Rating Charts

Our guides are not model specific where we purchased individual RV models and ran them through a grueling testing period and then make our recommendations. Instead I wanted to rate individual RV manufacturers and put forth a rating based on overall performance in the areas of; quality of construction, customer's satisfaction, dealer ratings and resale value. Many considering an RV are overwhelmed with all the choices and models being offered today. Our comparison guides will help you learn who's who in the industry and how RV companies compare to one another. I do list best selling models based on interviews but my main focus is to concentrate on RV manufacturers. I believe understanding how RV manufacturers compare to each other is the first step in deciding which models to consider.

Sample Rating Chart for Fifth Wheels:

R Class Type Manufacturer Popular Model SC Price Range C CS DR RV Points Rating 1 P FW Company A Royal FW 110K-40K 24 24 24 24 96 10 2 P FW FW 92K-39K 23 23 22 23 91 9 3 P FW FW 38K-16K 18 20 19 18 75 7 4 P FW TT 48K-20K 18 19 18 17 72 6.5 1 AA FW Company B Elite Series FW 60K-25K 23 23 23 22 91 9 2 AA FW TT 60K-20K 22 21 22 21 86 8.5 3 AA FW FW 80K-33K 20 18 19 19 76 7 4 AA FW TT 54K-20K 15 16 17 16 64 5 1 E FW Company C Prairie Schooner TT 53K-30K 21 22 22 22 87 8.5 2 E FW FW 26K-14K 19 20 19 19 77 8 3 E FW AG 72K-20K 20 20 19 20 79 7 4 E FW TT 45K-24K 15 16 16 17 64 5

Rating Chart Definitions Below

(R) = Ranking: The first category at top of the chart is, (R). Each manufacturer will be placed according to total points received within each classification. Regarding class please see description below.

Class: The second category is called, Class. This category is broken up into three
separate parts:

Most buyers have a budget or set amount they are willing to pay for a particular product based on perceived value. An RV buyer will typically fall into one of the three categories listed above. Whether you’re an upper-end, mid-range or an entry-level buyer these guides will help you focus on companies that meet your expectations and comfort level.

In the example above Company A is number one in the Premium category. Company B and C are also in the number one position based on their classification. It would not be fair to compare Company A to Company C because both are appealing to different types of buyers with construction differences and prices.

(P) = Premium: Denotes that the product is well-appointed, offers excellent performance and utilizes quality materials. This type of product is priced accordingly and is considered top of the line or the best of the best. Companies that fall into the premium category are appealing to upper-end buyers with quality and style being the most important.

(AA) = Above Average: Denotes that the product offers many popular features, performs well and uses quality materials at a price below the top of the line products. Companies that fall into the above average category are appealing to mid-range buyers, price and quality both playing an important role.

(E) = Economy: Denotes that the product offers satisfactory performance with basic features only, at an affordable price for those on a tight budget. Companies that fall into the economy category are appealing to entry-level buyers, price being the biggest factor.

Type: The third category called, Type, refers to a specific type of RV being featured:

Manufacturer: This is the particular RV company, which manufactures the product being rated.

Popular Model: The most popular model category is only intended to give my readers some insight into the company’s best selling model for the last six months. This does not mean that this is the only model you should focus on but serves as a reference point. Most manufacturers offer a wide range of models within a category so be sure to look at a number of models before making your decision.

(SC) = Strongest Category: The sixth category called, Strongest Category, typically refers to the classification of product the company delivered in a twelve month period. This could mean the company sold the most units of that particular classification last year or the company believes they specialize or focus more on that particular classification. For example, a company may manufacture a number of types of products but lists: FW, (fifth wheel) as their strongest category based on sales volume or quality of construction. Some companies will receive a high rating in a particular category but may not list that particular category as their strongest category. This only serves as a quick reference point and does not mean that any other product the company offers is inferior.

Price Range: The seventh category listed in the rating chart is called Price Range. In this category I try to give my readers a quick overview of prices being offered by a company in that particular category. Once again a company may offer a wide range of products from upper-end to entry-level in that category (ex: TT or FW). These prices should be close but manufacturers have the right to increase prices at their discretion so if I am off a bit that is why.

Rating parameters

Categories 8, 9, 10 and 11 of the rating chart comprise the ratings for each manufacturer. While there are many different approaches or criteria I could use to rate each company, I decided to focus on:

Within each category a manufacturer receives a rating based on our research and data collected. Each category C, CS, DR and RV has a possible 25 points, a 100 being a perfect score.

(C) = Construction: Most, if not all, RV buyers are concerned with the construction of the unit being considered. Category 8, construction, is an important factor in the overall rating of each manufacturer. To learn more about how I arrived at my conclusions regarding construction, please see Chapter 4, (Construction Methods & Techniques).

(CS) = Customer Satisfaction: We spoke with many RV owners and listened to what they had to say. Their experience and insight was especially helpful regarding the area of customer satisfaction. We have spent hundreds of hours speaking with different individuals both in and outside of the industry. We have read numerous books and articles pertaining to the industry as well. We have also read a number of studies that have been conducted by universities and other non profit organizations, which have been helpful. Chapter 5 goes into more detail about how I arrived at my conclusions regarding customer satisfaction.

(DR) = Dealer Rating: In category 10, dealer rating, many different RV dealers and salespeople were interviewed to arrive at my conclusions. Both perspectives are important and help paint a broad overview of the industry and how RV dealers view the different manufacturers. We did not stop there; other important groups we spoke with were the different organizations like RVDA, (Recreation Vehicle Dealer Association) or RVIA, (Recreation Vehicle Industry Association) who work in conjunction with the industry. Their thoughts and comments also helped bring into focus the way I was going to approach this topic. Please refer to Chapter 6, (Dealer Ratings), which goes into more detail about this subject.

(RV) = Resale Value: Many we spoke with were concerned about Resale Value which is the final category. Chapter 7 takes a more in-depth look at this topic and how I arrived at my conclusions.

Total Points: All four categories, 8, 9, 10 and 11 are totaled to determine ranking and position within each classification.

Rating: I decided to use a point system for rating individual RV manufacturers.