High Volume RV Manufacturer Interview!

Upgrading the suspension is on the top of my wish list. I have learned over the years that safety comes first. Get rid of the oven and microwave and replace them with a convection microwave. An articulating would be nice. Finally, make porcelain toilets a standard.

I really appreciated your discussion on upgraded suspension in your interview - I think this needs to be STANDARD on all RV's. I feel like an upgraded suspension protects the RV over the long-haul. (Less shock and wear to the structure when traveling, etc.) Enjoyed the info on your BAL frame! Big YES to adding an independent suspension!!! That's an upgrade I'd easily pay for. VAC system - not really a big deal for me. Dishwasher add? I'd say no. Windows - I'd love to see double-pane standard. I really enjoyed this interview! Thanks to Mike - it's so nice to meet the people behind the RVs. My wife and I are looking to upgrade our travel trailer, and I'm adding Catalina to our list of units to check out.

I believe that most people would pay more if they could be assured that the frame and suspension were solidly built. Wonder why more manufacturers don’t use this frame? Could it be they aren’t time tested on bigger units?

Yes! I would pay for the suspension upgrades up front rather than paying later for it

We've owned numerous RV's over the last 45+ years. We just upgraded to a higher end trailer than the previous. The prior was about mid-level but we paid considerably more to get a much better quality constructed one. After the first year I'd say it was well worth it. A lot less things going "wrong" & much more solid going down the road. At the cost of these now, a few thousand more is minor to the problems you can have when out on the road.

We bought a new 22 Forest River RV. We have had it for 1.5 years and It spends most of the time in the shop if and when we can find someone to work on it. It started falling apart the next day after we got it. then it caught fire twice and maybe a third, but we can't be sure. If I ever get rid of this piece of junk, I'll never own another Forest River product. It's been in the shop all Spring and summer while we are paying for it and can't use it. And their service people are no help at all. I have been told by most repair shops that is a hazard because of the fires and that is the reason most didn't want to work on it. I was told I should have let it burn or try and have it totaled. I don't believe anything the man in the white shirt say's.

It’s nice to see that the manufacturing facilities want to hear from the consumer on what they want so that they know what to build.

What I would like to see is a travel trailer better built than one with more options (dishwasher porcelain toilet etc.) that will make the unit more expensive. I want to see them stand the test of time and do what they are meant to do well. They need tires and suspension for more then just a 30 min drive and parking it for the season, better roofing systems that aren’t on there way out after 10 years, cabinets that don’t fall apart, real countertops not something that melts or peels, a bumper you can put a bike rack on and not fall off. We shouldn’t as consumers have to diy upgrade everything to make it safe and reliable just to travel with our “travel” trailer. Thanks JD for trying to make a difference!

This was a great interview, JD! As for additional content, I would say standard upgraded suspension for all models and offer independent suspension as an option. Dual pane windows, Vacuum system, additional solar upgrade, and maybe offer a dishwasher as options. The dishwasher might be nice for larger families.

Looking over the main points: Counter space; 2 burner cook top is a good option with an added convection micro wave. Dishwasher would not be an option I would personally use, paper plates and plastic knives, forks, and spoons for me. Storage space inside for clothes, bedding, and cabinets in the kitchen area are my main hitters even more so in a bunkhouse model. Porcelain toilet, med cabinet, and nice sized shower in the bathroom. A small shelf unit to store towels in/on would be nice as well. Storage bay size is key, large door openings to get say griddle in (22” size for reference) width wise, height; as tall as possible for the bulky items. Length would be nice to be able to fit a bag camp chair in. Suspension is key, I would be willing to pay more for a stronger and better suspension system. Adhesive is definitely a great upgrade and does add strength and durability. Following the building of a house mentality. Plumbing seems to be a hot topic as leaks, etc. Not my area of expertise but I would definitely look into how the connections are made in a residential house and do the same in a RV based on the per plumbing as it does allow flexibility which a RV needs. Windows: Does the extra cost make sense? Do they factually make that big of a difference? I cannot answer that. I will say tinted windows hands down. Central Vac; Not a fit for me. Takes away storage space vs just doing a linoleum floor threw out, carpet only in the main bedroom. Easier to keep clean and better in high traffic areas. The longer the awning the better. I go camping to be outside; rain or shine. Time outside is what I feel most people go camping for, rain happens so being able to be outside and dry under an awning makes sense. Auto level hands down would be great. Solid top counters are something I would like to see. I would add that my wife works for a very high end yacht builder, she makes the wire harnesses for the yachts. Definitely something I see as an advantage that could easily be incorporated into the RV industry. Easier for the production floor to install as well as less waste in the long hall. All the connectors are installed, color coded, and bundled. Yes, it would take time and an investment but it has loads of potential. Start small and build on it. Continuing to improve as time goes forward. Great video JD.

Independent suspension should be the industry standard. Axleless suspension and articulating hitch should be available options. HUGE attention needs to be paid to weight distribution in the layout design, especially the potential customer-added weight in storage compartments. Some semi trailers have axles that can be repositioned to adjust for the weight distribution of each load.🤔

The ultimate structure test on any of these trailers is the excavator test. If you can take an excavator and extend the bucket out full reach and lower the bucket and dig the teeth into the roof bearing full weight without collapsing, it’s a pass. Test #2 is to retract the bucket toward the machine thus dragging the coach sideways. The tires will blow but there shouldn’t be any deflection or failure in the structure or frame. A Jayco 5th wheel passed these tests at an RV show in Tampa FL back in the late 90’s. That event inspired me to buy a Jayco 5th wheel.

JD, thank you and Catalina for sharing this video at the Catalina assembly plant. It was very interesting and informative. I hope you someday do an extensive tour in the factory following a complete build like you have done on other brands. I really love the fact they use 2x6 framing around the slide box. I would rather pay a little more for a QUALITY BUILT rig once. They make some beautiful pull behinds. Here again, QUALITY IS LONG REMEMBERED AFTER THE PRICE HAS BEEN FORGOTTEN. Safe travels to you and your family

I just bought my 2024 Coachmen Catalina Legacy 263BHSCK. I love it so far although one problem i have is the floor creeks down the center by the floor vents. and during high humidity camping with the ac on condensation is a big problem under the bathroom sink and on the ceiling near all the vents and ac unit. basicly thats the only things i found concerning and i can deal with them myself. Overall i have been happy with the Catalina. mine came with the B.A.L. auto leveling system and its amazing. press a button and walk away and boom it is level. as far as upgraded items like suspension and stuff. i would say my preference is I can always ask dealer to install upon buying rv if i want those features and im happy with that . although the auto leveling upgrade was the best thing mine came with that wasn't base model i think it was a free upgrade that coachman installed in 2024. thank you for your awesome videos. i watch all the time

Forest River should hire trained quality control staff…..

They know what they need to do to stop building junk. But many manufacturers will continue to pinch every penny they can which screws the customer. They know customers would prefer double paned insulated windows. They know customers would prefer greasesble wet bolts. etc, etc,etc.

Great video. You both did a great job in forming us. I would like to see higher wattage levels of solar, more battery storage, and larger inverters. Larger kitchen counter space. I think a savings could be to remove the outdoor speakers. We never used ours. We carried a small Bluetooth speaker. Auto leveling should be standard. I also like double pane windows. I don't have one, but a shower that recycles the cold water until it gets hot is a great idea. I hated wasting our water waiting for the hot to reach the shower head.

Hey JD I hope the RV manufacturing Community learned their lesson during covid when there was a high demand for RVs in the build quality went down there was horror stories of consumers complaining about RVs falling apart. It just was an isolated to one manufacturer it was across the board I hope they learned their lessons people will pay more money for a Better Built RV that will last longer

JD do have any videos of what to look for when and check for when buying a used 5th wheel? Thanks.

I would like to see the manufacturers build more patio on a regular 5th wheel in the near future.