@@flyhuntoh my gosh that’s the route I am thinking of taking! I was also wondering about the NuCamp Barefoot fiberglass trailer. At this point, however, my original idea of buying an older, but mechanically sound large SUV, and doing a no-build conversion might be the way I go-if I was able to travel more. I need room for my bikes, SUP & tennis equipment 😂😂
@@AnnetteLG Building something if you have the skills is nice. However, you will still use the same crappy RV components that factory built RVs do (air conditioners, furnaces, water heaters, refrigerators). Buy a house, rent an RV, stay sane.
@@flyhunt my reply actually states a “no-build” meaning there is no building of the SUV. It’s strictly layout based and campground/boondock ready based on the cargo space and cargo capacity of the SUV. It’s a quick setup and takedown process.
He is wrong about several things. I own a Delta 294rk. The doors are not MDF, they are wood. and the water pump requires flexible hoses. Maybe they should use a different connector but the water pump does not put out that much pressure. A 0/10 is unfair
We watch a number of RU-vid RV type channels but your channel is always a "Must Watch" when you post a new video! We are not even in the market for an RV now (we bought a 2019 flagstaff E-Pro 19BH about 1 1/2 years ago, which so far after about 17,000 miles has given us no major problem) but we find your videos so informative and helpful now, and will certainly help us going forward. Never knew anything about bad plumbing until we started watching your videos. Your channel will continue to grow rapidly, particularly with all of the junk RV manufacturers are pushing out now.
My wife and I for YEARS had dreams of retiring and RVing around the country (like a million others), BUT after watching your videos, we've decided to change to riding a skateboard, wearing backpacks, and helmets (of course)... or just watch others doing it in their videos and keep our hard earned cash under the mattress. Seriously, but for only a moment, before retiring some of my employees who love camping helped me prototype several lower to medium priced (NOT lower quality) RV trailer with a NO BULL 5 year warranty. The designs were for gear hauling models, not "live-in" style. We built them as bullet-proof as we could and for the next two years purposely took them out and beat the crap out of them to see what would fail when abused. (Boy did we have fun) We wanted to review construction methods, different materials, retail price points, industry standards (or lack of) and see what a company could build if they really wanted to build a solid trailer and what the true price difference would be. What we found was... the industry at large, purposely builds JUNK to maximize profits for their stockholders at the Customer's expense. Of course many of us already knew that, and that is why my wife and I will not buy an RV unless someone completely changes the approach and sticks to REALLY building quality.... which few, if any do. I will acknowledge OLIVER Trailers seem to do a good job from I hear though I have never been in one and looked around. Oh how I wish I was 20-25 year younger as I would love to start up and be the change the RV industry NEEDS. I'm not talking about building $85,000-$125,000 gear haulers either, it would be low-mid priced AFFORDABLE trailers, both live-in and gear haulers. Example being, low end JUNK uses thermo-foil counter tops as you have pointed out several times. Our "low-end" would be P/lam (Formica type) with ALL exposed edges/faces being seal coated to avoid water intrusion. Water leak... NO problem/damage other than the water leak itself. We made one that we could literally float across a creek/pond and not absorb moisture or sink!!! The monies to build were not used on fancy JUNK, but rather on quality materials and served multiple purposes.... think marine grade plywood instead of PB/chipboard/std. plywood. YES, marine ply certainly costs more, but does the customer want eye catchy, fancy JUNK mini-blinds or quality construction. THAT was our customer base target. Oh LOOK dear, they have shiny aluminum "diamond plate" rock guard on the front of the trailer.... that will be strong!!! NONSENSE that JUNK is paper thin, gives the illusion of protection and looks like CRAP two years down the road even if they never drive off road. We had much better ideas... Sorry to carry on... but I really hate seeing ignorant/lazy people get taken advantage of by Industries that full well know they are cheating the average working person!!! GGGRRRRRRRRRRRRRRrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
I love your response. I feel exactly the same way as you (minus the skateboard and backpack plan lol). I am about 5 months away from retirement and I really really want to buy an RV and take my wife and our dog on adventures. But after doing research for over 2plus years, I have become extremely disenchanted with the whole idea because the quality and service of so many manufacturers is sub par. Not sure yet what I will do in retirement, but RVing is becoming less and less likely. Sadly!!
Watch other people before giving up. He bashes almost every rv for bad plumbing. My grand design is 8 years old and never had a water leak, still has all factory appliances with no repairs. I changed one slide out motor when it was new, that’s the only time it has been in the shop.
@@RussArbuckleyeah n that was 8 years ago! Jacob is reviewing current years crap. Lucky u, yours was made before 💩 hit the wall in rv manufacturing. And if they made rv's properly Jacob wouldn't be bashing them for INCORRECT bad plumbing, like such a stupid thing to say! 🙄
This is supposed to be a "luxury" brand trailer. What a joke. My understanding of many newer RV brands is they were started by folks that left other existing RV brands. One would hope that these folks would break away from some of the normal BS of the RV industry. But it's virtually always just more of the same. Grand Design is a newer brand, but they're really showing their true colors now.
Jacob, I heard that the largest manufacture of gas absorption fridges is going to discontinue making them. Aren't we looking at 12volt and 120volt from here on out?
After purchasing our 2023 Grand Design imagine we noticed the quality is similar to the Delta quality... Thermofoil kitchen and bathroom sinks.... Plumbing seems ok... But when you compare the two They are very similar build quality.... We have lived in ours for a year now.
If we find a floor plan we can't live without, but the plumbing is not to code, is that something that the dealer can make right before you purchase it and drive it off the lot?
Well guys, you get what you pay for. I checked out a 22 and a 23. All access fifth wheel from alliance. And the simple truth is until you get to the paradigm it’s still just average. The very second I walked into a Delta, looked at it intently, I said NO WAY! Is you cannot tell the cheapness, you are kidding yourself. Jayce builds a better trailer!!! So thank you Jacob! You supported what I’ve been saying for four months. Alliance is not the best at anything, but when it comes to Delta, they’re fantastic at marketing!!!
I love your content and how you approach the topic. I also think it’s great you don’t accept sponsorships, so you can remain completely unbiased. What I don’t understand is why your subscriber numbers are not higher. Of all the RV content creators, I feel that you, and one other, are really the only, “give it to you straight”, channels. Keep up the good work, and check six often for the corporate goons.
Being from Indiana, I laugh at people who buy "huge piles of"crap rv's and then complain about them.. I love going to rv shows and start knocking on the outside walls, and then have people ask why I do that.. Then I show them inside a cabinet next to that wall! God Love'm..
Additionally--Surprised you did not mention the fact that the drawer boxes are simply stapled together. Very disappointed in the Delta line regarding quality. Unfortunate as we are looking for a travel trailer and Alliance seems like a decent company. Oh well--search goes on.
Some RV RU-vidrs tell people to not buy nothing new do too inflation quality problems. They suggest you to try to find something 2019 and older because quality control was better than.
Well shoot, I am in the market and Alliance Delta was on my shortlist after your review of the 5th wheel mainly because of plumbing and slide. Too bad they messed with a good thing on the plumbing and put in cheap cabinets and countertops. And the search continues.
No. I see new RVs all the time with hard PEX in and out of the pump. The code permits flex tubing to dampen vibrations, which is why RV manufactures should use the correct premade assembly and not their current hack-job connections
Love the channel but it’s also kind of depressing. Makes me not even want to buy a travel trailer, but that’s all I can tow. Any suggestions on brands or models that are worth buying?
Jacob, It would be great if you responded to Brinkley's request to communicate with you regarding your inaccurate review of their plumbing processes and products they use. According to Brinkley they have reached out and you are apparently dodging them, or at least that's the appearance. Please do the right thing and step up to the challenge and respond publicly. Your credibility depends on it.
Thanks for this comment. Several people have told me about these rumors Brinkley is spreading. I'm actually not dodging them, they are dodging me. I’m working on a video on how shady RV manufacturers are with RU-vidrs. Nothing Brinkley is saying is true and I actually have written record of all of my correspondence with one of their owners to prove it. I’ll link the video under this comment after I post it.
Guys, Alliance has responded to this on the FB group pages and Rigor and very wrong on a lot of these details. Rigor also will not respond to the Rv companies as both Alliance and Brinkley have attempted to contact him. He's just rying to sell his "courses".
Joe Mehl from Alliance and Micah Staley from Brinkley have both reached out to me. My response to both of them is that I don't do off the record phone calls with manufacturers, but they are welcome to email me any information they believe I'm missing. I will redact my videos if I've made inaccurate statements, or take a video down and publish a correction. I'm very open to being wrong about my assessments. The truth is these manufacturers do not want to put anything in writing which is why instead of emailing me as I've asked, they are spreading the narrative that I'm unwilling to talk. I have in fact been in communication with East to West and Keystone representatives. I'm not unwilling to talk, but they seem to be unwilling to say anything in a written record. And yes, selling courses is how I make money rather than any sponsorships. RU-vid ad revenue does not pay enough to feed my family, let alone a mortgage, and I'd rather not be peddling e-bikes :-) Thanks for watching.
@@undercoverrvtech Very smart! Get it in writing because big companies like these love to verbally bully, threaten, n try to intimidate. A verbal telephone call is here-say unless u got agreed upon taping. And then they'll still twist words out of context. (As they r apparently doing right now). So avoid is best, n communicate in writing is protection. These big corp lawyers expect everyone else to be stupid, glad you're not. You're educating rv buyers about what u see n know 👍🏼, I think it's awesome! And I love your dry humour lol🍻
Lance uses thermofoil- cheap countertops for an expensive RV!!!!! Roof is solid and no bubbles. Some dodgy plumbing connections Truma heaters work well but hot water supply is not so great Norcold not installed according to manufacturers instructions but once modified work well Parts are very difficult to get and customer service is non existent
Hate to hear all the negatives after just buying 262RB. We know the industry as a whole cuts a lot of corners but went with Alliance based on their sales pitch. So far we are generally very happy and love our new camper. I have noticed some things that have surprised me although minor in nature. The biggest let down if true is how cheap counter tops and the plumbing is. I guess only time will tell.
I must of lucked out ! I bought a 2020 Nash made by Northwood! Not one issue so far. We have been thinking of trading it in for an Alpine fifthwheel . Anyone have experience with Alpine/keystone
Sadly there are enough uninformed RV buyers out there that cutting corners pays. The manufacturer makes more money, and the RV only has to last through the warranty period. A sad situation to be sure. You would think that their reputation would mean something, but quality costs money. Educate yourself and vote with your pocketbook. If there was only small issues like the plumbing connected to the water pump, you could have the dealer agree to fix it before buying, but countertops.. probably not. they'll just find a sucker to buy it who doesn't complain.
I plan to make a video comparing several truck campers this summer. You can always check out my shopping course if you need a grade on an RV sooner, here is the link, undercoverrvshopper.com/mini-course/ Thanks for watching!
Thank you for all you do!! Fortunately, I am NOT in the market for another RV. The one I have, a 1995 Fleetwood Pace Arrow, has a few issues, but NONE like today's RVs. Thankfully!!
Delta was on my short list based on the reputation of their 5th wheels. Something felt off when I saw all of the fake wood grain in the photos instead of a modern decor. Now we know why. It's all laminate junk material. Delta has been scratched from my shopping list.
You can buy 2 or three trailers from other manufacturers for the price of an Airstream. There are definitely a quality product and the fit and finish is great, but they’re just not worth the money to me, even if they are more reliable and last longer.
Anyone checked into the balancing bead issues in the tires. Starting in 2024 Alliance who gets their tire and wheel packages from Lionshead tire and wheel has begin putting balancing beads inside the tires instead of balancing them correctly with lead weights. They are using the incorrect valve core and the balancing beads Inside the tire clog the valve core and hold it open causing the tires to go flat when you attempt to check or add air. The valve core requires a vent cover type valve core as the stock one will not work for this reason.
RVs are a blast. I had to fix so much stuff on my brand new Keystone Bullet when I bought it 4 years ago that it was almost perfect. Now that it’s 4 years old and endures a 3.5 magnitude earthquake every time I tow it, it’s started to show some major wear. I’d love to trade it in for a new one but what a waste of money.
I'd love to! I know the InTech RV's are very popular. I hope to film those this summer. In the meantime, you can check out my free RV shopping course and learn how I assess RVs. Here is the link, undercoverrvshopper.com/mini-course/ Thanks for watching!
Hi Jacob I watch all your videos and read all your emails. I enjoy doing my own RV maintenance as I don’t trust all RV techs and nor their standard of work. I have a Lance for touring and live full-time in a Brinkley. If I mention or quote anything you (and other utubers) mention on the Brinkley and Lance Facebook sites, I get immediately shouted down, insulted as a troll and the message is deleted. It’s very strange that ignorant people think that what the manufacturer says is the absolute true and can’t be questioned???? Thank you for your honest and thorough evaluations and fixes to common RV industry poor standards and practices - they are highly appreciated. Thank you very much and best regards
Thank you Ryan! I’m thinking about buying the course too. I love these honest reviews, Jacob! The RV industry needs to listen to you. I get angry about build quality too. We pay too much for rigs designed to fail.
Great video and great info I have a 2019 Grand Design imagine 2600rb that I have pretty much bulletproof as soon as it was delivered to me and fixed anything and everything that I thought could go wrong with it that being said I loved it but I also just now purchased the alliance Delta as well I am doing the same thing to that one thanks to your video I will be doing all of these upgrades to make it better
Not yet! But that brand is on my short list to review. Hopefully in the next couple of months I'll have some reviews out. In the meantime, you can check out my free RV Shopping course to help you asses it yourself if you are looking to buy soon. undercoverrvshopper.com/mini-course/ Thanks for watching!
Jacob, Alliance says in this "Owner Empowerment" video about plumbing that they use pex/pex everywhere EXCEPT the water pump. They say they use the flex on the water pump connection because the water pump vibrates and they didn't want a rigid connection there for that reason. Here is the video for your review. Brian.ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-n7OAS5K_kcE.html
Here is what Brinkley started using to connect their water pumps which would get a good score from me. RecPro RV Water Hose | 30 in. Braided PVC | Tool-Free Installation | Lead-Free a.co/d/9flh6PO Also, Alliance has been using this type of pre-made flex hose assembly on their 5th wheels, there was no reason to change to the problematic PEX flex and pinch clamp connection on Delta. It is the particular type of flex connection on PEX fittings that I see leaking a lot and have a problem with, not the idea of flex connection at the water pump. Thanks for watching!
When going down to a smaller trailer, they have to compete in both weight and price with other trailers in that market niche, so they need to make adjustments. Also, I think the reason he's dealt with more Coleman ACs is because they are simply more commonly used in RVs, so therefore it could just be a percentages thing. Also, how many times have my wife or I "accidently" placed a hot pan on a countertop in 30 plus years...never. Much less carpet cleaner. Water infiltration into counters ir cabinets is simply a maintenance issue. The flex hose comment I agree with... that is a fail. But overall, this review is a little bit of an overreaction.
Dometic AC's did dominate the market. Should ask him how many of those he's had to replace after only few months old? Anything that is failing after only in use for a few months old screams crappy. The fact that they fail so quickly when others are not, is a concern. And what? A mdf counter has water rolling off, gets under the countertop swells the counter is a maintenance issue? Lol....oh boy....
Jacob, I love watching you conduct reviews on different RV's but after a while I lose track of what's what. (it's an age thing I think) but let me ask you on question. If you were in the market for a travel trailer in the 20 to 26 foot range what would be your choice knowing what you know?
Oh, it is not just age, I have trouble keep track of everything and have to check my own database constantly. My answer to your question would vary based on how you intend to use it, your budget, and what features and quality level you are looking for. I do offer personal consulting if needed, or you can check out my Shopping Course which includes my grading app and database to help sort through RV's. I haven't reviewed one yet, but Northwood Nash trailers are promising as the 5th wheels I've seen from Northwoods had very limited and easy to fix bad plumbing. If you can live with no slides, my top recommendation would be Taylor Coach in Canada, but that is a several year wait if you order one....but it gets a perfect score in my system. Here is the video where I review one of their 17 foot trailers, ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Vm7Zeq6t9a0.html
So…what RV have you ever graded as an A? If you own a rv, what brand and model is it? Be curious to know what the guy with all the answers owns, or would purchase. Thank you for your time!
Lol, I get that question a lot and am planning to make a video soon about 4 A grade RV's I've reviewed. Bottom line is it is tricky because manufacturers are so all over the map in how they build that I have a hard time saying that any one brand is good. The best thing is to learn to understand what you are looking at which is why I made my RV shopping course. You can see what all the free and paid versions include here, undercoverrvshopper.com/mini-course/ I also just bought a 1999 Thor 4 Winds Chateau because it has no slide, good plumbing, low miles, and was a great deal. I'll probably make a video about this RV in the future explaining my shopping process. Thanks for watching!
I'd love to! I know the Jayfeather series is very popular. I hope to film that this summer. In the meantime you can check out my free RV shopping course and learn how I assess RVs. Here is the link, undercoverrvshopper.com/mini-course/ Thanks for watching!
Great video, this particular model had been at the top of my wish list for a while. About the cabinets - elsewhere you said “There are 6 different “levels” of quality in cabinets: 1) particle board, 2) painted MDF, 3) Vinyl-Wrapped MDF, 4) Lumbercore, 5) Plywood, 6) Real Wood “. Which one of those is the “thermofoil” cabinets you talk about here?
Thermofoil would be the countertops, these cabinet doors are vynil wrapped MDF and the cabinet frames are vynil wrapped lumber core. Thanks for watching!
I just purchased your app because I already put a deposit down on a 2024 Forest River Cherokee 19sm. I have been searching for a TT that will fit my family at a permanent campsite and this was the only one that worked perfectly for not only the site we have paid for, but also the number of people we have sleeping. . I am moving up from a KZ Spree RBT 16. As you can imagine a Hybrid camper doesn't work well as a seasonal. Unfortunately, there is no information online about this model. I will use the app on my phone but hopefully I can count on you to not get in trouble with this purchase.
Yes, I've not reviewed many hybrid campers. The app will walk you through looking at appliances, cabinet quality and plumbing. If you have questions about hybrid-specific things or have trouble grading it, just hit the report app issue button and fill out the form and I'll be in contact to help you with the process. Thanks for watching and buying the shopping course!
Hopefully this summer! If you are wanting a score in my system sooner, you can always check out my shopping course which will help you grade it yourself. Here is the link to see what is included in both the free and paid options, undercoverrvshopper.com/mini-course/ Thanks for watching!
It's really careless to say all plumbing is bad because a certain type of fitting or way is prone to fail. Like give me some real statistics on the failure rate. As someone who's worked in the construction industry for almost 20 years, I can ask 10 different plumbers how to do something correctly and get 10 different responses. Plus each one will swear the other 9 are dead wrong.
This is not an issue I've investigated much nor had any experience dealing with as I live and work 8 hours away from mountains, so I don't see altitude issues. From what I understand, yes that could be a problem. I've heard reports that a furnace will work fine with a bug screen on at low altitude, but at high altitude it creates just enough airflow restriction that the furnace will only work with the screen off. Tankless water heaters all seem to have a more restrictive exhaust screen built into the vent, so it would not at all surprise me if they shut down at high altitudes. If people on forums are reporting issues, I would believe them.
Hey Jacob.... I LOVE your videos. I have found them to be VERY informative. THANK YOU for all your effort in helping us become better customers!!! Just because I have "issues" about spelling, your pop up at 5:39 with the word "intrested" is.... well interesting. Also, a big THANK YOU Ryan for helping as well. With all the CRAP RVs that has been, and still being built here in America it's REALLY important for people to find/watch your videos. Again, thank you/Ryan for the education. PLEASE keep them coming as I'm sure there is a LOT more we can learn! Have a GREAT WEEK, Hersch... oops, that should be Hursh, grrrr, I mean Hirsh, NO that's wrong two/to/2.... HERSH.... finally I splet my name wright!!!
What would be a good way to check if you winterized properly and no water lines are cracked without filling the FW tank with water and running the pump? Can you use an air compressor and listen for noises once the system pressurizes at 40 PSI?
You can't really listen for small leaks. A large leak will result in not being able to pressurize the system. When I inspect an RV I have a test rig with a pressure gauge that holds the inlet check valve open so I call fill with air and watch to see if the pressure drops. Unfortunately, there is not a pre-made test rig like this, you have to buy a special adapter then build it yourself. The only alternative would be a water pressure regulator with a gauge and a blow-out plug screwed into it. Because that does not hold the inlet check valve open it will not give you accurate readings, but if the system pressure drops a lot you would see it on the gauge. amzn.to/3V8W3Mm amzn.to/3QQOdUP
All the problems all over youtube with GD campers and unless you start a youtube channel and become a problem to the company is the only way you can get help and you are still looking at buying one. You are hardcore sir.
