$144,000 Vanleigh Beacon 42RDB RV. FINAL THOUGHTS before it goes back!
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 ก.ย. 2024
- #rv #towing #trucks
Wife’s channel: / mrsbtbrv
Instagram: / bigtruckbigrv
Facebook: / bigtruckbigrv
Links to many of the accessories I review and use from etrailer!
www.etrailer.c...
RV Towing Upgrades
*Reese Goosebox Gen2: www.etrailer.c...
*B&W OEM Gooseball: www.etrailer.c...
*B&W Fifth Wheel Hitch: www.etrailer.c...
*B&W Sliding Fifth Wheel Hitch: www.etrailer.c...
*Equalizer Weight Distribution Hitch: www.etrailer.c...
*B&W Tow and Stow Hitch: www.etrailer.c...
*Curt Drop Hitch: www.etrailer.c...
RV and Trailer Equipment Upgrades
*RoadArmor Suspension Equalizer: www.etrailer.c...
*HD Shackle Straps and Wet Bolts: www.etrailer.c...
*RV Suspension Upgrade (travel trailer, Cargo Trailer): www.etrailer.c...
*16” G Rated Wheel Tire Combo: www.etrailer.c...
*Goodyear Endurance 15” Trailer Tire: www.etrailer.c...
*Goodyear Endurance 16” Trailer Tire: www.etrailer.c...
*Furrion Wireless Backup Camera: www.etrailer.c...
*Furrion Wireless Side and Rear Cameras: www.etrailer.c...
*Phoenix Electric Trailer Jack 4,000 lbs: www.etrailer.c...
*GlowStep Revolution Steps: www.etrailer.c...
*LCI Solid Steps: www.etrailer.c...
*LCI AutoLeveling System: www.etrailer.c...
*Reese Fifth Wheel Dual Motor Landing Gear: www.etrailer.c...
Must Have Equipment!
*6000 Watt Generator Kit: www.etrailer.c...
*3200 Watt Inverter Generator: www.etrailer.c...
*2000 Watt Inverter Generator: www.etrailer.c...
*30amp to 50amp Power Cord: www.etrailer.c...
*LED RV Replacement Taillights: www.etrailer.c...
*Fastway Tire Chocks: www.etrailer.c...
*RV Foam Sprayer: www.etrailer.c...
*RV Soap: www.etrailer.c...
Truck Upgrades
*Airlift 5000 Airbag Kit: www.etrailer.c...
*Airlift Wireless Air Controller: www.etrailer.c...
*Access Toolbox Bed Cover: www.etrailer.c...
*Bedrug Bed Liner: www.etrailer.c...
*Floormats: www.etrailer.c...
Disclaimer
*Etrailer.com is the official sponsor of my channel. Equipment reviewed may have been provided by them as part of that sponsorship. All reviews are honest and unbiased. This channel is for entertainment purposes, and you should always do your own research prior to making a decision!
Sponsored items may be in this video. Always research multiple sources before making a purchasing decision. As an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases.
Thanks for the last overview of this gorgeous RV. I always felt you were fair with your comments and stated what was wrong with it or what could have been improved to make it a little (or a lot) better for the full time RVer. Overall, you conducted the live-in test like it was your own RV without going overboard with your comments and made it clear when things didn’t go right, like the TV connection or the leaky drain in the kitchen area. I own a 2020 Riverstone Legacy and agree with you that in many areas the Beacon is a step above our rig. There are definitely some things I don’t like in that model, like the extended wood covering on the refrigerator just to name one. But the look and feel of the interior seems to be much better overall, and, in my opinion, it rivals the DRV and LUXE models in that area. It would be nice if you could get a DRV and LUXE Fifth Wheel to test for a few months each so you could do a real world comparison. The DRV Houston was one we were looking at, but the price was too high which is one reason we ended up with the Riverstone 38RE.
Thank you for that very fair and honest comment sir.
Hey MikeC19100 please work with JD and produce a video on your experience with your Riverstone.
I may never own an rv of this size. Hell. I may never own a teardrop. But I have learned more about rvs and enjoy your channel.
me too..so far this ones my favorite
JD,
Your RV expertise has been so helpful to us even after owning our 5th wheel for more than 15 years. We can only imagine what our buying experience would have been like if we were as educated as we are now. Can’t wait for family and friends to make a move so we can help them. RV’s have always been a mystery. Thank you shining a light on a great American pastime.
I would love for you to do more long term reviews of other 5th wheels. I think you were extremely fair which I greatly appreciate. In the future I would like for you to review an Alliance, Jayco, or Grand Design. I think it would be helpful to a lot of people to get an unbiased review of a more midrange unit. Thank you for your great work.
Beautiful RV, seems to be a good value for the price range. Looking forward to whatever one you might test next. I think you were very fair and unbiased in your video series on it. 😀
That’s why we watch this channel. Detailed, fair and no BS.
I would love to see more grand design Momentum trailers. I think you did a good job in the review from what I can tell you did not hide any of the issues that you found. I think you could of used it more. I know its not your trailer but if something did happen that is what insurances and I am sure they would understand.
I thought you were completely fair! You gave us the good, the bad, and the ugly!
I enjoyed everything about your review, you’re honest about everything on all RV reviews, I agree with you on the light switches, I’m not a tech fan, more things to go wrong, which more dollars out of your pocket, unless you have a 55 gallon barrel packed full of hundred dollar bills, it wouldn’t matter. Keep on doing what you do, have a blessed week
You were very fair throughout the entire series
I have admired and studied this brand ever since it came out. Your evaluation was very similar to mine and you actually answered some questions I had. I thought your opinion was very fair. Good job.
I have always been impressed by the your thoroughness of your reviews. You really know your stuff! I thought your review was very fair and unbiased.
An absolutely Outstanding review, very balanced!!
You were completely honest and thorough with your vids on this unit!!! I appreciated all your opinions and reviews.
Fantastic review. Thorough and ultimately fair. I love this RV, and because of your content, my husband and I will look into this model. Thank you!
Thank you for your honesty and clarity. I feel you were truthful and direct in pointing out the positive and negative with regards to this RV.
I have a very hard time wrapping my head around paying over $100,000 for a RV!??
I work dam hard for my money and to spend that kind of money on a product that will depreciate in value so quickly...? I’m learning a lot from videos like your doing about RV’s and their construction, I’m hoping that some where along the line I’ll finally understand why these units are so expensive, ?
I would really like to see a video or series on the construction of a high end RV from the drawing board to final inspection to roll out to delivery.
Maybe then I’ll be able to justify the costs involved or at least begin to understand more of what really is involved in building one of these high end units.
Thank you!
J.
Just wanted to say I believe you did a great job reviewing this RV. They should be very happy to correct all the problems you found. I agree with you that it real is a good product and when I'm in the market for a new Unit I will definitely visit Vanleigh for my next RV. With out your 7 videos I would have never known they existed... Thanks one again for your honest opinion and review..... The Banks family
That is a gorgeous RV
I think you are always fair with your reviews. People have to remember it's your opinion.
How do you think this unit compares with the Grand Design solitude with the same floor plan. I have the Grand Design and I like it a lot.
Nicely done ! We've RV'd for about 40+ years. Each RV was a best guess option for our current uses, family growth & economics. There is no one size fits all. We call our current RV our retirement 2nd home. We are now able to go out more and stay longer. We purposely watched the size because we do most our 'camping' in State, National, Forest Service & BLM areas. We rarely go to the upper end resort type RV parks. We may more than likely decide to go the other way some day and get a unit like this though & change our RV 'camping' style..
JD, as always, your review of the Beacon was fair and concise. A beautiful rig. One that I would consider in the future.
As for other long term reviews a different 5th wheel/toy hauler would be nice to see. Travel trailers or a class c or class a would be enjoyable to see as well.
I believe you were straight forward fair and balanced across the board. Thank you and your family for your time. I really appreciated it.😊
6 months gone by already?!? Been a great honest review by you. Have been seriously looking at the Vilano series due to price. So I hope that construction wise it is of similar quality. I do wish they could design this floor plan into a shorter version. At around 45' it's just a bit too much for me personally. There are areas that could be cut down to get it to that 38' range. So, I'll keep waiting and looking before I buy anything. We are not in any big hurry because retirement for us is still a ways out. Good job!!
I think the critiques given were focused and well done. What I see over the six months was a learning curve and a balanced evaluation of different items based on your using the items and on the necessity of what you described as either usable or not really necessary. Where you pointed out shortcomings you gave the company the benefit of doubt by explains there may have been legitimate reasons for not, possibly, upgrading, such as the drum brakes provided vs disc brakes requested. I like your videos and have since you first started doing them. I feel you really work at giving a fair evaluation and assessment without trashing the manufacturer. You point out areas that can be improved but you also point out and praise for a job well done, and that is a great way of presenting such useful information to us all.
Thank you for your review & honesty. I feel if people follow you and look through your videos they will know you're not being bias.
I love this RV and you always gave your honest opinion. You actually showed the little issues more than the great things about it. Nobody can say you showed bias.
I respect your opinion because you always point out the good and bad. I like the way you explain the reality of the industry and encourage the manufacturers to improve with suggestions.
Insurance. You mentioned it but not much. Can we get you take on it. Things we should a where of.
Of Couse I would love to see more long term reviews. I am curious about the leader in warranty 2+3 years Jayco. You can choose the one you want. I would like to see why Jayco can confidently say stand by this warranty while using Azdel in most units and not in there luxury. Seems they may be on the something there.
Ok I've gone too long.
Thanks Again JD for your commitment to educate us on the RV World. Looking for to the next one.
Great review. I think you were very fair and thorough in your review. Vanleigh is the mfr that I am looking at for a full time unit and this review definitely helps me out on making a calculated decision when spending this kind of money. You did a great job on pointing out the good, bad and mediocre.
I agree with the majority of the other comments. Your reviews were definitely honest and unbiased. You show both the good and bad on the RV. I am really just looking forward to seeing your new RV 👍
I think you very fair. And I have learned a lot of different things that I not have even thought to look for in your videos.
Thanks for what you do.
Awesome review as always thank you,yes do more fifth wheel maybe a toy hauler
You did a fair and unbiased review.
JD, thank you for your insights. Your observations were fair and on point. I for one, enjoyed the detailed look into what goes into making an obviously fine product like the VanLeigh Beacon. Lastly I’d note how savvy it was of the company to put that product into your hands for review. While clearly not perfect, knowing that their unit was going to stand up so well to a fair and rigorous evaluation, put their product in front of thousands of eyes in a very favorable light. Smart, very smart indeed.
Those cabinet doors next to the fridge need to be a roll up door.
Review was overall in depth & detailed - would also be great to see your review of a full-time 35+ft Travel Trailer with same floorplan (esp the rear living room) - thx! Keep up the great work.
Truly love the layout...we have a 2021 keystone fuzion 424 toy hauler. That will be our final 5th wheel...the tiffin thanks for every detail
We have a Vilano 320gk. We full-time and love it. Service department at first was a little slow, but, they worked things out. I would definitely recommend the rig. Try to show your viewers other interior finishes. You do a good job reviewing rigs.
Yes, great reviews and criticism both positive and negative. Would like to see you in a luxe Gold 38 model for a 6 month review to compare the difference.
Very fair and honest thanks because I'm very interested in a Van Leigh toy hauler!!!
We own this exact model. Their customer service is absolutely fantastic. Owning several other brands it is night and day difference. We had a few minor issues that were immediately fixed by a mobile tech and myself, no questions about it, they just said send the invoice and we'll pay it - they did. I spent months and a lawsuit on forest river to get them to honor their warranty.
I think you did a great job my neighbor has a van Lee and he loves it.
JD, you were fair. Some will say you were too positive, some will say you were too negative. I think it was a fair appraisal from start to finish.
Thanks for the review, from a happy DRV owner. Job well done.
I think this was a fair review, and appreciated the details you shared about the hiccups, as well as the repairs you made with tech help to fix it. I would love to see a review on the Solitude 5th wheels (Grand Design). I'm considering a purchase and they are sold through a dealer within 2 hours of me. We currently own a Cherokee Grey Wolf travel trailer and I'm learning, that while purchased new, it was definitely an entry level product. Lots of little problems with it. Nothing that's a deal breaker by itself, but not a quality-built product by any stretch of the imagination, either.
I think your review today was overall pretty fair, when you had something critical, it was thought out and not just picking on the product. While i think this kind of long term review is beneficial I can't imagine the 'hassle factor' you go through with it. You get a rig for 6 months, just about get it the way you want it and then have to turn it back in, or you don't do some of the improvements you might like because it's not your rig. I don't comment often but overall enjoy your videos and learn a lot, keep up the good work.
As with all of your evaluations and reviews. I felt like you were fair and unbiased. I feel that any respectable company should be able to send a random unit to someone like you for an evaluation, (not a unit built better specifically for the purpose of review) and build off of constructive criticism (After all, that to me is the point of an evaluation). Love that you will state the facts if there are issues or gripes. Been following your channel since the 2017 STX F-250 video you did. You and your channel Played a huge part in my decision to buy an F-250 regular cab STX with the 6.2. Couldn’t be happier with the truck either. Thanks for the well edited and well thought out videos that indeed make a difference to your audience. -Joe
I think you're review was as fair as could be
Hey JD, I think you did a good job of offering positive and negative in a balanced way and I would love to see long term reviews of other RVs. Something like the Grand Design Reflection 312BHTS.
I’m new to your channel and a few other RV channels. I’m most interested in reviews of 5th wheels for full time living. I have health issues and I’m most interested in RVs that come equipped from the factory with the kinds of things that have to be added. I don’t want to spend every waking moment working on something. I’m on the fence when it comes to toy haulers. I may need to accommodate a power wheel chair at some point but I don’t want that to dictate my buying decisions.
This is probably more than what you were looking for but understanding my options is very helpful.
Brother, most RVs will require a good amount of upkeep, maintenance, and care. A toyhauler may work for you but also has its drawbacks.
I cannot believe that he is already been reviewing this unit for six months. This is crazy!
I thought your review was honest and fair. I enjoyed the series on the Vanleigh. Keep up the great work!
Very nice, for just my wife and I this would be a little more than what we want, since we only go out about a few times a year but it it really nice.
Yep. I thought you were fair in your review of the trailer. However I did not you mentioning this unit alot in your other reviews. It was only natural to compare units to the one you are currently using.
I think Vanleigh got alot of great visibility with your 6 month review. I feel other manufacturers can trust that you will give honest reviews of their products, even without loaning you units.
Yes, very fair and unbiased.
Very fair review. Do a pull trailer that most common not full time RVer"s would have. 22 to 28 feet.
We just bought a 2014 starkraft autumn ridge 34 foot well maintained have 1995 3/4 ton C2500 454 big block
Great job with the review series. I do not think you wavered to either side and kept an open dialogue throughout the whole thing. Look forward to more long term reviews. I think a smaller “off-road” style trailer would be cool. Look forward to the content to come.
I would love to see a toy hauler with a decent sized living space but also a big garage around 20 feet, something big enough you could fit another vehicle in
I do like your honest reviews, for us it was ONLY price point, ours was 100000, and we did not go with the GD, we went KZ
I have watched all the reviews you have done on this RV and I feel you have been very fair & forthright in all of them! This is a beautiful unit, I love the interior (both layout & color). I think the only thing I personally would change would be to put some occasional (just a few) dark wood or wrought iron accents just to break up all the cream color a little more. Just a focal piece of two would do it. I have been looking at used DRV's as I love their quality woodwork but I really liked this model as well (I would probably have to look for a used one as my budget cannot accommodate a new one! Otherwise, this is a fabulous model.
Please review some upscale mid-bunk models. I am looking for a nice, 4-season full time front living 2.5 bath with either a mid-bunk or fall loft with wide, safe stairs (no ladders). We have a disabled daughter who lives with us and she cannot climb ladders. Also, I need to use the loft as an office so I need to be able to sit-up in it. I'm 5'2" so loft height needs to be about 3 feet.
thanks for all your hard work & I watch ALL your reviews, no matter the model!
Cool Frameless Windows of course. I like those. Nice Floating Dining Table, so the poles don't get all in your way. I like to know your opinion on an R.V. in General. While we may not have the Exact same opinions on something, it's still good to know. Good job. Thanks.
As usual, your reviews far surpass what others are doing, Most reviewers have limited information on the actual construction of rv's and imediately jump inside to film. You on the other hand spend as much time on the outside as you do looking at the interior layout. My one concern is that you seem to just look at the large producers of rv's and bypass smaller companies. Other than that, keep doing what you do so well!! One of my first items i look at when i open my computer everyday, is to see if you have posted a new review.
Excellent review. Enjoyed the whole evaluation...thanks
MDQS Pinnacle 2022 would be nice 👍
Just a beautiful rig and I would expect nothing less for the price. If I was wealthy enough to blow this kind of money maybe I would.
Fair. Teardrop next
So, now that’s it’s “used” can I pick it up for a discounted price?
You did a great job!
Hey JD, I feel you were more than biased in review of the Vanleigh Beacon with valid likes and dislikes. Everyone has their opinion which they’re entitled too and yes, would love to see you review other manufacturers TT and 5th Wheel RVS. Love the videos, please keep them coming.
Bumper pull full time RV. Would like your opinion on the movability diffences.
Great Job sir. From Goliad.Tx
I think you were more than fair.
I would like to see you review a Bunkhouse Airstream.
Yes you were extremely fair!
we need a rv showdown big truck big rv vs haylettrv josh one time
for me airstream for life
Since this is a full-time living unit I think a better review would be from a full-time Rver not a weekend warrior. This would have helped me decide if would hold up to full-time use. Thanks for your honest reviews.
quality is still a problem in the RV industry. I remember some of the problems one being the floor in the shower
Wait wait Wait! You mean I can't run 3 ACs, vacuum AND do my hair with a hair dryer at the Same time? SCAM! Unsubscribe! Hehehe kidding! Thought you were more than fair, even nit-picky which isn't a bad thing in this situation. I only really care about toy haulers but ya done that so whatever works for you, I'll still watch anyway!
I have a question about full time rving. What is the actual lifetime of any well built travel trailer or 5th wheel?
Typically as long as you want it to last with property maintenance, repairs, and care..... Like a home.
See if Luxe would comply, there toy hauler.
Did you put your name on it
There are stickers on it :)
I just could not spend $144,000 on a depreciating asset...
I completely feel you were fair. But I wish you would have shown videos of you guys traveling in it. Real life stuff. We want to purchase one for sure but would have been nice to see real life stuff. Not just hear about it!
You sound a little sour for being free good thing its your job
Define free? I bet it's probably the same as mind... This was not a free review when labor is involved.
@@BigTruckBigRV very true I was only picking all in fun I apologize
Yes, I think you were fair and not a shill to the brand. Well done!
One of the benefits of watching your channel is your unbiased opinion on all the products you show. You appear to be very knowledgeable about what you bring to us, fairness and factual. I have learned more about suspensions and different slide mechanics from watching your channel. I like you product reviews and the honesty that you don’t always have the answers. Now, would you review the Imagine 3250BH, would love your input. As far as the model’s that you review, I feel you present a good variety of units and products available.
You did a good non bias job.
These have been VERY unbiased reviews that introduced me to my future. My plan had been to move into a DRV, pulled by an HDT. Now, I'll stick with my dually and get a Beacon 39FBB. BTW... that LG fridge.... I have a very similar model in another brand of RV which I could have lived in it 'til my dying day and never noticed that the doors are curved.
Very fair and you told the truth plus you didnt hide anything. Just like you tell about all you reviews you do
Thanks for the honest review of this unit. I thought you were spot on in pointing out the faults and fixes and also the great parts of it. I'm kinda like you in that a unit of that size should have disk brakes. All in all, I loved the whole series of reviews that you did for this unit. It's just a bit out of my price range. I own a 2008 Ameri-camp Summit Ridge Reserve. I think that was the last year they made it before going out of business. My wife and I just love it and I know it's getting old, but everything still works on it. We've made very few repairs to it but are going to have to put a bit more money into it pretty soon. We do live full time in it. BTW, it's 39' long so it's a fairly big 5th wheel.
Great extended review. I would love to see your review of a riverstone 391 fsk, either a walk through or a long term.
Liked your review of the Beacon. We own a 2016 Vanleigh Vilano 325rl. We live in it approximately 5 months out of the year. Regarding manufacturer support, they have been great. During our first summer in it we had a plumbing problem with the sewer outlet. We were at least 150 miles from any kind of dealership help. I phoned them and within a couple of hours they had found a mobile tech to send to repair our problem. I'm sure they won't do now what they did then, because they paid for his travel as well as the repair. His travel was 102 miles one way. They bent over backwards to make us happy, and I didn't have to argue with them to get it. The following summer one of the slam latches on the basement door refused to open, the was on the 4th of July. A phone call to them connected me with a person who told me how to basically break into my basement, and texted me photos of the internals of the latch and how to repair it. Mind you this was on a national holiday and I was one year out of warranty. Can't say too much about their great support. I just hope, since they have been purchased by Thor, they can continue that way.
Thanks for sharing!
I would love to see you do a long term review on the 2021 grand design momentum with the bed over the garage. I really love that fifth wheel and would love to know how it does plus I’ve never owned a grand design before.
I think you did a very good job with your review. The good, the bad, what you liked and didn't like, and who would most benefit in purchasing this high-end unit. Looking forward to more videos on more lower-end units that most people would be in the market for.
This was a good series. It isn't totally unbiased because some points were made that strongly reflected your personal taste and opinion (your complaints about the touchpad light switches, for example). Overall, I think you were fair. You noted malfunctions and defects as they occurred. And you also pointed out features that, in part, justified the price tag. If I were in the market for a fifth-wheel, now Vanleigh is a serious contender.
I thought you were more than fair on your evaluations of this fifth wheel. Especially, I liked your video of your shake down trip. I think it would be great if you did more long-term evaluations more fifth wheels and travel trailers. Keep up the good work.
I thought that you did a fine job with 5th wheel. It seemed fair and unbiased. How about 5th wheels that are a little more affordable. I own a Forest River, Rockwood # 8285WS. How about a new Rockwood 5th wheel. I enjoy your channel. Learning a lot.
I say you talk to VanLeigh about doing a giveaway of the unit rather than returning it. What a great way to get some positive attention! I think your reviews were unbiased and helpful for me as a potential customer. It’s rare to have someone actually use a 5th wheel for 5 or 6 months and give you the pros and cons of it. Most of us have to find out the hard way, which can sometimes be very expensive.
I visited the Tiffin Plant in Red Bay many years ago and I have to say what did impress me was the way the workers were very frank an honest about problems and how they were addressing them during the build process. You have to remember that it’s like building a house that is going to be rolling down the highway, problems are going to crop up just based upon the constant jostling that a 15000 pound rolling house is experiencing. Your going to have some issues. But, finding construction issues that weren’t addressed during the final inspection (like the simple cables on the doors) is a definite negative.
I vote for more of these types of reviews, and a great big “thank you” for sharing your honest opinions.
You were fair..... like to see more series on RV’s. Not just 5th wheel. Class A, C, and B. Enjoyed it! Someone will get a good one at a reduced used price