and heat transfer) even with the aluminum sidewalls. This is achieved by the use of a waterproof vapor barrier commonly called foam board. This foam board resides between the aluminum and the inner-wall, thereby separating the outer layer of aluminum from all the warm, most air inside the trailer, as well as the framing and insulation contained within the sidewall. Aluminum costs less than fiberglass. When aluminum is damaged, it requires the removal and replacement of large segments of aluminum siding which can be expensive. With fiberglass, the repair can be localized to the site of the damage, easily patched and filled, much like the repair you might make to a fiberglass boat. Naturally, the repair I am describing here is a minor repair such as a small puncture or scrape. Major body work is a pain on either type of material. Some feel that fiberglass has a tendency to fade or crack in hot climates when exposed to the sun year round. Others believe with proper care and maintenance this is not a problem. Many feel smooth, fiberglass sidewalls are easier to clean and care for than the wavy aluminum sidewalls. The perception is that fiberglass is more stylish compared to aluminum. If style is important, then choose fiberglass. Interior finish At the beginning of this chapter I mentioned that most first time buyers typically focus on floor plans when selecting an RV. In this section I will try to point out what to look for when considering RV interiors. When people enter an RV they are typically drawn to the wood cabinetry. Quality cabinets are beautiful to look at and even better to use and enjoy. Most buyers want quality cabinets in their RV but as the old saying goes, You get what you pay for. This is true in most cases but there are some economy products out there that do offer average to above average cabinets. 28

27 Construction Methods & Techniques Cabinets: All-wood cabinets and frames are rare in most RVs because of the weight issue and cost factor. The best type of cabinet will be constructed of solid hardwood doors and fronts that are predrilled, screwed and glued and will have a quality stain and furniture grade finish that provides long lasting beauty and durability. The next step down is laminated fronts which can peel or tear over time. The cheapest cabinets will use a paper wrap. Try wiping that clean with Windex and it would melt. Most cabinet frames are made from particle board or plywood with a laminated, wrapped imprint which looks like wood. This type of cabinet frame, properly installed by a skilled craftsman, is almost indistinguishable from solid wood. Here is a tip; open a cabinet door and feel behind the stiles for the edges of the paper or laminate wrap. Feel the diagonal holes. If ragged, the tools used to bore the holes were not sharp. Look to see if the cabinets were screwed or stapled together. Quality cabinets will be screwed and glued together. Look for thin, plastic bead used to cover flawed joints in cabinets and joints. Look for rub stick applied to staple and nail holes and rubbed into gaps to cover poor workmanship and fool the eye. Consider the hinges and drawer glides. Doors and drawers that open and close smoothly and without banging, probably have better quality fittings. Look at the number of hinges on the doors of taller cabinets. Better manufacturers use three hinges on tall doors. Also, compare warranties. How long the cabinet manufacturer guarantees finish, hardware and hinges speaks of the product's quality. Plumbing fixtures: When looking at plumbing fixtures take some time to look under the kitchen sink to see if there is a shutoff value. Quality RVs will usually place shutoff valves at each fixture. Another big clue when looking at plumbing fixtures is to see if the fittings are made of brass or plastic, brass is far superior to plastic in my opinion and will hold up much better than plastic. Is the shower a full size unit? Is it a one-piece shower? I hear a lot of complaints when it comes to showers in RVs. If the shower is too small you re not going to be a happy camper. So, take time and step into the shower area to see if the size is adequate for you and your family. Is the toilet raised? Is it made of porcelain or plastic? A close examination of the pluming fixtures will give you some idea of the overall quality of the product. A good rule of thumb, if the pluming fixtures being offered are cheap you can be sure the other materials being used are of average to poor quality. Carpet and Upholstery: A standard carpet will typically have around 25 ounces of yarn per square yard. A quality carpet will have 35 to 50 ounces of yarn per square yard. Ask your salesperson about this to determine the quality of carpets being used. Some companies treat the carpets and upholstery with a fabric protector, which is always a good idea. Most RV manufacturers offer options or upgrades when it comes to carpets and upholstery. I recommend this upgrade to those of you that will be spending six months or longer in your RV per year. Check the warranty to see how long the carpets and upholstery are covered. This will give you some idea of the overall quality of the products being used. 29

28 Construction Methods & Techniques Insulation materials - Which is best? RV insulation comes in two primary types: fiberglass and Styrofoam. Most of us are familiar with the "R" value placed on these types of insulations. Thickness does contribute to reduction of heat or cool loss through the material. Fiberglass tends to have better "R" value than Styrofoam due to its heat penetration ratio relative to thickness. However, the "R" value to weight ratio favors Styrofoam. Also, the way the insulation material is sandwiched with other material to encapsulate it will add additional "R" value. Most Styrofoam panels are precision cut and fitted into the aluminum or wood framework. This adds additional structural security. Another important advantage of the Styrofoam panels is that they will not shift or settle. This keeps the insulation in place during the life of the unit. Ask your salesperson, which type of insulation material they use and how it is installed. I am not opposed to using fiberglass insulation and in many entry-level units it s common place. But if you re considering an above average or premium RV, then I recommend high-density Styrofoam versus fiberglass insulation. What to look for in quality windows Just because a window has dual panes does not ensure effective insulated values. The thickness of the glass panes and the space between the panes are all contributing factors to well insulated windows. Dual pane windows will reduce outside noise and provide better insulation in cold or hot climates. Some dual pane windows may have gas between the panes, which increases the R factor but from my experience gas tends to escape in a few years, which may lead to condensation problems developing between the two panes. So, be sure to check the thickness of glass, air-space between panes and ease of operation, this could help you decide which model is better constructed. What to look for in a quality roof When shopping for an RV, one must start with the chassis or frame as discussed in the beginning of this chapter, but, don t stop there. One must understand the different types and materials being used in today s roofs, along with various construction methods and techniques. The sky won t be the limit to your newfound travels if you experience problems associated with leaks, as they ll become the greatest of threats to the sanctity of your recreational vehicle. Of the four types of roofing available, aluminum, vinyl, rubber, and fiberglass- whichever one you choose (or which chooses you), always understand how vital proper repair and maintenance is, not only to the life of your investment, but to the quality of your travels. Annoying leaks can be impossible to track causing hundreds of repairs and hours of frustration. 30

29 Construction Methods & Techniques Once upon a time, aluminum roofs were king. For some people they still are. Aluminum is tough and lightweight, and, for the most part, low maintenance. You ll spend little time washing and removing stains, which isn t true of rubber. You d have to do something horrendous to tear an aluminum roof, and denting is possible but fixable. A quality-made aluminum roof can last and last. Just install it and forget it. On the other hand, of course, some believe it s more prone to damage from the elements of Mother Nature--wind, sand, hail, and various road debris. Others dislike the sound of every raindrop tinkering overhead. The one-piece thin aluminum roof sounds good and is used by salespeople as a selling feature to get you to buy. Many in the industry that we talked to are not impressed with aluminum roofs because of the tendency for expansion and contraction from heat and cold which in turn causes leaks around the vents and seams. Aluminum roofs were king until EPDM rubber (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) came along in EPDM has become the norm since Manufacturers say rubber roofing offers low maintenance, ease of repair, clean appearance, noise insulation, and better insulation from temperature. It s not only popular with new construction, but with roof replacement also. It s capable of withstanding temperature variations from -62 degrees F to 300 degrees F without cracking or deteriorating. EPDM is not only easy to work with, but is compatible with other materials used in most roofing applications. It s essentially one of the best water resistant products known. Even in an uncured state it s not water-soluble. The same rubber has been used with superior results in hoses, tires, and other molded products. At the center of the battle between aluminum and rubber is the fact that rubber can tear. A low hanging tree branch, for example, can rip or mar a rubber roof. Stains from a variety of sources can be tough to remove, and oxidation caused by the sun is a problem. Chalking, flaking, and streaking can also be a factor over time. A number of RV dealers I spoke with told me rubber roofs don t last a long as the rubber manufacturers claim and RVs with rubber roofs take a hit on resale value when it s time to sell or trade in. Most agree that with the proper care, rubber roofs can last upwards of 10 to 15 years. Another type of roofing material being used today is vinyl or T.P.O. What is T.P.O. anyway? It stands for, Thermalplastic Polyolefin. T.P.O. or vinyl roofs are relatively new in the industry but those I spoke with seem to think vinyl offers more advantages compared to rubber. Vinyl manufacturers claim that vinyl roofs are lighter compared to rubber roofs and they do not chalk like some rubber roofs. Most vinyl roofs are installed as one solid piece and should not streak or stain the sidewalls of your RV according to vinyl manufacturers. It seems vinyl is gaining in popularity with RV buyers and dealers across the country. The rarest of the bunch is fiberglass, which definitely has some benefits over the others already mentioned. Fiberglass roofs are heavier and more expensive, but make up for it by managing to hold their good looks over time. Where rubber is susceptible to dingy streaking, an occasional wash and wax is usually all it takes to keep a fiberglass roof looking great. There are a couple of options with fiberglass roofs. One is Filon, which is used in the exterior sidewalls of newer RVs. The second is a molded fiberglass shell of sorts. 31

30 Construction Methods & Techniques It s tough but quite heavy and is usually offered in the upper-end Class A and C motorhomes. If I had to rate each type of roofing material and the longevity of product, it would go something like this: 1. Fiberglass molded shell..excellent 2. Fiberglass Filon.Great 3. Vinyl/T.P.O Good 4. EPDM rubber roof Average 5. Aluminum..Poor to Average When evaluating each manufacturer concerning, Quality Construction the information above and in this chapter is useful in the overall rating and placement of a particular company. With each RV manufacturer I tried to look at the big picture and determine who they are appealing to and common building methods used throughout their product line. 32

31 Customer Satisfaction Chapter 5 Customer Satisfaction While interviewing many RV manufacturers we asked the question, How would your rate your company regarding customer satisfaction? With 10 being the best, inevitably each manufacturer said 8 or 9 and some even said 10. Some were honest and said it is impossible to be perfect, which I agree with. We live in an imperfect world and to expect perfection regarding customer service is unrealistic. But, in every industry there are those that strive to make the best product possible with customer satisfaction being a high priority. Many RV manufacturers conduct their own surveys regarding customer satisfaction. This information is closely guarded and usually will not be shared with others outside the company. But, after talking with each manufacturer and asking direct questions pertaining to customer satisfaction we were able to come away with some valuable information. The problem is; trying to determine which manufacturer has a high degree of satisfied customers is difficult. As a salesperson for almost 20 years, I will tell you that when a customer was happy and satisfied with their purchase I rarely heard from them again. Some sent thank you notes but for the most part, people that are satisfied typically don t take the time to fill out surveys. Now, on the other hand a customer not satisfied with their purchase will usually go out of their way to make some noise and most will take the time to fill out surveys, mainly negative. I say this to make the point that customer satisfaction is objective depending on who you talk to and it s tough to nail down. I include customer satisfaction as a rating parameter in this comparison guide. I have tried to be as fair as possible rating certain manufacturers and I hope this information will be useful to you when trying to select a particular RV company. Online Resources I did discover some good resources online that were very helpful. There were a number of companies online that have put together websites that allow RV owners to fill out detailed surveys or post their comments about a particular manufacturer or model: (RV-Coach) (RV America) (Motorhome Review Online) (Motorhome Advice) RV-Coach: This is a good website with current information. In order to view their ratings you must scroll to the bottom of their home page and then click on, RV Ratings. This will take you to a chart that lists the manufacturers in alphabetical order. A particular manufacturer may receive a high rating of 73, (75 being the 33

32 Customer Satisfaction highest score) but be sure to check how many surveys have been completed. For example, if only three surveys have been filled out on a particular company and their rating is high, I would not put to much stock in those types of results. I look for more than 15 to 20 surveys per manufacturer before I draw any conclusions. The more surveys, the more accurate the results, in my opinion. Take a look at Winnebago, for example. The last time I checked they had over 140 surveys filled out with a total score of This is very good considering the number of surveys and they are still in the 60 percent range. RV America: This is another excellent website loaded with customer comments about particular models. Their website is intended to be used as a resource for those planning to buy a new or used RV. When I log onto their home page I usually click on the search button. This will take you to a page where you can enter specific information. I would then type in the name of the manufacturer like, Keystone, for example. After I hit the submit button a page with customer comments will appear. I will either scroll down or hit the next button to view the most recent comments posted. Motorhome Review Online: According to their website, Owners' Survey Ratings provide a numerical comparison between manufacturers with similar powertrains or chassis. With these ratings, it is possible to compare owner satisfaction between manufacturers. Owner's Reviews offer a verbal report from the owner, in the owner's own words. These ratings provide a glimpse of specific models. This website only rates Class A and C motorhomes but is worth a visit. When you log onto their home page click on the link, Ratings and it will take you to a page that offers you some options, customer surveys or owner reviews. For those of you that currently own an RV you can log onto the three websites mentioned above and complete a survey if you wish. Motorhome Advice: This website posts many different articles about the industry which should be beneficial to those interested in motorhomes and related activities. They also provide a discussion page that invites all interested parties to participate in offering their experiences and discussions with others with the same or similar interests. There is a place where RV owners can post their comments about a particular brand or model called, (Customer Reviews). They have a chat room available and they provide a consulting service if you need more personalized assistance in gathering information for purchasing a motorhome. Interviews with existing RV owners In addition to the information gathered from the website mentioned above, we have conducted many interviews with existing RV owners from around the country. We have spoken to many RV owners at the shows we ve attended. Everybody has their own take on who s who. As we collected the information from a variety of sources, RV companies started falling into place regarding their ranking within a particular category. Personal hands on product evaluations by us have played a big role in rating the different manufacturers. 34

33 Customer Satisfaction RV discussion forums Another good source of information regarding customer satisfaction are the many, RV Discussion Forums, online. A person can ask questions and read what others have to say about a particular product or concerns one may have about a company or manufacturer. I have spent the past couple of years following these forums and it has proved to be time well spent. Reading what RV owners have to say about their particular product is insightful and accurate for the most part. This can be time consuming but if you have the time I would encourage you to check the many discussing forums available online. I have not relied on one source or even two sources but a multitude of sources, which I use when rating a particular company. Remember, depending on who you talk to it s difficult to be precise on something as subjective as customer satisfaction. I believe my ratings are accurate and fair based on our research over the years. 35

34 Dealer Ratings Chapter 6 Dealer Ratings Would you like to know what RV dealers on a national scale think of certain manufacturers? Anybody serious about purchasing an RV would probably answer, YES! Well you re in luck, the RVDA (Recreational Vehicle Dealer Association), for 13 consecutive years has asked dealers to express their level of satisfaction with their manufacturers. The program is called, Dealer Satisfaction Index, (DSI). This report identifies manufacturers rated in the top 50 percent in each category. Manufacturers receiving 80 percent or higher receive an award called, Quality Circle Award. Only four manufacturers for 2006 received this reward, these companies in alphabetical order are; 1. Monaco Coach 2. Roadtrek (Producer of class B motorhomes) 3. Tiffin Motor Homes 4. Winnebago This year, Nu-Wa Industries received a Special Recognition award because it earned a high score but with fewer than 15 dealer evaluations. The DSI is a tool to help improve dealer/manufacturer relations by identifying how dealers perceive the strength and weaknesses of their manufacturers. RVDA is quick to point out this is not a scientific study. Its purpose is to measure dealer attitudes toward their manufacturers, products, policies and procedures. The DSI survey asks the dealers to list the manufacturers of the products they sell and rate them in four main categories; sales, product, management and service-warranty support. There are a total of seventeen questions asked on the survey. Some of the questions asked are as follows: Prompt Service to Managers/Techs Fair Polices and Procedures Product Support Promotes Customer Satisfaction/Loyalty Quality Sales Support and Training Innovative Product Design Competitive Product Quality Reasonable/Timely Warranty Policies/Payment Reasonable Mark-up on Warranty Parts Product Valuable for Dealership s Success This survey by RVDA is very helpful and plays an important role in determining my top picks. When looking at my rating charts you will see a category called, DR, (Dealer Ratings). This category counts for 1/4 of the total score and should be part of your decision process when selecting a particular manufacturer. 36

35 Dealer Ratings Interviews with RV dealers (new and used) While the RVDA s results were helpful I decided to conduct my own research contacting over 57 different dealers across the United States. One of the questions we asked regarding customer satisfaction was, Which manufacturers perform well in the area of customer satisfaction in your opinion? Our results were somewhat similar to RVDA s: 1. Winnebago 2. KZ RV 3. Newmar 4. Nu-Wa 5. Tiffin Motor Homes 6. Monaco 7. Jayco 8. Airstream 9. Holiday Rambler 10. Crossroad 11. Travel Supreme 12. Coachman 13. Fourwinds 14. Keystone 15. Skyline 16. Allegro 17. Fleetwood 18. RV National 19. Thor 20. Forest River When shopping for an RV this is critical because how manufacturers work with their dealers does effect how the dealers work with you, primarily with service and warranty issues. Ultimately, dealers need to take responsibility for servicing your RV and treating you right. This is why selecting a quality dealer with a good reputation and professional service department is so important. This being said, a dealer who is selling products from manufacturers that have a high customer satisfaction rating will have a positive effect on customers, resulting in fewer complaints. 37

36 Resale Values Chapter 7 Resale Values When rating each RV manufacturer and their most popular models I have used the N.A.D.A. guide and other resources to determine the overall resale value of a particular unit over a period of five years. Units that have a 50 to 60 percent resale value in five years I consider excellent. Units that have a 45 to 50 percent resale value in five years I rate above average to average and units that only have a 35 to 45 percent resale value in five years are considered poor. Many considering purchasing a new RV are concerned with the resale value. Buying a new RV has many advantages like; better financing options with longer terms and lower interest rates. Another advantage is the ability to pick and choose your colors and options. Based on our research and statistics from the N.A.D.A. guides and other resources, I have produced a depreciation chart below that should be helpful when trying to determine the depreciation value of an RV. Please keep in mind this is a general overview and percentages may vary depending on location, equipment, options and overall condition of an RV unit. Bottom line is this; on average an RV will loose 50% of its value in 5 years. Starting with MSRP the normal depreciation is usually 25 to 35 percent in the first year of ownership. Now to be fair most RV buyers are not going to pay full retail for their RV, therefore 30 percent depreciation, for example, is not likely. Most RV buyers will receive a discount of 10 to 25 percent off MSRP. In the example below I am showing the MSRP to be $75,000, including options for a deluxe fifth wheel. The MSRP does not include sales tax or dealer fees. Assuming you successfully negotiate a 15 percent discount the sale price would be $63,750, an $11,250 savings. The diagram below shows what your average depreciation would be in eight years. (MSRP $75,000) Purchase Price = $63,750 (15% discount) YEAR DEPRECIATION VALUE 1 17% 52, % 47, % 43, % 40, % (Total Depreciation in 5 years 50% from MSRP) 37, % 35, % 34, % 32,814 38

37 Resale Values The information contained in the diagram is based on our research and is in no way 100 percent accurate all the time. Resale values can change and are based on a number of factors, supply and demand being the most important factors in the preowned RV market. If a particular pre-owned model is in high demand the chances of negotiating a huge discount is highly unlikely. This being said you should be able to use this chart as a good reference point. Most all of us have heard of the Kelly Blue Book and N.A.D.A. appraisal guides. Although the Kelly Blue Book is a widely recognized appraisal guide, I recommend you use the N.A.D.A. at to evaluate the resale value of any type of RV. Most lenders base their RV loan value on N.A.D.A to evaluate their equity position. When shopping for a used RV my research team and I have found ebay motors at to be an excellent source of information. The internet has definitely made it easier to determine a retail price for a pre-owned RV as well as shop for one. For example, you can go to any search engine like Google or Yahoo and type in, Used RV and a multitude of websites will be displayed for your viewing pleasure. New versus used During my research, I came across an interesting company called PPL Motor Homes, located in Houston, Texas. They have created a name for themselves by selling only pre-owned RVs. I recently spoke with Ron Rambin, co-owner of PPL Motor Homes. I felt that a used RV dealer would be a great resource for my book and I was right. I was curious to know which pre-owned RVs in each category were the best sellers at PPL and which models or brands were considered the best by PPL s sales staff. When speaking with, New RV Dealers they were somewhat guarded when talking with us. They did not want to cause problems or get in trouble with their vendors, (RV manufacturers). I realized this would be a problem when trying to collect information and knew that many new RV dealers were biased and could not or would not tell us what they really thought. I was able to secure some very good information, which I have included in this book from many interviews with new RV dealers, but I found PPL to be the most non-biased and forthcoming. One reason is that they don t have to worry about upsetting any RV manufacturer. They only sell pre-owned RVs. Another reason why PPL Motor Homes was so important in our research is they saw firsthand what the different RVs looked like after years of use. Some background on PPL Motor Homes: Since 1972, PPL has helped over 16,500 individuals sell their RVs. PPL believes this makes them the largest RV consignment dealer in the United States. PPL sells over 1,000 consigned RVs each year. PPL generally has about 175 to 250 consigned RVs for sale at any given time. The company has a no hassle sales philosophy which allows RV buyers to browse their inventory without being pressured by a salesperson. 39

38 Resale Values During our interview with Ron he states In looking back over the past 34 years that our company has been in business it is interesting and exciting to see the growth of this industry. As the, baby boomers reach retirement I expect to see even more growth and development as the industry faces the wants and needs of a highly educated consumer. Ron also feels the industry will respond to high gas prices by using technologies and lightweight materials to lower the overall weight of units being manufactured. If you re considering a used RV you may want to check out PPL s website at Their website is updated daily with many models and brands to choose from. I want to thank Ron Rambin and Ed Sebesta and the entire sales staff for their help and for answering our questions, which have played an important role in our research. 40

39 Class A Diesel & Gas Motorhomes Price Range: $62,000 to 1.5 million Length Range: 26 to 45 feet Class A Diesel & Gas Motorhomes Chapter 8 Class A motorhomes are at the top of the list when it comes to luxury, style, and performance in the RV world. Units range in weight from 15,000 to 35,000 pounds and stretch from 30 to 45 feet in length. Describing them as "motorhomes" is no exaggeration. Class A units come with almost every comfort one would expect in a home. At the very top of this list is an almost 2007 Beaver Contessa Motorhome separate category of luxury, Class A diesel motorcoaches or diesel pushers, costing $155,000 to 1.5 million or more. It seems every time I open an RV magazine I see new and exciting features being added to Class A motorhomes, which are becoming more luxurious with each passing year. Not only are they becoming more luxurious but they are incorporating all the latest high-tech gadgets. Both gas and diesel motorhomes are usually constructed on semi-custom or custom chassis. Many Class A motorhomes feature automatic slide outs or full slide-outs, which is the rave right now. The basements are becoming more efficient with increased storage space and better sliding mechanisms. The kitchens are becoming more elaborate with full size appliances and better use of space. The plumbing fixtures are residential size in most units including full size showers and washer/dryer units. Most Class A motorhomes can sleep up to six people, depending on the model, and floor plan. The driver's seat in a Class A usually sits high and slightly outboard of the conventional driver position in a car, with the windshield stretching the full width of the motorhome for better visibility. Overall sales are down right now in this category because of higher gas prices. RV manufacturers are spending a considerable amount of money in research and development, trying to design lighter weight materials without compromising structural integrity, for improved fuel economy. The following pages of this chapter will feature a number of RV companies we have researched. Most have been interviewed by us and each company is listed in alphabetical order. At the end of this chapter a rating chart will appear showing all the RV manufacturers we have researched. Please remember that we have not researched every manufacturer and it is our hope to include more manufacturers in future publications. To learn more about how we arrived at our conclusions and ratings, please review chapter 2 of this book. It is our hope the 41

40 Class A Diesel & Gas Motorhomes information contained in this chapter will help you make informed decisions regarding Class A motorhomes with fair and balanced information that has been complied over a number of years. 42

41 Class A Diesel & Gas Motorhomes Airstream Inc. (Thor) 419 West Pike Street P.O. Box 629 Jackson Center, OH Phone: R Class Type Manufacturer Popular Model SC Price Range Rating 8 AA AD Airstream (Thor) Land Yacht LX TT 325K - 235K 6 7 P AG Airstream (Thor) Land Yacht TT 125K - 103K 6 Airstream has been around since the 1930 s getting its start in Los Angeles, California. The founder, Wallace Byam, led the company through some difficult times including the great depression. During the 1930 s Wallace experimented with aircraft type construction methods to lessen wind resistance and improved the trailer s strength-to-weight ratio. His designs began taking on a more aerodynamic and contemporary look. On January 17, 1936, the Airstream Trailer Co. introduced the Clipper, and an American legend was born. Airstream was the first to utilize riveted aluminum for their exteriors producing an extremely durable product and creating a unique look which has an almost cultlike following throughout the United States. According to Airstream they have never stopped building the better trailer and 60% of all Airstreams are still on the road today, which is an amazing feat. In the 1970 s, Airstream introduced the Classic its first motorhome. The Classic featured riveted aluminum construction and a monocoque body like the travel trailer, and brought a new level of aerodynamic superiority unavailable in any other motorhome. In the 1980's, Airstream rolled out the Argosy fifth wheel trailer, Airstream triple axel trailer, and the Land Yacht Motorhome. The Land Yacht motorhome featured laminated fiberglass construction and had front and rear end caps so innovative that a patent was granted for them. Airstream views Fleetwood and Jayco to be their closest competitors regarding their travel trailers and Monaco to be their closest competitor when it comes to their motorhomes. While Airstream has enjoyed some success with their motorhomes their travel trailers make up over 90% of sales through the U.S. In 2005, Airstream sold over 2,000 units. The company has enjoyed 30% growth on the retail level for three years in a row and predicts increased sales for years to come. Airstream s most popular Class A diesel motorhome is their Land Yacht LX starting at $235,000. In the Class A gas category the company s best seller is called Land Yacht and starts at $130,000. Last year the company only sold 100 Class A motorhomes. Comments: Airstream this year, (2006) is marking its 75th anniversary, which is a great feat for any company. Airstream s reputation is well known in the industry with innovative designs and quality craftsmanship that continues to this day. This is 43

42 Class A Diesel & Gas Motorhomes an upper-end product, appealing to RV buyers that are drawn to the unique look and interior designs. According to Tim Champ, the company enjoys high marks when it comes to customer satisfaction, customer service and quality of product. I like Airstream s website which is informative and offers a virtual tour of different products along with pricing. The RVDA gives Airstream high ratings based on feedback from RV dealers across the country. The resale value for an Airstream is average to above 45% depreciation in five years based on our research. On the downside, the company s market share is minimal and the company needs to promote their products more aggressively. Price is also a concern as they are on the high side. A number of customers I spoke with reported that roof leaks were a problem but the company was quick to respond. Overall, a great company with a unique product line, quality construction and longevity that is unprecedented. Notes: 44

43 Class A Diesel & Gas Motorhomes Beaver Motor Coaches Boyd Acres Rd Bend, OR Phone: R Class Type Manufacturer Popular Model SC Price Range Rating 5 P AD Beaver (Monaco) Marquis AD 590K - 210K 7.5 When thinking of luxury coaches, one thinks of Beaver Motor Coaches. After nearly 30 years in the business, Beaver has become known for its intricate woodwork and luxurious interiors as well as its performance. Started in a small town in Oregon in the 1970 s, Beaver focused on creating a 2007 Beaver Patriot Thunder small line of luxury motor coaches for the customer who wanted to travel in style and comfort. In 2001, the company was acquired by another Oregon-based luxury coach manufacturer, Monaco Coach Corporation. A few years earlier, Monaco expanded into the towable RV market by purchasing Holiday Rambler. With the purchase of Beaver, Monaco Coach Corporation became a force in the RV Industry. And now a few years into the merger, Beaver is still synonymous with quality, luxury and style. Jim Mac, Marketing Director, says Beaver has always been known for its outstanding woodwork and it still is. When one thinks of beautiful wood and remarkable craftsmanship, they think of Beaver. Mac says Beaver sells strong in all regions of the country, especially with their most popular vehicle, the Marquis, which starts at $501,000. Beaver s closest competitors are the Monaco luxury coaches, Country Coach, and Fleetwood s American Line. Beaver rates high in both customer service and customer satisfaction and continues to improve its product yearly. Beaver continues to attract upper-end RV customers who are looking for quality and style when purchasing a deluxe motorhome. The coaches have a customtailored feel that lives up to the description of deluxe motorhome. All coaches feature the single glass panaview windshield for full access of vision. Monaco Coach Corporation recently completed a new video showcasing the extreme testing each chassis is put through. Filmed exclusively at the Bosch Testing grounds in New Carlisle, Indiana and the Roadmaster Chassis plant in Elkhart, Indiana, the video showcases the tests done to determine chassis strength and Monaco Coach Corporation's dedication to quality and safety on the road. I found this video to be loaded with information on how a chassis is designed from the ground up and would encourage those of you that are serious about a quality ride with superior performance to view the video. 45

44 Class A Diesel & Gas Motorhomes To view the video online visit: Comments: I have personally looked at Beaver s coaches and was impressed with the fit and finish. The woodwork is exquisite and makes you feel like you re in a well made coach with attention to detail no matter where you look. Talking with Beaver owners they all say the driving experience is awesome and many are repeat customers purchasing another Beaver product when upgrading. I give the company a 7.5 rating because of their quality construction, customer satisfaction and resale value. The downside is that they are a bit expensive and out of reach for some RV buyers. The 2007 line of Beaver motor coaches will feature full wall slides and improved electronics with more flat screen and LCD televisions. Notes: 46

45 Class A Diesel & Gas Motorhomes Country Coach 135 E. First Street PO Box 400 Junction City, OR Phone: R Class Type Manufacturer Popular Model SC Price Range Rating 3 P AD Country Coach Inspire 360 AD 750K - 230K 8.5 In 1973 Country Coach was founded by RV pioneer Bob Lee. Beginning with two employees in a small garage, Lee has built his company to its present day facilities spanning nearly 500,000 square feet over several city blocks in Junction City, Oregon. Lee has been instrumental in creating some of the RV specifications we take for granted today such as a motorcoach systems monitor with speech processor, air leveling for the motorcoach, Infotronics HVAC control technology, and hydronic heating coach systems. He also introduced the first code-compliant custom bus conversion built on a production line. Lee was inducted into the RV/MH Heritage Foundation, Inc. Hall of Fame in Carl Ehry, President of the foundation, told Lee when presenting the award, "Your contribution to the industry has been outstanding and I trust you will accept this honor from a grateful industry." Today Country Coach is a leader in the luxury diesel motorcoach industry selling strongest in the southeast and the southwest. Last year the company increased its market share by 15 percent and the year before by almost 60 percent. This year they expect about a seven to eight percent increase, right in line with their growth goals. Country Coach s closest competitors are Monaco, Newmar and Fleetwood s American Coach Line. But Matt Howard, Director of Marketing and Public Relations, says that what sets Country Coach apart is that they specialize in luxury diesel coaches. That is all we do. We cover the whole spectrum of coaches, from those that retail for $250,000 to those that retail for 1.6 million, says Howard. That is all we do. No gas coaches, no trailers we specialize in the luxury coach consumer and we ve been doing that for 33 years. The most popular Country Coach model is the Inspire 360 which features an 82 interior ceiling height and a one piece panoramic windshield. The Inspire is Country Coach s least inexpensive model and the one they manufacture the most of. The Inspire is more accessible because of its price point, says Howard. It offers multiple slideouts and big open floor plans. It also has the fit and finish you might find in a high end home. That is what Country Coach is known for our fit and finish details that are of very high quality. Howard says the consumer also likes the Inspire because of its high powered engine a 400 horsepower Caterpillar. That s a beefy engine, says Howard. Country Coach appeals to the upper-end consumer who is looking for quality and style with price being less important. These consumers accounted for the company s 816 units sold last year. 47

46 Class A Diesel & Gas Motorhomes Country Coach has announced plans to expand its 1,700-employee Oregon work force to add two new Class A motorhomes to its lineup. A mid-range Tribute retailing for about $250,000 and an upper-end Rhapsody priced in the million-dollar range. Both coaches are expected to debut late this summer, The company already unveiled its 2007 Intrigue 520, Magna 630 and Affinity 700 in April at the Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA) convention in Pomona, California. Country Coach prides itself on its superior customer service and strives to have excellence in customer satisfaction as well. Country Coach has ownership in customer service. I have first hand experience from other companies. When we do surveys of people who own another brand or don t own one yet, they wish they owned a Country Coach. It s more dependable and they know if something goes wrong we stand behind our vehicles and make sure everything is right, says Howard. Our customers are demanding and rightly so. I don t know if it s possible to be a 10 in customer satisfaction but is definitely possible to keep trying. Same goes for quality of product. Year after year we strive to make the highest quality luxury motor coaches available. Another important feature of any Country Coach motorcoach is their chassis design. According to the company s website each chassis must pass a rigorous series of tests at Country Coach's DynoCenter. The chassis is secured into place with the drive wheels on roll sets, and Country Coach engineers manipulate the ignition switch, shifter pad and throttle remotely from the booth. The power train is put through its paces, testing measures like: Vehicle Speed Horsepower Fuel Consumption RPM's Engine Boost Pressure Engine Load Throttle Position Coolant Temperature Only after the DynoMax chassis passes these tests is it approved to become the foundation for a Country Coach motorcoach. DynoCenter is part of the Company's commitment to quality. Comments: I spoke with a number of Country Coach Owners and most were pleased with their purchase. They praised the way the coaches handled on the road, comparing it to a luxury automobile. Some did complain about little things that needed to be repaired, which is to be expected. Most reported that Country Coach was quick to respond to warranty problems or issues. Resale value is above average based on our research and customer satisfaction is above average to excellent. I like this company, which is in the process of expanding due to demand for their products- that is always a good sign. The company s website is chock full of information including downloadable brochures and even desktop wallpaper so you can always look at your Country Coach even when you are at your desk and wishing you were hitting the road. In 48

47 Class A Diesel & Gas Motorhomes response to customer surveys conducted by the company, expect new amenities across product lines for Things like; multiplex electronic controls, SilverLeaf house monitors and stainless steel plumbing bays. Depending on the model, other new features include Aqua-Hot hydronic heating systems, strategically located sideswinging baggage doors, HWH universal flat-floor slide hardware and Wi-Fi signal boosters. Notes: 49

48 Class A Diesel & Gas Motorhomes Damon Corporation (Thor) 2958 Gateway Drive PO Box 2888 Elkhart, IN Phone: R Class Type Manufacturer Popular Model SC Price Range Rating 3 E AD Damon (Thor) Tuscany AD 220K - 140K E AG Damon (Thor) Daybreak AG 130K - 69K 7 A subsidiary of Thor Industries, Damon Motor Coach specializes in Class A recreation vehicles both gas and diesel. Damon s niche is in manufacturing top quality motorhomes in the mid-price range only. It is just this pinpointed focus that Damon feels sets them apart from other manufacturers and from their closest competitors, Forest River, Four Winds, Fleetwood and Winnebago. We are focused on Class A s only. Everyone else makes multiple types of products but our specialty is entry level to upper-level mid-price gas and diesel Class A motorhomes, says Bill Fenech, Damon s President and CFO. Our focus is the key, it is where we want to be. We love it and by being so specialized we can offer our dealers and our retail customers more for their money without jeopardizing quality, construction and after sales service. Our tagline is value by design and it means a lot to our company. It means being smarter in designing and building a quality product. While the RV industry as a whole is strongest in the West, Fenech says that Damon sells well all across the country as well as in Canada. And while he was hesitant to put an exact number on percentage of growth predicted, he said that Damon expects to see a rise in sales even in a downward trending market. Much of this has to do with a recent restructuring and transformation the company has gone through, the results of which are just now beginning to show. At the RV show in St. Louis last year, Damon unveiled their new and innovative floor plans. Consumers and dealers can expect to see more new plans and features from Damon in the future. We can now deliver the hottest product in the market to both dealers and customers, says Fenech. We went up in production this year while others have not. We have a continuing eye toward featuring hot products and raising the bar on customer satisfaction and quality. The key is giving dealers what they want to sell and customers what they want to buy. We plan to do it better than we ever have before. Damon s Daybreak gas motorhome is traditionally its most popular seller, mainly due to its entry level price point. The company manufactures two diesel models, the Astoria and the Tuscany. In the past, the Astoria has outsold the Tuscany but 50

49 Class A Diesel & Gas Motorhomes this year the Tuscany is creeping up in popularity and the two are now running neck and neck. This is perhaps due to the Tuscany s versatility offering double, triple and quadruple slides as opposed to the Astoria s single or double slide only. When it comes to customer service and satisfaction, Fenech is a realist and while he says that Damon offers very good service and after care for its products, there is always room for improvement. Service and satisfaction is a moving target, he says. We are building better coaches than ever before but the customer expectations have also changed. Customer demands are changing and the expectations are higher and we have to meet those needs. We are always looking at ways to do that. Comments: Damon recently announced that they will be increasing plant production for their gas and diesel products. The company claims they received an increase in orders due to recent retail activity stemming from new floor plan introductions at last year s Louisville show. According to Fenech, "We received a large increase in orders compared to the previous year, followed up by strong activity at winter retail shows." The Tuscany floor plan with the kitchen placement in the front of the vehicle has attracted a lot of interest according to Fenech. The company s website has very detailed information about each coach including a virtual tour, downloadable brochures and pricing. The company appeals to mid-range buyers with price and quality being important to Damon buyers. Customer satisfaction was average based on our research and the company may need to improve in this area. Quality construction was about average to above average. Resale value is average and dealer comments were good overall. The company has a promising future and is growing even though Class A motorhome sales overall are down this year. Notes: 51

50 Class A Diesel & Gas Motorhomes Fleetwood Enterprises Inc Via Ricardo PO Box 5726 Riverside, CA Phone: R Class Type Manufacturer Popular Model SC Price Range Rating 2 E AD Fleetwood Discovery AG 259K - 155K 8 4 AA AG Fleetwood Bounder AG 147K - 70K 7 2 E C Fleetwood Jamboree & Tioga AG 93K - 60K 7 One of the most well-known names in the RV industry, Fleetwood, has been manufacturing recreation vehicles since From luxury motorcoaches to toy haulers, Fleetwood s line is designed to offer something for everyone. Headquartered in Riverside, California the company went public in 1965 and is a Fortune 1000 company. There are close to 12,500 Fleetwood employees in plants and facilities across the country. With such a wide network, it is no surprise that Fleetwood prides itself on its customer service and customer satisfaction. Our customer service and customer satisfaction is an eleven on a scale of one to ten, says Bob Rogers, Product Marketing Manager for the travel trailer division. We are very well-known for our service and known in the industry for making the best quality product. Luc Van Herle, Product Marketing Manager for the Motorhome Division concurs, Fleetwood is considered one of the leaders in the RV industry, and as such, provides top quality products and expansive customer service to ensure full customer satisfaction. Fleetwood s industry leadership comes from many factors, including strictly regulated quality control processes, and an expansive dealer network. As such, Fleetwood sales are strong in all regions of the country especially the west coast, which is traditionally a strong region for recreational vehicle sales. They do have a higher market share with their diesel coaches in the East, however, and diesels account for one-third of all new motorhomes sold. Even though travel trailers continue to do better for Fleetwood than motorhomes, its Class A motorhomes hold the number one spot in the retail market share and Class C s gained in share last year by about 13 percent. Fleetwood looks at Winnebago, Thor, Coachmen, Gulf Stream, Jayco, Monaco and Newmar as its biggest competitors. Van Herle sees Fleetwood s innovative spirit and continual pursuit to design the most innovative RVs on the market as what helps to make the company unique and different from its competitors. We have an extensive dealer network in both the US and Canada, our size gives our customers a large network of resources, he adds. The history and legacy of Fleetwood, our 52

51 Class A Diesel & Gas Motorhomes innovation in products and our service reputation all combined set Fleetwood apart, says Rogers. In regards to Fleetwood s product line, the most popular items are the Bounder Class A gas and the Discovery Class A diesel. Fleetwood is usually in the top three regarding sales volume in the Class A category. The company offers many extras as standard equipment and this draws buyers, especially those that are on a limited budget. Not content to rest on its lauded history, Fleetwood is continually looking for new ideas and new ways to keep its products top in the industry. Floor plans are the number one reason people buy an RV, says Rogers. We are always coming up with interesting and new ways to layout a floor plan. Technology will be a big driver for the future of this business. We will see more use of flat screen televisions and items people want in their homes. Also we ll be looking at fuel efficiency so construction methods and use of lighter, stronger materials will also come into play, he says. We want to get the most livable area in the lightest strongest structure we can. Comments: I give Fleetwood good ratings across the board. I like the fact that the company works closely with their dealers to resolve any warranty issues. Fleetwood rates well with the dealers I interviewed regarding customer service. The company has a wide range of products making it difficult to rate them as a whole but overall I feel they do a good job for a large company. When I interviewed previous customers I got different results, some were very pleased with their purchase and others not so impressed. Fleetwood does offer a lot of standard features you normally would have to pay for in other products. The company is appealing to entry-level buyers with price being the most important buying factor. For those that are price conscious Fleetwood is a good choice. Construction is average to above average, customer satisfaction was above average and resale value is poor to average based on our research. According to Fleetwood s research of Blue Book, NADA and Black Book data their motorhomes hold their value better than their competitors. Fleetwood s website is not only very well-designed but is also chock full of information. You can find out what is new, product specs and information, and find a dealer in your area. They also offer two wonderful features a product atlas and a product advisor both are designed to help the buyer find exactly what s best for their particular needs. It s a good idea to stop here first when looking at Fleetwood s products. Notes: 53

52 Class A Diesel & Gas Motorhomes Foretravel Inc N.W. Stallings Drive Nacogdoches, TX Phone: R Class Type Manufacturer Popular Model SC Price Range Rating 1 P AD Foretravel Phenix AD 680K - 376K 10 The business of building motorhomes came about not due to planning by the Fores, but by the traveling they did in their self-built motorhome. From that modest beginning in 1967 with the 29 Speedy Marie motorhome produced in the backyard of C.M. & Marie Fore, Foretravel continued to set the standard. Weathering the oil embargos of the early 1970 s, Foretravel introduced the first diesel-powered motorhome in In addition to the numerous conveniences of a Foretravel, i.e.; flat screen TV s central vacuum cleaners, icemakers, trash compactors, Foretravel was among the first to use fiberglass instead of aluminum, real hardwood, and a full air bag suspension. With the aerodynamic structure, the Fores wanted even more for their customers, so together they developed the first unibodied chassis in 1986 and the Unihome was introduced. The new Unihome offered incomparable drivability and handling, along with a sleek new design. In 1995 the Unicoach was born. It resembled a bus with a front entry, all the comfort amenities, a big engine, and the Allison World 6 Transmission. This would seem like more than enough; however, Foretravel added a transmission retarder and today provides the retarder as standard equipment on all models, the only manufacturer to do so. Always willing to enhance their motorhomes for customers, Foretravel produced their first slideout in 1999 and today offers several floor plans with various slideout configurations including the new quad slide for In 2005, a new ownership team began to add new designs and standards to the Foretravel legend and legacy. This continuing dedication to excellence culminated in the introduction of the Phenix luxury motorcoach. This up-scale flagship of the Foretravel family of coaches represented a complete re-design and update of the Foretravel brand. Many new technological features and modern conveniences of interest to the premium motorcoach purchaser were added, while still maintaining the company s focus on fit and finish, ride and handling and customer service. Foretravel considers Monaco and Country Coach to be their closest competitors according to Terry Nabours, Director of Marketing. The company s best selling models are the Phenix and Nimbus in the deluxe diesel category. Mr. Nabours has an enthusiastic outlook for the company predicting a 20% growth for Foretravel s customers are upper-end with quality being the most important aspect of the decision process. 54

53 Class A Diesel & Gas Motorhomes TravelRide Chassis by Foretravel: The unique TravelRide chassis design now sets the standard for coaches and is built from the ground up by Foretravel. Strength is the difference maker here and that is why you will find 3/8 and 1/4 wall thickness in the steel tubing used in chassis construction not the thin-wall steel used in other motorcoaches. Foretravel coaches have vacuum-bonded and insulated steel frames in all sidewalls, floors, sub-floors and storage bay walls. The roof has a vacuum-bonded and insulated aluminum structure, and is made of one fiberglass piece for greater strength and lower weight. The storage bays have Presto-Vac doors with a urethane foam core, to protect your possessions from temperature extremes. Foretravel engineer s use continuous-run wiring, fabricating their own 12-volt and 120-volt wiring harnesses to eliminate splices and tees, resulting in electrical connections that are terminated to each individual device and system, for greater reliability. Foretravel coaches house custom-crafted all wood cabinetry made of the finest materials available, high-quality designer furniture using the choicest of fine leathers and fabrics, topped with luxurious countertops and filled with the latest appliances and audio-visual technology. Comments: Foretravel s website is loaded with helpful information along with pictures of various models and floor plans. One page on their website is called, Feature & Benefit. This page lists the many features one would expect to find in a deluxe diesel coach at Foretravel also provides factory tours and they do provide pictures on their website showing the various stages of construction at Foretravel is excited about the future and the company has many plans for the coming years. In 2007 the Nimbus will be redesigned, taller with a one-piece windshield and new features and five new floor plans. "One of the unique things about the chassis is that you can drop the airbags and still fit the coach under most 12-foot garage doors," said Terry Nabours. The 2007 Nimbus is available in triple or four-slide floor plans, powered by either Cummins 400-hp ISL or 500-hp ISM diesel engines, depending on the floor plan. Nimbus MSRPs range from $360,000 to $460,000. Their focus will continue to be on deluxe diesel coaches with quality being the main goal of the company. Foretravel is definitely worth checking out if you re in the market for an upper-end deluxe diesel coach. From our research they do very well in all categories the only downside is that they have a limited number of dealers that offer their products. The company does have additional authorized service centers around the country. Their website does list their dealers and I am told the company is in the process of adding new dealers in the coming months. Notes: 55

54 Class A Diesel & Gas Motorhomes Holiday Rambler (Monaco) 606 Nelson's Pkwy. PO Box 465 Wakarusa, IN Phone: R Class Type Manufacturer Popular Model SC Price Range Rating 7 P AD Holiday Rambler Endeavor AD 490K -145K 6 5 P AG Holliday Rambler Admiral SE AD 145K - 90K 7 6 P C Holiday Rambler Esquire AD 92K - 79K 5.5 Holiday Rambler is a manufacturer of Class A and Class C motor coaches as well as towable recreation vehicles. The company introduced its first travel trailer in 1953, establishing itself as one of the innovators in towable recreation vehicles. In 1996, the company was purchased by Monaco Coach Corporation and has continued to reinvent itself with new models, new floor plans, and powerful engineering. With its diverse line of vehicles, Holiday Rambler offers models in many different price ranges. That is why the company describes its customers as being concerned with both price and quality when looking to buy a recreational vehicle. Holiday Rambler coaches are known for their user-friendly floor plans, one-piece windshields and innovative developments such as the kitchen suite slides. From the deluxe Navigator to the always popular Savoy, Holiday Rambler is strong in customer satisfaction and prides itself on customer service. Its closest competitors are Fleetwood and Winnebago. The company sells well in all regions of the United States. Holiday Rambler is strongest in the Class A diesel category with their most popular motorcoach being the Ambassador, starting at $189,000. The company has produced one Class C motorhome since the 1950s, the Atlantis starting at $81,000, and continuing to improve on its original design. The Atlantis utilizes state-of-the-art technologies and countless innovations to continue to be one of the most popular mini-motorhomes. Holiday Rambler is proud of its history but is never one to rest on its laurels. According to Director of Marketing, Jim Mac, we can expect even more floor plan innovations in motorhomes and towables as well as more full-wall slide designs. That s what people are looking for, Mac says. We introduced the first full wall slide in November and when we have them at retail shows, we see that people like them. The full wall slide provides better use of interior space. The company s closest competitors are Fleetwood and Winnebago and they appeal to mid-range customers that are interested in both quality construction and price according to Jim Mac. Holiday Rambler has 22 different models in its 2006 line of motorhomes and towables. This diversity makes for a myriad of choice for the 56

55 Class A Diesel & Gas Motorhomes consumer. And while it takes some time to navigate and research all of these models, it would be beneficial for the would-be buyer to take some time on Holiday Rambler s website. Once you ve narrowed down your choices, you can order brochures for the models you would like to investigate further. Comments: Holiday Rambler receives high marks for customer satisfaction and quality construction. The dealers I interviewed gave Holiday Rambler a high score as well. I spoke with many Monaco owners and many were pleased with their purchase and customer service from the company. Resale value is average to above average and construction is above average to excellent. The company s website is chock full of information and pricing. Their website does list vehicle specifications and construction information. If you live in the Northwest I would encourage you to visit the company and take a factory tour. Notes: 57

56 Class A Diesel & Gas Motorhomes Itasca (Winnebago) 605 West Crystal Lake Road Forest City, IA Phone: R Class Type Manufacturer Popular Model SC Price Range Rating 5 E AD Itasca Horizon AG 289K - 155K AA AG Itasca Suncruiser AG 167K - 88K 8 1 E C Itasca Spirit AG 88K - 60K 8 A division of Winnebago Industries, Itasca manufactures Class A diesel and gas and Class C motorhomes. This year the company introduced two new products, the Itasca Navion Class C and the Itasca Ellipse diesel. The Navion has a Mercedes Benz five-cylinder, turbo-diesel engine and 5-speed automatic transmission that gets an estimated mpg. The Ellipse comes in 4 models, including one with a quad-slideout design and all use the Winnebago SmartSpace design philosophy. It offers a large selection of amenities including solid-surface countertops, vinyl tile floors, over 7 2 of ceiling space and loads of mid-section storage. These two additions to the Itasca line up continue the tradition of innovation in motorcoach quality and design. Itasca sells strongest in the southwest and southeast and predicts a 5-10 percent growth this year, due in part to the new items in the product line. The two closest competitors are Thor and Fleetwood but Itasca believes it edges out the competition because of its high quality construction and Winnebago name recognition factor. Even though the tag says Itasca, people know they are buying a Winnebago, says Kelly Harms, Public Relations specialist. The most popular Itasca deluxe diesel coach is the Horizon with a MSRP from $254,000 to $276,000. Itasca s Flagship Coach, boasts the most advanced foundation, the Evolution Chassis. This is exclusive to Winnebago and was developed with Freightliner. Every Horizon has stainless steel appliances, solid wood cabinetry and ceramic tile floor covering. The Suncruiser, retailing between $138,000 and $156,000, is the most popular Class A gas motorcoach. This model comes in seven designs including one that features a forward-galley layout and an entertainment center with an available electric fireplace. In the Class C category, the Itasca Spirit, at $60,500 - $76,400, is the most popular. This compact motorhome makes the most use of its space, which is why it is the bestselling Class C for Itasca. The Itasca customer tends to be one that looks for quality and value when purchasing a motorhome and Class A homes are the bestselling for the company. Harms says, in regards to customer service and satisfaction, Itasca rates an eight on a scale of 1-10 but when it comes to quality, a solid nine. You hope to be a 10, but that s not always the case. We have great parts replacement, even for old 58

57 Class A Diesel & Gas Motorhomes units, we can replace parts overnight. We have great training for dealers and a good warranty program. Itasca tends to get a lot of repeat business as well, some moving up and some moving down. Harms says for the future there will always be new and innovative floor plans that are functional and user friendly. There will be more options that become standard, she says. You won t have to add a lot to get what you want. It will automatically be a part of the package. They are also looking at new interiors and more aerodynamic designs, less boxy looks, for the outsides. Comments: When talking with RV salespeople who sold primarily used RVs many spoke highly of Itasca. Many were impressed with the overall condition of the Itasca s, which sell well on the used market. This is always a good sign. If a product does well in the used market the company is doing something right during the production of the product. The company gets high marks for construction and resale value. RV dealers also gave Itasca high ratings. I did not see much in the way of negative feedback from customers who owned an Itasca and many seem to be please with their purchase. The company has come a long ways in the last five years and in our opinion is definitely worth a look. Notes: 59

58 Class A Diesel & Gas Motorhomes King of the Road (Chief Industries) 1313 Road G York, NE Phone: R Class Type Manufacturer Popular Model SC Price Range Rating 6 AA AD King of the Road Genesis FW 350K - 320K 7 We were unable to interview this company but we like their products and have included them in our rating guide. The information contained in this article has been taken from the company s website. Over the past 20 years, the reputation of the King of the Road family has grown stronger with every new design feature and every new model launched. Today, we reign as a leader in the industry, well known for our uncompromising dedication to quality, ingenuity, and superior customer service. We also provide a 5 year unitized structural warranty, which is unique in the industry. The company manufactures a deluxe diesel pusher called the Genesis, Pure luxury - no compromises. That s the 2006 Genesis. Each unit is handcrafted one at a time using a unique box-off construction method that allows us to build the body of the motorhome separately from the chassis. Doing so creates a much truerfitting and more solid coach. While the process is time-consuming and not one many manufacturers are willing to take on, King of the Road is committed to doing whatever it takes to build the very best RV in the industry. Now in its third generation, the Genesis is even better than ever with a sleek bus-style front cap, one-piece windshield, and restyled cockpit all designed to deliver mile upon mile of uninterrupted enjoyment. It s time you experienced the Genesis, setting the benchmark in the premium diesel motor-home market. Comments: This is a small company that builds an exceptional product. The cabinetry is very nice and quality craftsmanship is excellent inside and out. I was not able to talk with anyone that owned a King of the Road product. According to RV forums and other resources it seems the resale value is above average to excellent. Quality construction is excellent but customer satisfaction was poor to average based on our research. Notes: 60

59 Class A Diesel & Gas Motorhomes Monaco Coach Company Coburg Industrial Way Coburg, OR Phone: R Class Type Manufacturer Popular Model SC Price Range Rating 6 P AD Monaco Dynasty AD 680K - 160K 7 3 P AG Monaco Diplomat AD 146K - 87K 8.5 According to the company s website, The roots of Monaco Coach Corporation run back to 1968 with the formation of Caribou Coach Corporation. They soon evolved into Monaco Motorhomes, Inc., and out of that organization Monaco Coach Corporation was born in There are many milestones in the history of the evolution of the number one highline motorcoach manufacturer in the world... the redesign of the Roadmaster chassis in 1989, the debut of the Dynasty model in 1990, the acquisition of Holiday Rambler Recreation Vehicles in early 1996, the launch of McKenzie in 1998 and the acquisition of Safari and Beaver motorcoaches in These are some of the many highlights in Monaco Coach Corporation's past. Today, we are headquartered in Coburg, Oregon, with additional production facilities in Elkhart and Wakarusa, Indiana. We ve been a public company since 1993 and we re traded on the NYSE under the symbol MNC. Our company is one of the fastest-growing manufacturers in today s recreational vehicle market and the largest manufacturer of Class A motorhomes. Monaco also added another company to their impressive line-up with the purchase of R-Vision in This pushed Monaco into fifth place among towables for 2005 according to Grand Rapids, Mich.-based Statistical Surveys Inc. Monaco, which displaced Coachmen Industries Inc. for the spot, was the only company that moved up in rankings. In all, Monaco has grown to include: Holiday Rambler Beaver McKenzie R-Vision Safari Dodge Themed RV s Roadmaster (Chassis Manufacturer) Years of experience have made Monaco coaches a leader in the industry, synonymous with fine quality. Their stated goal is to build homes on wheels that are innovative, dependable and competitively priced while offering a lifestyle for customers that exceeds their dreams. It s the quality, superior fit and finish, and after the sale support that makes us different from our competitors, says Craig Wanichek, Director of Corporate 61

60 Class A Diesel & Gas Motorhomes Communications. We take great care of both retailers and dealers. We work with dealers but we also have three service centers of our own with over 500 employees. That s more than some companies have total. Monaco predicts a hefty growth of 17 percent over the 6,221 total units sold in Monaco is strongest in the southwest and names Fleetwood, Thor, Timberland and Winnebago as its closest competitors. Monaco attracts upper-end buyers - those interested in quality and style over price. In the Class A category the Monaco Diplomat is the most popular deluxe diesel coach starting at $209,000 and the Monarch SE starting at $104,000 is the most popular gas motorhome. In the Class C division, the Esquire leads the pack with a starting price of $84,000. All of these models are popular, according to Wanichek, because they give good value for the dollar. The company is appealing to the midrange and upper-end buyers with quality and style playing a big role in the decision process. We are going to be giving our dealers some additional product, said Mike Snell, Monaco vice president of sales and marketing. We have a lot of full-wall slideouts that we are continuing to develop, and one area of the market we've not been successful at is Class C s, which will be our focus for Monaco is always looking for ways to satisfy the customer and improve the motor coach experience. All of its motorhomes have one-piece windshields at all price points. They have begun to put awnings on the top to give them a bus like look and to shield some of the mechanics such as AC units, all for a cleaner look. They are working on giving their homes higher ceilings and continue to stay focused on the fit and finish. A word on Roadmaster Chassis: I like the design and construction features found on a Roadmaster Chassis system. In Chapter 4 I outline different chassis manufacturers and what to look for in a quality chassis. Roadmaster s website has a page called, Construction Highlights. The information contained in this page is excellent with colorful diagrams explaining the features and benefits of their chassis system. To learn more about a Roadmaster please visit their website at, Comments: Monaco rates high in customer satisfaction and quality of product and at the dealer level most gave Monaco high marks. I spoke with many Monaco owners and many were pleased with their purchase. Resale value is average to above average and construction is above average to excellent. I have not heard of any common problems with their coaches and would recommend this company for those looking for a quality motorcoach. The company s website is chock full of information and pricing. Their website does list vehicle specifications and construction information. If you live in the northwest I would encourage you to visit the company and take a factory tour. Notes: 62

61 Class A Diesel & Gas Motorhomes Newmar Corp 355 N. Delaware Street PO Box 30 Nappanee, IN Phone: R Class Type Manufacturer Popular Model SC Price Range Rating 2 P AD Newmar Dutch Star AD 515K - 200K P AG Newmar Scottsdale AD 205K - 113K 9.5 Newmar was founded in 1968 when Marvin Newcomer and Marvin Miller, left their jobs in upper level management at another RV manufacturing company to start their own company. The name Newmar is a combination of their names. The first location was an old fire station in rural Five Points and the Kountry Aire travel trailer was their main product. In the early 70s, Newmar was at the forefront of the fifth wheel revolution, adding to its lineup the Kountry Aire fifth wheel. Over the years, Newmar has continued to add to its product line, expanding and improving as the market and the industry grow. Newmar was founded by and is owned by Mennonites and its mission statement states Newmar applies Christian principles of honesty, courtesy, morality, fairness, reasonableness, reliability, and integrity in dealing with its customers, employees, suppliers and financial institutions. Newmar's excellence in quality was recognized nationally in 1996 when the Recreational Vehicle Dealer's Association gave Newmar their first Quality Circle Award. Newmar has continued to win this award many times since. Two Newmar executives, Mahlon Miller and the late Virgil Miller have been inducted into the RV/MH Heritage Foundation Hall of Fame. To learn more about the Quality Circle Award please see Chapter 4. Today, the most popular products in the Newmar Line still include the Dutch Star in the Class A diesel category. It is popular because it offers a nice package with a variety of floor plans with detailed interior and exterior styling. Coming in a close second to the Dutch Star is the Ventana, just launched for The Ventana is a lower end diesel price point and has quickly become a strong number two in popularity to the Dutch Star, says John Sammut, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Newmar is marketing to both the elite and mid-range consumers, with the reintroduction of two luxury diesel coaches. The Essex and London Aire, are for the most discriminating buyers, Sammut says. They aren t necessarily price driven they just want what no one else has. They want the latest and the greatest and 63

62 Class A Diesel & Gas Motorhomes they have discriminating taste. They want the leathers and the woodwork to be something that you won t find in other motorhomes. While Newmar is reaching out to those high-end buyers the majority of Newmar s customers fall into the midrange category, with price and quality both playing a factor. Comments: Newmar is a top-notch company with quality craftsmanship and innovative designs, which gives them a 9.5 rating based on our research. Newmar s closest competitors according to Sammut, are Fleetwood, Monaco and Tiffin. What sets Newmar apart is that they will accommodate special requests at almost every price point. Our manufacturing process allows us to do that. We build in volumes of one, says Sammut, meaning that the production line will have a high end diesel followed by a fifth wheel and so on. We are not a mass production shop; we are basically a custom shop. This year, Newmar was very strong in the southeast region of the US, especially in Florida but they are seeing some growth in the southwest as well. The company expects to grow approximately 5% to 10% this year from its combined sales of 2,500 units in The most popular item in the product line last year was the deluxe diesel pushers. The Scottsdale consistently remains the company s most popular Class A gas motorhome due to its economical pricing. Sammut says that Newmar sits at a solid eight or nine for customer service and customer satisfaction. We are known for our service. We aren t perfect, there s always room for improvement, he says. The industry has gotten so much better as far as quality of product goes and the competition is much stiffer. Quality isn t enough to make you stand out anymore customer service is the key differential because not everyone can deliver that. New for Newmar is an exciting new product introduced at last year s big show in Louisville. It s called the All-Star and boasts a family floor plan that can seat up to eight, dine up to eight and sleep up to eight. The next version of the All-Star will feature a toy hauler that will not only have a bedroom, a kitchen, and a living room but also a full garage for two ATV s, two dirt bikes or two golf carts. This will be a way for people to enjoy their hobby or off-time lifestyle with this unit and without having to have a towable, all starting at about $250,000. The Newmar website, has some good information including warranty and service information and the online factory tour is definitely worth taking the time to look at, although not the real thing, it is a nice substitute if you don t find yourself in Nappanee. Notes: 64

63 Class A Diesel & Gas Motorhomes Rexhall Industries, Inc th St W Lancaster, CA Phone: R Class Type Manufacturer Popular Model SC Price Range Rating 4 AA AD Rexhall Roseair AD 250K - 170K 8 5 AA AG Rexhall Rexair AD 169K - 80K 6 According to the company s website, They have been producing Class "A" motorhomes for over seventeen years. Their commitment as a company has always been to provide a product that emphasizes value. Rexhall's manufacturing philosophy makes it possible for them to produce a product that offers the customer high quality materials, component parts, and integrated systems. Rexhall products stand apart in their safety, uniqueness and quality. Rexhall is more of a "Vertically Integrated Manufacturer." By manufacturing many of the component parts in-house, Rexhall realizes savings in the sense they do not pay a premium to a "middle man" for many of their parts. This enables them to utilize high quality materials and processes while controlling quality and availability of each component. Most molded fiberglass components, driver s dash, upholstered items, cabinetry, counter tops, driver doors, front entry door and exterior storage compartment doors are component parts manufactured "in-house" by Rexhall. We spoke with Alan Morrison, a sales manager for Rexhall. He said that since they sell factory direct, there s really no region of the U.S. he would call stronger than any other in terms of sales. Because of the safety and quality engineered into Rexhall, the only company he would compare them to is Prevost, even though Prevost is much more expensive. Alan says they sell about 40% diesel motorhomes and about 60% gas. He credits the high build quality for repeat customers. Rexhall motorhomes have few after sale problems for owners to deal with. And Alan says used Rexhall s are extremely popular; they sell very quickly. Alan emphasized how safety is built into every Rexhall. They all have full unibody construction with welds. He cited many examples of Rexhall owners who walked away from bad accidents due to the safety features of the vehicles. The roofs are fully molded, one piece fiberglass. The side walls are marine grade 20 ml gelcoat the same as you would find on a boat. Another construction feature is that the wiring is put in after the coach is built. This means no scrapes or scuffs on the finish, and the wiring is easily accessible. The dash panel is hinged, which also means easy access. The tapered design of a Rexhall is aerodynamics at its best. On the T Rex, both sides slide. Because of the design of the vehicle, no awnings are necessary. And all slides and jacks on all Rexhall s are hydraulic. Driver s doors are available, and almost every Rexhall owner takes advantage of that option. 65

64 Class A Diesel & Gas Motorhomes In 2006 and 2007 models, compartment doors are café style. Other new items include a 37 gas motorhome with a toy box on the back. This model could also have a sitting room with two doors rather than the toy box. New floor plans include the options of two half baths, a walk in closet, and pantry. Comments: The Company receives high marks for quality construction and customer satisfaction based on my research. Many Rexhall owners were pleased with the fit and finish of their coaches and felt the company gave you more regarding standard features as compared to Fleetwood or Coachman, their closest competitors. The resale value is average to above average based on my research. Rexhall is a smaller company with emphasis on building Class A diesel and gas motorhomes. I feel the company could do a better job in promoting their products and their website could be a bit more consumer friendly. The company does offer tours in the morning and if you live near the plant I would recommend taking a tour. Rexhall is a good company with quality construction being their highest priority, which leads to satisfied customers. Notes: 66

65 Class A Diesel & Gas Motorhomes Safari Motorcoaches (Monaco) Coburg Industrial Way Coburg, OR Phone: R Class Type Manufacturer Popular Model SC Price Range Rating 5 AA AD Safair (Monaco) Cheetah AD 404K - 189K P AG Safair (Monaco) Simba AD 140K - 105K E C Safair (Monaco) Ivory AD 89K - 67K 6 Safari began building coaches in 1986 in Oregon. The goal was to make an outstanding RV for good value. Safari soon became well-known and popular in the RV world and in 2001 became a part of the Monaco Coach Corporation, also in Oregon, and still strives to give the most coach for the money. Safari motorcoaches stand out from the rest, especially its main competitors, Winnebago and Fleetwood, due to the attention paid to fit and finish. The amenities we put in the homes, the quality and construction, are second to none, says Monaco VP Craig Wanichek. Our diesel is built on its own chassis and all units have 84 height and one-piece windshields. It s all about the best value for the dollar. Safari is popular in the northwest and southwest regions of the country, due in large part to its location and expects to see a percent growth this year. Wanichek gives Safari a 10 across the board for customer service, customer satisfaction and quality of product. We have more people in service than most have in their whole company, he says. For parts and service, Monaco's backend support is second to none in the industry. We have three factory-owned service centers across the United States, in Oregon, Indiana and Florida, and 24/7, 365 days a year technical support. Our superior service sets us apart. The Cheetah is Safari s most popular Class A diesel, starting at $200,000 MSRP. With a one-piece Panaview windshield and custom-built Roadmaster chassis that has the power of a Caterpillar C7 350 HP engine; the Cheetah combines luxury with power for a smooth ride. Late for 2006 expect to see options like full slideouts for the Cheetah models. The two-foot-deep full-wall slideout is configured with a smaller second bedroom slide. The coach was first shown at the Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA) convention in Pomona, Calif. Built on Monaco's 33,000- pound GVWR proprietary Roadmaster raised-rail RR8R chassis, the 40-foot Cheetah 40SFD floor plan is powered by a 350-hp Caterpillar C7 diesel power plant. The fullwall slide contains a separate bedroom wardrobe and closet, refrigerator, pantry, dinette and sofa. Simba, starting at $70,000 MSRP, is Safari s most popular Class A gas motorhome. Also with the one-piece Panaview windshield, the Simba offers a lot of bang for the buck including ceiling height of 84" and 30" deep bedroom slideouts. This year, Safari introduced its first Class C motorhome called, Ivory, starting at $67,000. This model comes in a number of floor plans and is intended to attract entry-level buyers. 67

66 Class A Diesel & Gas Motorhomes Comments: Older Safari owners that I spoke with were not all that impressed with the product, but since Monaco purchased the company in 2001 the product has improved greatly. The sales staff at PPL Motorhomes, which only sells used RVs, gave Safari a high score and felt the quality of construction was above average to excellent on models that were three years old or newer. The resale value is average to above average and dealers across the country gave Safari high marks as well. I have looked at a number of new Safari products and was impressed with the quality, workmanship and fit and finish. All in all, it is a good company that really appeals to those that want more than just your basic RV unit but can t afford the really expensive units. The company says it appeals to the upper-end buyers but I feel they appeal more to the mid-range to upper-end buyers. Notes: 68

67 Class A Diesel & Gas Motorhomes Tiffin Motorhomes, Inc nd Street NW Red Bay, AL Phone: R Class Type Manufacturer Popular Model SC Price Range Rating 1 AA AD Tiffin Allegro Bus AG 380K - 175K AA AG Tiffin Allegro AG 138K - 80K 8.5 Tiffin Motorhomes is truly a family run business. Started by Bob Tiffin in Red Bay, Alabama population 3200 Tiffin runs the company with his three sons, Tim, Van and Lex, all University of Alabama graduates. It wasn t easy building an RV manufacturing company in the northwest corner of Alabama, especially when most of the industry is situated in Indiana, but Tiffin has solved this problem by constantly staying ahead of the curve with innovations in design and technology and a do-it-yourself attitude. Once, twenty years ago, when a delayed shipment of windows caused the plant to close down, Tiffin decided right then and there that wouldn t happen again. So he bought a local glass plant and turned it into his own window and windshield manufacturing factory. He did the same for fiberglass and for all the woodwork. Almost everything in a Tiffin Motorhome is made by company. That is why even if you have one of the oldest models ever made, you can still find the parts you need. That is what the company prides itself on customer service. While Tiffin counts Newmar and National as its main competitors, Director of Sales Jerry Williamson says the attention paid to the customer sets Tiffin apart from the rest. We are a private company, he says. And upper management is accessible to the retail customer. Bob Tiffin himself spends all day talking to retail owners. He is in touch with the end user. We have an open door policy. To that end, in July we opened a state-of-the-art service center. One of our taglines is Just ask someone who owns one and if you did they d say no one in the industry takes care of us better. Service is something we don t just talk about, we do it. To this end, Tiffin recently built an RV park on the grounds where the customers can stay when they do come and visit. They also send service crews out to all of the SEC games and when they see a Tiffin motorhome they knock on the door and ask if they need anything done to the vehicle free of charge of course. Williamson says this catches some people by surprise, but those who have been long-time owners, know this is what to expect. Along with listening to customers comes innovation. Tiffin is not only known for its superb customer service but also for its advances in the industry. They use ¼ glass for safer, quieter, more durable and energy efficient windows, much like the windows used in building a home. Instead of bolting the steps to the well, Tiffin welds the steps directly to the frame, making the units much sturdier and eliminating the danger of soft or loose steps. 69

68 Class A Diesel & Gas Motorhomes Tiffin has also led the market when it comes to storage, which is always at a premium in a motorhome. Tiffin coaches have anywhere from cabinets and drawers, as opposed to most others with In 1999, they introduced the first full storage basement in the industry. They were also the first to introduce the triple slide and are still the only manufacturer to offer a 30 coach with a double slide. The chassis is reinforced with additional steel cross-bracing for strength and integrity and a safer more durable product. Tiffin expects about a 5 to 10 percent growth for 2006 over the 2,600 units sold in 2005 and is strongest in the southeast and southwest, especially Texas because of the proximity. The Tiffin customer is a mid-range customer with price and quality both playing a role in the decision making. The most popular gas model is the Allegro and the most popular diesel is the Phaeton. Williamson says this has a lot to do with the price point. Most everyone enters the market at the $70-$100,000 range. These are our entry level models. Tiffin builds five different brands, covering the whole price structure of the market, three diesel and two gas models. While customer service is top of the list for Tiffin, Williamson says he would not rate them a perfect 10. For customer service effort, we get a ten but no one is perfect. We try to give the best customer service but are always looking to improve. As far as customer satisfaction, he feels the same way. There are always the few that we can t please but we keep trying. We don t give up on anyone. And when it comes to quality of product Williamson says, We give excellent value and excellent product for our pricing. What you get is what you pay for, we do very well. Comments: The industry seems to agree that Tiffin excels in customer service and satisfaction. They consistently rate top notch in surveys sent out by the RVDA. Last year they received the Quality Circle Award (2005) and ranked tops in 17 out of 24 categories. I like the fact that the company is small enough to care but large enough to provided excellent service. This year, Tiffin will introduce a front engine diesel that will get somewhere over 11 mpg as opposed the average 6-7 mpg. They are concentrating on expanding more into the diesel line as Williamson sees that is the way the industry is heading. We are always working on new things for our motorhomes, Williamson says. The change in the industry is fast paced. Five years ago, everyone had the same floor plans. Now, with the slideouts and the quad-slideouts, it s not like that anymore. There s more you can do and there s more diversity between the manufacturers. It s an exciting time. If there s one thing Williamson could change about the company, it would be to improve the marketing effort. We don't boast on ourselves very much so we probably need a little better job of getting the word out about what we do so well and why we are so different. But the word must be out because Tiffin can t build product fast enough to satisfy the dealers. They have been in an oversold position for the past three years. They must be doing something right. This is a solid company with a promising future and definitely worth checking out. The company s website has a lot of good information including brochure requests 70

69 Class A Diesel & Gas Motorhomes and information on the Tiffin Owners Club. The friendly feel of the website is a good example of the company s customer first attitude. Notes: 71

70 Class A Diesel & Gas Motorhomes Travel Supreme SR 19 PO Box 610 Wakarusa, IN Phone: R Class Type Manufacturer Popular Model SC Price Range Rating 4 P AD Travel Supreme Travel Supreme FW 575K - 220K 8 Travel Supreme began in 1989 as a manufacturer of fifth wheels. The company began in an 870 sq. ft. building in Wakarusa, Indiana. Because of their success in becoming the number one fifth wheel manufacturer in the country, Travel Supreme branched out and in 1999 began manufacturing upscale, customized diesel motorhomes. They now make both the fifth wheels and motorhomes in their 120,000 sq. ft. manufacturing plant. What makes Travel Supreme stand out in the industry and keeps them popular in all regions of the country is their level of customized options. We specialize in building special units, says Ted Cook, Vice President of Operations. We build our own cabinets, for example, and the customer can specify custom cabinets or change the layouts and we ll build it for them. If they want an entertainment unit instead of a storage unit, we ll build it for them. Cook says the level of the fit and finish also sets Travel Supreme apart and also sets them in the upscale recreational vehicle bracket with their competitors Newmar, Monaco and Country Coach. King of the Road is considered competition for Travel Supreme s fifth wheel market. Because they offer such a wide range of options, Cook says the one thing he would change about the company is to do more marketing. The number one thing we hear from customers is I didn t realize you could do that! If you put all of our options in a book it would be like 20 pages. People don t realize all of our special works. Travel Supreme expects to yield a 5 percent growth this year over the approximately 360 motorhomes and 360 fifth wheels sold this year. We aren't after a big gross sales number, says Cook. We are after building a specified unit for a specified customer. If you are going to spend that money you want it built the way you want it. In the past, Travel Supreme s fifth wheels surpassed its motorhomes in sales volume but that is no longer the case. Motorhomes have not only caught up with fifth wheels but have surpassed them. We are going after the upper end clientele. They see what we can build and they want the best, Cook says. The company s most popular motorhome is simply called the Travel Supreme but it is not simple. Like all of Travel Supreme products, even their lower priced model can be custom designed. The Travel Supreme has the best value for its dollar. The fact that you get the best for the dollar and can special build your cabinets, that s 72

71 Class A Diesel & Gas Motorhomes why people like it, Cook says. For the money, customers can get a lot of options including cherry wood. It all goes back to the custom work that we do, says Cook. Comments: Travel Supreme rates high in customer service but Cook says there is always room for improvement. He says that goes for customer satisfaction as well. We can all look at ourselves and improve, he says. We are always looking at how we can better satisfy our customer. It s ongoing and it s adjusting to the clientele. As far as quality of product, Travel Supreme also rates high but Cook says they don t take anything for granted. We are always looking at how we can improve our product. When you feel you can t improve, that s when you start falling behind. Travel Supreme is known for its exotic woods and finishes. They offer choices like cherry, maple, oak and walnut and even brush stained woods for the motorhomes and in the fifth wheels you can choose glazed burnished maple or glazed spiced hardwoods. We offer a lot of options which gives us a certain niche and that s the customer we go after. We are a very customized built engineered company. Nobody does it to the extent that we do, says Cook. The future is unlimited for Travel Supreme. Where does your imagination stop? asks Cook. If you have it in your house more than likely I can put it on wheels. We do a lot of units with 52 inch TVs, a lot with three surround sounds - two in the coach and one outside - granite floors and countertops. Whatever you can imagine, the future will hold. Keep an eye out for Travel Supreme s virtual factory tour on their website it is a great source of information. Notes: 73

72 Class A Diesel & Gas Motorhomes Triple E Recreation Vehicles Box 1230 Winkler, Manitoba, Canada R6W 4C4 Phone R Class Type Manufacturer Popular Model SC Price Range Rating 1 E AD Triple E Empress Elite TT 258K - 150K P AG Triple E Embassy TT 149K - 80K 9 2 P C Triple E Regancy TT 92K - 62K 8.5 Triple E Recreation Vehicles started out 41 years ago with a little 13-foot travel trailer. Today, the company that is located in Winkler, Manitoba Canada not only makes towables but Class A diesels, Class A gas motorhomes and Class C motorhomes. From small things, big things one day come. The plant in Winkler is highly integrated meaning that most of the parts and fit and finish are made on site to Triple E s exact specifications. In addition to the production line, the factory includes a welding shop, paint shop, fiberglass and mold shop, sewing department, and cabinet manufacturing department. Because of their location in the prairies of Canada, Triple E makes sure their RVs are built to sustain harsh climates and very cold weather. The Empress and Commander Class A motorhomes are fully insulated and include thermal pane windows and heated and insulated holding and water tanks. The Class C motorhomes and Touring Edition fifth wheels offer options that will make them weather-proof and able to be used in the coldest months. Triple E is currently the only Canadian owned RV manufacturer building Class "A" motorhomes. Ryan Elias, Marketing Coordinator for Triple E, says that it is the quality of the vehicles that makes Triple E motorcoaches and towables stand out. We promote our quality and craftsmanship which is second to none, he says. Our commitment to quality and customer service is also second to none. For this reason, the Triple E customer tends to be a mid-range customer one who is looking for quality and a value-added price. This customer also tends to become a loyal Triple E customer once they buy their first RV. We see a lot of repeat buyers, three, four and five time buyers, says Elias. We have top quality customer service and we think we are the best in terms of quality and customer satisfaction. And it shows with our repeat business. The most popular Triple E coaches are the flagship Empress-Elite Class A diesel, the Class A gas Commander and the Class C Regency. 74

73 Class A Diesel & Gas Motorhomes Comments: While the majority of Triple E customers are located in Western Canada, the company has a dealer network in the United States and is continuing to add more and more U.S. dealers. On the Triple E website, you can download adobe brochures about each product, which include floor plan options and specifications. There is a dealer locater as well as a rental locater, in case you want to try out a Triple E on a trip before buying one. Please note the rental agents for now are only in Canada. However, you can always test drive a Triple E at the dealer. Triple E earns high marks for quality construction and customer satisfaction is above average. Most people have never heard of Triple E and this is a problem for the company in our opinion. They need to do a better job getting the word out here in the states. Triple E customers are pleased with their purchases overall and feel the workmanship inside and out is better than most other companies. They received high marks for the RV dealers I spoke with. Resale value is also average to above average based on our research. Triple E is a quality company with a bright future. Notes: 75

74 Class A Diesel & Gas Motorhomes Western Recreation Vehicles P.O. Box 9547 Yakima, Washington Phone: R Class Type Manufacturer Popular Model SC Price Range Rating 3 AA AD Western RV Alpine coach apex FW 330K - 230K 8.5 Western Recreation Vehicles, Inc. was founded in April of 1971 by Bill and Suzanne Doyle and continues today as a family owned business. After 22 years of sound leadership, Bill Doyle retired as President of WRV. On that date, Ron Doyle was named company President. Bill is Chairman of the Board and Suzanne continues as company Secretary. Western RV is a national manufacturer of motorized and towable recreation vehicles located in Yakima, Washington. Corporate and production facilities extend to over 57 acres and surpass over 400,000 square feet under one roof. The company currently manufactures Alpenlite fifth-wheels, travel trailers and truck campers as well as Alpine Coach, a premier diesel motor coach. Western sells best in the southwest and northwest regions of the US followed by the rocky mountain region, southeast, northeast and Midwest. It predicts a strong growth for 2006 of percent. Its closest competitors in the diesel category are Monaco and Country Coach. Marketing Assistant Dave Woodall feels it is Western s heritage of technical innovation and engineering excellence that sets them apart. Western s most popular diesel coach is the Alpine Coach Apex, MSRP $396,508 to $405,596. The Apex is the epitome of luxury from Western RV. It takes the basis of the Apex Limited and goes a step further. It takes the Peak Chassis and Cummins 8.9 liter, 400 bhp ISL motor and makes standard the LCD Flat-Screen HDTV, Kingdome Satellite TV, Keyless Entry plus the patented SmartBed Storage System. Western RV has taken the basic frame rail design and improved it by adding additional supports which are bolted on and not welded to strengthen the overall frame. This provides a comfortable ride without the squeaks and rattles once associated with a basic frame rail design. The Alpine Coach Limited Series, designs its own custom and in-house manufactured Peak Chassis. It continues to grab the attention of both seasoned and novice motor coach enthusiasts. Its superb handling and road manners are accented by high quality living areas in an expanded offering of 2005 floor plans. In a relatively short period of time, WRV has become one of the top producers in the U. S. of Class A motorhomes, (per Statistical Surveys, Inc., June 2004) while manufacturing exclusively diesel motor coaches. Western RV s 76

75 Class A Diesel & Gas Motorhomes website at is a good place to visit if you re interested in learning more about their custom chassis system. Apex's patent pending SmartBed Storage System is a quantum leap forward in the design of motor coach storage space...and an Apex exclusive! The four SmartBeds, each are independently operated by an electro-hydraulic mechanism, enabling the entire storage bay to glide in and out at the touch of a button! No more kneeling in the dirt, straining your back or banging your head on extended slide rooms when handling your cargo. Comments: In many ways Western RV is a model company in the recreational vehicle industry. Its 35-year commitment to quality and customer satisfaction is a company tradition. The company has high marks in customer satisfaction, quality construction and resale value. The dealers also give Western RV high marks. Woodall says when it comes to customer service and satisfaction he rates Western a 10. Nobody's perfect but we go the extra mile when it comes to making sure our owners are taken care of. Recently, one of our owners called with a problem that had disabled his coach. It was after hours, the Factory Service Center had already closed, and our Vice President of Marketing ended up with the call. He began to patiently walk the customer through a series of steps in an attempt to alleviate the problem. Soon, our CFO was in the room offering his support, and before you knew it, our CEO, was personally involved with fixing the problem. You don t see that much anymore. Woodall remarked. The company has a good handle on quality control issues and, in our book, is a worthy company if you re after a quality built RV at affordable prices. The company s website is loaded with good information and construction information as well. Notes: 77

76 Class A Diesel & Gas Motorhomes Winnebago Industries 605 W. Crystal Lake Road PO Box 152 Forest City, IA Phone: R Class Type Manufacturer Popular Model SC Price Range Rating 2 AA AD Winnebago Journey AG 279K - 150K 9 1 AA AG Winnebago Adventurer AG 168K - 77K 9 4 AA C Winnebago Outlook AG 87K - 60K 6.5 Winnebago Industries is one of the oldest and most well-known names in the recreational vehicle industry. The company, headquartered in Forest City, Iowa manufactures motorhomes and self-contained RVs for leisure and outdoor recreational use. The company was started in 1958 when John K. Hanson convinced a California company to open a travel trailer factory in the then economically depressed rural area of Forest City. Soon after, the factory was purchased by five Forest City residents and Hanson became its president. The name Winnebago came into use in At that time, the company was primarily manufacturing travel trailers and furniture and accessories for these trailers. By constantly updating, they developed innovative products such as a wall construction process called Thermo-Panel that provides a strong, lightweight, insulated sidewall. This is still a Winnebago exclusive. In 1966, Winnebago built its first motorhome. It was a 19-foot model that had everything a family needed for cross-country adventure. Through use of the assembly line and other manufacturing innovations in the motorhome industry, Winnebago Industries could produce a motorhome that sold for half the price of competitors models. The company s growth continued through the 1970s and 1980s and in 1986 was the first RV manufacturer to celebrate 20 years of production and to hit the 200,000 motorhomes produced mark also marked the year the company made the Top Ten list for innovation. Today Winnebago Industries operates the largest RV production facility in the world and makes all of its parts and accessories itself, increasing their availability. As they say on the website, Dies and molds are kept on hand. So, if you need a holding tank 10 years from now, you can get one. The tank was made by us, not by someone else who has long since gone out of business or shifted production. Winnebago also prides itself on its rigorous testing. A state-of-the-art, 40,000- square-foot testing facility was completed in The computerized road simulator (nicknamed "The Shaker") and the half-mile test track can simulate the effects of years of normal driving in just a few days. Components are checked under hot, cold, wet and dry conditions and every Winnebago Industries 78

77 Class A Diesel & Gas Motorhomes motorhome goes through a high-pressure water tunnel and is checked for leaks before shipping. Winnebago sells strongest in the warm weather regions of the United States, the southwest and the southeast. Fleetwood, Monaco and Thor are its closest competitors. According to Public Relations Specialist Kelly Harms, Winnebago stands out because it focuses strictly on motorhomes, both Class A and C. We have a great brand name that sets us apart from our competitors, she says. Harms says Winnebago rates high in both customer service and customer satisfaction. The most popular Class A gas motorhome is the Winnebago Adventurer starting at $136,248 MSRP. On the website, Winnebago says it is the industry s best-selling motorhome. Winnebago s best selling diesel motorhome is the Journey and the most popular Class C is the Outlook starting at $60,193 MSRP. New for 2006 the Outlook offers stylized aluminum wheels, decorative glass doors in the living area, a raised-wood panel refrigerator, and upgraded lighting. All are available with the deluxe package. Comments: Winnebago has long been a respected name in the industry. Its customers are mid-range, looking for quality and concerned about price. The company continues to keep this in mind when upgrading and updating the product. After interviewing a number of Winnebago owners it became clear that many were happy with their purchase, and a few were not. Winnebago received the Quality Circle Award from RVDA in The dealers I spoke with were impressed with the way Winnebago handles customer service and warranty claims. Customer satisfaction is very high and quality construction is above average to excellent. The resale value is average to above average based on our research. All in all it is a great company that has a good reputation within the industry. What does the future hold for Winnebago? Harms says we can look for more amenities and features in Winnebago products. There will be better use of space and an emphasis on fuel economy. Features people want in the home, they want in their RVs, she says. Functionality, ease of use, livability, luxury as well as quality are all things people look for in a Winnebago. Notes: 79

78 Class A Diesel & Gas Motorhomes Detailed Rating Chart for Class A Diesel Motorhomes R Class Type Manufacturer Popular Model SC Price Range C CS DR RV Points Rating 1 P AD Foretravel Phenix AD 680K - 376K P AD Newmar Dutch Star AD 515K - 200K P AD Country Coach Inspire 360 AD 750K - 230K P AD Travel Supreme Travel Supreme FW 575K - 220K P AD Beaver (Monaco) Marquis AD 590K - 210K P AD Monaco Dynasty AD 680K - 160K P AD Holiday Rambler Endeavor AD 490K -145K AA AD Tiffin Allegro Bus AG 380K - 175K AA AD Winnebago Journey AG 279K - 150K AA AD Western RV Alpine coach apex FW 330K - 230K AA AD Rexhall Roseair AD 250K - 170K AA AD Safair (Monaco) Cheetah AD 404K - 189K AA AD King of the Road Genesis FW 350K - 320K AA AD Alfa Leisure See Ya FW 280K - 175K AA AD Airstream (Thor) Land Yacht LX TT 325K - 235K E AD Triple E Empress Elite TT 258K - 150K E AD Fleetwood Discovery AG 259K - 155K E AD Damon (Thor) Tuscany AD 220K - 140K E AD Georgie Boy Cruise Master AG 205K - 187K E AD Itasca Horizon AG 289K - 155K E AD Gulf Stream Crescendo TT 258K - 157K E AD Sportscoach Cross Country TT 260K - 150K

79 Class A Diesel & Gas Motorhomes Detailed Rating Chart for Class A Gas Motorhomes R Class Type Manufacturer Popular Model SC Price Range C CS DR RV Points Rating 1 P AG Newmar Scottsdale AD 205K - 113K P AG Triple E Embassy TT 149K - 80K P AG Monaco Diplomat AD 146K - 87K P AG National RV See Breeze AG 146K - 99K P AG Holliday Rambler Admiral SE AD 145K - 90K P AG Safair (Monaco) Simba AD 140K - 105K P AG Airstream (Thor) Land Yacht TT 125K - 103K AA AG Winnebago Adventurer AG 168K - 77K AA AG Tiffin Allegro AG 138K - 80K AA AG Itasca Suncruiser AG 167K - 88K AA AG Fleetwood Bounder AG 147K - 70K AA AG Rexhall Rexair AD 169k - 80K AA AG Four Winds (Thor) Hurricane C 120K - 70K AA AG Coachmen RV Aurora TT 159K - 75K E AG Georgie Boy Landau AG 122K - 81K E AG Damon (Thor) Daybreak AG 130K - 69K E AG Gulf Stream Sun Voyager TT 133K - 68K E AG Mandalay (Thor) Presidio TT 140K - 67K E AG R-Vision (Monaco) Trail Aire TT 120K - 65K E AG Forest River Georgetown TT 100K - 67K

80 Class A Diesel & Gas Motorhomes RV Companies not featured in this chapter but included in both rating charts above: Alfa Leisure (No Article but included in rating guide based on our research) Coachmen (See Chapter 9) Forest River (See Chapter 9) Four Winds (See Chapter 9) Georgie Boy (See Coachmen RV Chapter 9) Gulf Stream (See Chapter 9) Mandalay (See Thor Industries Chapter 9) National RV (No Article but included in rating guide based on our research) R-Vision (See Monaco) Sportscoach (See Coachmen RV Chapter 9) Note: Conversion buses not featured or rated in this guide. See Chapter 2 for detailed information regarding rating parameters and understanding the chart. 82

81 Class C Motorhomes Chapter 9 Class C Motorhomes Price Range: $49,000 to $380,000 Length Range: 22 to 35 feet Class C motorhomes are sometimes referred to as minimotorhomes, which are scaleddown versions of Class A motorhomes. They range in weight from 10,000 to 15,000 pounds and stretch from 20 feet to 35 feet in length. Class C motorhomes are generally 2007 Jayco Seneca constructed on a van chassis. The driver compartment is similar to a van, with a large box in the back. Class C motorhomes are usually equipped will a sleeping bunk above the cab, in addition to a bedroom in the rear of the unit. Like Class A motorhomes, many Class C units feature a slideout to quickly extend the motorhomes living space. Class C units usually provide cooking facilities, a refrigerator, heating, air conditioning, a self-contained toilet, water tanks (fresh water, grey water, black water), faucets, sinks, a LP (propane) gas supply, a separate volt electrical system, and a full array of appliances and entertainment features. Class C motorhomes can sleep up to ten people depending on the model and in our opinion is best suited for large families as compared to a class A. Class C motorhomes are built on cutaway chassis with a manufactured cab that has driver and passenger doors. Those that have driven a Class C comment on how it feels more car like than a Class A because the full width of the coach is behind them. Overall sales remain steady in this category and many manufacturers are producing Class C motorhomes with diesel engines. They cost a bit more but many RV buyers feel it s worth the trade off with high gas prices which are probably not going down any time soon. Regarding gas Class C motorhomes many manufacturers are trying to develop lighter materials to improve gas mileage. The following pages of this chapter will feature a number of RV companies we have researched. Most have been interviewed by us and each company is listed in alphabetical order. At the end of this chapter a rating chart will appear showing all the RV manufacturers we have researched. Please remember that we have not researched every manufacturer and it is our hope to include more manufacturers in future publications. 83

82 Class C Motorhomes To learn more about how we arrived at our conclusions and ratings please review chapter 2 of this book. It is our hope that the information contained in this chapter will help you make informed decisions regarding Class C motorhomes with fair and balanced information that has been compiled over a number of years. 84

83 Class C Motorhomes Bigfoot Industries 4114 Crozier Road Armstrong, B.C. Canada V0E 1B6 Phone: R Class Type Manufacturer Popular Model SC Price Range Rating 3 AA C Bigfoot 3000 Series 29SL TT 89K - 72K 7 Bigfoot industries located in Armstrong, British Columbia, Canada; has been building quality RVs for 27 years. Specializing in Class C and travel trailers, Bigfoot sells strong in the northwest and rocky mountain regions due to its location but has a strong dealer network throughout the United States and Canada. Bigfoot continues to grow, estimating a 5 to 10 percent growth this year, due in part to the new floor plans set to debut in June or July with more new floor plans to come. The company is always on the cutting edge of manufacturing RVs that are useable in all-weather. Marketing Director Wolf Ernst says, This is one aspect that sets Bigfoot apart from other Class C and travel trailer manufacturers. Also, the fact that Bigfoot is not a mass producer, they make fewer so each is given attention to detail. We specialize in high quality vehicles for all-season use, Ernst says. They are made from fiberglass and most are winterized for four season use. People also use our RVs for skiing, hunting, and fall and winter trips. Bigfoot s most popular Class C motorhome is the 30MH29SL in the 3000 series. Ernst says it is due to its layout which is practical and functional. As for travel trailers, the 25B21FB in the 2500 series is the biggest seller, again according to Ernst, because it is well-designed, well laid out and there is a lot of storage. Because they are so specialized, the Bigfoot customer is looking for something specific and is therefore not generally an entry-level customer. Most of the Bigfoot customers are looking for quality and style as the number one reason for purchasing. According to Ernst, their closest competitor is Northwood Manufacturing, (Arctic Fox). As far as customer service, Ernst says the letters and testimonials he receives tell the tale. We have numerous letters and postcards from people who are very happy with our service. We have customer testimonials from Bigfoot owners who say we go above the call of duty with our attention to detail. People have written letters to RV Times [a Canadian RV publication] saying We went to Bigfoot and they really looked after us. For the future, Bigfoot is prototyping a new travel trailer with new floor plans and slideouts for the 3000 series. Bigfoot is looking to have a very good year. 85

84 Class C Motorhomes Comments: Bigfoot Industries is a small company as mentioned above, which gives them the ability to focus on quality control to produce the best products possible. Their travel trailers, for example, are constructed from two-piece molded fiberglass and insulated using a 1 1/2" high-density polystyrene insulation. Another feature is their high quality designer fabrics decorating the interiors. All models feature large, radius corner windows that create a feeling of spaciousness, and provide you with an unobstructed view of the great outdoors. Bigfoot's unique twopiece construction and excellent aerodynamics will allow you to tow them with ease. The company s website is informative and lists dealers to contact in your area. Here is a testimony form a Bigfoot owner that sums up this company, We bought a 2004 Bigfoot 21' travel trailer and have never regretted it. The trailer is everything we expected, and the quality of construction is superior. I have had no warranty claims. The only damage has been one screw pulled out that secured a window shade, which I replaced myself. I'd buy another Bigfoot in a minute. The resale value is great based on our research. The company stands behind their products and works closely with their dealers to ensure warranty issues are taken care of in a timely manner. Notes: 86

85 Class C Motorhomes Born Free Motorcoach Dodgen Industries Inc. Highway 169 North Humboldt, IA Phone: R Class Type Manufacturer Popular Model SC Price Range Rating 1 AA C Born Free 22' built for two C 85K - 68K 8.5 When you see a Born Free Motor coach cruising down the road you notice it. Born Free s unique design makes it stand out among the other Class C s on the market. The company only builds 250 coaches a year going after that niche customer that wants something unique that performs well and is of high quality inside and out. Born Free is one of the older companies in the business today, manufacturing Class C motor coaches for 38 years and gaining a reputation as one of the best in the business along the way. We are known for three things quality, safety and drivability, says Phil Overby, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. We have two inch steel roll bars throughout our coaches, the insides are built with real wood, not pressed woods and we have an all fiberglass body with a lifetime warranty on the fiberglass. Our shape is different and we have won awards for drivability. Our design is unique and our company is unique. These are the factors that set Born Free apart from its competitors Coachhouse, Dynacorp and Lazy Daze. Also, it has a unique customer base. Building and selling only 250 coaches a year, the clientele clearly knows what it wants. They have done their homework and want the specialty niche that is Born Free. Our pricing starts at $75,000-$150,000. Most people who are looking at lower end coaches are paying $25,000. We get more high-end Rvers, says Overby. Typically our customers have done their research and know what they want. They ve talked to other Born Free customers and know what we have to offer them. They come in and say, If it drives as well as I ve heard it does, I ll buy it. Born Free s most popular coach is the 22-foot Built for Two. It s perfect for the single person or couple to travel comfortably and is fuel efficient and easy to handle. The Built for Two starts at $70,805. Overby says the popularity is due to its size, the fact that it s a step up from a Class B, and it s more convenient. The floor plan is ready to go, and you don t have to move things to make a room here and there like in a Class B, yet it s still a small coach, he says. As far as service, satisfaction and quality go, Overby considers Born Free a 10. According John N. Dodgen, Chairman and President, in a letter on the company website, Over 96% of our customers indicated they would recommend a Born Free Motorcoach to others. Born Free has consistently performed well in independent RV ratings and reviews as well. 87

86 Class C Motorhomes Comments: This is a unique company building only 200 to 300 units per year. No doubt they will impress even the most discriminating buyers. If you plan to use your RV a lot and only the best will do then check out Born Free and their product lineup. All of the customers and dealers we interviewed were impressed with the quality of the product and customer service is a priority for the company. The only downside is that the cost factor is high. Their business model is not based on volume but on building the best product possible. Coming up for Born Free is a newly introduced 32 foot motorhome. It is still a Class C but it is for people who want more space. It s designed for people who are coming out of Class A s but still want quality, Overby says. It has a full walk-around queen bed, central vacuum cleaner and a lot of space. The company s website is chock full of pertinent information and customer testimonials. It appears that Born Free has a loyal following and they intend to keep it that way. Notes: 88

87 Class C Motorhomes Coach House, Inc 3480 Technology Drive Nokomis, FL Phone: R Class Type Manufacturer Popular Model SC Price Range Rating 1 P C Coach House C-272 C 155K - 110K 9 Coach House Inc. has carved out a niche in the RV marketplace. Its one-piece fiberglass body is unique in the industry. No seams mean no leaks, fewer repairs and a more peaceful driving experience. Our one-piece fiberglass body makes us absolutely unique. Every other RV is built multi-piece. We are the only ones who aren t, says Steve Gerzeny, Coach House VP. What you get is a vehicle that is quieter driving down the road. With no seams it is unleakable and as far as integrity of the motorhome, it will last forever. There are no seams that can fail. For this reason, Gerzeny rates Coach House s quality of product a 10. We use the best of everything inside our motorhomes the best appliances, the best cabinet materials. We choose the best vendors and shave no expense at all. We always try to find the unique and special. Another reason for the popularity of Coach House is that what is considered an option in many other motorhomes comes standard in a Coach House. Most items are standard. We have very few options. We don t option people to death, says Gerzeny. The average Coach House customer is high end, with quality and style being the most important aspect of the decision-making process. Often our customer is a downsizer who is coming out of a Marathon or Country Coach and want something smaller but don t want to forego luxury. We also deal with the entry-level buyer who has the resources and wherewithal and has done his homework says Gerzeny. Coach House motorhomes are used for a lot more than camping. Gerzeny says his coaches are used for tailgating, offices, showrooms. We had a customer who represented a high-end clothing line and wanted to be represented by a high-end motor line to showcase his product. Coach House sales are strongest in the southeast and expect an overall growth of 2-5 percent this year. And while the product is unique, the main competitors for the company are Dynamax and Born Free. The most popular Coach House model is the Class C-272 double slide 27 with a MSRP of $153,000. This model has a permanent bed in the back so buyers don t have to fuss when it s time to go to sleep. Taken from Coach House website, Not too big, not too small: That's the Coach House Platinum, the best-looking motorhome in its class. Spacious enough to contain all the amenities of home with a full 6 feet, 3 inches of headroom yet small enough to give any driver confidence behind the wheel. 89

88 Class C Motorhomes Comments: Based on my research the company receives high marks in all categories; construction, customer satisfaction, dealer ratings and resale value. Last year Coach House sold approximately 200 units, about one per working day, Gerzeny says. Coach House is obviously a small company appealing to discriminating buyers who want the best the industry has to offer. The company s products appeal to couples who have had a much larger Class A or C motorhome and are tired of handling the "big rig. They want something they can tour in, but also want the luxuries they had in a larger Class A or C. In some cases the woman will now become the primary driver. This also appeals to a single person who has lost a spouse and no longer needs the room in a larger motorhome. I give Coach House a 9 point rating and for those of you wanting an upper-end class C that is not too big then you owe it to yourself to check out this company. Notes: 90

89 Class C Motorhomes Coachmen RV (Coachmen Industries Inc.) P.O. Box 30 Middlebury, IN Phone: R Class Type Manufacturer Popular Model SC Price Range Rating 7 AA AG Coachmen RV Aurora TT 159K - 75K 5 5 E C Coachmen RV Freelander TT 98K - 52K 5 While attending a recent RV show I was impressed with Coachmen RV, in particular Georgie Boy and Sporstcoach. Coachmen, is one of the nation's leading full-line manufacturers of recreation vehicles and modular construction. The company also has a housing division called the, Housing and Building Systems Group, which is America's leading producer of modular homes. Recreation vehicles are manufactured under Coachmen Recreation Vehicles, LLC, Sportscoach RV, Georgie Boy Manufacturing, LLC and Viking Recreation Vehicles, LLC brand names. Coachmen produces; Class A motorhomes, Class C "mini" motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheel trailers and folding camping trailers. In 1964, Coachmen Industries was founded by three brothers: Tom, Keith and Claude Corson. The Corson brothers built the company on principles such as: "Practice the Golden Rule" "Our Word is our Bond" "Business goes where it is invited and stays where it is well cared for" "Dedicated to the enrichment of your life" By staying committed to these principles, Coachmen has grown to become one of the largest full line manufacturers of RVs in the world. The Corson brothers started Coachmen Industries, Inc. in a 5,000 square foot plant in downtown Middlebury, Indiana. First year production included 12 travel trailers, a single truck camper and 80 truck caps. Since that time Coachmen Companies have produced nearly 600,000 recreation vehicles of all sizes and types. I recently spoke with Bruce Barone, Marketing Analyst. Bruce says that the southeast (especially Florida and Georgia) and the Midwest are Coachmen s strongest regions. The company sold just fewer than 14,000 units last year. Travel trailers are the top category in terms of units sold. All the big manufacturers are in competition with Coachmen, because of their extensive product line. Fleetwood and Winnebago would be the top competitors. Coachmen buyers range from mid-level to upper range, depending on the product. The customers that buy the diesel motorhomes from Sportscoach are definitely more interested in style and quality than anything else. Coachmen, is built on family values. Dealers are treated like family. Loyalty is a big part of the relationship, and it goes both ways. Some dealers have been with Coachmen for 40 years. Many have been with the company for 20 or 30. Bruce 91

90 Class C Motorhomes says that Coachmen always tries to do what s right, no matter what. The fact that Coachmen isn t as big as some of its competitors is an advantage to the consumer. Coachmen can give the time and attention to customers, and respond quickly to changes they ask for. Coachmen recently was ranked #2 in the industry for customer service. The Cross Country Special Edition is the company s most popular diesel motorhome. The Mirada is an entry level Class A motorhome that is their best seller. In the Class C division, the Freelander tops the list. In July of 2006, a new product was released: the Wyoming. Also new this year is more standard features on their models. Coachmen was able to do this and still hold prices steady. New floor plans and other re-designs round out what s coming up. Comments: Based on a recent article by Indy Star, Coachmen on the Road to Recovery. You know things aren t so great at a company when its focus is something called an intensive recovery plan, states Daniel Lee in the May 29 edition of the Indianapolis Star. That s the name of the major initiative these days at Coachmen Industries Inc. The Elkhart, Ind., company, which makes recreation vehicles and homes, racked up $26.4 million in losses in 2005 as its revenue fell 12.5% from the year before. Last year was so bad, Lee points out, that the company s chairman and chief executive, Claire Skinner, did not receive a performance bonus for the first time since The intensive recovery plan is focused around reshaping Coachmen to be a much more solid performer when times are good but to still remain profitable when markets are soft, said Jeff Tryka, Coachmen s director of investor relations. On a positive note we do like Coachmen as a whole. We are hopeful they will be able to turn things around and once they do we are sure they will be a stronger company because of it. We give Coachmen an average rating overall. Customer service on a whole was average to above average. Many were pleased with their purchase but I did receive some negative feedback. The company is appealing to entry-level to mid-range buyers, price being a big consideration. We do like Georgie Boy and feel you get a lot of coach for the money. For those of you that are on a limited budget but want a decent coach, take a look at Georgie Boy. Coachmen has a wide range of products and an extensive dealer network. Resale values are poor to average based on our research. Notes: 92

91 Class C Motorhomes Dynamax Corporation 2745 Northland Dr. P.O. Box 1948 Elkhart, IN Phone: R Class Type Manufacturer Popular Model SC Price Range Rating 4 P C Dynamax ISATA E-Series C 380K - 75K 7 If you are looking for a mean looking machine then Dynamax may have what you re looking for. We spoke with Bob Reda, the NE Region Sales manager for Dynamax. Reda thinks Dynamax distinguishes itself from the rest by blazing new trails in terms of design, and using only the finest materials and craftsmanship. He also credits the management team with a strong vision. He feels their leadership is the key to Dynamax s success. Reda feels the only other company that comes close to Dynamax is Coach House. One of the reasons he thinks the Dynamax product is so different from others is that their Class C motorhomes are professional driving machines. Because of the platforms they are built on, and because of the advanced aerodynamics, no other motorhome drives like a Dynamax. Reda believes the SE is their strongest regarding sales volume although Dynamax isn t focused on producing large numbers of RVs. Dynamax buyers are interested in upscale, high quality products. The Dynaquest is their most popular Class C diesel motorhome. It is available from 26 to 35, and ranges in price from $185,000 to $235,000. Dynamax customers tend to be very satisfied, since the company will pull out all the stops to make sure they are. Also, because Dynamax is a small company, it is easy for a customer to get issues resolved without having to make numerous calls. Comments: Dynamax has a unique look and feel that sets it s self apart from their competitors. When touring a recent RV show my 15 year old son said, Now, that s a cool looking ride, when he first saw the Dynamax product. The company received high marks from the RV dealers we spoke with and rated well in the areas of quality construction and customer satisfaction. The company introduced toy haulers to their line-up for 2006 and for the first six months of 2005, product shipments were up 136 percent. According to the company, customer inquiries were up 236 percent for the year. We like this company and if you re considering an upper-end Class C motorhome be sure to check Dynamax out. Notes: 93

92 Class C Motorhomes Forest River CR 1 PO Box 3030 Elkhart, IN Phone: R Class Type Manufacturer Popular Model SC Price Range Rating 6 E AG Forest River Georgetown TT 100K - 67K E C Forest River Sunseeker LE TT 80K - 58K 4.5 Forest River was founded in 1996 by Peter Liegl and is headquartered in Elkhart, Indiana. They have grown considerably in the last few years to include production facilities throughout the mid-west and on the west coast. In addition to manufacturing recreation vehicles, Forest River Incorporated also has a marine division which includes Odyssey and South Bay motorboats; a bus line that consists of Elkhart Coach, Glaval Bus and Starcraft Bus; a commercial division whose subsidiaries include Rockport and Workport trucks and Premier Structures as well as a manufactured housing division with Sterling Homes and Hart Housing. Forest River declined to give us an interview therefore we can not include their most popular models in this article. It seems when we asked dealers and manufacturer s who they felt was one of their main competitors; many would point to Forest River. The company s sales numbers are impressive and they do have a large market share. When talking with dealers and RV owners we found that Forest River was average in quality construction and customer service. In our housing publications we found large companies typically produced affordable homes with a lot of nice amenities but rated average overall in the area of construction and average to below average in customer service. Small to midsize companies, in our opinion, usually have a better handle on customer service and quality control issues. The downside with small to midsize companies is they typically don t have the price advantage as larger companies do. Many consumers are driven by price, which gives large companies like Forest River an edge. The company s product lines include the luxury Tsunami motorhome and the Charleston, both in the diesel class and the Georgetown which is gas powered. The company makes two Class C models, the Forester and the Sunseeker. Comments: Forest River is the largest privately owned manufacturer of RVs in the United States. In the summer of 2005 Warren Buffett, billionaire investor and insurance executive, bought Forest River for an undisclosed amount. According to an article by RV Business, Liegl, the company s founder continues to run the company with a, hands-off management style approach. Buffett believes that managers of his companies ought to be left to run their businesses without interference from him, and without having to adhere to any unifying corporate strategies or goals. 94

93 Class C Motorhomes The company s business model is volume orientated and is appealing to the entrylevel to mid-range buyer with price being the main driving force. On the downside, based on our research, is that many Forest River owners are displeased with the workmanship regarding the interiors. Little things like cuts in the linoleum, factory workers puncturing water lines and drawers that pop open when traveling. Another problem we have uncovered is a high rate of blow outs regarding tires, mostly on travel trailers and fifth wheels. We are not suggesting that Forest River is a bad company or their products are inferior. These are just some of the things we have discovered during our research. The company sells thousands of units per year and it s impossible to have a perfect record. If you re considering a Forest River, focus on a reputable RV dealer that has a good reputation for servicing their customers. If you re in the market for a travel trailer or fifth wheel and price is your main concern, Forest River may be worth looking at. Notes: 95

94 Class C Motorhomes Four Winds International (Thor) 701 County Road 15 Elkhart, IN Phone: R Class Type Manufacturer Popular Model SC Price Range Rating 6 AA AG Four Winds (Thor) Hurricane C 120K - 70K AA C Four Winds (Thor) Funmover C 89K - 75K 5 Known for its innovative products, Four Winds was first to introduce the Funmover and the garage motorhome. The company takes pride in knowing that they are on the market edge when it comes to new products, new floor plans and new and bigger chassis for more power and strength. We have an edge over our closest competitors; Fleetwood and Winnebago because we have some unique products that fill a niche, which they don t concentrate on, says John Krider, Product Planning Manager for Four Winds. Our manufacturing structure and lower overhead makes a lot of difference. What Krider means by low overhead is that Four Winds lets its product and its customers speak for itself. They don t spend a lot of money on marketing and advertising. We will be the first to say we are not the largest when it comes to marketing. We build good product and we don t give away the bank to increase the volume. We spend the largest amount of our money on the product itself and then let the dealers promote the product the way they want to, Krider says. Another big difference that Four Winds offers is its threeyear, 45,000 mile structural warranty. That is pretty much unheard of for structural components, says Krider. It s exciting for us to know the customers know we are standing behind the coach we built for them. Because of its commitment to quality and innovation, Four Winds is popular all over the country. We follow the market trend as far as the regions we are strong in. California, Florida, Texas and Michigan have the most sales, industry wide, in that order and we follow that. Krider says. We are number four or five in overall market share in the industry. Four Winds sold about 4,000 units last year. To that end, the most popular Four Winds Class A motorhome is the Hurricane which is entry level in price point but offers a variety of floor plans and a broad spectrum of choices from a 30-foot nonslide to a 34-foot triple slide. The Hurricane also has some of the same amenities at this price point that you find in upper level models including leather furniture, nicer interior decors and sound systems. They get a lot of bang for the buck in the Hurricane product, Krider says. Average retail price is $70,000 to $135,

95 Class C Motorhomes The most popular Class C is Four Winds Funmover, which is like a toyhauler only it s on a chassis and not a towable like most toy haulers. This product was the overall bestseller last year for Four Winds. The company s website does list the specifications for each model, along with interior pictures showing different color combinations. Average retail price is $80,000 to $130,000. Four Winds is off the charts when it comes to customer satisfaction, customer service and quality of product. Just ask our customers, says Krider. The Four Winds customer is looking for the most coach for their dollar so they cover a wide variety of categories from those concerned with cost to those who want the finest at any cost. We offer a broad spectrum. If you want a good coach with a nice structural warranty and amenities like you d have in your own home, we can do that. Anyone who is smart enough to get good value for a nice coach is a pretty intelligent customer. That s the Four Winds customer, says Krider. Comments: The Company recently introduced a medium-duty 19,500-pound GVWR Kodiak chassis by Chevrolet with four new floor plans in its Four Winds, Dutchmen and Chateau lineups. Available in lengths of 32 to 35 feet with up to three slideouts, the new Kodiak Class C s are intended to compete with Class A coaches. According to the company the Class C Kodiak has more towing capacity than most gas and even some diesel Class A motorhomes. Another important feature is the 7-foot ceilings and solid maple or cherry cabinetry. Kodiak models start at $89,100 and go up from there. The company rates average to above average regarding quality construction and average in the area of customer satisfaction. Resale value is average based on our research. Many Four Winds owners were pleased with the fit and finish of their units and felt they got a little more in the way of standard features compared to the company s competitors. We like their Class C s and feel this is the company s strong suit. Overall we feel the company is above average and appeals to entry-level and mid-range buyers. Notes: 97

96 Class C Motorhomes Glendale Recreation Vehicles 145 Queen Street Strathroy, ON, Canada N7G 3J6 Phone: R Class Type Manufacturer Popular Model SC Price Range Rating 4 E C Glendale RV Royal Classic FW 75K - 63K 5.5 I was not able to interview this company but I wanted to include them in my rating guide. According to the company s website, Glendale RV began producing Recreation Vehicles in They quickly became known as some of the finest RVs built in North America. Our innovation and attention to detail has made Glendale Recreation Vehicles into what we are today, the largest Canadian RV manufacturer in the business. Glendale sells more RV's in Canada than any other RV manufacturer. Glendale manufactures a full line of Travel Trailers, Fifth Wheels, class C" Motorhomes and Park Trailers. Brand names include; Titanium, Golden Falcon, Travelaire and Royal Classic. They are identified throughout Parks and highways across North America, and represent a great reputation in craftsmanship, and Quality built Recreation Vehicles. It is estimated that over 120,000 Glendale RVs are registered and in use today. Our RVs are sold and serviced throughout North America. The Glendale Plant is very unique as compared to many other RV production facilities. What sets Glendale apart from many other RV manufacturers is our complete production facility. We don't just assemble RV's, we manufacture a great many of the items you will find in every new Glendale unit. The manufacturing facility encompasses over 200,000 square feet with dedicated skilled craftsmen heading up each unit. The combined skills of our engineers and innovative management team at Glendale are easily reflected in the finished products. Glendale RV has always been an industry leader in the recreational vehicle market and our dedication and commitment to quality shows in every RV unit we build. We are proud to put our stamp of approval on every RV we make. Contact us directly if you would like more information about Glendale or locate a dealer to find out more about the many RV options available for you. Comments: Based on our research this is an above average company with quality products at affordable prices. They have a limited number of dealers in the states but those we talked with were happy with their purchase and would recommend the company to others. Glendale RV is a good company appealing to mid-range buyers. The company s fifth wheel models seem to be their best sellers with quality construction. Their website is informative and you can request a brochure online. Notes: 98

97 Class C Motorhomes Gulf Stream Coach 503 South Oakland Ave. Nappanee, IN Phone: R Class Type Manufacturer Popular Model SC Price Range Rating 6 E AD Gulf Stream Crescendo TT 258K - 157K 6 3 E AG Gulf Stream Sun Voyager TT 133K - 68K P C Gulf Stream Endura TT 116K - 50K 6 Gulf Stream Coach has been manufacturing recreation vehicles for 20 years. The company was founded by James F. Shea, Sr. who was looking to branch out after starting a manufactured housing company in an old sauerkraut factory. Shea at first thought about acquiring an existing RV company but then decided to start from scratch so he could build RVs the way he thought best. Gulf Stream was born and is today one of the top manufacturers in the country selling strong in all regions and looking to gain a two to five percent growth in Because they are a full-line RV manufacturer, Gulf Stream considers all other manufacturers their closest competition. But as a company representative said, they offer such a broad spectrum that they take the entry level customer and keep them all the way to the high end diesel level. Or sometimes, a customer will start at the top with Gulf Stream and as they get older, travel less and wind down with Gulf Stream. We carry everything from diesel Class A to luxury fifth wheels to entry level vehicles and everything in-between. We have something for everyone. We are all about quality, innovation and value. Those are our three key focuses. says a company representative. Today, Gulf Stream s most popular Class A diesel is the Crescendo. Our diesel is the most bang for your buck anywhere. It has the highest value in a Class A diesel you can buy, price range is $150,000 to $200,000. In the Class A gas category the Sun Voyager is the most popular. The Sun Voyager has innovative floor plans and standard features that make it a tremendous value. Average retail price is $110,000 to $170,000. The BT is a smaller Class C that Gulf Stream has had success with. It does more than an SUV yet you can still drive it around town and park it. You don t have to be afraid to drive off the campground and do sightseeing and you don t need a tow along vehicle. Average retail price is $40,000 to $80,000. Gulf Stream also finds its super Endura very popular with RVers. It is Class A size and features in a Class C package. It has Class A towing, size and floor plans on a Class C chassis. Average retail price is $105,000 to $160,000. Comments: Gulf Stream feels they are strongest in the category of travel trailers, but based on our research we feel the company does a better job with their Class A & C motorhomes and fifth wheel products, regarding quality construction and innovative designs. According to Steve Woody, Director of Marketing, he believes 99

98 Class C Motorhomes the company is, strong in customer service and has invested a lot of money into making sure the customer experience is first class from start to finish. They implemented a Six Sigma Quality Initiative to insure quality all the way down the line and stop problems before they start. In talking with different Gulf Stream owners we found many were pleased with their purchase and felt the company responded quickly to warranty claims. Many dealers we interviewed gave Gulf Stream average marks and the resale value is average based on our research. The company is appealing to entry-level and mid-range buyers with price being the deciding factory in most cases. The company does have a wide range of products and floor plans to choose from. If you have a tight budget and want a good selection of products to choose from then Gulf Stream may be right for you. According to a recent article by Steve Bibler with RV Business in April of 2006, Gulf Stream plans to invest $1 million dollars to establish a line of sport utility RVs by converting a 74,000 square foot plant in Goshen, IN. Our primary goal for starting up the EnduraMax company was to create a keen focus on the toy hauler market because of the fact of its emerging presence in the RV industry, Claude Donati, vice president of sales and marketing for Gulf Stream, told RV Business. For those of you concerned about gas mileage you may want to check out the Vista Mini. The company recently released the Vista Mini, a Class C motorhome, which is built on a Daimler/Chrysler and Freightliner combination chassis. It has a Mercedes power diesel engine and gets 20 mpg. Notes: 100

99 Class C Motorhomes Jayco, Inc County Road 2 Middlebury, IN Phone: R Class Type Manufacturer Popular Model SC Price Range Rating 3 P C Jayco Gray Hawk TT 138K - 62K 7.5 Jayco, Inc. is one of the largest manufacturers of travel trailers, fifth wheels and Class C motorhomes. Located in Middlebury, Indiana, the company boasts the number one selling travel trailer in North America, the Jayflight and the number one lightweight, the Jayfeather. Jayco was founded in 1968 by Lloyd J. Bontrager who felt he could build a better RV and a better company. He started Jayco on the family farm in two chicken houses and a barn by developing a prototype camping trailer and an original lifter system for fold-down campers. This design was patented and is still in use today. By the end of the first year Bontrager had 15 employees and the company had sold 132 camping trailers. Today the company is still owned and operated by the Bontrager family and almost 1,500 employees are part of the Jayco family. While Jayco prides itself on the state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment and design capabilities that help the company stay ahead of the curve, they are also concerned with being a good neighbor. Jayco has won the State of Indiana Governor s Award for Excellence for it s recycling efforts and last year alone recycled 3,844 tons of paper wood and metal materials. Of the top five or six RV manufacturing companies, Jayco, Inc. is the only one that is privately owned. This is one thing that sets Jayco apart from its competitors, according to Director of Marketing, Sid Johnson. Johnson also says that in market research, Jayco consistently comes out ahead on customer service. Johnson sites Fleetwood, Forest River and Thor as Jayco s main competitors and says the company is strongest in the Midwest. The typical Jayco customer is entry-level to mid-range with both price and quality playing an important role in the buying process. Johnson says. Our customer base has changed in the past five to ten years from older consumers who are not likely to have children to younger couples with children. Jayco s most popular Class C motorhome is the Grayhawk. Johnson believes this is due in a large part to an industry wide campaign called Go RVing and also due to the fact that people are spending more leisure time in family activities. Young couples these days are much more interested in spending time with their families and they see RVs as the way to do this, Johnson says. Gas prices don t keep them from RVing. They may go a shorter distance but they still go. 101

100 Class C Motorhomes Comments: We like the fact that Jayco is a family-owned company and many in the family are still actively involved in the day-to-day operations. The company s goal is to operate according to the Golden Rule and according to the company s website, We are always looking for new ideas, new ways to ensure customer satisfaction before and after the sale. You don t hear this much anymore, so many companies are worried about profits, they forget about their customers. Based on our interviews with Jayco owners the company truly does try to follow the golden rule. While not a perfect company they try to ensure their customers are taken care of after the sale. The company has a loyal following- which is always a good sign- and based on my research has a good reputation among RV dealers. Construction quality is above average as is customer satisfaction. Resale value is above average to average based on our research. We give Jayco high ratings because of this and for those of you who are entry-level or mid-range buyers Jayco is worth checking out. The company s website lists all their products including pricing, which is nice. You can also locate a Jayco dealer near you by entering the state and city you live in. Jayco is a true success story with quality products and a management team that cares. Notes: 102

101 Class C Motorhomes Lazy Daze Inc E. Mission Blvd. Montclair, CA Phone: R Class Type Manufacturer Popular Model SC Price Range Rating 2 AA C Lazy Daze Larger Units C 85K - 65K 8 This year marks the 50 th anniversary for Lazy Daze, which began designing and manufacturing recreation vehicles in 1956 and built the very first Class C motorhome in America in From the start, Lazy Daze set itself outside the pack by selling their vehicles directly from the factory, no dealer involvement, meaning very competitive prices and one-on-one relationships with the retail customers. Everyone who purchases a Lazy Daze comes to the California factory to test drive it and then again to pick it up and take it on its way. (Lazy Daze offers travel vouchers and incentives and encourages would-be buyers to come take a test drive and see the factory before buying.) Because of their location, Lazy Daze sells best in the northwest and in particular, California. Ed Newton, president of Lazy Daze, says that his company s size sets it apart from his competitors such as Winnebago and Fleetwood. You can t be the biggest and still be the best, he says. We are a small company but we make quality products. We sell direct from the factory so we have no dealer markup, no sales commission, we don t play games with prices. Newton adds that Lazy Daze is also a strictly Class C manufacturer, producing and selling about 275 units a year. We produce less than we used to but they are more complex, he adds. Lazy Daze offers 12 floor plans, each of which can be viewed on the website. Newton says, Our best selling models are those that offer more sleeping capacity for families. I guess it sleeps more grandchildren. Newton says that Lazy Daze service record stands on its own. We send out surveys after every sale and almost always the comments come back, Exceptional. In an industry where almost everything is mass produced, we stand out because we don t mass produce and we continue to offer quality products. Lazy Daze customers tend to be mid-range buyers, price and quality both playing an important role. Comments: What is unique about Lazy Daze is they are one of the few factorydirect companies left. The main benefits are price and quality. There are no transportation or dealer costs. This means they can sell a less-expensive, higher quality Class C than a dealer normally could. "People who buy our motorhomes have researched rather extensively, whether they have talked to owners or compared our units to others out in the field, Newton said. "We have some local people who will come in here four or five times before they make a purchase. The more they look at someone else, the better we look, because there is no comparison on quality and price." 103

102 Class C Motorhomes Most RV buyers are probably not familiar with Lazy Daze because they are so small and don t spend a lot on advertising. Most advertising according to Newton is word of mouth. The company receives high marks in all categories. Customers I have spoken to have been pleased with their purchase. Overall a great company if you re interested in the best of the best and if you live in the northwest. Newton, did mention that the Internet is generating additional sales outside the northwest and folks are making the trip to their plant in California from all around the county. Notes: 104

103 Class C Motorhomes Thor Industries Inc. 419 West Pike Street Jackson Center, Ohio Phone: We wanted to include an article about Thor because they are such a force within the industry. According to the company s website, Thor Industries was founded on August 29, 1980, when Wade F. B. Thompson and Peter B. Orthwein acquired Airstream, the most recognized name in the industry. The name "Thor" combined the first two letters of each entrepreneur's name. Despite its famous image, Airstream had not faired well during the economic downturn of the late 1970's. By focusing on improving quality while reducing costs, Airstream returned to profitability in its first year under the new Thor management. In 1982 Thor purchased the Canadian company, General Coach, which manufactures travel trailers and motorhomes. Also part of this acquisition was Thor America, which manufactures Citation and Chateau travel trailers and fifth wheels. In 1984 Thor became a public company and in 1986 was listed on the New York Stock Exchange. That same year Forbes magazine ranked Thor sixth out of the "200 best small companies in America." In 1991 Thor acquired Dutchmen, now one of the largest brands of conventional and fifth wheel travel trailers in the world. Four Winds International a manufacturer of Class A and C motorhomes, was acquired in Komfort, a maker of fifthwheel and conventional travel trailers, and Skamper, a builder of folding camping trailers, became members of the Thor family in saw the startup of Thor California and the introduction of the Tahoe and Wanderer brands of trailers and fifth wheels. These excellent products became instant hits with RVers and the fastest-growing brands on the market. With the acquisition of Keystone RV in 2001, Damon RV in 2003, and CrossRoads RV in 2004, Thor Industries is the largest RV manufacturer. Thor is also the largest mid-size bus manufacturer, having acquired Goshen Coach in It s difficult to rate a large company like Thor Industries as one entity so we have rated them by some of their subsidiaries like; Airstream, Dutchman, Four Winds, Keystone, Damon and Crossroads. Thor has 12 RV subsidiaries last time we checked and according to John Beaver, marketing director, Thor gives their subsidiaries lots of room to design and create new products within their markets. Thor s subsidiaries are managed at a distance with productivity being the main determining factor Thor subsidiaries are: 1. Airstream 2. Aerolite 3. Thor California 4. General Coach 5. Dutchman 6. Four Winds 7. Komfort 8. Mandalay 9. Skamper 10. Keystone 11. Breckenridge 12. Damon 13. CrossRoads 14. Goshen Coach 105

104 Class C Motorhomes Comments: Thor Industries reported a record $301 million in orders last year; an increase of 22% over last year s record $247 million. Thor increased its North American distribution network with the addition of 355 dealers compared to 275 new dealers last year. In November, 2005 Thor s retail RV sales were 5,463 units, up 12% from last year and were 87,349 units for the 11 months, up 14%. Based on our research it seems Thor has one of the best management teams in place, which is having a dramatic impact within the company. In our research we have typically found that larger companies fall behind when it comes to quality control issues and customer service. This being said, we believe Thor, while a large company and appealing to the masses, has not made the same mistakes as other large corporations. The company gives their subsidiaries the management support and financial resources necessary to stay ahead of the curve. Notes: 106

105 Class C Motorhomes Detailed Rating Chart Class C Motorhomes R Class Type Manufacturer Popular Model SC Price Range C CS DR RV Points Rating 1 P C Coach House C-272 C 155K - 110K P C Triple E Regancy TT 92K - 62K P C Jayco Gray Hawk TT 138K - 62K P C Dynamax ISATA E-Series C 380K - 75K P C Gulf Stream Endura TT 116K - 50K P C Holiday Rambler Esquire AD 92K - 79K AA C Born Free 22' built for two C 85K - 68K AA C Lazy Daze Larger Units C 85K - 65K AA C Bigfoot 3000 Series 29SL TT 89K - 72K AA C Winnebago Outlook AG 87K - 60K AA C Georgie Boy Maverick AG 80K - 70K AA C Four Winds (Thor) Funmover C 89K - 75K E C Itasca Spirit AG 88K - 60K E C Fleetwood Jamboree & Tioga AG 93K - 60K E C Safair (Monaco) Ivory AD 89K - 67K E C Glendale RV Royal Classic FW 75K - 63K E C Coachmen RV Freelander TT 98K - 52K E C Forest River Sunseeker LE TT 80K - 58K

106 Class C Motorhomes RV Companies not featured in this chapter but included in rating chart: Dynamax (No Article but included in rating guide based on our research) Fleetwood (See Chapter 8) Georgie Boy (See Chapter 8) Holiday Rambler (See Chapter 8) Triple E (See Chapter 8) Winnebago (See Chapter 8) See Chapter 2 for detailed information regarding rating parameters and understanding the chart. 108

107 Fifth Wheels & Toy Haulers Fifth Wheels & Toy Haulers Chapter 10 Price Range: $13,000 to $170,000 Length Range: 20 to 40 feet Fifth wheel towable trailers are similar to larger travel trailers, but they have an extension on the front of the unit that extends over the tow vehicle and a horizontal plate that looks like a wheel (hence the name "fifth wheel") that rests on the tow vehicle for support. This hitch arrangement requires special equipment on the tow vehicle. Typically, full-size pickup trucks 2007 Keystone Cougar serve as tow vehicles for fifth wheels and are outfitted with a fifth-wheel receiver. The hitch arrangement makes towing easier by placing the trailer load in the center of the tow vehicle distributing the weight to all of the truck tires instead of behind it. The extension on the front serves as a bedroom in most fifth wheels with more living space provided by slideouts- a common feature. Fifth wheel trailers usually provide cooking facilities, a refrigerator, heating, air conditioning and a selfcontained toilet with water tanks (fresh water, grey water, black water). Also included is; LP (propane) gas supply, separate volt electrical system, and a full array of appliances and entertainment features. Fifth wheel trailers range from about 7,500 pounds to more than 22,000 pounds. Headroom varies considerably with smaller fifth wheels and many will require stooping while using the front section. Most of these models provide adequate living accommodations with little wasted space. Larger fifth wheels are for those seeking maximum living space and are considered the RV of choice for fulltime living. Most include up to three large slideouts or fullwall slideouts and adequate standing room in the front bedroom. Larger models are available with a wide range of appliances, including built-in washer/ dryer, dishwasher and entertainment center with surround sound. The larger fifth wheel units require dual-rear-wheel pickup trucks as the tow vehicles, or specialized conversions of medium-duty trucks. It is important to match the size and weight of a new fifth wheel to the tow vehicle, or select the fifth wheel first and then order a truck of adequate towing capacity. Overall sales for this category are up compared to last year. Higher gas prices have increased the desirability of this type of product as well as travel trailers. Midprofile units have really shot up in sales this year because they are lighter and can 109

108 Fifth Wheels & Toy Haulers be towed by most trucks. Many fifth wheel manufacturers also offer toy haulers, which are designed with extra space in the rear of the unit for things like motorcycles and ATVs. The following pages of this chapter will feature a number of RV companies we have researched. Most have been interviewed by us and each company is listed in alphabetical order. At the end of this chapter a rating chart will appear showing all the RV manufacturers we have researched. Please remember that we have not researched every manufacturer and it is our hope to include more manufacturers in future publications. To learn more about how I arrived at my conclusions and ratings please review Chapter 2 of this book. It is my hope that the information contained in this chapter will help you make informed decisions regarding fifth wheels with fair and balanced information that has been complied over a number of years. 110

109 Fifth Wheels & Toy Haulers Ameri-Camp State Road 13 P.O. Box 249 Syracuse IN Phone: R Class Type Manufacturer Popular Model SC Price Range Rating 1 AA FW Ameri-Camp The Summit Ridge FW 60K - 25K 9 6 AA TT Ameri-Camp Ameri-Camp Lite FW 30K - 17K 6.5 Ameri-Camp was launched when a group of industry veterans broke away from their respective companies and decided to bring together their collective expertise in making a state-of-the-art towable product. Since then the company has been growing like wildfire and gaining a reputation for quality product and service. In 2003 and 2004, in its first two years of business, Ameri-Camp was given the National Recreational Vehicle Dealer Association's Quality Circle of Excellence award. This award is given to the manufacturer that produces the highest satisfaction to the customer in quality, service, sales, and partnering, therefore the best possible experience for the dealers and their customers. At Ameri-Camp the saying goes We are here to build a family of satisfied dealers and product owners; our mission is your having a quality experience with Ameri-Camp. At Ameri-Camp our reputation is building. Ameri-Camp sales are strongest in the SE due to its limited distribution right now. Last year they showed a 12 percent growth, selling 1,000 units and the company predicts a percent growth in The company considers Keystone and KZ RV their two closest competitors. Ameri-Camp is not trying to be a volume manufacturer. We are trying to carve out a niche and be known for high quality. We don t really want to be a Keystone or a Forest River although we want to grow, says Marketing Director Dave Raphael. We want to try to keep that family feel. We are looking for a Harley Davidson-type cult following. Folks that purchase our products, love them, Raphael says. We don t have the largest manufacturing base or distribution center but people love us. We try to be a little different and provide that extra communication and build customer loyalty. We aren t that huge and any customer can pick up the phone, give us a call and we ll respond. We are always reevaluating everything that we are doing and as we grow we want to continue to remain close to our customers, (both dealers and retail customers) and continue to listen to them, say Raphael. As a company gets bigger, it s easy to lose sight of that and keeping that in sight is one of our biggest challenges moving forward. Ameri-Camp s customers tend to fall in the mid-range to upper-end category; quality and price both play a big role. The company s most popular product in the Ameri-Camp series is the Summit Ridge, a mid-profile fifth wheel. Raphael thinks this is because the Summit Ridge was one of the first products developed by the company. We have been working on the Summit Ridge the longest and received the most input from customers and dealers to keep improving it. The company takes pride in the fact that any customer can pick up the phone and call the factory and they will respond in a timely manner. 111

110 Fifth Wheels & Toy Haulers Ameri-Camp s lightweight trailers are the only ultralite weight RV in North America that builds with 16" O.C., six sided aluminum construction, 6" steel I-beam chassis, leaf spring suspension, vinyl roof, and offers a 2 year limited warranty. Ameri- Camp is reviewing their product line-up and in 2007 you can expect to see some new floor plans and different designs with innovative features. Comments: Ameri-Camp was purchased last April by a company headed by Fred Hassan, owner of Florida-based SunCoast RV which operates 16 stores primarily in the SE. As the company continues with its restructuring efforts, Raphael believes they will soon be a major contender within their market areas. I like this company and their business model. The company focuses on fifth wheels and travel trailers. The company rates high in the area of quality construction and customer service with affordable pricing. Resale value is above average to excellent based on our research. In addition to quality product, Ameri-Camp is working hard at building a reputation for customer service and customer satisfaction. We have two customers, the dealer and the retail customer. I ve always believed that the way the factory treats the dealer is the way the dealer treats the customer. We want to treat the dealer fairly so they will take the leadership and treat the retail customer that way states Raphael. Speaking with Ameri-camp owners, they are impressed with the workmanship and extras that come standard in the units, which are considered options at most other manufacturers. The company wants to grow but is worried about sacrificing quality in the process. Anytime a company goes into detail about how their products are constructed, it shows they are interested in building a quality product. When shopping for an RV, look at the brochures and visit the company s website and spend time checking out their information. Ameri-Camp s website, for example, has detailed information pertaining to construction methods with multiple pictures showing the various stages of construction. When a company avoids this topic or has nothing or very little to say in the way of construction material or information you can be sure the quality of construction is lacking. If you live in this company s market areas and you re considering a quality RV then you owe it to yourself to check out Ameri-Camp s products. Notes: 112

111 Fifth Wheels & Toy Haulers Fleetwood Enterprises Inc Via Ricardo PO Box 5726 Riverside, CA Phone: R Class Type Manufacturer Popular Model SC Price Range Rating 3 E FW Fleetwood Prowler AG 72K - 20K AA TT Fleetwood Prowler & Mallard AG 39K - 12K 6 One of the most well-known names in the RV industry, Fleetwood has been manufacturing recreation vehicles since From luxury motorcoaches to travel trailers, Fleetwood s line is designed to offer something for everyone. Headquartered in Riverside, California, the company went public in 1965 and is a Fortune 1000 company. There are close to 12,500 Fleetwood employees in plants and facilities across the country. With such a wide network, it is no surprise that Fleetwood prides itself on its customer service and customer satisfaction. Our customer service and customer satisfaction is an eleven on a scale of one to ten, says Bob Rogers, Product Marketing Manager for the travel trailer division. We are very well-known for our service and known in the industry for making the best quality product. Luc Van Herle, Product Marketing Manager for the Motorhome Division concurs, Fleetwood is considered one of the leaders in the RV industry, and as such, provides the top quality products and expansive customer service to ensure full customer satisfaction. Fleetwood s industry leadership comes from many factors, including strictly regulated quality control processes, and an expansive dealer network. As such, Fleetwood sales are strong in all regions of the country especially the west coast, which is traditionally a strong region for recreational vehicle sales. And while travel trailers continue to do better for Fleetwood than motorhomes, its Class A motorhomes hold the number one spot in the retail market share and Class C s gained in share last year by about 13 percent. Fleetwood looks at Winnebago, Thor, Coachmen, Gulf Stream, Jayco, Monaco and Newmar as its biggest competitors. Van Herle sees Fleetwood s innovative spirit and continual pursuit to design the most innovative RVs on the market as what helps to make the company unique and different from its competitors. We have an extensive dealer network in both the US and Canada, our size gives our customers a large network of resources, he adds. The history and legacy of Fleetwood, our innovation in products and our service reputation all combine to set Fleetwood apart, says Rogers. Fleetwood s most popular travel trailers include the Prowler, Terry, Wilderness, Pioneer and Mallard travel trailers, and the GearBox toy hauler. 113

112 Fifth Wheels & Toy Haulers Not content to rest on its lauded history, Fleetwood is continually looking for new ideas and new ways to keep its products top in the industry. Floor plans are the number one reason people buy an RV, says Rogers. We are always coming up with interesting and new ways to layout a floor plan. Technology will be a big driver for the future of this business. We will see more use of flat screen televisions and items people want in their homes. Also we ll be looking at fuel efficiency so construction methods and use of lighter, stronger materials will also come into play, he says. We want to get the most livable area in the lightest strongest structure we can. He also says that the popularity and high sales volume of towable vehicles will also affect the future. More half ton trucks are sold than cars in the US, he says. All tow vehicles are prime candidates for our products. What they can do drives what we can do. Comments: I give Fleetwood good ratings across the board. I like the fact that the company works closely with their dealers to resolve any warranty issues. Fleetwood does rate well with the dealers we interviewed regarding customer service. The company has a wide range of products making it difficult to rate them as a whole but overall I feel they do a good job for a large company. When we interviewed previous customers we got different results, some were very pleased with their purchase and others not so impressed. Fleetwood does offer a lot of standard features you normally would have to pay for in other products. The company is appealing to entry-level buyers with price being the most important buying factor. For those that are price conscious Fleetwood is a good choice. Construction is average to above average, customer satisfaction was above average and resale value is poor to average based on our research. Fleetwood s website is not only well-designed but is also chock full of information. You can find out what is new, all product specs and information and find a dealer. They also offer two wonderful features a product atlas and a product advisor both are designed to help the buyer find exactly what s best for their particular needs. It s a good idea to stop here first when looking at Fleetwood s product. Notes: 114

113 Fifth Wheels & Toy Haulers Glendale Recreation Vehicles 145 Queen Street Strathroy, ON, Canada N7G 3J6 Phone: R Class Type Manufacturer Popular Model SC Price Range Rating 9 AA FW Glendale RV Titanium FW 70K - 35K 5 8 P TT Glendale RV Travelaire FW 69K - 35K 5.5 We were not able to interview this company but I wanted to include them in this rating guide. According to the company s website, Glendale RV began producing recreation vehicles in They quickly became known as some of the finest RVs built in North America. Our innovation and attention to detail has made Glendale Recreation Vehicles into what we are today, the largest Canadian RV manufacturer in the business. Glendale sells more RV's in Canada than any other RV manufacturer. Glendale manufactures a full line of Travel Trailers, Fifth Wheels, class C" Motorhomes and Park Trailers. Brand names include; Titanium, Golden Falcon, Travelaire and Royal Classic are identified throughout parks and highways across North America, and represent a great reputation in craftsmanship, and quality built recreation vehicles. It is estimated that over 120,000 Glendale RV's are registered and in use today. Our RVs are sold and serviced throughout North America. The Glendale Plant is very unique as compared to many other RV production facilities. What sets Glendale apart from many other RV manufacturers is our complete production facility. We don't just assemble RVs, we manufacture a great many of the items you will find in every new Glendale unit. The manufacturing facility encompasses over 200,000 square feet with dedicated skilled craftsmen heading up each unit. The combined skills of our engineers and innovative management team at Glendale are easily reflected in the finished products. Glendale RV has always been an industry leader in the recreational vehicle market and our dedication and commitment to quality shows in every RV unit we build. We are proud to put our stamp of approval on every RV we make. Contact us directly if you would like more information about Glendale or locate a dealer to find out more about the many RV options available for you. Comments: Based on our research this is an above average company with quality products at affordable prices. They have a limited number of dealers in the states but those we talked with were happy with their purchase and would recommend the company to others. Glendale RV is a good company appealing to mid-range buyers. The company s fifth wheel models seem to be their best sellers with quality construction. Their website is informative and you can request a brochure online. Notes: 115

114 Fifth Wheels & Toy Haulers Holiday Rambler 606 Nelson's Pkwy. PO Box 465 Wakarusa, IN Phone: R Class Type Manufacturer Popular Model SC Price Range Rating 7 AA FW Holiday Rambler Savoy AD 82K - 25K 6 4 P TT Holiday Rambler Savoy AD 51K - 20K 7.5 Holiday Rambler is a manufacturer of Class A and Class C motorhomes as well as towable recreation vehicles. The company introduced its first travel trailer in 1953, establishing itself as one of the innovators in towable recreation vehicles. In 1996, the company was purchased by Monaco Coach Corporation and has continued to reinvent itself with new models, new floor plans, and powerful engineering. With its diverse line of vehicles, Holiday Rambler offers models in many different price ranges. That is why the company describes its customer as being concerned with both price and quality when looking to buy a recreational vehicle. Holiday Rambler coaches are known for their user-friendly floor plans, one-piece windshields and innovative developments such as the kitchen suite slides. From the deluxe Navigator to the always popular Savoy, Holiday Rambler is strong in customer satisfaction and prides itself on customer service. Its closest competitors are Fleetwood and Winnebago and the company sells well in all regions of the United States. The company s Savoy remains its most popular item in the fifth wheel and travel trailer categories because of their comfort and competitive pricing. The Savoy SL travel trailer starts at $25,000 and the LX starts at $27,000 while the LX fifth wheel starts at $32,000 and the SL at $28,000. Many of Holiday Rambler's fifth wheels offer an Alumaframe superstructure with a steelframed subfloor and 5/8-- inch Structurewood flooring. Most roofs are constructed with no less than nine layers, and the front/ rear caps are fiberglass, with the latter incorporating an integral bumper. Standard features include a flat-floor slideout in most models; enclosed underbelly; three-window rear-bay cap on most models; a large double-door fridge with smoked acrylic front panels; DSI hot-water heater; DSS dish with stand; fourspeaker AM/FM/CD/cassette stereo system; western oak, colony oak or walnut cabinets; computer work station on some models; a combination of vertical and miniblinds throughout; and vinyl-- plank kitchen and entryway flooring. Holiday Rambler is proud of its history but is never one to rest on its laurels. According to Director of Marketing, Jim Mac, we can expect even more floor plan innovations, both in motorhomes and towables as well as more full-wall slide designs. That s what people are looking for, Mac says. We introduced the first full wall slide in November and when we have them at retail shows, we see that people like them. The full wall slide provides better use of interior space. 116

115 Fifth Wheels & Toy Haulers The company s closest competitors are Fleetwood and Winnebago and they appeal to mid-range customers that are interested in both quality construction and price according to Jim Mac. Holiday Rambler has 22 different models in its 2006 line of motorhomes and towables. This diversity makes for a myriad of choices for the consumer. And while it takes some time to navigate and research all of these models, it would be beneficial for the would-be buyer to take some time on Holiday Rambler s website. Once you ve narrowed down your choices, you can order brochures for the models you would like to investigate further. Comments: Holiday Rambler receives high marks for customer satisfaction, quality construction and the dealers we interviewed gave Holiday Rambler a high score as well. We spoke with a number of Holiday Rambler owners and many were pleased with their purchase and customer service from the company. Resale value is average to above average and construction is above average to excellent. The company s website is chock full of information and pricing. Their website does list vehicle specifications and construction information. If you live in the Northwest I would encourage you to visit the company and take a factory tour. Notes: 117

116 Fifth Wheels & Toy Haulers Jayco, Inc County Road 2 Middlebury, IN Phone: R Class Type Manufacturer Popular Model SC Price Range Rating 2 AA FW Jayco Eagle Series TT 60K - 20K AA TT Jayco Jay Flight TT 32K - 12K 8.5 Jayco, Inc. is one of the largest manufacturers of travel trailers, fifth wheels and Class C motorhomes. Located in Middlebury, Indiana, the company boasts the number one selling travel trailer in North America, the Jayflight and the number one lightweight, the Jayfeather. Jayco was founded in 1968 by Lloyd J. Bontrager who felt he could build a better RV and a better company. He started Jayco on the family farm in two chicken houses and a barn by developing a prototype camping trailer and an original lifter system for fold-down campers. This design was patented and is still in use today. By the end of the first year Bontrager had 15 employees and the company had sold 132 camping trailers. Today the company is still owned and operated by the Bontrager family and almost 1,500 employees are part of the Jayco family. While Jayco prides itself on the state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment and design capabilities that help the company stay ahead of the curve, they are also concerned with being a good neighbor. Jayco has won the State of Indiana Governor s Award for Excellence for it s recycling efforts and last year alone recycled 3,844 tons of paper wood and metal materials. Of the top five or six RV manufacturing companies, Jayco, Inc. is the only one that is privately owned. This is one thing that sets Jayco apart from its competitors, according to Director of Marketing, Sid Johnson. Johnson also says that in market research, Jayco consistently comes out ahead on customer service. Johnson sites Fleetwood, Forest River and Thor as Jayco s main competitors and says the company is strongest in the Midwest. The typical Jayco customer is the entry-level customer; with price being the biggest factor. Johnson qualifies that, however, by saying it is hard to generalize the RV consumer. Both of Jayco s entry-level items, the Jayfeather and the Jayflight, rank number one in sales in their divisions. Jayco is probably the number one manufacturer for the entry-level customer, Johnson says. Our customer base has changed in the past 5 to 10 years from older consumers who are not likely to have children to younger couples with children. Johnson believes this is due in large part, to an industry wide campaign called Go RVing and also due to the fact that people are spending more leisure time in family activities. Young couples these days are much more interested in spending time with their families and they see RVs as the way to do this, Johnson says. Gas prices don t keep them from RVing. They may go a shorter distance but they still 118

117 Fifth Wheels & Toy Haulers go. The company s most popular fifth wheel is the Eagle Series and of course the Jayflight is the most popular travel trailer. Comments: I like the fact that Jayco is a family-owned company and many in the family are still actively involved in the day-to-day operations. The company s goal is to operate according to the Golden Rule and according to the company s website, We are always looking for new ideas, new ways to ensure customer satisfaction before and after the sale. You don t hear this much anymore. So many companies are worried about profits they forget about their customers. The company claims that the Jay Flight is still America s best-selling line of towable RV products. With an added roadside assistance program, new exterior standards and many new interior options, the 2006 Jay Flight coaches are raising the bar again. Based on our interviews with Jayco owners the company truly does try to follow the golden rule. While not a perfect company they do try to ensure their customers are taken care of after the sale. The company has a loyal following, which is always a good sign and based on our research has a good reputation among RV dealers. Quality construction is above average and customer satisfaction is also above average. Resale value is average to above average based on our research. I give Jayco high ratings because of this and for those of you that are entry-level or midrange buyers Jayco is worth checking out. The company s website lists all their products including pricing, which I like. You can also locate a Jayco dealer near you by entering the state and city in which you live. Jayco is a true success story with quality products and a management team that cares. In the near future Johnson says Jayco will make some big moves into what is being called the toy hauler trailers and fifth wheels with living quarters in front and cargo space in back to haul motocross bikes, ATV s, snowmobiles etc. This is huge in Southern California already and the trend is moving toward the East, says Johnson. This is a significant opportunity for the RV industry and will represent a significant slice of our sales over the next few years. Notes: 119

118 Fifth Wheels & Toy Haulers Keystone RV 2642 Hackberry Drive Goshen, IN Phone: R Class Type Manufacturer Popular Model SC Price Range Rating 5 AA FW Keystone Montana & Cougar FW 65K - 22K 7 4 AA TT Keystone Springdale FW 38K - 13K 7.5 Keystone RV began nine years ago with one goal in mind to create travel trailers and fifth wheels while keeping the customer top of mind. This philosophy has enabled the company to become the number one manufacturer of fifth wheels and travel trailers in North America in just a short amount of time, with the number one and number two selling fifth wheels, Montana and Cougar respectively, and the number two selling travel trailer, Springdale. Keystone lives, eats and breathes the customer on a daily basis and to this end, each of its product teams work independently and maintain input into the design and manufacturing of each RV all along the process. We heavily involve our retail customer in our design process, says Don Clark, Executive Vice President of Sales. We clearly believe it is the backbone of our company. The customer is our boss. Another key to Keystone s success is it is solely focused on fifth wheels and travel trailers, nothing else. Many companies build everything from pop-ups to diesels but we focus on fifth wheels and trailers only, says Clark. We allow our product managers autonomy to design what the customer wants. The product manager is closest to the customer and knows best what the customer wants. This model has been very successful for us, continues Clark, and has allowed us to grow from a start up in 1996 to the largest producer of travel trailers and fifth wheels in the world. Keystone lists its closest competitors as Dutchman and Forest River. It predicts a five to ten percent increase in sales this year. Clark says the typical Keystone customer can be described as mid-range with both quality and price playing a role in the decision-making process. We have 18 different brands of product, says Clark. All of our customers are discerning and demand the most value for the dollar regardless of what price point. Last year the company sold more fifth wheels according to Clark and feels this is their strongest category. Comments: Keystone receives high marks in customer service, customer satisfaction and quality of product. While the company is appealing to the masses with multiple products they still build a quality RV overall without sacrificing quality construction and workmanship. After speaking with a number of Keystone owners it seemed many were pleased with their purchase but some did have complaints about workmanship. With their impressive sales numbers it s going to be difficult to please everybody. The company does an awesome job in marketing their product and they have a large dealer network throughout the United States. I liked the company s website and they do offer a construction page for each model they sell. 120

119 Fifth Wheels & Toy Haulers New for Keystone are two innovative products introduced at last years RV show in Louisville, Kentucky - The Hobbi and the VR-1. The Hobbi is an ultra lightweight sport utility trailer that comes in designer colors and features industry exclusive custom-designed free-standing furniture which can be folded and secured to the interior walls during travel or taken outside for patio use. Notes: 121

120 Fifth Wheels & Toy Haulers King of the Road (Chief Industries) 1313 Road G York, NE Phone: R Class Type Manufacturer Popular Model SC Price Range Rating 10 P FW King of the Road Royalite FW 90K - 40K 5 We were unable to interview this company but I like their products and have included them in my rating guide. The information contained in this article has been taken from the company s website. Over the past 20 years, the reputation of the King of the Road family has grown stronger with every new design feature and every new model launched. Today, we reign as a leader in the industry, well known for our uncompromising dedication to quality, ingenuity, and superior customer service. We also provide a 5 year unitized structural warranty, which is unique in the industry. The company offers two fifth wheel models; the first being the, Royal Villa a deluxe fifth wheel and their most popular seller the, Royalite. The Royalite comes with four beautiful décor options and 11 unique floor plans combined to give you the ultimate in comfort, style, and function. It s towable living at its best with handcrafted hardwood cabinetry, residential-style flooring and furniture, and King of the Road s remarkable high-quality construction. Owning a Royalite is not just a dream come true, it s a smart investment. Every unit is built with impeccable quality and attention to detail. We ve worked hard to create a unit that can withstand the rigors of the road while delivering a luxury fifth-wheel experience unlike any other. With R-23 insulation values in both the ceiling and the basement and R-16 values in the endwalls and the bedroom floor, Royalite owners can enjoy their fifth wheel throughout the four seasons. Our unique vacubonding process helps create the strongest sidewall on the market. Combining high-performance glue and an exclusive vacuum process, King of the Road s walls offer the durability you d expect from a luxury fifth wheel. Comments: King of the Road is a small company that builds an exceptional product. The cabinetry is very nice and quality craftsmanship is excellent inside and out. We were not able to talk with anyone that owned a King of the Road product. According to RV forums and other resources it seems the resale value is above average to excellent. Quality construction is excellent but customer satisfaction was poor to average based on our research. Notes: 122

121 Fifth Wheels & Toy Haulers New Horizons RV 2618 Mid America Drive Junction City, KS Phone: R Class Type Manufacturer Popular Model SC Price Range Rating 1 P FW New Horizons RV 36' Triple Slide FW 110K - 40K 10 New Horizons is a small company and has no desire to become all things to all people. The emphasis is on quality, and maintaining the standard they have set for themselves. New Horizons is a family owned company with 45 employees, and strong core values. They believe in knowing every buyer personally. Owner Phil Brokenicky says If a customer ever has any kind of customer service issue, it only takes one call to resolve. The company is strong all up and down the West Coast. The fact that they operate without dealers means great value to buyers, but it also presents a challenge in terms of their product being seen. They go to RV shows, and have recently appointed 8 pairs of New Horizons owners as Ambassadors for New Horizons. These couples have been factory trained. As they travel, they will show their RV to interested people. They will even have the info to write orders. Phil has found that New Horizons buyers have done an average of 2 years of research before they buy. New Horizons will foot up to $1000 in expenses for a customer s trip to the plant to place an order. In terms of production, they build about one unit per week and according to Phil, it takes 1,200 man hours on average to complete one unit. Phil wishes they were more streamlined regarding production but is happy so far with the results. The company s goal is to build 100 units per year while still maintaining quality. The company s two closest competitors are Teton and Travel Supreme. The 36 triple slide fifth wheel was introduced in January of 2005 and immediately became a best seller. It is their most popular model. The average cost is around $110,000. In travel trailers, New Horizons specializes in building handicapped accessible trailers. They can build a trailer to accommodate wheelchairs, lifts, and other assistive technologies. They have a one level floor plan that does well for people with disabilities. Even the countertops are designed with accessibility in mind. The company does not build many travel trailers but on occasion will build to suit. For this reason I did not rate them in the travel trailer category. Attention to detail even goes to exactly how much the RV weighs when the customer picks it up. A list of what personal cargo weighs can be found in the FAQs on the New Horizon s website. Phil says most RVs on the road are overloaded, a safety issue he doesn t want his customers having to worry about. 123

122 Fifth Wheels & Toy Haulers The Company s mission statement says, To bring happiness and satisfaction to owners of New Horizons RVs by: Building the best towable RV on the market. Giving the customer a unit they are proud of and is built for their needs. Providing excellent value for the customer's hard-earned money. Honoring God in everything we do and say in our interaction with customers and employees. Comments: In my opinion New Horizons builds one of the best fifth wheels in the United States and takes pride in what they do, for this reason they received a 10 point rating. Their 40,000 sq. foot factory is a modern facility staffed with dedicated craftspeople that take pride in every unit they build. That pride is complimented by a level of experience that is unmatched in the RV industry. All New Horizons are built to order for each customer. You may visit their manufacturing facility located in Junction City, KS. They generally have eight to twelve models in various stages of production. New Horizons backs up the skill and quality that is put into each RV with a 2 year "Hitch to Bumper" warranty plus a 5 year warranty on their frame. The delivery time changes with the number of orders they have, but they suggest that you place your order a minimum of 3 months before you plan to take delivery. Most retail buyers are probably not aware of this company but if you live in their markets and you re a full-timer or planning on becoming a full-timer then check this company out. New Horizons RV is open for plant tours Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday tours are available upon special request. Notes: 124

123 Fifth Wheels & Toy Haulers Newmar Corp 355 N. Delaware Street PO Box 30 Nappanee, IN Phone: R Class Type Manufacturer Popular Model SC Price Range Rating 6 P FW Newmar Cypress AD 150K - 45K 7 Newmar was founded in 1968 when Marvin Newcomer and Marvin Miller, left their jobs in upper level management at another RV manufacturing company to start their own company. The name Newmar is a combination of their names. The first location was an old fire station in rural Five Points and the Kountry Aire travel trailer was the main product. In the early 70s, Newmar was at the forefront of the fifth wheel revolution, adding to its lineup the Kountry Aire fifth wheel. Over the years, Newmar has continued to add to its product line, expanding and improving as the market and the industry grow. Newmar was founded by and is owned by Mennonites and its mission statement states Newmar applies Christian principles of honesty, courtesy, morality, fairness, reasonableness, reliability, and integrity in dealing with its customers, employees, suppliers and financial institutions. Newmar's excellence in quality was recognized nationally in 1996 when the Recreational Vehicle Dealer's Association gave Newmar their first Quality Circle Award. Newmar has continued to win this award many times since. Two Newmar executives, Mahlon Miller and the late Virgil Miller have been inducted into the RV/MH Heritage Foundation Hall of Fame. To learn more about the Quality Circle Award I talk about it in more detail in chapter 6, (Dealer Ratings). This year, Newmar was very strong in the SE region of the US, especially in Florida but they are seeing some growth in the SW as well. The company expects to grow approximately 5% to 10% this year from its combined sales of 2,500 units in The company s most popular fifth wheel is called, Cypress. A well appointed fifth wheel with many standard features at a price point many can afford. Comments: Newmar is a top-notch company with quality craftsmanship and innovative designs. Newmar s closest competitors according to John Sammut, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, are Fleetwood, Monaco and Tiffin. But what sets Newmar apart is that they will accommodate special requests at almost every price point. Our manufacturing process allows us to do that. We build in volumes of one, says Sammut, meaning that the production line will have a high end diesel followed by a fifth wheel and so on. We are not a mass production shop; we are basically a custom shop. 125

124 Fifth Wheels & Toy Haulers Sammut says that Newmar sits at a solid eight or nine for customer service and customer satisfaction. We are known for our service. We aren t perfect, there s always room for improvement, he says. The industry has gotten so much better as far as quality of product goes and the competition is much stiffer. Quality isn t enough to make you stand out anymore customer service is the key differential because not everyone can deliver that. The Newmar website, has some good information including warranty and service information and the online factory tour is definitely worth taking the time to look at, although not the real thing, it is a nice substitute if you don t find yourself in Nappanee. Notes: 126

125 Fifth Wheels & Toy Haulers Nu-Wa Industries 3701 Johnson Road Chanute, KS R Class Type Manufacturer Popular Model SC Price Range Rating 3 P FW Nu-Wa The Hitchhiker ll LS FW 90K - 45K 8.5 Nu-Wa Industries is the oldest manufacturer of fifth wheels, dating back to The company continues to be at the forefront of fifth wheel innovations, continuing the tradition it started by being one of the four manufacturers who created the Fifth Wheel concept. For more than 30 years, Nu-Wa has been improving on this concept, concentrating on making some of the best fifth wheels in the industry. We concentrate on one thing. We wanted to be the best at one thing and fifth wheels is what we chose, says Nu-Wa Director of Marketing Derrick Bruenger. We have one product line rather than five or six. We focus on quality rather than quantity. Bruenger says that Nu-Wa s closest competitors are Montego Bay by KZ RV, Carriage and Teton. Nu-Wa sells strongest in the midwest and last year sold approximately 400 units. For 2006, they predict a 2-5 percent growth in sales. The Nu-Wa customer is looking for quality and style when shopping for a fifth wheel. Quality wise, we do build one of the best fifth wheels, Bruenger says. We have about a 75 percent or more repeat buyer rate. Nu-Wa s most popular fifth wheel is The Hitchhiker II LS, a lighter weight, value priced fifth wheel. Regarding construction of products, the company welds additional supports into their frames to add additional strength. They also powder coated the frames which is unique. The company pioneered the first slide system in 1976, which speaks well for the company. The company uses Blue Dow center core insulation, which has 39% more insulation than fiberglass batts in all of their units. Double sided bounded walls are also standard in their units. The company screws the face frames together for stronger cabinetry and Nu-Wa offers an automatic satellite system as an option for those that want easy access to the Internet while traveling. Comments: Nu-Wa rates high in customer service and customer satisfaction and high in dealer satisfaction as well. In 2005 the company received the "Quality Circle Award" which is presented annually to the top manufacturers in the industry by the Recreational Vehicle Dealers Association (RVDA). The award represents 535 dealers surveyed rating manufacturers in areas such as sales success, product innovation, access to management and service/warranty support. This was the fourth award Nu-Wa has won in the past eight years. Nu-Wa also takes into consideration feedback from their customers as well as their employees when adding to the production. Employees are encouraged to try out the fifth wheels and then report on what they like and what didn t work. This is especially true for the innovative floor plans for which Nu-Wa is known. 127

126 Fifth Wheels & Toy Haulers Consumers can find a lot of pertinent information on the company s website and PDF copies of the product brochures can also be downloaded. Their website also has videos showing construction techniques, which I encourage you to view if you have time. All in all it is a great company that has a solid reputation in the industry. Notes: 128

127 Fifth Wheels & Toy Haulers Peterson Industries, Inc. 616 E. Hwy 36 Smith Center, KS Phone: R Class Type Manufacturer Popular Model SC Price Range Rating 2 P FW Peterson 33' Limited Edition FW 92K - 39K 9 Industries According to the company s website, Peterson Industries, Inc. is a family-owned business. Peterson Industries, Incorporated was formed in 1966 by Leonard and Blanche Peterson and son, Vaughn, in Smith Center, Kansas. The original purpose of the corporation was for the construction, sale and distribution of pickup campers manufactured under the Excel brand name. Peterson Industries saw their first major expansion in 1974 with the construction of a 12,000 square foot facility for the purpose of manufacturing travel trailer frames. This expansion also opened the door for them to begin manufacturing class C motorhomes, which the company continued to market until Peterson Industries built their first fifth wheel unit in In 1983, just when things were on the upswing, a fire of unknown origin destroyed the entire main Peterson complex including the offices, construction drawings and all records. Top priority for the company was to build a new, completely modernized manufacturing facility, which was completed in 1984 with the new offices following in Including the current one, there have been nine plant expansions since Another new feature we introduced for 1998 was one of the most unique ideas to hit the industry in quite some time. We featured a gas fire place, available in several models. The company s main focus is to build the best RV in the industry, which appeals to full-timers says, Lindy Riedy sales manager. Lindy believes this is what separates them from their competitors. He also pointed out that the RV Consumer Group constantly gives them a high ranking in their category. Because of their dealer network, he says they have strong sales in all regions. The company appeals to upper-end buyers, quality and style being the most important to their customers. Lindy, believes that Teton and Hitchhiker are their two closest competitors. The company s most popular fifth wheel is the 33 Limited Edition. Recently the company introduced new hydraulic slides, which have been very well received. In addition to the hydraulic slides the company introduced a cherry option for cabinetry that is extremely popular. All of their cabinetry is solid wood, and is gorgeous, but the new cherry is really quite popular. The company sold 400 units for 2005 and is expected to surpass this number in They will be introducing some new floor plans for

128 Fifth Wheels & Toy Haulers Comments: I rank Peterson Industries as number two in the premium category because of their commitment to building an upper-end unit for fulltime use and the warranty to back it up. The company received high marks in each category. Those that we talked to who owned a Peterson product were very pleased with their purchase. Peterson Industries has an excellent reputation in the industry for being one of the best manufacturers of fifth wheel products. If you re an upper-end buyer looking for a quality unit then you owe it to yourself to check out this company. Notes: 130

129 Fifth Wheels & Toy Haulers Skyline Corporation 2520 By-Pass Road P.O. Box 743 Elkhart IN Phone: R Class Type Manufacturer Popular Model SC Price Range Rating 2 E FW Skyline Aljo FW 26K - 14K 8 3 E TT Skyline Nomad FW 36K - 13K 7 When Ben Decio, Skyline Corporations Chief of Marketing, talks about the company it is with a sense of familial pride, and rightly so. Skyline was started 55 years ago by his great-grandfather and grandfather in a garage and has been run by generations of his family ever since. Today Skyline is synonymous with quality and customer service. There is no one else out there that goes as far as we do for service, says Decio. We take care of the backend. We are a long-term company and people come to us for service and quality, he says. So much so that Skyline not only sends surveys to its customers to find out how they think Skyline is doing, but also uses Underwriter s Laboratories and holds a Dealer Council a few times a year to get feedback from its dealers. Decio says that Skyline s main competitors are Forest River, Keystone and Jayco but to him it is almost apples and oranges. We are a small company and we like it that way, he says. We want to be the best boutique company in the industry. And to that end, Skyline has been going through some renovations and while selling strong across the country, they expect to do even better, perhaps a 20 percent increase, now that these changes have been implemented. We have been learning how to adapt to the market quicker. We are looking at our competitors and finding out where we need to be and making sure we get in the market and are upto-date. Our second problem was eye appeal and we have updated our look to match our quality and service. Decio says that Skyline s most popular fifth wheels are their line of toy haulers and the company just released a brand new trailer called, Limited Series, which is selling very well across the country. For the future, Decio sees a continuation of the transitions that are taking place now. We have been profitable every year for 55 years. We are respected for how we take care of the customer. We give top quality and top service. Now we are working on the Wow factor, he says. We have streamlined and enhanced our product so that it is easier for us to build, for the dealer to sell and for the customer to buy. Big things should soon come out of Skyline. Decio says they are ready to add to the product portfolio and are in the process of looking at other product initiatives to expand in different areas. We are looking at new markets and new initiatives that 131

130 Fifth Wheels & Toy Haulers we haven t done in years, he says. My grandfather always said You can t do new things until you get your house in order. Now we have our house in order and we can look at new things and develop new product, he says. Comments: Skyline has been around for many years and has a good reputation in the industry. The company has a low overhead and is able to produce quality products at very affordable prices. I give them high marks in all categories because of their dedication to excellence. Construction is average to above average and resale value is average. RV dealers from around the country gave them high marks. If you re a first timer or on a tight budget give Skyline a look, you ll be glad you did. Notes: 132

131 Fifth Wheels & Toy Haulers Teton Homes 3283 N. 9 Mile Road Casper, WY P.O. Box 2349 Mills, WY Phone: R Class Type Manufacturer Popular Model SC Price Range Rating 4 P FW Teton Homes Royal FW 162K - 61K 8 In 1967, Teton Homes began building Teton travel trailers. Teton's chassis design is so unique it's protected by three U.S. patents*, the most recent one of which was issued on March 1, This exclusive chassis design allows for Teton's phenomenal Big & Tall Storage. Every 2007 Teton has an incredible 40" tall exterior storage compartment! No other RV manufacturer can use this patented product. This is one of many reasons they are the first choice for full-timers. The company has won numerous awards and top ratings in such categories as competitive product, innovative product design, and prompt service to managers and service technicians. The company is appealing to upper-end buyers that are interested in quality construction and style. Teton Homes reported strong sales in the SW and SE regions of the country. In 2005 the company sold 265 units and expects to increase their sales for Teton s closest competitors are Carriage House and Newmar according to Marion Johnson, Director of Engineering. When asked what separates your company from your competitors Marion replied, Handcrafted workmanship in the interiors, especially fit and finish of cabinetry. Marion stressed the company s focus is on fit and finish and feels this is what makes them unique. If you have ever looked inside a Teton home you would know what Marion is talking about. The quality and workmanship is excellent in my opinion. The company s best selling fifth wheel model is called the, Royal, MSRP: $124,000 to $161,000. Description of the product is taken from the company s website, The 2007 Royal is incredibly beautiful, thanks to impeccable fit and finish throughout. You'll notice the carefully crafted wood-trimmed window treatments, superb lighting, engraved wood detailing, the mirrored kitchen backsplash and classy new complimentary color bands along the front edge of solid surface counters and on the optional kitchen island. Our solid craftsmanship is flawless where you don't see it: inside the cabinets and under sinks. You'll find superb fit in smooth-operating drawers and slideouts, firm cabinet closures, plush long-wearing furniture... everywhere. According to the company s website they have a T-joist roof system, which is one of the lightest, strongest and best, insulated in the industry with a composite R value of 25. Their central air conditioning two-duct system has a 70% sound reduction from most roof-ducted air conditioning systems. 133

132 Fifth Wheels & Toy Haulers Another important feature is their vacubonded sidewalls, which are lighter and stronger than walls with "hand laid-up" exterior glass with an overall insulating value of R10. Comments: Teton Homes appeals to empty-nesters and retirees considering fulltiming. Their RVs are designed to be used in any type of climate, north or south, so they are perfect for people to live in full time and travel year round. They don t have anything really new or exciting coming up. They may have a new floor plan or two in the works, and there will be a rear entertainment center available. Each year they offer new décor. Through nearly four decades the company has refined and improved their products into the magnificent RVs they are today. Marion says, They never scrimped on comfort or sacrificed quality. Instead, we satisfied our customers. The company received very high marks regarding construction quality and customer satisfaction. Here again Teton Homes is not a volume producer of RVs but has found their niche by producing upper-end fifth wheels. Resale value is excellent and RV dealers gave Teton high marks as well. The customers we spoke with that owned a Teton where pleased with their purchase and would recommend Teton to their friends. Teton s website does go into detail about construction techniques and is very informative. Overall, Teton is a great company with a bright future. Notes: 134

133 Fifth Wheels & Toy Haulers Travel Supreme SR 19 PO Box 610 Wakarusa, IN Phone: R Class Type Manufacturer Popular Model SC Price Range Rating 5 P FW Travel Supreme Classic FW 111K - 50K 7.5 Travel Supreme began in 1989 as a manufacturer of fifth wheels. The company began in an 870 sq. ft. building in Wakarusa, Indiana. Because of their success in becoming the number one fifth wheel manufacturer in the country, Travel Supreme branched out and in 1999 began manufacturing upscale, customized diesel pusher motorhomes. They now make both the fifth wheels and motorhomes in their 120,000 sq. ft. manufacturing plant. What makes Travel Supreme stand out in the industry and keeps them popular in all regions of the country is their level of customized options. We specialize in building special units, says Ted Cook, Vice President of Operations. We build our own cabinets, for example, and the customer can specify custom cabinets or change the layouts and we ll build it for them. If they want an entertainment unit instead of a storage unit, we ll build it for them. Cook says the level of the fit and finish also sets Travel Supreme apart and also sets them in the upscale recreational vehicle bracket with their competitors Newmar, Monaco and Country Coach. King of the Road is considered competition for Travel Supreme s fifth wheel market. Because they offer such a wide range of options, Cook says, the one thing he would change about the company is to do more marketing. The number one thing we hear from customers is I didn t realize you could do that! If you put all of our options in a book it would be like 20 pages. People don t realize all of our special works, Cook says. Travel Supreme expects to yield a 5 percent growth this year over the approximately 360 motorhomes and 360 fifth wheels sold this year. We aren't after a big gross sales number, says Cook. We are after building a specified unit for a specified customer. If you are going to spend that kind of money you want it built the way you want it. In the past, Travel Supreme s fifth wheels surpassed its motorhomes in sales volume but that is no longer the case. Motorhomes have not only caught up with fifth wheels but have surpassed them. We are going after the upper-end clientele. They see what we can build and they want the best, Cook says. The mid-range priced Classic is Travel Supreme s most popular fifth wheel. Customers can choose from 14 different floor plans and all models come with at least two slideouts. For the money, customers can get a lot of options including cherry wood. It all goes back to the custom work that we do, says Cook. 135

134 Fifth Wheels & Toy Haulers Comments: Travel Supreme rates high in customer service but Cook says there is always room for improvement. He says that goes for customer satisfaction as well. We can all look at ourselves and improve, he says. We are always looking at how we can better satisfy our customer. It s ongoing and it s adjusting to the clientele. And as far as quality of product, Travel Supreme also rates high but Cook says they don t take anything for granted. We are always looking at how we can improve our product. When you feel you can t improve, that s when you start falling behind Travel Supreme is known for its exotic woods and finishes. They offer choices like cherry, maple, oak and walnut and even brush stained woods for the motorhomes and in the fifth wheels you can choose glazed burnished maple or glazed spiced hardwoods. We offer a lot of options which gives us a certain niche and that s the customer we go after. We are a very customized build engineered company. Nobody does it to the extent that we do, says Cook. The future is unlimited for Travel Supreme. Where does your imagination stop? asks Cook. If you have it in your house more than likely I can put it on wheels. We do a lot of units with 52 inch TVs, a lot with three surround sounds - two in the coach and one outside - granite floors and granite countertops. Whatever you can imagine, the future will hold. Keep an eye out for Travel Supreme s virtual factory tour on their website a great source of information in my opinion. In the premium category regarding fifth wheels there are some really quality companies for consumers to choose from. Travel Supreme is no exception, another great company that is appealing to upper-end buyers. Notes: 136

135 Fifth Wheels & Toy Haulers Western Recreation Vehicles P.O. Box 9547 Yakima, Washington Phone: R Class Type Manufacturer Popular Model SC Price Rating Range 3 AA FW Western RV Alpenlite Voyager 31CK FW 80K - 33K 8 Western Recreation Vehicles, Inc. was founded in April of 1971 by Bill and Suzanne Doyle and continues today as a family owned business. After 22 years of sound leadership, Bill Doyle retired as President of WRV. On that date, Ron Doyle was named company President. Bill is Chairman of the Board and Suzanne continues as company Secretary. Western RV is a national manufacturer of motorized and towable Recreation Vehicles located in Yakima, Washington. Corporate and production facilities extend over 57 acres and surpass over 400,000 square feet under one roof. The company currently manufactures Alpenlite Fifth- Wheels, Travel Trailers and Truck Campers as well as Alpine Coach, a premier diesel Motor Coach. Western sells best in the SW and NW regions of the US followed by the Rocky Mountain Region, SE, NE and Midwest. It predicts a strong growth of percent for Its closest competitors in the trailer category are Lance, Arctic Fox, Host and Eagle. But Marketing Assistant Dave Woodall feels it is Western s heritage of technical innovation and engineering excellence that sets them apart. The Alpenlite fifth wheel is consistently one of the best-selling in the industry, its quality and versatility appealing to value-driven consumers. Their tradition of excellence caused Western s fifth wheels and truck campers to be listed in Consumers Digest as a Best Buy. In the fifth-wheel category, the most popular is the Alpenlite Voyager 31CK retailing for $59,331. This top-of-the-line model was updated this year and includes seven new floor plans. Comments: In many ways Western RV is a model company in the recreational vehicle industry. Its 35-year commitment to quality and customer satisfaction is a company tradition. The company has high marks in customer satisfaction, quality construction and resale value. The dealers also give Western RV high marks. Woodall says when it comes to customer service and satisfaction he rates Western a 10. Recently, one of our owners called with a problem that had disabled his coach. It was after hours, the Factory Service Center had already closed, and our Vice President of Marketing ended up with the call. He began to patiently walk the customer through a series of steps in an attempt to alleviate the problem. Soon, our CEO was in the room offering his support, and before you knew it, our CEO, was personally involved with fixing the problem. You don t see that much anymore. 137

136 Fifth Wheels & Toy Haulers The company has a good handle on quality control issues and in my opinion, is a great company if you re after a quality built RV at affordable prices. The company s website is loaded with good information and construction information as well. Notes: 138

137 Fifth Wheels & Toy Haulers Detailed Rating Chart for Fifth Wheels & Toy Haulers R Class Type Manufacturer Popular Model SC Price Range C CS DR RV Points Rating 1 P FW New Horizons RV 36' Triple Slide FW 110K - 40K P FW Peterson Industries 33' Limited Edition FW 92K - 39K P FW Nu-Wa The Hitchhiker ll LS FW 90K - 45K P FW Teton Homes Royal FW 162K - 61K P FW Travel Supreme Classic FW 111K - 50K P FW Newmar Cypress AD 150K - 45K P FW Carriage Cameo LXI FW 170K - 40K P FW Alfa Leisure See Ya Gold FW 85K - 60K P FW R-Vision (Monaco) Trail Cruiser TT 99K - 63K P FW King of the Road Royalite FW 90K - 40K P FW General Coach BC Citation 27 foot TT 100K - 23K AA FW Ameri-Camp The Summit Ridge FW 60K - 25K AA FW Jayco Eagle Series TT 60K - 20K AA FW Western RV Alpenlite Voyager 31CK FW 80K - 33K AA FW K-Z Sportsmen TT 90K - 20K AA FW Keystone Montana & Cougar FW 65K - 22K AA FW Northwood Silver Fox TT 54K - 20K AA FW Holiday Rambler Savoy AD 82K - 25K AA FW McKenzie (Monaco) Starwood LX FW 68K - 26K AA FW Glendale RV Titanium FW 70K - 35K AA FW CrossRoads (Thor) Cruiser FW 50K - 24K

138 Fifth Wheels & Toy Haulers (Continued) Detailed Rating Chart for Fifth Wheels & Toy Haulers R Class Type Manufacturer Popular Model SC Price Range C CS DR RV Points Rating 1 E FW SunnyBrook 31' Baywindow TT 53K - 30K E FW Skyline Aljo FW 26K - 14K E FW Fleetwood Prowler AG 72K - 20K E FW Triple E Topaz TT 45K - 24K E FW Gulf Stream Prairie Schooner TT 61K - 15K E FW Extreme RV Road Ranger TT 52K - 25K E FW Forest River Cardinal & Sierra TT 70K - 16K E FW Dutchmen (Thor) Denali TT 60K - 22K E FW Coachmen RV Chaparral TT 73K - 24K E FW Starcraft RV N/A TT 36K - 27K

139 Fifth Wheels & Toy Haulers RV Companies not featured in this chapter but included in rating chart: Alfa Leisure (Not featured) Carriage (See chapter 11) Coachmen RV (See chapter 11) CrossRoads (See chapter 11) Dutchmen (See chapter 11) Extreme RV (See chapter 11) Forest River (See chapter 11) General Coach (See Thor article chapter 11) Gulf Stream (See chapter 11) KZ RV (See chapter 11) McKenzie (Not featured) Northwood (See chapter 11) R-Vision (Not featured) Starcraft RV (See chapter 11) SunnyBrook (See chapter 11) Triple E (See chapter 11) 141

140 Travel Trailers Chapter 11 Travel Trailers Price Range: $6,000 to $100,000 Length Range: 10 to 40 feet Travel trailers come in a variety of sizes, ranging from a small bedroom on wheels to the equivalent of a Class A motorhome without the engine and transmission. Many units feature a slideout to quickly extend the unit's living space. Small trailers may weigh less than 2,000 pounds and can be pulled with a wide selection of compact vehicles. The ease of towing, Gulf Stream Ameri-Lite Trailer combined with their relatively low purchase price, makes them an excellent first choice among RV buyers. Facilities are very compact, but completely suitable for short-term use. Travel trailers usually provide cooking facilities, a refrigerator, heating, air conditioning, a self-contained toilet, a shower, water tanks (fresh water, grey water, black water), faucets, sinks, a LP (propane) gas supply, and a separate volt electrical system. They can sleep up to eight people depending on the model and floor plan. Medium-size travel trailers range in weight up to about 5,500 pounds before supplies and fluids are added, and in price from about $7,000 to about $45,000. These are the most popular travel trailers, the majority requiring some planning in selection of a tow vehicle. Many models are suitable for towing with properly equipped full-size cars. Most models offer a high degree of self-containment, with full bath, galley and dining facilities. Large travel trailers range up to about 11,000 pounds and vary in price from about $35,000 to $100,000. Depending on the floor plan, these units can be suitable for large families, or for extended use by two people. Ranging in size from about 25 to 40 feet, these trailers offer a wider selection of floor plans. By far this category has seen the most increase in sales volume, out performing all other categories for Higher gas prices have increased the desirability of travel trailers as never before. Light-weight units have really seen an increase in sales due to ease of towing and affordability. The following pages of this chapter will feature a number of RV companies we have researched. Most have been interviewed by us and each company is listed in alphabetical order. At the end of this chapter a rating chart will appear showing all the RV manufacturers we have researched. Please remember that we have not researched every manufacturer and it is our hope to include more manufacturers in future publications. 142

141 Travel Trailers To learn more about how I arrived at my conclusions and ratings please review Chapter 2 of this book. It is my hope that the information contained in this chapter will help you make informed decisions regarding travel trailers with fair and balanced information that has been complied over a number of years. 143

142 Travel Trailers Airstream Inc. (Thor) 419 West Pike Street P.O. Box 629 Jackson Center, OH Phone: R Class Type Manufacturer Popular Model SC Price Range Rating 3 P TT Airstream (Thor) Safari TT 90K - 30K 8 Airstream has been around since the 1930 s getting its start in Los Angeles, California. The founder Wallace Byam, led the company through some difficult times including the great depression. During the 1930 s Wallace experimented with aircraft type construction methods to lessen wind resistance and improved the trailer s strength-toweight ratio. His designs began taking on a more aerodynamic and contemporary look. On January 17, 1936, the Airstream Trailer Co. introduced the Clipper, and an American legend was born. Airstream was the first to utilize riveted aluminum for their exteriors producing an extremely durable product and creating a unique look which has an almost cult like following throughout the United States. According to Airstream they have never stopped building the better trailer and 60% of all Airstreams are still on the road today, which is an amazing feat. In the 1970 s, Airstream introduced the Classic its first motorhome. The Classic featured riveted aluminum construction and a monocoque body like the travel trailer, and brought a new level of aerodynamic superiority unavailable in any other motorhome. In the 1980's, Airstream rolled out the Argosy fifth wheel trailer, Airstream triple axel trailer, and the Land Yacht Motorhome. The Land Yacht motorhome featured laminated fiberglass construction and had front and rear end caps so innovative that a patent was granted for them. Airstream views Fleetwood and Jayco to be their closest competitors regarding their travel trailers and Monaco to be their closest competitor when it comes to their motorhomes. While Airstream has enjoyed some success with their motorhomes their travel trailers make up over 90% of sales through the U.S. In 2005, Airstream sold over 2,000 units. The company has enjoyed 30% growth on the retail level for three years in a row and predicts increased sales for years to come. The company s best selling travel trailer is the, Safari, retailing for around $40,000. According to Tim Champ, marketing director for Airstream, he believes Airstream has one of the best built travel trailers on the market today, with a uniqueness you won t find anywhere else, both inside and out. The company recently unveiled a new product called, Base camp mini toy hauler. This particular travel trailer appeals to 25 to 40 year olds that are weekend warriors. It s small and lightweight and can be towed by most cars. 144

143 Travel Trailers Comments: Airstream this year, (2006) is marking its 75th anniversary, which is a great feat for any company. Airstream s reputation is well known in the industry with innovative designs and quality craftsmanship that continues to this day. This is an upper-end product, appealing to RV buyers that are drawn to the unique look and interior designs. According to Tim Champ, the company enjoys high marks when it comes to customer satisfaction, customer service and quality of product. I like Airstream s website which is informative and offers a virtual tour of different products along with pricing. The RVDA gives Airstream high ratings based on feedback from RV dealers across the country. The resale value for an Airstream is average to above 45% depreciation in five years based on our research. On the downside the company s market share is minimal and the company needs to promote their products more aggressively. Price is also a concern being on the high side. A number of customers we spoke with reported that roof leaks were a problem but the company was quick to respond. Overall, a great company with a unique product line, quality construction and longevity that is unprecedented. If you re looking for a travel trailer that will last indefinitely with some uniqueness then Airstream may be the right RV for you and your family. Notes: 145

144 Travel Trailers Bigfoot Industries 4114 Crozier Road Armstrong, B.C. Canada V0E 1B6 Phone: R Class Type Manufacturer Popular Model SC Price Range Rating 2 P TT Bigfoot 2500 Series TT 33K - 20K 9 25B21FB Bigfoot industries located in Armstrong, British Columbia, Canada; has been building quality RVs for 27 years. Specializing in Class C and travel trailers, Bigfoot sells strong in the NW and Rocky Mountain regions due to its location but has a strong dealer network throughout the United States and Canada. Bigfoot continues to grow, estimating a 5 to 10 percent growth this year, due in part to the new floor plans set to debut in June or July with more new floor plans to come. The company is always on the cutting edge of manufacturing RVs that are useable in all-weather. Marketing Director Wolf Ernst says, This is one aspect that sets Bigfoot apart from other manufacturers. Also, the fact that Bigfoot is not a mass producer, they make fewer RVs so each is given attention to detail. We specialize in high quality vehicles for all-season use, Ernst says. They are made from fiberglass and most are winterized for four season use. People use our RVs for skiing, hunting, fall and winter trips. The company s best selling travel trailer is the, 25B21FB in the 2500 series. According to Ernst, this is because it is well-designed, well laid out and there is a lot of storage. Since they are so specialized, the Bigfoot customer is looking for something specific and is therefore not generally an entry-level customer. Most of the Bigfoot customers are looking for quality and style as the number one reason for purchasing. According to Ernst, their closest competitor is Northwood Manufacturing (Arctic Fox). As far as customer service, Ernst says the letters and testimonials he receives tell the tale. We have numerous letters and postcards from people who are very happy with our service. We have customer testimonials from Bigfoot owners who say we go above the call of duty with our attention to detail. People have written letters to RV Times [a Canadian RV publication] saying We went to Bigfoot and they really looked after us. For the future, Bigfoot is prototyping a new travel trailer with new floor plans and slideouts for the 3000 series. Bigfoot is looking to have a very good year. Comments: Bigfoot Industries is a small company as mentioned above, which gives them the ability to focus on quality control to produce the best products possible. Their travel trailers, for example, are constructed from two-piece molded fiberglass and insulated using a 1 1/2" high-density polystyrene insulation. Another feature is their high quality designer fabrics decorating the interiors. All models feature large, radius corner windows that create a feeling of spaciousness, and provide you with an unobstructed view of the great outdoors. Bigfoot's unique two- 146

145 Travel Trailers piece construction and excellent aerodynamics will allow you to tow them with ease. I place Bigfoot Industries in the, Premium category because of their quality products and customer service. The company s website is informative and lists dealers to contact in your area. Here is a testimony from a Bigfoot owner that sums up this company, We bought a 2004 Bigfoot 21' travel trailer and have never regretted it. The trailer is everything we expected, and the quality of construction is superior. I have had no warranty claims. The only damage has been one screw pulled out that secured a window shade, which I replaced myself. I'd buy another Bigfoot in a minute. The resale value is great based on our research. The company stands behind their products and works closely with their dealers to ensure warranty issues are taken care of in a timely manor. Notes: 147

146 Travel Trailers Carriage Inc. P.O. Box 246 Millerburg, IN Phone: R Class Type Manufacturer Popular Model SC Price Range Rating 7 P FW Carriage Cameo LXI FW 170K - 40K P TT Carriage Carri-Lite FW 30K - 35K 10 According to the company s website, Carriage Inc. was founded in 1968 and the company s philosophy has always been, To build a quality unit, not quantity massproduced units. Beyond All Expectations is the company s tag line. Over 37 years, the Carriage facility has grown to 20 buildings situated on 55 acres in the quiet farming community of Millersburg, Indiana. It also features a beautiful courtesy park for Carriage customers to stay should their unit need to be serviced by Carriage's Service and Warranty Department. The Carriage Travel Club is an organization for owners of Carriage RV's formed to promote fellowship, friendship, and fun. With memberships throughout the US and Canada, seasonal campouts and fun-filled rallies are held by our state and local chapters. The National Club sponsors annual National Rallies in Florida and Texas as well as a Grand National Rally. We spoke with Kathy Fuller, who is the Marketing Manager for Carriage. She says that the south is strong for Carriage, especially the SE. She considers SunnyBrook and Heartland to be their two close competitors. The Cameo LXI fifth wheel is Carriage s most popular model, costing on average about $55,000. Other models the company offers are; Royals International, Carri-Lite, Compass, and C-Force lines of fifth wheels. The Carriage customers are mid-range to upper-end with quality and style being most important to them. In 2005, Carriage sold about 2,100 units. Since Carriage makes almost all of their components, this makes for a superior product in Kathy s opinion. She mentions their cabinetry and upholstery as good examples of this. Carriage has also been in business for 40 years, so they bring a lot of experience to their craft. Comments: We interviewed a number of Carriage owners and most were pleased with their purchase. Here is a testimonial from one customer, We were looking for an all season fifth wheel for full time use. We visited a number of manufacturers and were impressed with the construction methods and fit and finish at Carriage Inc. Their 2 / 5 yr warranty was an added plus, which is perfect for full time use. The construction seemed to be the same across all lines and we chose the Cameo as the best combination of features and cost. 148

147 Travel Trailers The company offers plant tours, which have been expanded and are now available Monday thru Thursday starting at 9:30 AM (1 tour per day). The company encourages RV buyers to come and see how they construct their units. They believe once you see how a Carriage is constructed you ll want one. There are a few things in the works for them but the company is keeping the details under wraps. The word is though that a new lighter weight product is in the future. A solid company with a bright future a small company but able to compete with the big boys. Notes: 149

148 Travel Trailers Casita RV 3030 S. McKinney Rice, TX Phone: R Class Type Manufacturer Popular Model SC Price Range Rating 1 E TT Casita 17 ' Spirit Deluxe TT 14K - 9K 8 Casita is family owned business founded in Casita sells direct to the consumer - no middle man, therefore all savings are passed directly to their customers. Alicia Mahoney, Sales Manager for Casita said, The south east is our strongest region, especially Florida. Usually she considers Scamp to be one of their closest competitors, but with the fire at Scamp that s not so much the case right now. Alicia believes their product quality and customer service differentiate them from other companies. She feels the excellent relationship between the sales coordinators and the customers makes a huge difference. Casita also listens closely to customer input. The 17 Spirit Deluxe is their most popular trailer. Casita customers can be described as mid-range; price and quality are both important to them. Alicia modestly gives her company 8 s across the board in customer service, customer satisfaction, and product quality. Casita sold about 600 units last year and the company primarily builds smaller trailers their largest being a 17 foot. All their trailers come with fiberglass side-walls they are light weight and sturdy. The majority of their trailers are priced below $10,000 and the company ships its product to Japan, which is impressive. The company is appealing to entry-level and mid-range buyers with price and quality construction both playing an important role. Comments: For an inexpensive travel trailer it is hard to beat Casita. You can buy factory direct and save thousands compared to their competitors. Everybody we talked to that owned their products were impressed with the quality inside and out. They received high marks regarding customer satisfaction and resale value is above average to excellent. Here is one testimonial that sums it up, We just purchased a 17' Casita and we hit the scales at 3000# fully loaded. It's a real nice high quality trailer with a nice bathroom and shower. Lots of other nice features on this small TT also and should be no problem towing with a Nissan Frontier. According to the company s website, You don't have to come to the manufacturing and distribution center to see our products. We have a network of satisfied customers world-wide that would welcome the opportunity to show you their Casita Travel Trailer and answer any questions you may have. This is a unique marketing strategy that seems to work for the company. 150

149 Travel Trailers Casita will be attending more shows in the future. With the increased focus on fuel economy, the Casita product line is catching the attention of more buyers. In the past, Alicia thinks people attending RV shows sometimes didn t pay attention to the lighter weight products. But now the Casita trailers are just what folks are looking for. So Casita will be at more shows to give people a chance to see the line. Notes: 151

150 Travel Trailers Coachmen RV (Coachmen Industries Inc.) P.O. Box 30 Middlebury, IN Phone: R Class Type Manufacturer Popular Model SC Price Range Rating 9 E FW Coachmen RV Chaparral TT 73K - 24K E TT Coachmen RV Spirit of America TT 36K - 15K 7.5 Coachmen, is one of the nation's leading full-line manufacturers of recreation vehicles and modular construction. The company also has a housing division called the, Housing and Building Systems Group, which is America's leading producer of modular homes. Recreation vehicles are manufactured under the Coachmen Recreation Vehicles, LLC, Sportscoach RV, Georgie Boy Manufacturing, LLC and Viking Recreation Vehicles, LLC brand names. Coachmen produces; Class A motorhomes, Class C "mini" motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheel trailers and folding camping trailers. In 1964, Coachmen Industries was founded by three brothers: Tom, Keith and Claude Corson. The Corson brothers built the company on principles such as: "Practice the Golden Rule" "Our Word is our Bond" "Business goes where it is invited and stays where it is well cared for" "Dedicated to the enrichment of your life" By staying committed to these principles, Coachmen has grown to become one of the largest full line manufacturers of RVs in the world. The Corson brothers started Coachmen Industries, Inc. in a 5,000 square foot plant in downtown Middlebury, Indiana. First year production included 12 travel trailers, a single truck camper and 80 truck caps. Since that time Coachmen Companies have produced nearly 600,000 recreation vehicles of all sizes and types. We recently spoke with Bruce Barone, Marketing Analyst. Bruce says that the South East (especially Florida and Georgia) and the Midwest are Coachmen s strongest regions. The company sold just fewer than 14,000 units last year. Travel trailers are the top category in terms of units sold. All the big manufacturers are in competition with Coachmen, because their extensive product line. Fleetwood and Winnebago would be the top competitors. Coachmen buyers range from mid-level to upper range, depending on the product. Coachmen, is built on family values. Dealers are treated like family. Loyalty is a big part of the relationship, and it goes both ways. Some dealers have been with Coachmen for 40 years. Many have been with the company for 20 or 30. Bruce says that Coachmen always tries to do what s right, no matter what. The fact that Coachmen is not as big as some of its competitors is an advantage to the consumer. Coachmen can give the time and attention to customers, and respond quickly to changes they ask for. Coachmen, is recently ranked #2 in the industry 152

151 Travel Trailers for customer service. In the travel trailer category, the Spirit of America is their number one seller. Comments: Based on a recent article by Indy Star, Coachmen on the Road to Recovery. You know things aren t so great at a company when its focus is something called an intensive recovery plan, states Daniel Lee in the May 29 edition of the Indianapolis Star. That s the name of the major initiative these days at Coachmen Industries Inc. The Elkhart, Ind., company, which makes recreation vehicles and homes, racked up $26.4 million in losses in 2005 as its revenue fell 12.5% from the year before. Last year was so bad, Lee points out, that the company s chairman and chief executive, Claire Skinner, did not receive a performance bonus for the first time since The intensive recovery plan is focused around reshaping Coachmen to be a much more solid performer when times are good but to still remain profitable when markets are soft, said Jeff Tryka, Coachmen s director of investor relations. On a positive note I do like Coachmen as a whole. I am hopeful they will be able to turn things around and once they do I am sure they will be a stronger company because of it. I give Coachmen an average rating overall, I do like Georgie Boy and feel you got a lot of coach for the money. For those of you that are on a limited budget but want a decent coach, take a look at Georgie Boy. Customer service on a whole was average to above average. Many were pleased with their purchase but we did receive some negative feedback. The company is appealing to entry-level to mid-range buyers, price being a big consideration. The company has a wide range of products and an extensive dealer network. Resale values are poor to average based on our research. Notes: 153

152 Travel Trailers CrossRoads RV (Thor) 305 Hawpatch Drive Topeka, Indiana Phone: R Class Type Manufacturer Popular Model SC Price Range Rating 10 AA FW CrossRoads (Thor) Cruiser FW 50K - 24K 4 5 P TT CrossRoads (Thor) Zinger FW 38K - 16K 7 CrossRoads RV has manufactured fifth wheels and travel trailers since The company was privately owned until Thor purchased it about 16-months ago. By maintaining a philosophy of keeping organizational frills to a minimum, but quality of product, service and value high, they have continued to grow in the market and earn a reputation for customer satisfaction. Located in Topeka, Indiana they have three plant locations and employ over eighty people. A hallmark of the company s construction is all-aluminum of the lighter weight half-ton towables. They also feature Hung walls, seamless one-piece roof, Filon fiberglass exterior, plywood decking, and additional construction features normally found in higher-end products. These are all standard in CrossRoads RVs, which prides itself on offering more standards than add-ons at an affordable price. All of this contributes to CrossRoads expected 20 percent growth this year and its solid sales all across the United States. Company President Mark Lucas says that CrossRoads top two competitors are Keystone and Dutchmen, but he says that CrossRoads focus on the customer sets them apart. When we build our units we focus on what we feel the customer wants. We focus on construction, warranty and fit and finish. Our quality is a strong point. Another strong point is the low, low weight of the CrossRoads RVs making them easy to tow. Our construction, although lightweight, is meant to last. We have a two-year all inclusive and five-year structural warranty, Lucas says. The one thing Lucas would like to change about his company is that everyone on the road would know about CrossRoads. The CrossRoads Cruiser is the most popular fifth wheel, one reason is the tripleslide, 29-foot Cruiser only weighs 7,600 pounds as opposed to the average 9,500 to 10,000 lbs. of others, according to Lucas. The Cruiser is built with a lightweight, all-aluminum construction that gives you more towing options. This, along with the solid construction of their hung walls, fiberglass exterior and one-piece rubber roof are just some standard features you typically won t find in other comparable products. The Zinger, a 32quadbunk with four bunk beds, is the most popular travel trailer. The 32QB only weighs 6,000 lbs. This means that consumers can tow these vehicles with the trucks they have. The materials aren t cheap to make lightweight, says Lucas. We spend a little more on construction, focusing on the weight so our RVs are really towable. We think people will make the investment 154

153 Travel Trailers when they see the warranty and see that it is a good investment. It is a useable vehicle. They will get their money s worth. CrossRoads sold a combined 8,000 units last year with the fifth wheels being the strongest category historically but with the introduction of the Zinger that is changing. The company s customer is a mid-range customer looking for both quality and price. Lucas says that the company rates a solid 9 on all levels of customer service, customer satisfaction and quality of product. We can always do better, he says. CrossRoads is always looking toward the future and will continue to grow. We have grown ten times in size in the past three years because we build a product people want and we treat our dealers with respect. Our word is our bond and we believe in integrity and standing behind our product. Comments: CrossRoads RV is a relatively new enterprise with innovative floor plans throughout their product lineup. The company manufactures a unit that's upscale in craftsmanship and decor and possesses the extra durability and residential appeal sought after by full-timers. From our research, CrossRoads owners all seemed impressed with the quality and craftsmanship. A good value for the money was a common statement from those we interviewed. The resale value is very good based on our research and customer satisfaction was high as well. CrossRoads is a great company with a solid future in my opinion and definitely worth checking out. Notes: 155

154 Travel Trailers Dutchmen (Thor) 2164 Caragana Court Goshen, IN Phone: R Class Type Manufacturer Popular Model SC Price Range Rating 8 E FW Dutchmen (Thor) Denali TT 60K - 22K 5 7 E TT Dutchman (Thor) North Shore TT 38K - 10K 5 In 1991 Thor acquired Dutchmen, now one of the largest brands of conventional and fifth wheel travel trailers in the world. According to company s website Dutchmen has great floor plans and year after year, Dutchmen is one of the best selling brands because of their commitment to high quality and value. They remain focused on providing innovative products that are loaded with standard equipment and unique features. Dutchmen claims they offer more value for your dollar compared to other recreational vehicle companies. Plus, Dutchmen's attention to detail in design and construction is why their customers return when it is time for their next RV. We spoke with Joe Hosinksi, Director of Marketing. He said that Dutchmen has strong sales all across the United States. Keystone and Fleetwood would be the two closest competitors. In fifth wheels, the Denali is a strong seller, MSRP $20,000 to $50,000 depending size and options. In the travel trailer category North Shore is their best selling, MSRP $15,000 to $30,000. Also popular are the Four Winds and Aerolite. The UltraLite category was especially strong in 2005 for the company. Joe sums up what makes Dutchmen unique by saying Great features, great floor plans and great value. He feels that the combination of the quality of their product, the amenities they offer, and the value pricing is hard to beat. Comments: Dutchmen, is mainly appealing to the entry-level buyer, price being the main deciding factor. While researching the company we did not find much in the way of negative feedback. It seems Dutchmen does a good job regarding customer service and works well with their dealer network. Resale values are poor to average based on our research and quality of construction is average. The company does include a lot more standard features not normally found with other companies. I feel this makes them more appealing to entry-level buyers and is why they rank high in total sales volume each year. Look for new products coming from Dutchmen in The Eco UltraLite, the NTense toy hauler, and the mid-range luxury fifth wheel Monte Vista will all be coming to market. Dutchmen, is downsizing some of its models to reflect consumers needs for better fuel economy. Notes: 156

155 Travel Trailers Extreme RVs 412 S. Kit Ave Caldwell, ID Phone: R Class Type Manufacturer Popular Model SC Price Range Rating 6 E FW Extreme RV Road Ranger TT 52K - 25K 6 9 E TT Extreme RV Sportsmaster TT 35K - 16K 4 We were not able to interview Extreme RVs but we wanted to include them in this rating guide. According to the company s website, Extreme RVs, LLC was created from an employee purchase of KIT Manufacturing Company's RV Division on January 29, Extreme RVs retained the former company's product lines: Companion, Road Ranger, Extreme SUTs, Sportsmaster, and Monterey. The former company, KIT Manufacturing, had been in business since This company was started as a co-partnership in October 1945 at Long Beach, California, for the purpose of manufacturing and marketing a pre-fabricated, camper-type, teardrop trailer which could be shipped in a "kit" or package complete with component parts. The sportsman could then assemble the unit himself. Over the years, the company developed a reputation for a quality built unit. KIT units maintain one of the highest resale values on the market. KIT became well known for its Companion and Road Ranger product lines; and prior to the sale of the company began growing its Extreme Sport Utility Trailer line. The company recently introduced the 2007 Mega-Lite sport utility travel trailer (SURV), available in three floor plans in lengths of 19 to 29 feet. With a 7,670-pound GVWR, the wood-and-aluminum Mega-Lite is designed to be towed behind a half-ton pickup truck. The company grew from 2 units a week to 120 units a week and continues to increase from there. Extreme RVs continues to manufacture the quality product that KIT began many years ago. The Sportsmaster, Monterey, Companion, Road Ranger, and Extreme names live on in both quality and innovation. Extreme RVs also continues to lead the industry with cutting edge design and features. The Extreme MegaLite set the standard in 1/2 ton towable toy haulers and the Extreme wide body toy haulers set the stage with their high quality in craftsmanship, usability, and design. At Extreme RVs, we continue to honor our quality reputation developed years ago by KIT Manufacturing and will persist with our cutting edge design features for years to come. Comments: There seems to be little in the way of feedback on most of the RV forums, based on our research. The company has a poor to average record regarding customer service and that may be because of lack of feedback. Resale value is poor to average and the company is appealing to entry-level buyers with price being the most important deciding factor. Notes: 157

156 Travel Trailers Forest River CR 1 PO Box 3030 Elkhart, IN Phone: R Class Type Manufacturer Popular Model SC Price Range Rating 7 E FW Forest River Cardinal & Sierra TT 70K - 16K E TT Forest River Wildwood LE TT 39K - 14K 6 Forest River was founded in 1996 by Peter Liegl and is headquartered in Elkhart, Indiana. They have grown considerably in the last few years to include production facilities throughout the mid-west and on the west coast. In addition to manufacturing recreation vehicles, Forest River Incorporated also has a marine division which includes Odyssey and South Bay motorboats; a bus line that consists of Elkhart Coach, Glaval Bus and Starcraft Bus; a commercial division whose subsidiaries include Rockport and Workport trucks and Premier Structures as well as a manufactured housing division with Sterling Homes and Hart Housing. Forest River declined to give us an interview therefore I can not include their most popular models in this article. It seems when we asked dealers and manufacturers who they felt were their main competitors; many would point to Forest River. The company s sales numbers are impressive and they do have a large market share. When talking with dealers and RV owners we found that Forest River was average in quality construction and customer service. In my housing publications I found large companies typically produced affordable homes with a lot of nice amenities but overall rated average in the area of construction and average to below average on customer service. Small to midsize companies, in my opinion, usually have a better handle on customer service and quality control issues. The downside with small to midsize companies is that they typically don t have the price advantage as larger companies do. Most consumers are driven by price, which gives large companies like Forest River an edge. By far the company s greatest emphasis is on its travel trailers and fifth wheels offering over a dozen models in both regular and ultra-lite. Their All-American Sport line includes and 8 x 10 cargo area for hauling ATVs, dirt bikes, snowmobiles and bicycles. Forest River also offers roadside assistance free of charge for one year. Comments: Forest River is the largest privately owned manufacturer of RVs in the United States. In the summer of 2005 Warren Buffett, billionaire investor and insurance executive, bought Forest River for an undisclosed amount. According to an article by RV Business, Liegl, the company s founder continues to run the company with a, hands-off management style approach. Buffett, believes that managers of his companies ought to be left to run their businesses without interference from him, and without having to adhere to any unifying corporate strategies or goals. 158

157 Travel Trailers The company s business model is volume orientated and is appealing to the entrylevel to mid-range buyer with price being the main driving force. On the downside, based on our research, many Forest River owners are displeased with the workmanship regarding the interiors. Little things like cuts in the linoleum, factory workers puncturing water lines and drawers that pop open when traveling were issues. Another problem I have uncovered is a high rate of blow outs regarding tires, mostly on travel trailers and fifth wheels. I am not suggesting that Forest River is a bad company or their products are inferior. These are just some of the things I have discovered during our research. The company sells thousands of units per year and it s impossible to have a perfect record. If you re considering a Forest River I would focus on a reputable RV dealer that has a good reputation for servicing their customers. If you re in the market for a travel trailer or fifth wheel and price is your main concern, Forest River may be worth looking at. Notes: 159

158 Travel Trailers Gulf Stream Coach 503 South Oakland Ave. Nappanee, IN Phone: R Class Type Manufacturer Popular Model SC Price Range Rating 5 E FW Gulf Stream Prairie Schooner TT 61K - 15K E TT Gulf Stream Ameri-Lite TT 29K - 14K 6.5 Gulf Stream Coach has been manufacturing recreation vehicles for 20 years. The company was founded by James F. Shea, Sr. who was looking to branch out after starting a manufactured housing company in an old sauerkraut factory. Shea at first thought about acquiring an existing RV company but then decided to start from scratch so he could build RVs the way he thought best. Gulf Stream was born and is today one of the top manufacturers in the country selling strong in all regions and looking to gain a two to five percent growth in Because they are a full-line RV manufacturer, Gulf Stream considers all other manufacturers their closest competition. But as a company representative said, they offer such a broad spectrum that they take the entry-level customer and keep them all the way to the high end diesel level. Or sometimes, a customer will start at the top with Gulf Stream and as they get older, travel less and wind down with Gulf Stream. We carry everything from Class A diesel to luxury fifth wheels to entry-level vehicles and everything in-between. We have something for everyone. We are all about quality, innovation and value. Those are our three key focuses, says a company representative. In the fifth wheel category the, Prairie Schooner is always a favorite because of its size, floor plans and luxurious interiors. It s a very high-end fifth wheel product with triple axles and vacuum bond laminated sidewall construction, said the Gulf Stream rep. Average retail price is $50,000 to $60,000. Also, the Mako and Canyon Trail are popular fifth wheels on a midprofile level. They are a little less expensive but the major features are still there such as excellent towability. Average retail is $25,000 to $35,000. The Amerilite travel trailer is one of most popular travel trailers in the industry and travel trailers as a whole is Gulf Stream s most active division. The Amerilite is good for a first time buyer because there are a lot of options for floor plans to fit a variety of families. And even though there are about a dozen floor plans, it s a very simple trailer and easy to buy. You know what you are getting right from the start. Average retail is $10,000 to $15,000. Comments: Gulf Stream feels they are strongest in the category of travel trailers, but based on our research I feel the company does a better job with their Class A and C motorhomes and fifth wheel products, regarding quality construction and innovative designs. According to Steve Woody, Director of Marketing, he believes the company is, strong in customer service and has invested a lot of money into 160

159 Travel Trailers making sure the customer experience is first class from start to finish. They implemented a Six Sigma Quality Initiative to insure quality all the way down the line and stop problems before they start. In talking with different Gulf Stream owners we found many were pleased with their purchase and felt the company responded quickly to warranty claims. Many dealers we interviewed gave Gulf Stream average marks and the resale value is average based on our research. The company is appealing to entry-level and mid-range buyers with price being the deciding factor in most cases. The company does have a wide range of products and floor plans to choose from. If you have a tight budget and want a good selection of products to choose from then Gulf Stream may be right for you. According to a recent article by Steve Bibler with RV Business in April of 2006, Gulf Stream plans to invest $1 million dollars to establish a line of sport utility RVs by converting a 74,000 square foot plant in Goshen, IN. Our primary goal for starting up the EnduraMax company was to create a keen focus on the toy hauler market because of the fact of its emerging presence in the RV industry, Claude Donati, vice president of sales and marketing for Gulf Stream, told RV Business. Notes: 161

160 Travel Trailers KZ RV 0985 N 900 W. Shipshewana, IN Phone: R Class Type Manufacturer Popular Model SC Price Range Rating 4 AA FW K-Z Sportsmen TT 90K - 20K AA TT K-Z Frontier TT 34K - 16K 8 For over 30 years KZ RV has earned a reputation for being an outstanding recreational vehicle manufacturer. The reason for this is their commitment to quality and attention to meeting the unique needs of their customers. Every manufacturer should be proud of their product, and they are. As a matter of fact, the company believes so strongly in their product they back it up with a Two Year Structural Warranty. KZ RV manufactures solid sided travel trailers and hybrid travel trailers that are lightweight enough to be towed by smaller vehicles. They manufacture many different models and floor plans. KZ RV depends on a dealer network to sell their products and provides a link on their website to locate a dealer near you. Marlene Snyder, sales manager for KZ RV is quick to point out that the company has won the Dealer Satisfaction Index (DSI) award six years in a row, and has rated very highly in all 21 categories. According to Marlene, the company has strong sales in all regions and their two closest competitors are Keystone and Jayco. In 2005 the company sold an estimated 10,000 units. One thing that distinguishes KZ from others is how quickly the company reacts to changing market trends. They listen to feedback from their dealers about colors, designs, floor plans, etc, and incorporate this information into the product quickly. They can get a fast turnaround on changes, making them very nimble in the marketplace. Marlene ranks KZ as a 10 in both customer service and customer satisfaction. She thinks the KZ product quality deserves a 12. Marlene believes their company appeals to mid-range buyers with quality and price both playing a big role. The company s most popular fifth wheel is the Sportsmen. The price range for this model is $25,000 to $48,000. In the travel trailer category the company points to the Frontier, ranging in price from $20,000 to $30,000. Of the 13 travel trailer floor plans the company offers, eight weigh in at less than 5,000 pounds empty, making them especially appealing to people who don't want to buy a big, heavyduty tow vehicle. 162

161 Travel Trailers Comments: Those that we have talked to that own a KZ product give the company a solid 9 or 10 regarding quality of product and overall customer satisfaction. This company has a solid business plan and realizes they are filling a niche in the market. They have a wide range of products from deluxe fifth wheels and toy haulers to affordable travel trailers. The quality of construction is very good, customer satisfaction is good and the resale value of KZ products is average to above average based on our research. The company s website has recently been updated so take a look. KZ RV is a good company with a strong reputation in the industry and definitely worth checking out if you re a mid-range to upper-end buyer. Notes: 163

162 Travel Trailers Northwood Manufacturing Downs Rd. PO Box 3359 La Grande, OR Phone: R Class Type Manufacturer Popular Model SC Price Range Rating 6 AA FW Northwood Silver Fox TT 54K - 20K AA TT Northwood Arctic Fox TT 38K - 14K 7 We were not able to speak with Northwood Manufacturing but I wanted to include them in this guide. The company s website does provide some information, which I am including in this article. Ron Nash, and his wife, Sherry, started building RV travel trailers in Their goal was to build quality trailers with the hopes of having enough time to spend traveling. What started out as a small business adventure has turned into a thriving business with two factories. The first factory is located in La Grande, Oregon and the second factory was opened in 2001 located in Winchester, Virginia. From an article I recently read about the company Ron, started out as a general manager in the RV industry and then moved into the roll as production manager. This gave Ron the experience and knowledge to start his own company. During this time many RV manufacturers were striving to cut RV prices and costs by resorting to cheaper and sometimes flimsier materials. Ron went in the opposite direction, figuring there would be a market for sturdy, durable and well-insulated RVs, particularly in Canada and in the NW. His intuition paid off and now, Arctic Fox is known around the world as a quality product with a high degree of craftsmanship at affordable prices. According to Northwood s website the company employs about 300 people, making them one of the largest private-sector employers in the NW. Today, Northwood builds Arctic Fox campers; Desert Fox sport utility trailers, Nash and Arctic Fox towables and fifth wheels. The company takes pride in the fact they provide enough insulation to enjoy all four-seasons comfortably in many of their models. You can also upgrade the insulation or R Factor in their entry-level products as well. The company also boasts that they have heavier tires and stronger axles so their vehicles can go off-road with style and ease. The company is strongest in the NW region because of their heavy duty construction methods and increased insulation. Their customers are mid-range to upper-level with quality and price playing an important role. Comments: I like this company and when we spoke with Arctic Fox owners they couldn t say enough about the company or their RV. As you would suspect they rate high in customer satisfaction and they also do very well in the area of quality construction. One thing you need to realize is that Northwood still uses wood framing in their travel trailers and fifth wheels models which in turn makes the units heavier, using more gasoline than lighter weight materials. Many customers 164

163 Travel Trailers like this fact but you do need to take into consideration you may need a heavy duty vehicle to tow these trailers. The company does use aluminum framing in their camper models, which is a plus. On the positive side all models use plywood and solid wood rather than strand or flake board with exterior grade tongue and groove plywood similar to residential construction. The resale value is above average to excellent based on our research. If you live in the NW and want a quality fifth wheel or travel trailer and you are a mid-range to upper-end buyer, Northwood Manufacturing may be worth checking out. Notes: 165

164 Travel Trailers Starcraft RV Inc. P.O. Box 458 Topeka, IN Phone: R Class Type Manufacturer Popular Model SC Price Range Rating 10 E FW Starcraft RV N/A TT 36K - 27K 4 8 E TT Starcraft RV NA TT 33K - 20K 4.5 From the company s website, Starcraft has a long history of innovation and market leadership dating all the way back to We were founded in the heart of Northern Indiana's Amish country, and still call this area our home. Starcraft originally produced livestock tanks and other metal farm equipment, and in the 1920's, added a variety of boats to our lineup. In 1964, Starcraft entered the RV industry with a line of folding camping trailers. Today, Starcraft RV offers soft-sided truck campers, folding camping trailers, both lightweight and full-size travel trailers and fifth wheels in North America. We dedicate over 300,000 square feet of floor space strictly to manufacturing, while another 30,000 square feet houses our sales and advertising, engineering and transportation groups. We benefit from a unique advantage in the RV industry: the efficiencies of designing and building nearly every item in-house, from the frames and running gear (which we design) on up. Starcraft maintains total control over the engineering, manufacturing and quality of our components, sub-assemblies, assemblies, cabinets and cushions - everything! We are not limited by an outside manufacturer's 'off-the-shelf' products, nor are we constrained by someone else's timing. Starcraft Camper Club: One "International Rally" is held each year in various locations around the United States and Canada. Other International events include rallies and caravans to places like Nova Scotia, Cheyenne, Wyoming, Las Vegas, Nevada and the Indy 500. We spoke with Terry Bodenbender, Vice President of Sales for Starcraft. He said that they are strong in sales on both coasts, more so on the west. Starcraft sold about 10,000 units last year and travel trailers are the company s strongest category. He considers Thor, Forest River, and Fleetwood to be their main competitors. There s not a particular fifth wheel that is more popular than the others. Starcraft focuses on the ½ ton truck market. They feel that is their niche, RVs that can be towed by the ½ ton truck. The same is true of their travel trailers. Any model that expands is very popular with their buyers. On a scale of 1 to 10, Terry gives Starcraft a 9.5 in customer service, satisfaction, and quality of product. He says there s always room for improvement. Terry mentioned that they have a new line coming out in October. He says there s nothing like it out there. He declined to give further details. 166

165 Travel Trailers Comments: Terry says Starcraft s smaller size is an advantage, because it means they can respond quickly to market demands. They have a great relationship with their dealers. A dealer can get in touch with anybody right up to the president of the company. Terry also feels the company s relationship with its customers is great. They attend an annual national Starcraft rally, where they join campers in seminars. Those that we have talked to that own a Starcraft were pleased with their purchase. We did not hear any negative feedback from existing owners. Construction is average, customer satisfaction is good and resale value is average to poor. Notes: 167

166 Travel Trailers Sunline Coach Company 245 South Muddy Creek Rd Denver, PA Phone: R Class Type Manufacturer Popular Model SC Price Range Rating 8 AA TT Sunline Coach Solaris (Non Slide) TT 35K - 11K 5.5 Sunline Coach Company is located in the Pennsylvania Dutch Country in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The company has been in business for over 40 years. Sunline builds high quality travel trailers featuring innovative floor plans and design elements not normally found in other products. The company has earned the reputation for building a quality product in the industry. According to the company s website they receive a high number or repeat business, Sunline owners come back to us each time their camping needs change and they are ready to buy another trailer from us. Sunline has been awarded the coveted Dealer Satisfaction Award, (DSI) by the National Recreational Vehicle Dealer Association, (RVDA). The company is honored to be one of only seven RV manufacturers selected by the RVDA for recognition of their overall service and product quality. They have received this award in the past because of their commitment to their dealer network and customers. We spoke with Betty Zazwirsky, Sales Coordinator. She said that Sunline sales are strong in the NE, and the company has sold 1,143 models so far in Their best seller was the T-1950, a 20 6 Solaris nonslide trailer. With no additional options which retails for $19,740. This is the company s flagship series, which only gets better each year. Their designers have refined Solaris floor plans to best suit the needs of camping enthusiasts. Sunline Solaris models, size 20 to 14 feet in length, are a perfect lightweight traveling companion for the couple on the go. Standard features include: Cabinet doors are constructed using mortise and tenon joints, not staples. Cabinets are constructed and fastened at all points using screws, not staples, providing superior strength and durability and a large double bowl acrylic-sink. The European Mylar shower door features a built-in squeegee that self cleans the roll-up door with each use. All Sunline s are equipped with a SeaLand foot pedal flush toilet that features a china bowl (not plastic). Sunline also features heavy-duty, extruded I-beam frame featuring extra-wide top lip front cross member for secure floor attachment to better handle towing stress and seamless one piece rubber roof and backer. The company also builds a toy hauler called, Sunline Tran-Port. This unit is perfect for smaller tow vehicles. The Tran-Sport delivers a comfortable living space coupled with a cargo area that is sized correctly for your active lifestyle. Enjoy the freedom to roam and play in the multi-use, lightweight Tran-Sport available with 70" or 104" cargo areas. Ideal for motorcycles, bikes, camping gear, ATVs or anything you want to take along. The Tran-Sport gives you the ability to travel in 168

167 Travel Trailers comfort yet play in style. Standard with a smooth exterior (SE) fiberglass, the Ultra package is available inside. Betty believes Fleetwood and Jayco are their two closest competitors. The Sunline buyer is interested in both quality and price. And quality is something that sets their product apart. Another thing that keeps customers coming back is the Sunline commitment to go the extra mile. As a result, Sunline has many repeat customers. In general, Betty says Sunline always tries to do right by the customer. The Que, a new model, was recently introduced at Louisville. It has a European look and feel, and is designed for two people. It is being well received, especially on the west coast. The Que can be towed by smaller suvs or trucks. Another development in Sunline s world is the sale of their handicapped accessible trailer, the Advancer, to California s state park trailer rental concessionaires. Since California s state parks must now abide by the ADA, any company renting trailers must provide a handicapped accessible trailer for rental. The Advancer has been chosen to be that trailer. The folks at Sunline are very proud of and excited about this. Comments: The Company s website is informative with structural information, pricing and floor plans. They do offer tours at the plant and you can locate a dealer in your area on their website or download brochures. The company is appealing to entry-level and mid-range buyers, both quality construction and price playing an important role in the decision process. Sunline Coach received high marks for customer service, construction and the RV dealers we spoke with gave the company high marks as well. Sunline Coach customers that we spoke with were pleased with their purchase and would recommend them to others. They are a smaller company that has quality control issues under control and very active in working with their dealers. If you live in their market areas and you re looking for an above average travel trailer or toy hauler you need to check this company out. Notes: 169

168 Travel Trailers SunnyBrook Manufacturing th St. Middlebury, IN Phone: R Class Type Manufacturer Popular Model SC Price Range Rating 1 E FW SunnyBrook 31' Baywindow TT 53K - 30K AA TT SunnyBrook Bunkhouse TT 36K - 15K 9 Sunny Travelers (members of the SunnyBrook owner s club) know what makes SunnyBrook fifth wheels and travel trailers so popular. It is the personal service, well-trained employees, fresh ideas and practical designs. This all starts in the company s manufacturing plant in Middlebury, Indiana, where much like Cheers, everybody knows your name. At SunnyBrook, the ownership is very involved in the day-to-day business, says Elvie Frey, president of the company. We are locally owned and locally managed and involved in our community. We are small enough to be personally involved in the process and still large enough to provide what the customer needs. That is why SunnyBrook RVs are popular in all regions of the country, sold in 46 of the 50 states. Sales seem to be strongest in the Midwest but they also do well in all other regions. No region is a lot stronger than another, Frey says. We are scattered across the whole United States. SunnyBrook predicts a five to ten percent growth for the coming year over the 3,300 sold in This will be due in part to a new product line that will be a different direction for SunnyBrook. They plan to launch it at the big RV show in Louisville, Kentucky in November. The company s biggest competitors are Forest River, Jayco and Thor but what sets SunnyBrook apart is the small company attitude they have continued to nurture even as the company continues to grow. We are close to the dealers and close to the customers. The people know what they are looking for and we are right there to understand what they want. The most popular fifth wheel from SunnyBrook is the 31 Baywindow because of the floor plan, which is so versatile. It has triple slideoutss, kitchen, dining room and bedroom. The most popular SunnyBrook travel trailer is the Bunkhouse model, which is a family unit. People like it because it is like a two bedroom unit with a queen bed in the front and four bunks in the back. The bottom bunk folds up for extra storage to haul items such as bicycles. In 2005 travel trailers had a little spike in sales due to the demand after Hurricane Katrina but, on an average year, travel trailers and fifth wheels sell about fifty-fifty. 170

169 Travel Trailers Comments: The SunnyBrook customer ranges from the entry-level customer to the high usage customer because SunnyBrook makes a vehicle for all levels. The Sunset Creek line is the entry-level product for people who use their RVs mostly on weekends and about four to eight weekends a year. It s for those that want something nice and high quality but they will use it less, says Frey. The Brookside is the medium priced line and geared towards the recreational camper those who will use the vehicle 2-6 weeks a year. And the Titan series is for the more serious user who will use it for months at a time. Each series is geared towards its own unique user, says Frey. While SunnyBrook is known for its customer service, Frey says that there is always room for improvement. We are pretty darn good at what we do, he says. No one is perfect. We are close, but we can always improve. Based on our research SunnyBrook customers were pleased with their purchase and most expressed how impressed they were with the fit and finish of interiors. Solid oak cabinets, aluminum frames and prompt service from company on warranty issues. SunnyBrook also received high marks from RV dealers we interviewed. The resale value is above average to excellent as well. The company s website is basic and not loaded with too many bells and whistles. For the best information I recommend downloading the adobe files from their website or contact a local dealer. A small company that has a good handle on quality control with excellent craftsmanship inside and out. Notes: 171

170 Travel Trailers Thor Industries 419 West Pike Street P.O. Box 629 Jackson Center, Ohio Phone: R Class Type Manufacturer Popular Model SC Price Range Rating 10 E TT Thor California Tahoe TT 36K - 15K 3.5 I wanted to include an article about Thor Industries because they are such a force within the industry. According to the company s website, Thor Industries was founded on August 29, 1980, when Wade F. B. Thompson and Peter B. Orthwein acquired Airstream, the most recognized name in the industry. The name "Thor" combined the first two letters of each entrepreneur's name. Despite its famous image, Airstream had not fared well during the economic downturn of the late 1970's. By focusing on improving quality while reducing costs, Airstream returned to profitability in its first year under the new Thor management. In 1982 Thor purchased the Canadian company, General Coach, which manufactures travel trailers and motorhomes. Also part of this acquisition was Thor America, which manufactures Citation and Chateau travel trailers and fifth wheels. In 1984 Thor became a public company and in 1986 was listed on the New York Stock Exchange. That same year Forbes magazine ranked Thor sixth out of the "200 best small companies in America." In 1991 Thor acquired Dutchmen, now one of the largest brands of conventional and fifth wheel travel trailers in the world. Four Winds International; manufacturer of Class A and C motorhomes was acquired in Komfort, a maker of fifthwheel and conventional travel trailers, and Skamper, a builder of folding camping trailers, became members of the Thor family in saw the startup of Thor California and the introduction of the Tahoe and Wanderer brands of trailers and fifth wheels. These excellent products became instant hits with RVers and the fastest-growing brands on the market. With the acquisition of Keystone RV in 2001, Damon RV in 2003, and CrossRoads RV in 2004, Thor Industries is the largest RV manufacturer. Thor is also the largest mid-size bus manufacturer, having acquired Goshen Coach in It s difficult to rate a large company like Thor Industries with all their subsidiaries. I do rate many of their subsidiaries like; Airstream, Dutchman, Four Winds, Keystone, Damon, Crossroads and Thor California. Thor has 12 RV subsidiaries last time I checked and according to John Beaver, marketing director, Thor gives their subsidiaries lots of room to design and create new products within their markets. Thor s subsidiaries are managed at a distance with productivity being the main determining factory. 172

171 Travel Trailers Thor subsidiaries are: Airstream Aerolite Thor California (Rated in this article) General Coach Dutchman Four Winds Komfort Skamper Keystone Breckenridge Damon CrossRoads Goshen Coach Comments: Thor Industries reported a record $301 million in orders last year an increase of 22% over last year s record $247 million. Thor increased its North American distribution network with the addition of 355 dealers compared to 275 new dealers last year. In November, 2005 Thor s retail RV sales were 5,463 units, up 12% from last year and were 87,349 units for the 11 months, up 14%. Based on our research it seems Thor has one of the best management teams in place, which is having a dramatic impact within the company. In our research we have typically found that larger companies fall behind when it comes to quality control issues and customer service. This being said I believe Thor while a large company and appealing to the masses has not made the same mistakes as other large corporations. The company gives their subsidiaries the management support and financial resources necessary to stay ahead of the curve. Notes: 173

172 Travel Trailers Triple E Recreation Vehicles Box 1230 Winkler, Manitoba, Canada R6W 4C4 Phone R Class Type Manufacturer Popular Model SC Price Range Rating 4 E FW Triple E Topaz TT 45K - 24K 7 9 AA TT Triple E Topaz TT 32K - 18K 5 Triple E Recreation Vehicles started out 41 years ago with a little 13-foot travel trailer. Today, the company is located in Winkler, Manitoba Canada. The company also builds diesel pushers, Class A gas motorhomes and Class C motorhomes. From small things, big things one day come. The plant in Winkler is highly integrated meaning that most of the parts and fit and finish are made on site to Triple E s exact specifications. In addition to the production line, at the factory are a welding shop, paint shop, fiberglass and mold shop, sewing department, and cabinet manufacturing department. Because of their location in the prairies of Canada, Triple E makes sure their RVs are built to sustain harsh climates and very cold weather. Ryan Elias, Marketing Coordinator for Triple E says that it is the quality of the vehicles that makes Triple E motorcoaches and towables stand out. We promote our quality and craftsmanship which is second to none, he says. And our commitment to quality and customer service is also second to none. For this reason, the Triple E customer tends to be a mid-range customer one who is looking for quality and a value-added price. This customer also tends to become a loyal Triple E customer once they buy their first RV. We see a lot of repeat buyers, three, four and five time buyers, says Elias. We have top quality customer service and we think we are the best in terms of quality and customer satisfaction. And it shows with our repeat business. Triple E makes one line of towables called the Topaz with 20 different floor plan options. Elias says that there is no one category of floor plan that stands out as the number one best-seller. Each customer is unique and looking for something to fit them, he says. Comments: While the majority of Triple E customers are located in Western Canada, the company has a dealer network in the United States and is continuing to add more and more U.S. dealers. On the Triple E website, you can download adobe brochures about each product, which include floor plan options and specifications. Also, there is a dealer locater as well as a rental locater, in case you want to try out a Triple E for a trip before buying one. Please note the rental agents for now are only in Canada. However, you can always test drive a Triple E at the dealer. 174

173 Travel Trailers Triple E earns high marks for quality construction and customer satisfaction is above average. Most people have never heard of Triple E and this is a problem for the company in my opinion. They need to do a better job getting the word out here in the states. Triple E customers are pleased with their purchases overall and feel the workmanship inside and out is better than most other companies. They received high marks for the RV dealers we spoke with. Resale value is also average to above average based on our research. Triple E is a quality company with a bright future. Notes: 175

174 Travel Trailers Detailed Rating Chart for Travel Trailers R Class Type Manufacturer Popular Model SC Price Range C CS DR RV Points Rating 1 P TT Carriage Carri-Lite FW 30K - 35K P TT Bigfoot 2500 Series 25B21FB TT 33K - 20K P TT Airstream (Thor) Safari TT 90K - 30K P TT Holiday Rambler Savoy AD 51K - 20K P TT CrossRoads (Thor) Zinger FW 38K - 16K P TT General Coach BC Citation 29 LB TT 48K - 20K P TT McKenzie (Monaco) Starwood SL FW 35K - 25K P TT Glendale RV Travelaire FW 69K - 35K AA TT SunnyBrook Bunkhouse TT 36K - 15K AA TT Jayco Jay Flight TT 32K - 12K AA TT K-Z Frontier TT 34K - 16K AA TT Keystone Springdale FW 38K - 13K AA TT Northwood Arctic Fox TT 38K - 14K AA TT Ameri-Camp Ameri-Camp Lite FW 30K - 17K AA TT Fleetwood Prowler & Mallard AG 39K - 12K AA TT Sunline Coach Solaris (Non Slide) TT 35K - 11K AA TT Triple E Topaz TT 32K - 18K

175 Travel Trailers (Continued) Detailed Rating Chart for Travel Trailers R Class Type Manufacturer Popular Model SC Price Range C CS DR RV Points Rating 1 E TT Casita 17 ' Spirit Deluxe TT 14K - 9K E TT Coachmen RV Spirit of America TT 36K - 15K E TT Skyline Nomad FW 36K - 13K E TT Gulf Stream Ameri-Lite TT 29K - 14K E TT Forest River Wildwood LE TT 39K - 14K E TT R-Vision (Monaco) Trail Sport TT 29K - 14K E TT Dutchman (Thor) North Shore TT 38K - 10K E TT Starcraft RV NA TT 33K - 20K E TT Extreme RV Sportsmaster TT 35K - 16K E TT Thor California Tahoe TT 36K - 15K

176 Travel Trailers RV Companies not featured in this chapter but included in rating chart: Ameri-Camp (See chapter 10) Carriage (See chapter 10) Fleetwood (See chapter 10) Glendale RV (See chapter 10) Holiday Rambler (See chapter 10) Jayco (See chapter 10) Keystone (See chapter 10) McKenzie (Not featured) R-Vision (Not featured) Skyline (See chapter 10) 178

177 Conclusion Chapter 12 Conclusion RV buyers are changing and the trend now is younger buyers. The industry's top purchasers are now 49 to 51 years old, the baby boomers. Additionally, young families are flooding into this affordable vacation lifestyle, choosing it as an alternative to more traditional and costly family getaways. Add these new RVers to the still-growing, traditional core group of 62-and-up buyers, and you've got a huge market that sees positive growth for years to come. According to the latest figures by the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association, Overall sales for 2007 are a bit lower compared to The industry is on pace to ship around 354,700 units including motorhomes, travel trailers and fifth wheels in That projection is down about 9 percent from last year. Keep in mind that 2006 was a record year with over 14.7 billion dollars in retail sales. Some have a negative outlook for the industry especially if gas prices continue to climb. I take a different approach. While gas prices are hurting the industry in the short run; many RV companies are trying to come up with innovated ways to improve gas mileage, which will have a positive effect on the industry for years to come. What does the future look like for the RV industry? There are two main indicators that manufacturers, dealers and industry experts look towards in speculating how well the RV industry will do in the preceding year; consumer confidence and gas prices. If consumer confidence is high everybody breaths a sigh of relief because those in the know understand it is good news for the RV industry. The second indicator is gas prices, high prices are not welcomed and it does have the potential of slowing down the industry. GMC Pad Concept RV Molded Composite Body The American auto industry for whatever reason did not see high gas prices as being a problem and therefore did not plan in advance by designing fuel efficient cars. Because of their short sightedness the American auto industry lost millions of dollars to foreign competitors who did see the big picture. Will the RV industry learn from the auto industry mistake? 179

178 Conclusion My research team and I have learned that many RV manufacturers are starting to invest their research dollars in molded composite technology and other ways to significantly reduce the weight of their vehicles to increase fuel efficiency. A new technology is emerging and turning heads in the RV industry. A patented new technology called, Injected-Core, which can help reduce weight while providing fuel savings, cost efficiencies and process efficiencies. Materials being considered are certain types of foam and thermoplastic resins. This new technology enables designers to achieve more sculpted vehicle design and aesthetics. The molded one-piece bodies can be up to 50 feet in length, complete with molded-in metallic finish and interior surfaces. A lighter vehicle produces better fuel economy and ultimately more value for the dollar. RV Communities RV parks are on the rise and not just ordinary RV parks with a shower facility. I am talking about RV parks or communities that are gated. Some have a grocery store, club house and many offer a swimming pool. RV parks are the rage right now and they are getting more elaborate each year. Twenty or thirty years ago mobile home parks were the rage especially for retirees on a limited budget. The rent was cheap and many parks were catering to the 55 and older crowd. The trend now is to see the country and make new friends while traveling in an RV. The other reason why more and more people are turning to RV communities is they can see the country and not be limited to one place. Not only do people want to travel more but with all the RV clubs and events taking place around the country many people are finding this lifestyle more appealing. Now they can belong to something and go places. Here is one website that rates RV parks around the country at, My goal is to continue to provide updated ratings for my comparison guide. If you would like me to include a particular RV company in this guide please me at info@jrconsumer.com, or if you have a question or suggestion I would like to hear from you as well. I hope this guide has assisted you in your search for the right RV manufacturer and I wish you all the best in your search, God bless. Randall Eaton 180