Free RV
Special Report
By Randall Eaton The information contained in this FREE REPORT has been provided by Randall Eaton and J R Consumer Resources Inc. Portions of this report have been taken from our 2008 RV Comparison Guide. If you find the information in this report to be helpful we are confident you’ll find our RV Comparison Guide to be a wealth of information. To learn more about our rating guides please visit http://www.jrconsumer.com
Construction Methods & Techniques In this report we focus on things like, what to look for in a chassis or frame. Different types of roofing materials and the pros and cons with each. You will also learn about common construction methods for exterior walls and types of insulation being used, and other important construction methods. We have spoken with many plant managers from various RV companies, which has been helpful in putting this report together. This free report is in no way intended to include every aspect of the construction process. In our housing publications we incorporated construction guidelines to follow, which have proven to be very popular with our readers. Having the ability to compare brands and models to a set of construction standards that properly reflect a structurally sound product is very helpful and eliminates any confusion when trying to determine overall construction quality of a particular product. I personally have toured many manufactured home factories and I am familiar with how factory-built homes are constructed and the various methods used. There are many similarities between the two industries. This gives me and my research team an advantage when comparing different RV manufacturers and rating them based on
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construction techniques. We at J R Consumer Resources have tried to look at the big picture for each manufacturer when determining common building methods used throughout their product line-up. (If you are looking at a manufacturer or model not featured in this book the information below will be helpful in determining the quality of product.)
As we conducted our research we discovered that most RV salespeople did not know much about the overall construction methods of the product they were selling. This bothered us and it made our staff look deeper into the industry to see how much those at the top knew about construction techniques. Surprisingly, most in upper management were also somewhat hesitant in explaining which construction techniques were best, and what to look for in a quality built RV unit. We were beginning to think we would never finish this section until we decided to contact individual plant managers to see if they could shed some light on the subject. To our surprise, many plant managers were delighted to speak with us and they had the technical knowledge we were looking for.
What matters most? A common misconception with most new RV buyers is they rate the floorplan as the most important aspect in their RV purchase. It is estimated that over 90% of new RV buyers focus more on floorplans then anything else. With experienced or educated RV buyers it is estimated that over 90% focus on the chassis or frame, drive train, engine, suspension and exterior construction when selecting a particular brand. Bottom line, what’s underneath your motorhome, trailer or fifthwheel is the most important aspect and should take top priority in your decision process. Focusing on these important features will ultimately determine how satisfied you are with your purchase.
What components of a motorhome constitute the chassis? A motorhome can be divided into two main components the body and the chassis. The chassis basically includes the frame, engine, transmission, axles, wheels, brakes, cooling system, electrical system, steering system, suspension and instrumentation. Looking at a motorhome chassis is like looking at a home that has not been constructed yet. We wish there was some type of comparison chart or consumer guide for motorhome chassis’ but there is not. Each chassis design is extremely difficult to evaluate because there are so many variables. It’s also subjective depending on who you talk to, thus the reason for no comparison guide. We will attempt in this report to provide some needed information that will hopefully shed some light on the subject so buyers can make informed decisions when trying to select the right chassis.
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Frame Rail and Semi-Monocoque: The chassis under all Class A motorhomes today starts out as a basic Frame Rail, as the picture above shows. 99% of all RV manufacturers will take the basic frame rail chassis and incorporate cross braces and bridge-like construction in the bottom half of the chassis, so the strength lies not in the narrow center of the frame, but throughout its weight distribution. By doing this, the steel structure absorbs and resists the twist and turns of the road ahead without relying on non load-bearing components to do the work. This advanced engineering is challenging and time consuming but results in a safe, reliable and highperformance motorhome. This type of chassis is referred to as, “Semi-Monocoque”. Semi-monocoque construction technique is like that of a steel bridge with support elements diagonally placed between vertical and horizontal elements. Today most manufacturers use a semimonocoque type chassis as the picture to the left shows. Many consider a full or semi-monocoque design superior to a standard frame rail design. This type of design has become common place in the industry and is considered to be main stream. We do need to point out that there is a manufacturer called Western RV which has taken the basic frame rail design and improved it greatly. Western RV is located in Yakima, Washington and they produce a custom chassis called, “Peak Chassis”. The company has improved on the basic frame rail by adding additional supports which are bolted on and not welded to strengthen the overall frame, which provides a comfortable ride without the squeaks and rattles once associated with a basic frame rail design. They have received a number of awards for their design and it has proven to be a reliable chassis. In a way they are using a semi-monocoque approach but instead of welding they are bolting supports to the frame rail. Bottom line, we would recommend this type of chassis and they do receive high ratings in our book. Other than Peak Chassis, all other chassis manufacturers build a semi-monocoque design by welding supports to the basic frame rail to modify the standard frame rail to include a semi-monocoque design at the plant. Chassis manufacturers like Spartan, Freightliner, Workhorse and Ford to name a few, supply frame rails to a number of different manufacturers. Winnebago, for example, works closely with Freightline to produce their own semi-custom version chassis called the, “Evolution Chassis” for Winnebago’s Vectra® series. Evolution represents, in Winnebago’s mind, the next generation of diesel pusher technology with one-piece formed steel chassis rails that are 25% thicker than traditional raised rails for added strength and performance without the restrictive bulk and weight of stacked rails. Formed rails also provide increased mid-section storage, better weight distribution and improved suspension with an impressive 56° wheel cut, for even more luxury performance. Custom chassis: Any chassis that is custom made for a particular model has to be considered superior. Manufacturers that own a chassis company and build their own chassis on-site are serious about providing the best possible chassis available. While some may disagree on which design is best, custom chassis’ are, in our opinion a
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step above the rest. Below is list of some RV manufacturers that provide a custom chassis: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Western RV (Peak Chassis) Country Coach (Dynomax) Monaco/Holiday Rambler (Roadmaster) Foretravel (Foretravel Chassis) Coachmen RV (Workhorse) Winnebago (Freightliner)
To expand on this subject we have taken text from Country Coach’s website that explains their custom chassis in more detail. “DynoMax® chassis are engineered to the specific sizing, load and performance needs of Country Coach motorcoaches, with no other applications. Country Coach Engineers with decades of design experience are supported by the latest in computer aided and three-dimensional drafting technology. Not believing in "bolt-on" solutions, Country Coach engineers partner with companies like HWH® and Caterpillar® to provide unique and improved (and often patented) applications of developed technologies. Not a length of steel is cut for a DynoMax® chassis until the motorcoach it is intended for has been ordered. As each chassis is intended for a specific coach, Country Coach avoids the rust, wear and obsolescence often created by needing to maintain a chassis "yard". DynoMax® chassis are designed per floorplan or customer, never simply per length. This flexibility leads to ease of maintenance, better floorplans and a superior motorcoach”. We included the text above because we wanted our readers to understand, that when a manufacturer builds a custom chassis to fit under a particular model it’s a cut above the rest. Newmar’s website shows a video explaining the process of how a standard frame rail chassis is modified to include a semi-monocoque type design. To view their website go to, www.newmarcorp.com/. Click on, “Why Newmar” and then click on the construction link. Another quality chassis manufacturer is Roadmaster, which is a division of Monaco Coach Corporation. Roadmaster is one of the leading high-end diesel chassis manufactured in the United States. In fact, they have more motorhome chassis experience than any other manufacturer — because that’s all they specialize in. According to Roadmaster’s website, “We have a 100% commitment to producing only chassis for luxury diesel motorhomes. No delivery vans, garbage trucks or cement mixers. And that’s something no other chassis manufacturer can say. It all starts with the desire to build a chassis that meets the exacting specifications of our top-of-the-line Monaco and Holiday Rambler coaches. At Roadmaster, every chassis is custom engineered for a specific model and floorplan, to ensure that everything works together seamlessly. In addition, by investing in state-of-the-art production facilities, we can count on greater efficiency and a higher level of quality. By completely integrating the design and assembly process from start to finish, we have superior accountability and total control”. We really like Roadmaster’s website. It is loaded with valuable information and if you have time, you owe it to yourself to visit www.roadmasterchassis.com/.
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Semi-custom chassis: This type of chassis is a step down from a custom design chassis but still a very good chassis none the less. Some manufacturers will purchase a stock or standard chassis from a company like Ford, Workhorse, Freightliner or Spartan and modify the design to improve the overall strength and performance. Stock-chassis: No real modifications have taken place with this type of chassis system. Usually found in entry-level Class A motorhomes. Another good article about RV chassis systems www.rvadvice.com/rvarticles/1chassis.html.
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Travel trailer frames what to look for There are many different types or designs when it comes to travel trailer frames but the most common are: • • • •
Tubular frames, (aluminum or steel) Stamped frames (steel, see picture below) C-channel frames, (steel) I-beams, (steel)
The size and design of the frame will vary depending on the size of the unit and its classification. For example, a lightweight travel trailer will probably have a 4” or 6” aluminum tubular frame. The benefits in using aluminum is, it’s lighter and won’t rust. Another popular frame being used today in lightweight trailers is called an, Ultra Frame or Ultra-lite. The picture below shows an Ultra-lite frame, it is a stamped frame with oval holes cut-out running along the sides. We have heard of some complaints with this type of frame and would caution people to do their research before purchasing a travel trailer with this design. We are not suggesting this is a bad design or it won’t hold up over time but we would prefer a tubular frame for a lightweight travel trailer compared to a stamped frame. When it comes to premium travel trailers or fifth wheels most manufacturers will use steel I-beams or tubular steel frames. In addition to the frame most companies will incorporate cross-members for additional structural integrity and outriggers supporting the exterior weight of the walls. The next step down from steel I-beams or tubular steel frames, in our opinion, is the C-channel frame. C-channel is a good frame but it does have less steel compared to an I-beam or tubular frame and is probably the most common frame with mid-size trailers and light-weight fifth wheels. Below is how we rate the different frames being used in the travel trailers and fifth wheel categories: 1. Superior – (Steel I-beams or steel tubular frames with cross-members and outriggers for additional support).
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2. Good – (C-channel steel frames with cross-members and outriggers for additional support). 3. Average – (Tubular aluminum frames and outriggers for additional support for light-weight TT only). 4. Poor - (Stamped steel or aluminum frames for light-weight travel trailers). Remember, overloading a travel trailer or fifth wheel is easy to do. We recommend going with a stronger frame, which can support additional weight if the need arises. You have heard of the old saying, “Plan for the worst and hope for the best”.
Exterior wall construction - What to look for Aluminum versus wood exterior construction: Both framing materials have their good points and bad points. Wood has traditionally been the material of choice for lower-costing RVs because it's cheap and easy to work with using inexpensive tools and non-skilled labor. Yet, wood framing can also be found in upper-end units, because it's also a good choice for RV construction. Wood framing can last as long as aluminum framing assuming it does not get wet. Generally, wood framing is less expensive, it’s flexible, it's not a good conductor of temperature variations and it’s fairly easy to repair. The biggest disadvantage is that wood can rot when it repeatedly gets wet and that's a consideration for long-term RV ownership in moist climates. Another consideration is bug infestation, which could lead to problems as well. The picture to the right shows standard aluminum siding, fiberglass insulation and wood framing. Aluminum framing has long been associated with more expensive RVs, at least partly because it generally costs more to work with aluminum and requires some specialized equipment and skilled labor. Most aluminum walls are welded using a single or double weld, (double welded being the strongest). Many manufacturers use a vacuum press where each wall is bonded under extreme pressure usually between 800 to 1,200 lbs. of pressure per square inch creating a solid one-piece composite structure. Aluminum frames leave no room for water to collect and are not susceptible to rot which destroys many wood-framed structures from the inside out. Vacuum-bonded composite walls set the highest standard for durability in the RV industry. The framing and vacuumbonding process requires higher degrees of precision and attention to detail than traditional wood-framing processes. Aluminum provides a rigid and durable base around which to build the unit while also making it lighter (compared to wood-frames). We are not opposed to using
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wood in RVs and we give a number of manufacturers a high rating that use wood framing. Some manufacturers that use wood frame construction tell us that wood frames won't crack at joints and handles the stresses placed on their coaches better than aluminum framed walls. You need to do your homework and come to your own conclusions regarding type of framing material. We have my own opinions on the subject but here again it’s subjective at best. If you decide on aluminum framing be sure to ask your salesperson if all sides, roof and floor are aluminum. Many companies will say their units have aluminum construction but that could mean two sides. The construction of the front and back walls for example could be wood. Or, it could be all four walls are aluminum but the roof and floor is wood. So, be sure to ask the question and be specific. The picture above shows a 6-sided aluminum construction.
Buying Tips & RV Resources In this section of the report we reveal additional buying tips and suggestions that have the potential to save you valuable time and thousands of dollars. It is up to you to put this information into practice. By doing so, you will make informed decisions that will have a lasting impact for you and your family. We believe our findings will satisfy even the most skeptical buyers with fair and unbiased reporting. Buying Tip (High Pressure): Don’t rush into making a decision even if you’re being presented with an unbelievable offer- or at least what you think is an unbelievable offer. Our research has revealed that many RV buyers spend six months on average researching their options before they purchase. We have also found that those who do their research before buying an RV make informed decisions and are more likely to be satisfied with their purchase. Another important tip is: Don’t be pressured into making a decision. A quality RV dealer will always make the buying process enjoyable without using high-pressure sales tactics. If your salesperson resorts to high pressure tactics to get you sign, beware. This usually means something is wrong and it’s time to step back and reexamine the situation. High pressure sale tactics are usually implemented when the product being sold is of low quality, coupled with the fact customer service is probably marginal at best. Buying Tip (Renting): For those of you that are having a difficult time deciding on a particular type of RV maybe you should consider renting. Renting an RV has become a big business and thousands are taking advantage of this option each year. The RV rental business is a $350 million industry and grew by 34 percent in 2004, according to figures compiled by the U.S. Census of Retail Trade and the RV Rental
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Association (RVRA). There are more than 460 RV rental outlets located across the country and it is growing each year. My wife and I along with another couple rented a Class C RV a number of years ago. We decided to take two weeks and visit Lake Powell and some national parks along the way. At the time we were into water sports and decided to tow our 19 foot boat behind the RV. We had no problems with the RV and we were able to travel at our own pace and enjoy the countryside and stop at interesting places along the way. At the time we were investigating the possibility of owning an RV and were trying to decide between a travel trailer and a Class C. We had a great time and many wonderful memories. If you have doubts or you’re not sure if a particular RV is right for you then consider renting. Below are some helpful websites that pertain to renting an RV: • • • •
www.usarvrentals.com www.elmonterv.com www.rvra.org www.cruiseamerica.com
As we conducted our research over the years we came across a number of excellent articles and websites that would probably be of interest to most. We have tried to include sites that have additional information not contained in this guide. The links provided below are current but if you find a link that is inactive please email us so we can keep information below up-to-date and current at info@jrconsumer.com.
Free buying tips online There are a number of free, “Buying Guides” available online. Below are some articles that are helpful and informative: •
Buying your Dream Motor Home www.rversonline.org/ArtBuyingTips.html
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How to Buy a Motor Home www.ehow.com/how_6564_buy-motor-home.html
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Buying used: Check point www.practicalmotorhome.com/buyingnew/buyingused2.html
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101 tips for RV’s (This is not a buying guide but can be useful) www.rvhometown.com/HTML/Articles/101_rv_tips.htm
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NewRVer.com www.newrver.com/publish/rv-buying-different.shtml
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10 tips for selling your used RV Below are some helpful selling tips that could bring you TOP DOLLAR for your RV: 1. Clean it up! Most buyers will quickly assume the worst if your RV is not clean. The unit should be empty and clean and everything should appear to be in good working order. 2. Have current registration and inspection. Nobody likes to go all over town to get that done after they just dropped a bunch of money on your rig. 3. Get a private inspection to show your good faith. Make necessary repairs, and have the report ready for the buyer. Big ticket items are negotiable, but most everyone can handle a few scratches in the front bumper when the rest of it proves out. 4. Have books, manuals and receipts ready for the buyer to look through and suggest that they do so. 5. Talk with some banks and lending sources. Have a good idea what type of financing options the buyer will have based on the age and value of your rig. For example, motorhomes over a certain age will not get lowest rate of financing and terms differ. This is especially helpful on rigs that are more than five years old. 6. Know what your bottom dollar is. If the buyer has to wait for your decision, he's probably "cooled" off some. 7. Talk about how much fun you had in it, but KNOW WHEN TO STOP. 8. If you have the opportunity, have everything running and ready for showing when the prospect gets there. 9. Change all fluids and filters. 10. Accessorize a little and make it look "homey". • • • • • • •
www.rvonline.com/ www.monkeyads.com www.sellrv.com www.motors.ebay.com www.greatvehicles.com/rvs/ www.rvcorner.com/ www.rv-coach.com
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About the Author Hello my name is Randall Eaton, President and senior editor of J R Consumer Resources Inc. I am a research analyst and a best selling author. My specialty is uncovering the truth about a particular industry and publishing the results. The information contained in this report comes from our 2008 RV Comparison Guide, which is only a small portion of the original text concerning RV Construction Techniques & Buying Tips. To learn more about RV construction and which RV manufacturers and models rated best in their classification please visit our website at www.jrconsumer.com/. Randall Eaton
To assist our readers we are now offering a Written RV Appraisal for FREE when you order our, “RV Comparison Guide”. This applies to all model years from 1975 to 2008. In determining the wholesale and retail values for you’re written appraisal we use the latest edition of the Professional (dealer) Version, of the NADA Appraisal Guides. The NADA Guide is nationally accepted and used by all RV dealers and lenders in the United States. It is considered the #1 source for obtaining both wholesale and retail values. If you're about to buy, sell, or trade an RV be sure you have accurate and realistic prices for your RV. Do not leave yourself at the mercy of those who have the real figures. Having a written appraisal in your hand when buying, selling or trading an RV will save you time, stress and money. There are a number of services available that provide a written RV Appraisal but most charge $29.95 or more. To purchase and NADA GUIDE book would cost you over $30.00. Our service does not cost you a penny and it is the most effective way to determine wholesale and retail values from an independent company that is not biased to any one particular brand or model. To receive your FREE RV APPARISAL YOU MUST HAVE YOUR ORDER #. Please keep your receipt which contains your order #. Your appraisal will be sent to your email address and instructions for your free appraisal will be on the receipt page after placing order. This is a limited time offer and may expire at any time, thank you.
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Our 2008 RV Comparison Guide rates and compares over 60 Different RV Manufacturers in North America, that’s 99% of the entire industry! We at J R Consumer Resources have NO Hidden Agendas. We receive NO Commissions or Advertising Kickbacks. We have not accepted any payments to promote one company over another. We can assure you that all of the information contained in this guide is based on independent research, countless interviews and is from an objective point of view. Our company is a consumer based organization and we have not been hired by the RV industry to promote their products or lifestyle.
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