A famous YouTube duo recently blamed avid campers for the poor quality of modern RVs.
While we have some beef about their argument, we can’t help but see where they’re coming from.
Today, we’re getting to the root of the RV industry’s quality control problems.
Let’s dig in!
YouTubers Clap Back at the RV Community
The folks behind Endless RVing recently ruffled feathers within the camping community. They blame buyers for enabling manufacturers to produce shoddy campers. Now, don’t swear off their YouTube channel just yet. They might actually have a point.
In the controversial video, they compare the bad RV quality crisis to a puppy mill. People with good intentions save an animal from a bad environment and inadvertently keep the sellers in business. They say the same thing is happening with manufacturers.
Of course, no rigs were harmed in the making of this video. But we get it.
They go on to laud the National Indoor RV Center (NIRVC) for developing a system to hold manufacturers accountable. This service center tracks each and every defect per unit, enters them into a database, and regularly reports these stats to the brand. Eventually, they’ll make this info available to the public.
The video ends on a positive note. The YouTubers say that because the industry is in a slump, brands must get their act together to keep customers happy. Although that won’t make much of a difference to someone who’s already bought a lemon, we hope it’s true.
Are Consumers Really to Blame for Poor RV Quality?
If you’re familiar with the RV industry, you already know that complaints about poor quality have risen significantly in recent years. It’s no secret that when demand went through the roof around 2021, manufacturer’s standards took a nosedive as prices continued to climb.
Brand new units that hadn’t yet graced a campsite showed signs of rust, flawed seals, and wonky appliances. We’ve even heard of $100,000 rigs bursting into flames because of faulty electrical panels. Gas leaks and water damage are other shockingly common criticisms that you might expect of a 30-year-old camper, but not from something fresh off the lot.
Meanwhile, supply-chain issues meant fabricators had to cobble together what they could with the available tools.
And while these matters inevitably circle back to the manufacturers, we can’t help but think the folks from Endless RVing might be onto something. After all, people keep buying these faulty campers, so, for better or worse, factories will keep cranking them out.
Dig Deeper: The Seven Deadly Sins of RV Manufacturers
What Can You Do About the Problem?
Of course, one answer to this question is that consumers must stop buying these poor-quality RVs. Every purchase is a thumbs-up to the manufacturer. However, when the time is right to jump into the nomad lifestyle, you have to take it. So, instead of slamming the breaks on new buys, we have some other tips.
Step one is to do your research. Look into small-batch manufacturers who run a tight ship. This can be tricky since many of the little guys are quickly swallowed up by international brands. But good companies are still out there, and we’ll give you a few of our favorites in a bit.
You can also keep an eye on NIRVC’s defects per unit. As of publication, it’s not available to the public yet. But they’ve been tracking statistics and reporting back to manufacturers since March 2022.
If you’re relatively new to RVing but have taken the plunge and bought a new rig, read the owner’s manual and learn how it ticks. You might be surprised at how many “defects” are actually the result of user error.
Some seasoned experts have criticized newbies for being ignorant about basic mechanisms in their campers. Don’t give these bullies any ammunition. Instead, become a specialist when it comes to your unit.
Finally, stay on top of all your RV maintenance needs. And take proper precautions when storing your rig in the off-season. These seemingly small tasks can tank the lifespan of your investment. On the other hand, you can expect to get 10, 20, or even 30 years out of a well-maintained camper.
Check out Your Guide To RV Repair: The Complete Fix It Yourself Handbook
RV Brands Known for Poor Quality
Are you in the market for a new RV? If so, you may want to pass on some of these brands. Or, at the very least, take a good hard look at any rig you consider buying from them.
Sadly, the Thor Hurricane has lived up to its name in all the worst ways. From faulty breaks to fire hazards, they’ve made more than 50 recalls over the years. Plus, rumors that they salvage scrap materials for parts make us think twice about their products.
In the past, Gulf Stream was one of the most respectable names in the game. However, that’s no longer the case. Their RVs now feature poor-quality parts, squeaky rides, bad leaks, and less-than-stellar batteries. We’ll pass until they can get themselves back in the big leagues.
Coleman is another major brand that’s fallen from grace in recent years. Issues run the gamut from electrical problems to uncomfortable handling on the road. But you’re almost guaranteed to face major inconveniences at the very least.
Learn more about Thor’s RV Empire.
RV Manufacturers with Great Reputations
On the other end of the spectrum, you have brands that stand out for all the right reasons. Take Grand Design, for instance. This all-American company builds its rigs in the heart of Indiana. Furthermore, they’re known for their quick response to consumer complaints and high-quality standards.
Tiffin is another brand that’s all about happy customers. This family-owned company makes RVs in Red Bay, Alabama. Attention to detail and commitment to long-lasting products are at the core of their business.
Finally, we have Airstream, the ultimate name in the travel-trailer world. They build their silver bullets to withstand the test of time. They have a high price tag, but their lifespan shows it’s worth it.
Poor Quality RVs Don’t Have the Final Say
While the downward trend in RV quality has been hard to watch, we’re hopeful the bad apples will eventually put themselves out of business. With more reputable companies gaining popularity, it won’t be long before a trip to the dealership is a joyful experience again.
We don’t necessarily agree with Endless RVing regarding who’s responsible for these poor-quality rigs. However, we do think buying from a reputable company is wise.
Remember, any vehicle made to cruise down the highway is bound to encounter some hiccups along the way. Even great companies send a lemon out of the plant occasionally. What matters is that they make things right and learn from their mistakes.
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