Disclaimer: I own a Winnebago product, which I purchased before I learned any of this stuff.
I can't speak for the others, but I've taken the Winnebago factory tour, and I can't imagine buying anything else after seeing that. Since they make most of their own parts, you can call today and order a replacement part for a decade old (or more) vehicle, and be able to get it. Not many other manufacturers can do that.
Further, you can download from Winnebago complete wiring and construction diagrams, detailing every wire (which are all numbered) and part that went into your motorhome. I've got 24 separate pdfs. It's pretty clear that they engineer the construction, and they share that information with you.
When you get down to it, assembly is done by people. And I can't believe that any manufacturer has a monopoly on good (or bad) people - they're all about the same. No matter what manufacturer, they're all going to employ people that forget something once in a while. It's a fact of life. And when you consider how many parts have to go into a motorhome, it's impressive they have as few problems as they do.
I'm sure there are better motorhomes out there. But I really can't see how someone could give you more motorhome for less. Not and give you any hope that they'll be around if you need a part in 5 years.
This is not to say I agree with every decision they make. Why they don't offer dual 6-volt golf cart batteries as an option, or a 3-stage converter, I have no idea. But on the whole, the core of the vehicle seems pretty well built.
Quote: Only one really built C and that's a Lazy Daze.
I realize most, or all, LD owners "have never had an issue with this" ... BUT my mind just can't rap itself around their use of wood for the wall joists. In this day and age, all aluminum (or steel) should be the name of the game for RV wall super-structures. Of course LD's use of aluminum for the roof is oustanding (except in freak large-sized-stones hail storms).
(Or am I completely wrong, and LD no longer uses wood inside there walls?)
I am not sure you can call the winnebago factory to order a replacement part. I think you have to buy all parts through a winnebago dealer. But, I agree with chuck5761..winnebago certainly has my vote.
KIT CARSON
GOOD SAM LIFE MEMBER
USAF VETERAN
ARS: KE5VLE
NORTHWEST LOUISIANA
To some extent, this post is like the Ford-Chevy debate. When done with respect, not a bad thing. DO YOUR HOMEWORK! Ask questions on this forum. Everyone here has gone through what you are going through; pick their brains! That being said, I say this. We looked for over a year and compiled all of our short lists: manufacturers, floor plans, must haves, don't want, maybe can live without, price, etc. The two manufacturerers that were constantly at the top for us was Winnebago and Coachmen. We bought a Winnebago and are very pleased.
DO YOUR HOMEWORK!!! Purchase. ENJOY!!! ENJOY!!! ENJOY!!!
Mike LeBlanc, "The Digital Guy"
Professional Photographer, Retired Art Educator
Sour Lake, Texas
If you are willing and able to pay $10-20K more to get the best housebox, Lazy Daze and a few others may be your best choice. Buying the best can be a benefit when you decide to sell an LD, etc. We bought a Fleetwood Tioga 26Q new for $52K cash, in 2004. Had some hassles getting post-delivery fixes done quickly and properly by the volume dealer, but after that, have had no serious problems from factory materials or workmanship. Poke around looking in drawers and cabinets, closets, bathrooms, to get an impression of build quality and proper use of glues and fasteners. Most RV's are built quickly to a price with minumum QC and dependence on dealers to fix manufacturing mistakes.
I never looked at Nexus but when I bought my Winnebago I looked at Tripple E and Phoenix I priced out all 3 with same options and floor plan and Winnebago came out $20,000 cheaper if money were no object I would be driving a Triple E they are the best in my book. Like the outside finish of Phoenix and the inside of Winnebago price won out. This is my second Winny and have had good service from factory even after waranty.
I agree on looking and driving, we have a 29' Phoenix, have had several class A dp's and three Class C, we love the V10 and the power, and feel for our use the Phoenix is the best equpped and quality out there, our choice and our second Phoenix, have two slides, and works great for us, drive from South Texas to New Mexico and Colorado often,plugs right up the mountains, we avg about 7.5 mpg towing a Jeep Liberty...I think now Phoenix is only from factory but take a look, we meet and talk to a lot of folks and all have different opinons...
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