RV INDUSTRY IS CRASHING! DOOMED! or not...
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 26 ส.ค. 2024
- #rv #towing #trucks
BigTruckBigRV LIFE Channel: @BTBRV LIFE
Instagram: / bigtruckbigrv
Facebook: / bigtruckbigrv
Links to many of the accessories I review and use from etrailer!
www.etrailer.c...
RV Towing Upgrades
*Reese Goosebox Gen3: 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...
*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.
Like the automobile industry, the RV industry is pricing itself out of reach of many people.
The difference is that RVs are generally for recreational use. I NEED a car for my daily life
@@United_Kangaroo1992do you need a new car though?
@@United_Kangaroo1992 agreed. But even at that, no one HAS to buy a brand new vehicle and certainly not a non essential recreational item.
True
Not only the prices of the units becoming out of reach but the ridiculous campground prices now frequently costing over a hundred dollars a night… some places way over a hundred a night. It’s getting to the point where it’s not worth it .
I've been an RV transporter for 2 years now . Our load board right now has more units on it than I have seen in those two years. I have also seen a lot less issues occurring driving down the road with them as I was 2 years ago .
Thank you my friend, please be safe on the road.
I don’t think so.
Seeing the exact same thing.
an RV transporter told me his business is up. He thinks that people are moving into RVs because housing rent costs so much now. RVs are here to stay.
In addition to items you’ve mentioned I think for a lot of people essentials/food prices have inflated faster than their income, eroding discretionary spending, and rising interest rates have reduced buying power of people who need to finance (majority of rv buyers).
Declining quality and higher prices they ask for it
I believe the build and the price are the main culprits in this scenario! These are structures that have constant vibrations and impact the will jar loose over time. Constant maintenance is a must, which brings us back to the price of parts and services. If the prices do not come down, this industry will eat itself.
Only follow you and other RV channels because I'm priced out of traditional housing. I think recreational RVing will die a slow death, but full time living efficiency apartments on wheels will sustain, especially in high cost areas.
Just like a boat, two best days are the day you get it and the day you sell it! JUNK!!!
HAHA but I agree with you.
Cheers from Durban, South Africa
True statement
When I’m cooking a breakfast of eggs, bacon and pancakes on my Blackstone griddle or sipping a glass of bourbon with my wife around the campfire those are my best days. And they happen every time I take my RV out.
I feel bad for you that your outlook is so negative.
A huge chunk of the people who got into during the pandemic was because they always wanted to travel and for the first time they were being allowed to work remotely. Now many of them are being forced back to the office.
I think the industry will survive.
The world is changing. The average RV has physically grown, the market demands items like flat screen TV, backup camera's and full hot water.
Consumers want more but want a deal. Consumers most often are not willing to pay for quality but would love a 'free' dishwasher.
The manufacturers that will survive will be quality builders with good customer service selling to repeat customers.
In normal times, I would agree with you. These are not normal times. Many people are already covering essentials only. There is no spare money, they can not, cover one more payment. Any manufacturer who can turn out a rugged, usable trailer. For under $45,000. They will survive. And they will survive, only because many will buy them for full-time living. Yes, I know they are not built for that. But many will have no other choice.
Where are you at? Every weekend I traveled last year in the Midwest and I saw plenty of RV's. All different kinds. I can't believe how many horse trailers with living space on them on the roads. People hauling all kinds of toy haulers. Plenty of people hauling rigs over $100,000.00 on the roads.
@RichardQuaid The current economic indicators, such as elevated inflation rates, increased unemployment, and a significant rise in the Consumer Price Index, suggest that the economy is slowing significantly. While personal observations may provide insights, they do not substitute for data-driven analysis. The original poster's assessment is more true than your anecdote.
@@boyeatsworld-vr9ci Truth is, Donnie is submersed in the corporate greed that is driving inflation. That's what has you in a bind.
Wife and I along with our four legged companions are full-time modern pioneers rv dwellers for six years (and counting) with our Outdoors RV travel trailer and are ready to upgrade to a DRV fullhouse to continue on our venture. DRV and Grand design are very close in pricing for new and or slightly used unit right now, but I'm going with DRV for many good reasons by my own research.
@@j.l.salayao8055 I am glad it is working out for you. You started with a very good unit.
You are very aware of the different RV customers. We purchased in 2021 but had spent months understanding the good and the bad. So our experience is close to what we expected until our frame broke.
But we’ve stayed with it and will pickup our repaired RV in the middle of the month and start our 2024 season. We are excited but we know the challenges. We were prepared to take this journey. I’d say it takes a couple of years to get your rig right assuming you don’t have a major failure. I think ours is now better than when we purchased. I’d still be afraid to purchase anything new. I do believe the quality will improve. But the industry is not there yet.
I can’t necessarily agree with this narrative… the industry has been fine for decades and people have gotten along just fine… camping has gone on and will go on, the basic problem we have now is on the industry. They’re building junk, and employees don’t care about their work and the companies just want to make that dollar… my mom and stepdad bought a brand new 2008 Bounder and they have done nothing to it. It’s just had its first roof reseal a few months ago, it’s had an oil change or two, never changed the coolant or anything else, and it’s sat outside its entire life… I maintain mine, do all I can to keep it nice and sure it looks nicer than theirs but I have to say he beats that thing, tows with it, flogs it and hammers down the throttle, never warms it up, start and go, doesn’t even come to a complete stop shifting gears and that 8.1 Chevy big block and Allison transmission and Dana rear end just take it…. He’s a fabricator, raced desert trucks he knows how to do it all he just doesn’t care…. They go out and enjoy it and go camping… so if you build a good rig there won’t be any problems… this thing is almost 20 years old and the one warranty issue was from when it was brand new the microwave was messed up and he being a off road guy made them redo the ring and pinion when it was brand new because he said it was noisy… other than that it had the brake recall but that’s it…
Good commentary. We've been casually tracking RV prices ever since the Covid thing. We are seeing them come down dramatically. The wife and I are considering getting back into an RV since we're nearing retirement, but we are also following along with all of the quality issues arising. Just not quite ready to pull that trigger and we'll wait to see where this market lands.
We bought a Winnebago towable in 2019, got a really good on a new 2018.
I guess we lucked out. We've had no major issues, unlike some of the horror stories i read about.
I am sure those trailers built during covid really lack any type of quality control.
Excellent synopsis of the RV industry and RV lifestyle over the last few years.
JD this is a very good video and no one should go into a purchase like this without doing their homework. What was not covered here was how the quality issues both in the RV and the auto industry has been really bad. On top of that these huge manufacturers have not been willing to stand behind the substandard units and vehicles that they put out. Some of the newer And privately owned manufacturers like Alliance and Brinkley have stepped up to fill in the gaps of poor quality and customer service. With the amount being paid across the board this is inexcusable and people are fed up. What channels like yours and social media in general has done is to give the everyday person to do research and to voice their opinion when these corporations just won’t listen and just ignore everyone. Now they are paying the price and many people will either leave a manufacturer or just stay totally away from it all together
Having lived nearly all my life in Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, I was about to comment on how boring the road is in the video. Then you came across that accident. I hope and pray that all the people involved in that accident were ok. Maybe part of the problem was the boring road!
I think your comments about the RV industry are spot on. In a way, I wish it would be less desirable to new buyers because that might mean being easier to get reservations at the places we want to visit. (but unfortunately, that ain't gonna happen)
100% agree with your breakdown! Those of us that come from growing up camping and careers in the the military love being out here and find even the small stick and tin RVs a Luxury!
RV manufacturers need to understand 2020, 2021 sales are not normal, sales will drop back to below normal levels of 2016, prices and quality will have to get better as well.
The big problem with RVing is the cost. The cost of the RV. The cost of maintaining. The cost of use, fuel etc. The cost of RV campsites is breathtaking any more. I have RV camped over 40 years. My 2002 Komfort fifth great the entire time that I used it. I downsized in 2021 and it was a big mistake. It broke on every camp trip we took. The build quality was terrible and it was supposed to be a quality brand. I ended up selling it back to the dealer. I am done owning an RV. I may rent someday but the cost is killing the fun of RVing.
Aye BTRV, Enjoyed the ride and good conversation. I agree with most of what you said. But what about the lack of skilled workers in the business? And how they was forced into early retirement because it was no longer rewarding or appreciated. We knew we could retire anytime but we loved our jobs until it became a job. Also, their was joy in being into RVing. It was like a side of life nobody noticed (remember "the van by the river") Nobody cared. Now you have to work at getting anywhere. And being told "Do you have reservations and we need two forms of ID"? Fun, isn't it. Sorry about the long rant. Clean windshield please.
I bought a large teardrop camper before COVID. I wanted to upgrade to a larger camper, but the cost of a new truck to tow it was too high. In 2024, I found that a new large truck was more expensive than a Class C RV. My local dealer had a great markdown special on a Class C, so I bought one for less than a truck and camper combined. Luckily, I was able to put down a large amount of cash with my trade-in, so I am not upside down on my loan. I believe RV loan interest rates will continue to rise, so if you are in a good financial position, now is the time to buy. Plus, there are Class C markdowns available again, making it an even better time to purchase. I just wish there were more State and National Park campsites available.
It's cheaper to build your own travel trailer and RV now.
Great video, JD. As with any major purchase, good deals on RVs can be found as long as you're willing to put the time and effort into the research.
Thank God I’d been planning on going full time RV’ing years before I retired, I bought my first RV, OutdoorsRV 20DB in June 2021 right at the beginning of the scamdemic. Was able to buy the RV and the truck for 100k (Ford f-250) total right after we retired and hit the road for 2 years. A lot of learning but now I wouldn’t go anywhere without my RV along with my truck setup, we ride mtn bike so I got my bikes and it was great, every place they went mask crazy we left cuz we could! I’m not looking to upgrade because I know what I have, we have our set routine, been hearing a lot about the lemons and how dealers are treating everyone terribly. I’ll hold on to my RV unless there is a clear upgrade that makes financial sense.
That is the best video that I ever seen on your channel. When you seen a car turn over. Hope thay are okay. Sleeping or texting behind the wheel is not fun.
Quality improvements are certainly necessary if the RV industry is going to thrive in the future. While no RV is perfect there are things that fail that shouldn’t! As you say, there are a lot TH-cam channels that point to RV failures and the unwillingness of manufacturers to stand behind their products. There is much room for improvement of quality and the delivery of service. As consumers become more aware of who builds a good product and stands behind it and those who don’t the ones who don’t will either have to step up their program or fail! Overall it’s good for the consumer. Endless RVing TH-cam Channel does videos frequently about how many RVs of each category that are being delivered to dealers and also dealers and manufacturers that are going out of business. The data gives a good picture of the health of the RV industry. It makes it clear that at present the supply is larger than the demand. With the market saturation that happened during Covid, the current lack of confidence in the economy and high interest rates, it’s easy to see why the RV market is depressed. This is good for the consumer that pays cash to get a good deal!
I sincerely hope the RV industry does survive regardless of my criticism of them, I believe they ultimately will too. All businesses & consumers are feeling the roughly 20% cumulative inflation since 2020, and the high lending interest rates. Consumers are likely holding off on large purchases when they can hoping for better days. I don’t know about anyone else but our income has not increased by 20% so we’re feeling it.
Naturally I paid top dollar at the highest part of the market 2022... pretty happy with Outdoor RV 24krs...
Oooh! Those are great rigs!
We actually got lucky as we were planning to buy an RV before Covid and took delivery at the beginning of the pandemic so we got in on the old price. It's still seems crazy to me that we could break even on our RV that I thought we overpaid for with only 20% off MSRP
Well we bought a 2023 East to west no slide travel trailer a year ago. Put 6000,00 down on it. Towed it to 6 camping trips in the local area,under 50 miles. Decided we wanted a slide and we where told our 28000.00 trailer was worth 10,000.00 dollars. Go figure. We decided we like our travel trailer too much to give away. Coming up on 1 year of ownership and the end of warranties. The industry sucks. But I’m 69 and know how to fix things. So I’m cool with being on my own. Like the automobile industry, the rv industry will get its payback someday. I like your channel. Keep up the good work!
JD! Clean your windshield!
Love your channel! But that was painful to watch, audio and visual ( windshield) was terrible.
“Buckets of sweat setting up and tearing down”… Yes and Amen
I hate driving through these cities where they have these narrow construction lanes!
Very insightful commentary.
My biggest supprise with my first RV on 2023 was the extra $1,500 or so in aades things I needed. Generator, sewer hose, surge protector ect
That’s me . I don’t want to buy again due to past experience. It fell apart . I had a Gear Box 28 ft and the whole left siding was falling off . They used the wrong anchor bolts . The repair job would be 5 months to complete . Gear box made by fleetwood . Never again . Next one I purchase
Will be an aluminum trailer . An ATC toy box . They guarantee them for lifetime . At least that’s what I’ve been told
RV manufacturers will need to have customed-buit option for the customers in the future.
I would like to be in a nice class A, but considering depreciation, high cost, build quality, high campground fees, maintenance, registration, insurance, and also difficulty finding good site's, I'm just going to pass. Another big factor is I'm earning 5% interest on $250,000 which is about a $1000 per month. That will pay for a lot of travel and it's not worth giving that up on an RV that loses 30% as soon as you drive it off the lot. There may have been a time when RVing was cheaper than hotels but not any more. No thanks I'm going to keep my money.
Pass the HEB semi!
I do think things have "normalized" a bit. Sales have gone from bonkers to much more like the were before the pandemic surge. I'm actually grateful for this, we're actually seeing more innovations rather than the same few floor plans being cranked out to placate demand.
RVing is more popular than it's even been.
Happy Camping and Enjoy!
Thanks for the update
To me it don’t look like there are much less people in campgrounds,I’m at Myrtle Beach Ocean Lake and it is packed on memorial Day weekend, probably mostly older campers not brand new ones.
Having a good chuckle at the presidential blame. Presidents don’t set interest rates. Money was artificially cheap for a long time. Manufacturers adjusted and pumped prices northward, acclimating people to comical sticker prices. Interest rates went up, and…prices stayed high. Whomp, whomp.
Entertainment goods like campers are a weird market sector. It’s not a terribly efficient industry, and the quality control is bogus. At these prices people are right to slam the brakes. But pinning such developments on single presidents shows a silly lack of awareness about how complicated market economies are. Grumble about Biden all you want but the industry is eating itself from the inside-out without much help from the federal government, thanks.
Just went used class a because the high prices & massive depreciation made it foolish to go new. More than a 50% discount with only 26k miles.
Thank you for the video!
The product does not match the asking prices. RVs are junk. I hate when people make excuses “if you buy an RV… you have to understand they are x, and have to go down the road, like an earthquake. Nope… my car does just fine going down the road and does not fall apart. Manufactures need to do better!
Brother, even though you hate the excuse it doesn't mean it's wrong. It bugs me to no end that people compare RVs to Cars. Nowhere even close to the same in terms of engineering, development cost, volume sold, dealer service availability. Other than have wheels, axles, lights, and going down the road, they are completely different. If RV manufacturers sold millions of RVs and spent billions on developing even a small change, they might be remotely close.
@@BigTruckBigRV I think they take away from my comment is, people are willing to pay for Quality if they will just make it. It’s not that it’s not possible.
So im sitting here listening to you talk right and im watching you drive and i keep seeing things i think i recognize, then it dawned on me. I know exactly where you are at (driving wise)lol.
My RV repair guy… there is a giant Luxe toyhauler in his lot just sitting there. The guy had them do 30k in upgrades and the guy is unreachable now to come get his rig, let alone pay. 😬
Not to mention, the current interest rate is not very attractive for a buyer. I have owned to Montanas, bought both used. I would never ever buy new.
MSRP 168K for what a few years ago was 64k lol
Good video, sometimes I agree and disagree and sometimes 50/50, but I still watch, for me on some subjects hearing all the facts from you and others I take the wait and see attitude. That works well on some subjects that’s brought up. Thanks.
The biggest threat to the RV industry will be governmental involvement if they do not address quality. The Federal Government WILL step in if they perceive that they can play a role -helpful or not. This will cause RV prices to skyrocket like nothing else. The RV industry should do what it can to keep the government out of its business but that would require making RVs with better quality and safer to be on the road.
It's all about the interest rate causing more people to wait
That’s where I’m at. You don’t know what you don’t know. My wife and I retired 2 years ago. We’ve started looking for an RV this year. But with all the dad press about cracked frames, frame flex, the poor quality of even high end units. I don’t want to spend a chunk of our retirement money only to regret it.
Are you able to go high end?
Even high end used are fantastic
We received $600 more than we paid as a trade-in on our 2019 Outdoors RV in early 2022. But we had to pay MSRP on our new one that we full time in.
After 46 years as a certified rv tech.
Last thing i wanted was chinese built campers.
Now i want chinese to kick the chit outa american rv builders
Everything has a plateau.
Vote TRUMP 2024.
Entire US economy is doing the same thing somehow ripping off customers thinking its not going to come back and kick them in the butt later. I would NEVER buy a new RV after watching the problems with the slap and ship strategy of this RV industry. I will stick with my 40 year old JAYCO that works fine
Hi
The state of the transportation is dictating the future of rving. Less vehicles capable of even towing an rv. Fuel is only to go up. EV'S right now are not ICE like tow capable, they may never be. In addition the price of trucks and rv's, I believe we ARE seeing the decline in the future.
?????
@jasonlarsen3515 not a bright future for the current state of rv manufacturing
😂😂😂 what? EVs may be the thing in California where all the libs live, but the rest of the country don't want them. Even car manufacturers are stopping production because they are losing money.
They keep trying to make more money each year off of worse and worse quality goods. Industry isn't a few big companies any more they are all owned by conglomerates that aren't even interested in the RV industry they are only interested in return on investment. It will continue to shrink and consolidate into fewer and fewer hands. The McRV's Era is upon us already.
If they don’t take care about there customers they should go under.
How about some more videos with the old Ford truck and your dad
We are witnessing the end of the rock-a-fella dollar. Peoples dollar on deck. The enormity of what is coming...
Heading to a dealership for another RV review? LOL
We have been shopping for a motorhome for many months. Finally put a deposit on one then went to drive it and inspect it. It was a Thor Vegas and was the most dangerous thing I have ever driven. Dealer said there was upgrades in aftermarket to make it much better. My research showed a additional investment of $5k plus install. Further research showed dealer had a horrible service reputation. Still trying to get my deposit back.
2nd attempt at another large dealership. Horrible reputation for service and support also discovered Jayco manufacturer not supporting dealers repair cost.
We have given up.
I believe our government has been bought off by industry Lobbyist and left the consumer holding a empty bag of promises.
My Number 1 pick is Tulsi Gabbard, #2. Tim Scott, #3 Vivek Ramaswamy #4 Ben Carson, #5 Kristi Noem
Nah, mine would be Captain Jack a**!
What dash cam do you have
Rv and auto prices were jaw dropping. The Rv life has been glamourized by content creators that do not show reality.
Do your self a favor hire a rv inspector
People have less disposable income, interest rates are high. Prices have risen by 30-30%, quality and customer service has dropped. The artificial Covid market has dropped.
Interest rates aren't "high". They are not even up to their long term average. And the US has amongst the lowest inflation in the OECD.
Where the hell are you?? 😂
south-east Texas coast area. I've driven the area too many times to count, and it's actually a pretty relaxing stretch. The cop car says Nueces County which is around the Port Aransas region. Driving through Taft or Refugio puts you on roads like this for countless miles in either direction - endless fields of crops (normally Sorghum which is most of what I'm seeing here), countless windmills and old, worn-out roads. Oh, and the occassional flipped car in a field out in the middle of nowhere 😂
@@StephenCarlockVOyep
Where in heaven are you asking from???😀
@@j.l.salayao8055 a place where the roads have curves and hills!
The quality is just not there and you need another questionable item, the truck to pull it.
Better off rent in an air b n b
Rv d have hideous quality marginal use and high prices. Do research before considering an rv purchase. No consumer protection like lemon laws. Rv manufacturers prey on those that can barely afford them. High interest with multi decade repayment for a vehicle that will last 1/4 the life of the loan
Joe Biden has jacked the RV prices and lot prices so high no want can afford it. Ill just stay home and watch travel vids to my favorite places in 4K.
that doggone joe biden
Joe Biden wrecked the country not just the Rv industry… well the puppet masters behind him
I agree and they won’t even post my comment agreeing lol
😂😂😂😂😂
@@bounderchrisI totally agree
A cyclical industry. AS EVs are more common, they will really redesign (cut the weight) of many RVs - spit, plastic, and composite.
The key problem word is 'buy'. Don't buy, make instead. Strip away the motive to get hosed by ripoff artists, and the world will turn.
According to LIZ AMAZING build quality plummeted after 2018 for new RVs. Just watch some of the horror stories on her channel...i AM NOT KIDDIING. So why wojld anyone pay premium price for FIAT quality. I have watched her channel...i truly feel genuine sympathy for some of those poor souls who have been screwed over.
Fuel prices are killing the industry, thats my thoughts.