It’s one thing to see an RV on a dealer’s lot but it’s something else seeing it being built on the manufacturer’s factory floor. We got up close to see the construction and build process – under the floors and behind the walls, of the things you DON’T usually get to see – of nearly 100 different kinds of RV makes and models in the RV Capital of the World, Elkhart, Indiana. We visited 4 states, 14 factories and drove over 1,100 miles over 9 days to immerse ourselves and share our key learnings with you here and on our blog.
Plus, our new book “Living the RV Life – Your Ultimate Guide to Life on the Road” launches 20 November 2018. Pre-order it now at http://www.rvlove.com/book to get exclusive bonuses!
Here’s the list of RV manufacturers and related companies we visited: Airstream (travel trailers, Class B vans), Augusta/The RV Factory, Bontrager’s Surplus, Bradd and Hall, DRV, Entegra, Grand Design, Heartland, Jayco, Keystone, Lippert Components, Newmar, REV Group (American Coach, Fleetwood, Holiday Rambler, Monaco), Thor (gas and diesel) Winnebago (factory tour video showed at RV/MH Hall of Fame).
There’s MORE DETAIL in our BLOG POST, so click the link at:
Lessons Learned from a Week of 14 RV Factory Tours in the RV Capital of the World
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OUR STORY
We’re Marc and Julie Bennett. In case you didn’t already notice from the accent, Julie’s originally from Australia and we last owned a home in Marc’s home state of Colorado. In 2014, we sold our townhouse, bought an RV, hit the road and we haven’t looked back! We travel full-time in a 36’ Class A gas motorhome, while towing a MINI Cooper Convertible, as we explore North America and the world.
Since 2014, we’ve traveled to ALL 50 USA states, driven over 50,000 miles and visited more than half of the 59 national parks. We have summered in Maine, wintered in Arizona, hiked Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, snorkeled in the Florida Keys, cruised to Alaska, driven into Canada and walked across the border into Mexico.
Our mission is to inspire, educate and empower others considering the RV lifestyle, to help them hit the road and thrive too.
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OTHER PROJECTS
We are also co-creators of the video review channel ROAD GEAR REVIEWS with 3 other full-time RVing couples – Mortons on the Move, The Freedom Theory and Drivin’ and Vibin’ – which helps RVers, campers and road trippers gear up for their adventures. Check out our video reviews here: http://www.youtube.com/c/roadgearreviews
MUSIC: Next Funk
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Great video and right on the money. They are self regulated (=unregulated) and focused only on profit. They boom taking place right now makes this the absolute worst time to buy a new unit in my opinion. Quality has always been lacking but I feel like there is even more risk of issues now.
We were camping last weekend and our neighbor was doing an overnight test run. Loose faucets, water wouldn't continue to function, and a few other minor items. I felt bad for him but he had the right idea. Luckily his dealer is 10 minutes from where we were camping.
There was a time that I was worried about buying a used trailer and having to fix stuff. Now I realize how simple these are and I know that what I do will be higher quality. Used only for me from now on. While I know there are issues I go into this informed. I do that because quite frankly I love camping. Been doing it my whole life. Won't let this stop me. If I know what I am getting into up front I can be prepared to deal with it.
Do yourself a favor and do the same. It makes owning a travel trailer more enjoyable.
I guess no one told you most of the RV manufacturers are owned by the same company which is Thor Industries which in turned is owned by Warren Buffett and another gentleman. Is there competition between plants? Sure. The more units they sell, the bigger the bonuses for the management team and stockholders.
hi im thinking about a toy hauler what do you think about heartland model thanks
jeez do you ever stop talking so we can watch them build?
"Made In America" used to be a good thing. No longer. I think all of the construction issues with RVs has yet to catch up to the industry. Not only are they issues of "quality", but they are also issues of "health and safety". The top bunk on my Forest River Salem FSX 179DBK collapsed on our first outing. There were only 2 screws holding it up. My 3-year old was playing in the bottom bunk just minutes before that happened. Thank god he wasn't under there at the time. Sooner or later a class-action lawsuit is going to hit a major manufacturer and that will be the end of this so-called "self-regulated industry".
Some of the individuals who commented were not pleased that you chose to not recommend one brand or type of rv over another. However, had these individuals listened more closely, they would have heard you share many opinions about quality. I heard you say that, overall, quality control is poor and that if one wants to ensure the quality of ones rv, one had better go to the factory/plant and closely examine how that brand of rv is constructed. I also inferred that not only might quality vary from brand to brand but even within a brand, the quality of one rv might vary from that of another. Hence, it behooves an rv buyer to pay for an independent inspection of the rv, new or used, prior to putting any money down.
I love how the two of you work together to present such a well-thought-out and well-delivered video. Thanks.
It is interesting that those working for the RV Manufacturers don't own their own RVs or have any experience with use of an RV. In somewhat (self admitted unequal comparison) I work for Boeing and don't own a wide body aircraft, or any aircraft for that matter, nor have had the opportunity to fly on any with exception of the single aisle 737.
Great information, planning a trip in June to learn more. I would like the mechanical things in your experience that are items to gear toward, regardless of the unit purchased. You hit me with this information at the right time. Your experience is valuable, share just a little bit more. Thank you,,,
You guys did not tell us what you think was the product. I did my homework and I own a Heartland Elkridge. Far as warranty heartland is the best in my opinion. Class a RVs have money gremlins all through out so we went 42 5Th wheel
You've dodged every question about getting specific information on individual manufacturer quality. Thumbing down.
From the extensive research I have done, I think NorthWood MFG is probably built the best. Or at least one of the best built.
Soooo…. you took the time to go through 14 RV manufacturing facilities and discussed some great points. But like others, I have no clue who builds higher or lower quality, who uses OSB, who uses aluminum, etc. There's lots more questions for me to ask sales people who aren't going to give me straight answers.
Just saw a Jayco manufacturing process and it left very little to be desired. I'll never purchase one. Actually, I'll reconsidering altogether. Expensive JUNK for Sale.
Nothing new here
Watching this video was really not real informative in my opinion. Maybe for someone that has never seen an rv but you could of said what factory tours you took and your humble opinion. Sorry a waste of time unless you needed to be told to go do a factory tour..
Not sure what the point of this boring video was
I guess to just visit RV plants
Could have been 30 seconds
Julie and Marc, once again…
What should be your deciding factor if you are looking a several manufactuers and nothing are wrong with any of them….price?
Excellent video! Thank you! Take care.
All cheap,..all made for profit,…no quality under $75,000,..all slapped together with the cheapest possible materials from staples,..nails, screws up to the shitty plexi glass windows,..,..all pure shit boxes that are way over priced …2 brands of Water heaters that suck ass,…converters that don't last,……….that's all you should of said.