We're trying to select a new Class A and are becoming a little paranoid after reading some of the posts regarding units going back to dealers and manufacturers for weeks if not months for repairs that might or might not get done. How common is this? Are these posts just one in thousands or does it happen frequently. We had one dealer already tell us to expect to come back at least 6 times to get the bugs out of any unit we purchase, this was a Winnebago dealer. Also, what are your thoughts or experiences on Thor models, can you tell me which models are entry level and which are there top of the line. We are looking for gas units, not diesel, in the 33/35 foot range.
Your best bet is #1) be able to do a lot of your own work. If so, #2) Buy a high quality used diesel pusher with the bugs already worked out. Save thousands of $$$ in depreciation. #3) Yes, it is a nightmare if you have to have any work done. It always takes a ton of time and usually it will be when you wanted to be on a trip or on a trip, because that is when you are using the rig and you notice it or it goes wrong. No matter how much you prepare ahead of time and fix things - there are always things you don't realize until you are on the road using them.
Do keep in mind the nature of a forum like this... the vast majority come here because they either need help with a problem or they want to air a complaint. Its kind of like going into a hospital and reading all the case logs and then thinking that the whole world is full of sick people. It's rare to see a post that says "went on a trip, nothing broke" but that's because people don't usually post when things go right, and most people manage to take a trip or two without a wheel falling off .
All RVs will have issues, it's part of the fun... and fixing things comes with it. With all the parts and systems and manufacturers there will be things that break, finger-pointing between companies, issues that take time to figure out where the problem is, etc. It's just part of the hobby.
Heck, go to a housing forum and read posts about people buying a brand new house and then having a punch list of fixes that they work with their builder to correct. RVs are far more complex and houses don't get bounced around going down the road.
Rex gave you great advice. Go for a high-end used unit and look over the maintenance records to make sure it's been taken care of and you'll have less issues.
I have to agree with the rest, buy a good used DP if you can afford it or buy a top end gasser. I bought my 05 Journey in 08 and have had very few problems, mostly just the normal maintenance, oil changes, filters, tires, etc. My FIL is on his 3 rd Adventurer and has had very little problems with his. We are full-timing and have lived in our rig over a year and are still loving it. We just came from visiting the Winnebago factory in Forest City, IA and it is amazing how they put these rigs together. We did have some work done on the rig like having the roof inspected and anything that needed it to be resealed. I wouldn't worry about buying a Winnebago product, the company has been in business over 50 yrs and still going strong. The staff at Winnebago are really awesome to work with and are extremely helpful. If you do buy a used rig make sure to have an experienced MH tech check it out from top to bottom. You will save lots of money buying a used rig and get a lot more MH for your money. Good Luck and Happy MHing!
Jack & Peg
USN Ret AGC
K1ZMB
Sioux Falls, SD
06 Itasca Horizon 40KD
Did the dealer admit that many/most of those six trips could be eliminated if the dealer actually did some "dealer prep"? Everyone I talk to that spends a year getting a new unit de-bugged says the same thing. If the dealer had just checked that everything actually worked before they drove the unit off the lot they could have got everything else fixed with only one or maybe two return visits. I'm talking about basic stuff such as stoves that don't work or wiring problems for appliances, or awnings that won't retract. All of those things that could have, and should have been caught and fixed before delivery to the customer.
Beware of units just one or two years old. The number of posts I've read on here and on irv2.com end up by saying "there were so many problems, the dealer bought it back and we bought something else."
Would those myriad problems be fixed before that rig hit the used market? Sure they would, and there's a bridge in Brooklyn I'd like to talk about!
We went quite a lot older when we bought our rig last June, but the seller (private sale) was the original owner and was selling because medical problems prevented them using it as much as they wanted to.
You might find something in the 3 to 5 year range being sold for similar reasons. We really lucked out, as the seller lived only about 30 miles away. He and his wife were very conscientious about taking care of their investment and it's in excellent shape.
Frank Damp, DW - Eileen
Anacortes, WA
'02 Georgetown 325, F53, V-10, bought used in 2010 at 13,000 miles.
Dogs - 2 Labs again, both yellow males, both 9 yrs old and both adopted.
Keep in mind that this forum is for people that have problems and people that think they have problems. A good example is handling and ride problems. Its not your family car. The other thing is this forum represents less than 10% of RV owners.
I would look into getting a good used rig if it were me. Right now it's a buyers market and you can get some very good deals out there. Usually if you find something a few years old,the original owner has hopefully gotten the major bugs out.
Another thing you should think about is getting the extended warranty. I think everyone on here will agree with that lol. Even if you go used, you should be able to buy an extended warranty and it's money well spent. With any MH you never know, be it new or used.
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