Is There Quality In Today’s RV’s?

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It seems that we see more and more reported quality control issues from RV owners today.  Is the quality of today’s motor homes and trailers really that bad when compared to earlier years?  To understand that, we need to look more closely at what the common problems are and determine why they are happening.

By far the most common issue is failure or improper operation of a supplier component like refrigerators, electronic entry key pads, air conditioners, sidewall panels, engine sensors, engine fan assemblies, leveling systems, automatic steps and more.  But why do these items fail?  It seemed like this was never near the issue ten or fifteen years ago that it is today.  Let’s look at what may have contributed to these failures. 

• Poor quality control at the component factory.
• Improper installation at the RV manufacturer level.
• Improper operation or maintenance at the owner level.
• Improper component application at the RV design level.
• Poor material or workmanship.

Then there are the manufacturer’s failures and misfits.  Some of these problems include incorrect fitting of structural coach body mounting, poorly mounted or supported windshields, misaligned slide mechanisms, cosmetic faults and more.

There are chassis/engine issues also, seen all too often.  Some of these deal with failed engine sensors, engine internal failures, fan drives, shock absorbers, pneumatic valves, axle bearings, seals and more.

So looking at the entire cross section of typical flaws and failures, it would be fair to say that the RV manufacturer is not the sole problem.  In fact, perhaps far more times the issues land clearly with others, yet the RV manufacturer gets the blame.

In talking to many owners of relatively new rigs, it is interesting to learn that many are unhappy mainly due to the need for repeated repairs involving the same item.  That is, the issue is not properly repaired, or soon breaks again.  Also, perhaps of no surprise, most of these warranty repairs were carried out by a dealer, not the manufacturer’s service department.  It appears the satisfaction level is considerably higher with those owners that choose to have the O.E.M. (Original Equipment Manufacturer) repair their rig.  Likewise, the need to repeat a repair appears to be a very low to nil in frequency.

The somewhat less satisfying service record reported in regards to dealers may be due to several factors.  First, the modern RV’s are now coming equipped with far more sophisticated gadgets than earlier years, like computer driven devices and multiplex  wiring systems.  In addition, these systems are changed or enhanced each year.  Things as simple as operating the air conditioning are software controlled on some makes and models.   This raises the next issue, getting experienced trained dealer technicians.  This is a challenge given the dealer’s profit margins, not only the salary, but the cost of ongoing training, too.  Then there is the dealer’s parts inventory.  In most cases, the dealer may have to order the parts required from the factory.  Many times this requires a minimum order size, creating more dealer costs.

Now, please don’t read this to say that all the dealers have inferior service, because that is not correct.  There are excellent service facilities at a number of dealer locations, and in particular some excellent individual service technicians.  Unfortunately, I believe these and they, are not the majority.

Is it possible that this apparent quality control level has not really declined, but rather the modern communication formats and media have made these items more well known?   Blogs, forums and websites are capable of reaching all corners of the world in a fraction of a second.  While this is certainly possible to a degree, we can not dismiss the increasing technical challenges of this ever increasing computer driven world.  Simple auto tune up mechanics were made obsolete 20 some years ago unless they upgraded to the new computer age.  This now extends far past what we would think, would ever be controlled or driven by logic or computers.  Likewise, this technology also applies to the manufacturing, setting up, and testing of these vehicles.

So, what has your experience been?   Is your dealer one of the elite servicing providers?  Let’s hear from you.

 

With Some Quality Thoughts   -   Lug_Nut   -   Peter Mercer

Stop Flushing Your Money Away!

Today, many people that enjoy RVing are seeking ways to reduce their travelling costs.    Changing driving habits, destinations and stay durations are becoming common practices to that end.  But, there is only so much that you can do to reduce fuel consumption.  Buying and trying “Snake oil” fuel reduction remedies just don’t work, and end up increasing your costs instead of saving.  So, we must look elsewhere for help.  After all, if you could save spending $10 every few weeks, that could be put towards your fuel expense.

If you currently buy and use a black tank deodorant, what you are about to read may save you some money.  But first, you may have a small capital purchase.  If your motor home or trailer is equipped with a black tank flush, you are all set.  If not, you will need to get some kind of tank flushing accessory kit.  These are available in various forms including a simple “Y” coupling type that fits between the tank flush port and the hose adaptor fitting.  The “Y” is similar to the hose adaptor except it has a garden hose sized port branching out forming the “Y”.  This smaller port has an on/off valve and is connected to a water supply.  Once the tank has been drained, the water is turned on and forced up into the empty tank.  This high speed water action clears out much of the tank build up that can form.  Repeat this several times and your tank is relatively clean.

So, how is all this saving me money?  So far it’s cost me the purchase of a flush kit.  Well, that money, and more, may come back to you over time by the total elimination of using any tank deodorants.  This not only may save you money, but you will also be contributing to a greener environment by avoiding the use of chemicals.

Now, you probably noticed I used the word “May”.  This will work perfectly on most black tank systems.  There are, however, poorly ventilated systems that, due to design, may not operate odor free.  On these there may be additional challenges.

Let’s face it.  Most of us put these chemicals in the toilet because that’s what we were told to do when we bought our first RV.  Dealers and manufacturers even gave us free starter kits that contained head deodorant.  Well, you probably don’t need it. 

So, does it actually work?   My wife has a great sense of smell.  If our toilet had even a hint of odor she would detect it.   We have not used any chemicals for nearly five years and two coaches.  Both of these coaches were, and are, equipped with built in tank flush systems.  But there is no reason to believe that an aftermarket tank flushing system could not produce similar results.

Now, the idea of flushing the tank is that you start each time with it relatively clean and free from solids building up on the walls.  If you add a flushing device to your unit you’re going to need to clean out any solids built up in the tank from past use.  To do this, fill your black tank between a third and half with water.  Buy two or three bags of ice cubes and dump them into the tank through the toilet.  Now go for a brisk drive with lots of turns, stops and accelerations.  Then dump your system.  You can now use your flushing system just for good measure.  This method should clean off most, if not all, the solids that have been bonding to the walls and floor of the tank.   

Well, ” good food for thought” doesn’t seem to go to well with this topic, but why not give it a try.  If you are already not using these head chemicals, let’s hear from you.  If you are, give it a try and be sure to let us know your results.  If you are new to this type of toilet, maybe you will never have to put this deodorant into your system.

Various flushing devices can be purchased from recreational vehicle supply stores, like Camping World, most RV dealers or can be found on-line. 

Seasons Greetings    -    Lug_Nut      -       Peter Mercer

 

 

In Time For The Holidays 2. Gifts For The RV Buff $100 And Up

Last week we looked at some innovative gift ideas for the RV buff that were priced between $10 to $99.  This week we’ll up the bar and check out some great gifts priced at over $100.  So let’s see a few that may be of interest. Read more

In Time For The Holidays. RV Buff Gift Ideas Under $100

With the holidays coming fast upon us, some of us might need some innovative gift ideas especially suited to the RV buff.  Today we will look at relatively inexpensive ideas, but ones that may be treasured by many an RV enthusiast.

Read more

RV Show Season is Approaching

Each year, around this time, RV show season starts.  RV shows, like boat shows, are intended to introduce the new model year RV’s and to help disseminate RV related information to the consumer. These shows are usually scheduled during the slower time of the year, the winter months, to help jump start the selling season. RV dealers from miles away will bring their wares to these shows. For the buyer, RV shows put everything you need to see and learn about RV’s under one roof, making it the ideal forum to conduct research and make informed RV buying decisions.

Read more

RV Cooking Show - How’s That Tango Made?

Today I’m departing slightly from my normal cooking segment to instead show you how the new RV Cooking Show’s Tango trailer was made. Join me as I learn “how that Tango’s made” during this fun and informative Tango factory tour. Walk the production line, listen in on interviews with key designers and staff, and poke around a couple cool Tango travel trailers. I was certainly impressed and I think you might be, too.

Happy Camping!
Evanne Schmarder

Walt Disney World’s Fort Wilderness RV Campground — at Halloween!

Airstream RV Blog #57 - Disney’s Fort Wilderness from Sean Michael on Vimeo.

Recently, someone asked us to name a few favorite camping locales we’ve discovered on The Long, Long Honeymoon. I’m partial to remote, rural, dry camping sites out West, in obscure places far removed from civilization. But my wife has different tastes. Her favorite is probably that little full hookup spot we found down in Florida. What was its name? Oh, right… Walt Disney World. Perhaps you’ve heard of it?

Any way you slice it, Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground offers an outstanding RV camping experience. Here are a few thoughts about camping with Mickey… Read more

The $1,128,000,000 Campground

Airstream RV Blog #84 - The $1,128,000,000 Campground from Sean Michael on TheLongLongHoneymoon.com.

How valuable was this camping experience? We’ve been told that a half acre of land on the Las Vegas Strip recently sold for $47 million. And yet, here’s a massive swath of such land dedicated to a full hookup RV campground. So using these numbers as reference, I guess our little campsite is worth at least $5,000,000 — and the campground itself is worth around $1,128,000,000. Read more

The Last Word On Shocks, I Think.

The choice of shocks for your rig is as much as a science as is the choice of chocolate or vanilla ice cream. There are shocks out there for every desired ride and handling. The real problem is getting through the hype and mystique to be able to read the claims by the shock makers and then decide which one suits your needs and wants for a combination of ride and handling.

Mooney wrote, “I’ve had Bilsteins and Rancho’s, Rancho 9000’s worked much better.” The Ranchero shock is a unit that is desiged for the off road crowd. They are a very heavy duty unit but according to Ranchero the selection is limited to SUV’s and pick up trucks.

TX Brad commented, “Interesting: ’ Life no longer simple’ !
Like knowing what is available today on new RV’s, but also what is good for replacement on an older RV . What factors are needed in selecting a ‘good’ replacement shock. ie weight, length ( wheel base), # axels\wheels , class A vrs C ?  Thanks  TX Brad”.

Most of those are taken into account by the shock maker and then he applies his own philosophy of ride and handling to the mix. And yes there are great differences between shocks. Than said, a glowing endorsement by one rig owner of a particular brand may not give the ride and handling results that you are looking for. For example, I installed Rancheros on my Chevy Tahoe several years ago. They stayed on the Tahoe just over a week and then were replace by Monroe Sensamatics. The rancheos were just too hard a ride for the passenger car like ride that I desired on the Tahoe. But the Rancheos are on my Chevy 4 wheel drive diesel Pick up and I love them on that application.

Photoian took me a bit to task in his comment and rightly so, “As seems usual, your discussion is Class A oriented. What about fifth wheels?
How do one even know how the shocks perform when no one rides in it. Last year I had a recall on bearings and , while taking care of those, it was discovered that the shocks were shot. I had them replaced and then called Monroe, the mfgr, and asked if there were upgrades for my model of shock.
He told me the shocks I had were entry level shocks and recommended a gas-filled shock. I bought six (triple axle) for backup for our Alaska trip this year.
This week, in Prince George, BC, I had my brakes inspected and while doing that, I asked the mechanic to look at the shocks. He did and said they were fine. I told him about my past experience and he said the ones I bought were not necessarily an up grade but just another kind, gas filled instead of oil filled.
So I’m still in the dark about shocks.”

On a trailer with no one riding in it to check the ride, the best way to check shocks is a visual inspection. You check them for leaks, damage, and the integrety of the mounts. But just one little comment on your comment. Gas shocks are not gas filled. They still have fluid but the air that is normally in a shock that could mix with the fluid and cause a foaming of the fluid that would change the way the shock works. Instead of that the shock is topped off with an inert gas under pressure to reduce the foaming and make the shock work better. In some instances the gas is in a plastic envelope in the shock.

So, read the makers blurbs, listen to the folks that tell you that XYZ is the best brand since sliced bread, and try to make an intelligent choice. Till next week keep on camping.

Brad

RV vs. Hotel - Which is Better?

RV vs. Hotel! from Sean Michael on TheLongLongHoneymoon.com.

Being travel enthusiasts, my wife and I have stayed everywhere from flea-infested hostels, to skanky motels, to cozy bed & breakfasts, to five-star resorts. I’d like to think we’ve learned something about hotels, and how they compare vis-a-vis RVs. So let’s ponder the timeless question: “What’s better, staying in an RV or in a hotel?”
Read more

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