*CRAAAAAAAP!!!I* major mix up on my end with some names EARTH *ROAMER* is still producing EARTH *CRUISER* has closed its doors after 16 years So so sorry about that. The similar names tripped me up

@bjdickson1

2 ай бұрын

Hey Josh.. Mistakes happen. But that's a MAJOR foopah, especially since your thumbnail highlights a photo of said RV. Since the nerd herd is so large and most are not going to go to the comments, you may want to consider popping out a short video correction. I'm sure Earth Roamer would appreciate the effort.

@LeeMcc_KI5YPR

2 ай бұрын

I saw the correction video and wondered wassup!!!

@loudandclearmedia

2 ай бұрын

You might want to consider pulling this video and at least editing an "*EARTH CRUISER, NOT EARTH ROAMER" graphic over the audible mentions of the brand. I know that stings...as a fellow creator I completely get how much work a video like this takes, but it's still new. Do it now.

@Firetrain4547

2 ай бұрын

I was about to have a few words since I know for a fact EarthRoamer hasn't closed. Please pull this video and reedit the incorrect information

@ptoneil

2 ай бұрын

You should pull this video and redo that section. Why do damage to Earthroamer because your research wasn’t accurate?

If RVs were subject to a Lemon Law rules like automobiles, it'd be a win for consumers.

@sirflingspoo

Ай бұрын

They are, and some states have a double or triple buy back law.

I don't think people should be charged extra for quality! Quality should have already been there!

@spitfire155k2

2 ай бұрын

I believe you’re right to a certain extent at least regarding ‘expectations’ of a level of quality. For instance you can’t expect to have Infinity quality in a base Nissan Sentra, right? However you should expect a level of quality where say the motor should be trouble free for many, many years. This brings to mind the whole Lippert thing! 😂😂😂

@willmckinsey9958

2 ай бұрын

Quality used to be job 1 at Ford. Now it's around job 21, 436

@tonyc7420

2 ай бұрын

Exactly!

@mycharmedunicorn8715

2 ай бұрын

There evidently is NO pride in workmanship anymore

@douglascounts4634

2 ай бұрын

@@mycharmedunicorn8715 "NO pride in workmanship"

It's great that RV manufacturers may increase the warranty coverage.....BUT.....the problem of getting issues fixed properly and in a timely manner is still the MAJOR PROBLEM!!!!

Doesn’t really matter how long they offer a warranty. They’re not honoring the ones they have in place now. At least not without an attorney. IMO it’s just smoke and mirrors in hopes consumers will be glazed over.

I recently spend a couple thousand dollars with an independent repair shop for a list of repairs that may have been under warranty. Why? Because the dealer network is awful and the time to repair is extreme, especially WHEN a warranty is involved. Out of warranty, shops are motivated to get you in and out quickly. So a warranty is nice for such things as severe structural problems, but until the repair network resembles a car dealership, with repairs taking days or a couple weeks, rather than months, getting a car length warranty won't mean much. I would also prefer to see manufacturer warranties handle EVERYTHING before they increase length. For example, I want Keystone to handle my Lippert frame issues and my Furrion refrigerator issues, not a referral to Lippert or Furrion for warranty work. So a longer warranty has limited value until the repair network is upgraded. On the plus side, a longer warranty would have to improve quality, since it's well known manufacturers are putting out substandard work known to fail right out of the short warranty period (plumbing, for example).

@stevemurray2737

2 ай бұрын

This is the way. Anything Structural. Keep the Warrant as long as you can. Remember, the Manufacturers pick the low bid for Construction Purposes. After your New Purchase Inspection, if a Purchase comes to fruition. Toddle over to a well regarded RV Repair facility for a full. Inspection. Then go on Vacation.

@AREyouAFRAIDofTHEdark1

2 ай бұрын

Perfectly stated. We couldn’t even get our 2021 Forest River Alpha Wolf 30RDBH in for several warranty items due to time constraints. It left us to just fix the issues ourselves. The warranty was useless. The one issue I was having was with the backup camera not working and later having been discontinued… probably because it sucked. Forest River told me to contact Lippert. Lippert basically told me the app was the problem and to wait for an update…. Here I am a few years later, still with a broken camera.

@sebastiant5695

2 ай бұрын

This is unfortunately the answer. There is no point of a longer warranty if you are not able to access it. One of the reasons I buy used - out of warranty - I know when something breaks I am on the hook - but I can fix it right away. No waiting, and usually overall much cheaper then new + lost lifetime at the dealer waiting for warranty claims.

@jj-dl5wd

2 ай бұрын

+1 Warranty is virtually worthless unless it is something major. This is due to the time it takes, lack of empathy from service departments, and liability disclaimers while it is sitting for months abandoned on a back lot. Would prefer a rebate/refund process.

There needs to be a Federal Lemon Law on all RV's and trailers. And, I would go even further. If you are in your 1st year of the warranty, then any shop time gets added to the initial warranty. There are too many horror stories about folks' RV's sitting in a shop for up to 6 months during their 1st year of ownership.

@JoshtheRVNerd

2 ай бұрын

Auto industry has policies for things like that. Not sure what marine has..

@douglascounts4634

2 ай бұрын

"Federal Lemon Law on all RV's and trailers"

being real is the reason you are the only RV channel i am subbed to.

@JoshtheRVNerd

2 ай бұрын

Wow ty

In answer to your question of "would you be willing to pay more for more quality?" I think the prices already reflect what should be a higher quality than what they are putting out. Who can afford what is essentially a second mortgage for something that will only get used a couple weeks a year?

Josh: I worked for a dealership for over two years in Tennessee. The industry is crowded with car dealership mentality. Unfortunately, the used car mentality. Better customer service is greatly needed. Ripoff and Duplicate is a VERY accurate.

@JoshtheRVNerd

2 ай бұрын

You’re not wrong

Josh, I still can’t believe your honesty, every time I hear you speak the truth, I’m impressed. Keep doing what you do. Thanks

@JoshtheRVNerd

2 ай бұрын

Man I try!

We need to get campground prices back in line, they are WAY too high. Thank you Josh for your news!!

They should build them so that we don't have to worry about a warranty

@karpo63

Ай бұрын

That’s right! And if they did the manufactures would not have to worry about the warranty either both side would win.

@anthonyreguero3328

Ай бұрын

They do. Newall. 2.6 million. Prevost 2.5 million. All others need service

72 yr.old BOOMER here. Most of us can't stand all the White, Gray, Modern, Depressing Interiors ! We were Raised with Warm, Cozy, Comfy, Over-stuffed Furniture with lots of Warm Wood Cabinets. Floor plans are fine, but Need MORE Counter-Space on both sides of the Range Top, other than just 6" to lay a Spoon down. Prefer to Look straight ahead at TV, our Necks don't Turn so good anymore. We also like windows in the Bathroom (Toilet). That's about it. Thanks for Asking. 😊

@JoshtheRVNerd

2 ай бұрын

Great input! Thank you

@time4dirt

2 ай бұрын

Totally agree with colors.

@wandadruhan9935

2 ай бұрын

I love the new colors. I guess the 20+ year age difference may be the reason or the fact that I don’t like brown.

@TonyYarusso

2 ай бұрын

37-year-old Millennial here who agrees with you. Wood furniture and cabinetry should NEVER be painted. It should be varnished or stained to bring out the natural grain, never covered up with a flat color.

@TheDesertdawg1

2 ай бұрын

Our 24 pinnacle is white/grey. Yeah it’s pretty but I’m 60 and wanted wood. Oh well. Look at the 32rlts for counter space. We love it.

Hey Josh. Longer videos are probably not the answer. I think most of us would watch a second video. Really appreciate what you do.

@JoshtheRVNerd

2 ай бұрын

Thank you!

@williampeacy5217

2 ай бұрын

Longer videos may not work (short attention spans). If you find you are making longer videos, break them up. You edit and make them into a bunch of smaller videos. You won’t necessarily need more time to shoot it, just maybe a tad more edit time. It will make it easier to search for a particular topic as well.

@donchaput8278

2 ай бұрын

Agreed. Just put out more vids. I think it works better for your channel metrics as well with more videos that are shorter.

@drvngstorm05

2 ай бұрын

If you do shorter videos; especially part 1,2 etc. PLEASE provide links to the subsequent parts. One of the most frustrating things on KZread is having to search around to find the second/third part of a video that was published a long time ago. Your viewers in the future will be very appreciative.

@GrillMarksBud-S-n-P

2 ай бұрын

Longer videos are fine.

The extended Grand Design warranty is light years better than their initial "It's not our problem" response to the frame flex issue👍

@lilricky2515

2 ай бұрын

But what needs to be addressed is the need for this extended warranty that GD is still being silent about.

Josh, as a Canadian I appreciate you adding in our Cdn stats. We have very few manufacturers here and mostly niche stuff so almost everything we buy is from America. Therfore our stats do impact the American manufacturing process. And we all love you guys up here ❤

@JoshtheRVNerd

2 ай бұрын

Moreso than I think people realize domestically

@coryallison8087

2 ай бұрын

British Columbian here. I want to second this message. Thanks Josh for touching on the Canadian market and thanks Mike for speaking up.

@christinecowen7677

2 ай бұрын

Ontario here! Yup thanks for the Canuck snippet! ❤

@joeyfmd

2 ай бұрын

My LTV Canadian made Unity with world sourced components. I love it. No really big issues. Love the Canadian made product.

@twiggywebber8817

2 ай бұрын

East Coast Nova Scotia here long time subscriber keep it up

With interest rates influencing purchasing, get cash buyers off couch by offering cash discounts.

I would like to see videos on manufacturers doing right by their customers. Kinda like a report card. Motorhome, 5th wheels, pull behinds, pop-up. Quality of there products. Thank you for all your great videos.

@JoshtheRVNerd

2 ай бұрын

Something I am working toward is the release of warranty data. I really want to just plop that out publicly and let people see what's what

If you put these types of videos out every week, instead of every month, I would definitely watch them. However, I personally LOVE your content BECAUSE you’re so detailed about the information you’re providing, instead of putting out rushed 15 minute videos. I love the lengthy explanations, because I want to be as well informed as I can possibly be, since it seems it’s the customers against dealers and manufacturers. Lemon laws, and/ or some kind of oversight, needs to be implemented in the RV world. For example, what Camping World has been doing to their customers is nothing short of criminal, and should be held accountable, and even charged if necessary. Anywho, keep these videos coming, you are highly trusted and appreciated in my household. Thanks Josh for all the hard work you do, to give us the most accurate and reliable rv information necessary. 😊😊

@JoshtheRVNerd

26 күн бұрын

Ty! We are working on bringing on an editor for me which will help me free time to do more things like this

I don’t mind longer videos. I think it’s more organized to have all information in one place. It’s easy to pause and come back to it later rather than looking for part 2, part 3, etc., addition. All information is so helpful and much appreciated.

@JoshtheRVNerd

Ай бұрын

Good to know! Ty

Man asking an rv dealer to send photos is awesome if they want to make a sale. I was looking at a palomino model 25bhsc on an rv dealer website and asked for specific pictures because I was 3 hours away. Never heard anything after they said they would so I bought another brand locally. Not my first choice but the local dealer was more helpful

@JoshtheRVNerd

2 ай бұрын

It’s a great test to see if they will actually be willing to assist you

@Erin-Thor

2 ай бұрын

I like to remember something a company I worked for posted on a wall about “Top 5 Reasons Customers switch from one business to another.” 1. An attitude of indifference on behalf of an employee. 2. Rudeness “” 3. Impersonal touch, communication by website, text and email only. Etc. The point was all business, every department, even internet company departments that don’t deal with customers (their customer is say another department within the company), personal touch MATTERS! Phone and in-person face to face contact matters.

I would like to see more travel trailers with washer dryer combo hookups.

I think the number 1 thing people complain about when it comes to RVs is build quality and reliability issues. Expanding warranties to 3 year everything and 5 years on frame/slides/structural (all transferable) would be a help. Although the thing that would help the most is if manufacturers would put more emphasis on quality control in the first place.

Thanks for including us Canadians Josh! I guess some of your viewers dont understand or appreciate us buying USA made RVs and contributing to their economy!

@JoshtheRVNerd

2 ай бұрын

I don’t think a lot of folks realize how many us-based RVs sell into Canada

@spitfire155k2

2 ай бұрын

American here & I want to say that I appreciate Canadians purchasing US manufactured RV’s. Also I’ve never met a Canadian I disliked! Love my Canadian neighbors! 😊👍🏻

@janehargis9301

2 ай бұрын

And you Canadians make some awesome units as well! As soon as my family unit goes from 3 to 2 people I’m headed up to get a Leisure Travel Van. They’re not the only high quality RV we’re enjoying in the lower 48 either!

@briandonald

2 ай бұрын

I’m from Detroit and we love our neighbors from across the river. 👍🏾

We started with a pop up in 1987. And have owned a couple. Miss them because we can’t go where we used to because our 32 foot just won’t survive the trails to the most secluded areas but we love the convenience of the trailer too. Seems like we either put pop up up in the rain or took it down in the rain and then had to raise it up again at home to dry out

We love your videos. I would love videos to be about 30 minutes “ish” where I can take a break from what I’m doing, watch it, than get back to doing my stuff. Than I can catch the 2nd video a few days later. We don’t always have time for a real long video, but we absolutely LOVE your truths and opinions and than take it from there. We have been watching you for years and even saw you at the Coldwater store just before Bishs bought you. You were kind enough to chat with us while we were talking with our sales guy. I agree with the cancellation policy as far as making people be held accountable. They should be charged a fee if canceling within a certain time frame. I don’t think giving them option to come later will solve the last minute cancellations. As far as the demographic goes, the more money they make, the few hundred dollars they are losing by not showing up isn’t important to them. My guy and I make over 200,000 per year but I’m still not letting someone keep my money 😂😂 I work hard for my money so I want ALL of it. lol.

@JoshtheRVNerd

2 ай бұрын

Yeah I had a similar thought on the cancellation trend

I wouldn't mind twice-a-month industry reports like this. These are enlightening. Thx! ❤

@JoshtheRVNerd

2 ай бұрын

Awesome Ty

Grand Design finally responded and, imho, more emphatically than they had to. They’ve changed the game and upped the standards, if you will. I’m guessing they’re also making changes to their frames. I can’t think of a better way they could’ve handled this. Good for them.

@JoshtheRVNerd

2 ай бұрын

Time will tell. I hope you’re right!

@elycejennings2090

2 ай бұрын

I believe Grand Design has already increased frame warranty to 5 years.

@sssophiesmom

2 ай бұрын

Improving the components is key to not needing as much warranty work. Better for customer better for mfgr

Thank you for the truck camper stats. I know we all appreciate it. Thank you for continuing to be you in every way. The videos can be long. But with your list at the beginning and chapters for topics. You are keeping it like a old school magazine. Some people only go to chapters that apply others read it all for full knowledge. You my friend do it a little different in that...... you make it all seem like fun. I don't want to miss the flashes of "Squirrell!" Or "Dad Joke".

@JoshtheRVNerd

2 ай бұрын

Thanks 👍 Never thought about a magazine but yeah.. that’s what I used to do - skip to the -centerfold- interesting articles

Isn’t it reality if you finance an RV for longer than five years, most likely you’ll be upside down? Pay at least 50% down either way you lose. Build them better to hold value!

@JoshtheRVNerd

2 ай бұрын

Not trying to be difficult- you’re never MAKING money in the thing in any traditional market situation

Depends what the news is, Nerd. I think a 20 min. Vignette works best. Every two weeks would work nicely.

@JoshtheRVNerd

2 ай бұрын

Ty. I’ll see what I can manage

Better warranties are useless if you can't get the repair done in a timely manner. And, the manufacturers need to worry more about the quality of their products. On the flip side, entry level RVs are going to be more costly if they start making them without a bunch of crap in them. Thanks for the info.

I think you can always do more videos and we will watch them. Thanks for keeping us up to date on RV news all the time.

@JoshtheRVNerd

2 ай бұрын

Awesome Ty

I really enjoy your videos on the RV industry. You are very honest in what you tell people. You are the reason my wife and I drove from NY to Omaha NE to by our new RV from Bish's. Great service and very knowledgable people. keep up the great work.

Watch out for 3rd party reservation companies. You'll find a "Ticketmaster" situation where there's no other way to book, and a 35% price increase for assorted fees. California's new policy seems reasonable. Airlines used to have free reservations--and if you called to cancel, they even said thank you. Today? Too many no-shows, so airlines and hotels charge you for ghosting them and burning their inventory. Can't blame them, as long as they stay reasonable.

@TonyYarusso

2 ай бұрын

I know for many state park systems reselling a reservation is illegal. Private campgrounds should add similar language to their contracts to prevent that.

At 70 years old the wife and I want a motorized RV. Being loosely familiar with RV use (lived in one for 8 months early 2000, full hookups) we don’t want to dish out the prices for a new one. The used market I follow various online dealers who flip Classic B vans (wide body preferred). That market has fast moving products, once a unit is put up one would need to immediately put a down payment for a chance. Your videos are informative, interesting and fun. 50 minutes was fine as long as content and presentation keep the interest. “Different strokes for different folks” applies. So 10 minute quick updates, longer as necessary for the current type content. However, not 50 minutes 😁 Thanks for your openness regarding RV industry.👍🏻

@JoshtheRVNerd

2 ай бұрын

Awesome Ty so much!

Please give us All that you have new each month no matter how long the vid gets!! Love your openness & honesty👍 From one Nerd to Another

@JoshtheRVNerd

2 ай бұрын

Roger that. TY!

The power of social media showing how an RV manufacture and lot of times a Dealer will turn their backs on customer who just bought a brand new RV. I have been watching Liz Amazing YT channel some of the stories on her channel are sickening. People who spent 100's of thousands of dollars on a new RV the dealer wouldn't even return their calls. I completely changed my mind about buying a new RV from a dealer because of what I saw on her channel. Warranty is only as good as the manufacture and dealer will support the customer. Some were forced to drive their RV to Indiana to get warranty repair. I've never seen Toyota require someone ship their car back to Japan to get warranty work.

@barrynash1126

Ай бұрын

Well said!

As for Catalina. Many are having to downgrade their choices. Due to economic pressures. Stick and tin, always being less expensive. Catalina only makes stick and tin. And they have been around forever. They are viewed therefore as making a better product. And from my perspective, I can not disagree.

We need a new RV company to come along and build quality from the ground up. These old companies are just digging themselves in a hole with their crap products.

Like some other service industry vendors (e.g. AirBNB, Lyft), campgrounds should give ratings to campers. Cancel or no-show earn a lower rating and maybe higher deposits or stays than campers who are more responsible.

The only problem with these warrantees is that it can take months to get resolution. KZread is full of owner testimonies of people waiting months to get repairs done on their RV's, often missing out on prime camping season.

As to what boomers want, when we bought our GD 23LDE, I really liked the roominess and comfort. Like recliners and plenty of space for dressing. Even enough space for a walker if necessary. Not saying I would still want to be camping if I have to use a walker but it is a thought 😊

@JoshtheRVNerd

2 ай бұрын

No that’s handy. Ty

I'm a GD owner. I like it and it has a lot of storage. However, that doesn't mean we can overload it. From what I have seen, overloading is a big reason for failures. You can't use a crescent wrench for a hammer and expect no damage.

@JoshtheRVNerd

Ай бұрын

Appreciate you sharing, Shawn. TY

@jtoepke9763

Ай бұрын

also if Rv’s were pulled over for a weight check like commercial vehicles…. I wonder how over weight for the gvwr citation would be received by the owner. Just because it fits in the Rv does not mean the trailer can handle it. I CAT scaled my combined rig and my Tv separately and stay under recommended maximums. I have seen many campers with 6 bicycles hanging behind a rear bumper, does that affect towing performance?

Last time I stopped into the AT&T cellphone store, I asked about a dedicated mobile hotspot price and it was $50/ month. Not sure how much data. We don’t use a ton of data when we camp, so we just use our included hotspot data on our cellphones for our minimal entertainment needs. So far we’ve had plenty of data available for us and I’m sure the other $50/month hotspot would provide much more data. We don’t use our data for remote work or anything like that.

This is my all-time favorite Nerd video! Because, frankly, I only tune in to learn about the dirt in Southern Michigan.

@JoshtheRVNerd

2 ай бұрын

Told ya. One guy.

Thanks for putting the info out there. Watching since we first started thinking about buying an rv. Not necessarily watching all the walk throughs any more but we still appreciate the market info you share.

It blows my mind that a company that sells only camper's that are in the six figures thinks that business model is sustainable. 500k for a camper is crazy. Your potential customer base is so small no way you will be able to stay in business. It's crazy these owners of these companies think that they will stay in business. You need to manufacture a product that the average family can afford in order to stay in business. A camper or RV is a luxury not a necessity, and I think these owners don't realize that.

After purchasing our first RV (StarCraft 309qk 2009) we are now in the market for a new, or new to us, RV. My BIGGEST fear is purchasing a poorly manufactured RV that will spend more time in warranty repairs than in the forest. We are up here in Alberta and manage to get our current unit out camping approximately 3-4 weeks a year. I'm not afraid to pay for quality but I so scared and confused about which manufacturers I should focus on. We have had our eyes on the Cougar 25rds but I've heard nothing but problems with them. I'm so confused. Josh, i appreciate your content, perspective and professionalism. Keep up the great work sir.

@JoshtheRVNerd

2 ай бұрын

Nicest comment I’ve ever gotten from a row boat..

I would definitely pay extra for a quality-built RV. I've been a Consumer Reports subscriber since I graduated from college and I'm 81 years old. I don't buy a car, a truck, or damn near anything before I check with them. I absolutely hate buying junk. If I happen to buy something that turns out to be a piece of crap, or a dealer provides lousy service, I let my contacts know about it. I expect to get what I pay for. I expect to be buying a new RV soon and I'm reading everything relavant that I can find.

@JoshtheRVNerd

Күн бұрын

Sometimes it’s worth it to spend a bit more to get a bit more

Fair. A credit for future use is generous with regard to cancellation and no refund for no-show.

@JoshtheRVNerd

Ай бұрын

👍🏻

If the campground owners have an association, they might consider investing in a data scientist who could use the aggregated data from their members to analyze and determine most advantageous policies surrounding cancellations. Hotels have employed these policies for years, so I am confident it could be done to benefit the campground owners. Along the line of campgrounds and ease of booking, I would be interested to hear if this is becoming a growth industry. I am sure the outlay of money to get one up and running is significant. I wonder how long it typically takes to turn profitable. But if bookings seem to be difficult to obtain, maybe (hopefully) we’ll see more start ups. I am interested because we’re targeting next year to purchase a camper. It would be nice to be a little spontaneous, but from your description this isn’t much of an option in today’s market. Thanks for keeping us all informed. You’re terrific at your craft.

@JoshtheRVNerd

26 күн бұрын

Love the idea but so many campgrounds owners are very very low tech

It would be great if the mfg would give more authority to the dealers with respect to warranties. No reason for the warranty process to take so long

@JoshtheRVNerd

2 ай бұрын

Oh my gosh.. if we could just order a quick aftermarket replacement part we’d have you on the road so much faster

I always appreciate your honesty. Be it good or bad. Thanks for the information, and keep up the good work.

Once a month is good, but if you have enough interesting news, please make a second.

@JoshtheRVNerd

2 ай бұрын

👍🏻

@lauratopliffe8179

2 ай бұрын

Agree with this.

The manufacture could keep their campers from falling/rattling apart by simply putting a shock suspension under it. Nothing fancy, simply a shock style set up. Instead they have everything bolted solid. The length of warranty, in my opinion, tells me exactly how long the manufacturer thinks their product is going to last before it fails. If they don't have confidence in it, why should we as consumers?

@JoshtheRVNerd

Ай бұрын

That would be cool and help so much. I have often said a good way to keep your rv out of the shop is with a better suspension

From my experience in my state and the fakebook groups I'm in, there are a few folks who plan big trips with a lot of folks, so they get multiple site. Then, as time gets closer, they find out people can't go and start canceling. Honestly, I'd like to see a limit to how many sites 1 person can book at a time. I'd limit it to just 2 site max. And a 48 hour notice or more cancelation window, or the charge sticks, but the site still becomes available.

@TonyYarusso

2 ай бұрын

I was close to this kind of situation for the recent solar eclipse. I booked five adjacent campsites (the max allowed in one transaction) the morning reservations opened a year ahead of time, and then worked on figuring out exactly who would be going. We did ultimately end up occupying all five, but our final tally of people going wasn’t solidified until just before the trip, so I was hovering over a virtual cancel button for the last few months before it. (Financial losses to me would have gone up for anything closer than 30 days, and there was also a no-show penalty if we didn’t physically occupy a site by the second day of the reservation.)

I enjoy the longer videos. I listen to them while getting ready for work, while driving to work or out running errands, while working on projects, while planning my vacations, etc. etc. etc. I enjoy the content, and the way in which it is delivered. Obviously, if I didn't, I wouldn't be listening, right? :) With regard to the reservation cancellation issue, I appreciate and understand those campgrounds that charge a cancellation fee, even those that charge the full fee if the reservation is cancelled within 48 hours of the scheduled stay. Being self employed, I understand the loss of revenue and disruption of workflow when a client cancels an appointment the day before, or does not show at all.

@JoshtheRVNerd

2 ай бұрын

Yeah lot of campgrounds fit that same kind of self employed small business format

@barrynash1126

Ай бұрын

Agree, but do think full fee should be charged if cancellation is within a WEEK! The whole point would be to force people to allow enough time for someone else to make plans to use the site, and not just HOPE that some late opening will be available if they just show up. If someone has to cancel at the last minute due to sickness or a death in the family or the like, the loss of a few bucks of camping fees would be the least of their concerns.

I would love to see a video on what campers are looking for in campgrounds and which ones are doing the right things and thriving. I am opening up a brand new campground called Chapendo Acres in the Upstate NY Adirondack region next year. Starting very small with just 4 sites but looking to expand as we go. Trying to build a nice wooded campground because it seems like mostly parking lot campgrounds and trailer parks for camping everywhere I look. Thanks for all the info and great videos!

@JoshtheRVNerd

2 ай бұрын

Thx Don!

When this happens they will build a better product. Hopefully they will start with the plumbing by making things more accessible and installing shut off valves.

Hey Josh... Awesome report, as usual, I make sure and catch these every month! You touched on some great topics... Warranty and the fun we all have with those(both from consumer and dealership side)... What segments are selling, and NOT... The one that hit me was the "correlation vs causation" the data on campsite "no shows" was showing. Can you say "Entitlement, I knew you could".... Keep up the great work Sir.

Hey Josh. Thanks for the great update! I'm in market for a late model but pre-covid built used class C. And yes, I will buy regardless of market events. Being cash buyer frees me from rate concerns. As I was listening to you, I was grumbling in amazement over the literal snowstorm of cottonwood seeds drifting through my neighborhood. Yes, we curse those trees here in Minnesota too, and anyone who would have the mind to plant one 😄

@JoshtheRVNerd

2 ай бұрын

The cottonwood really isn’t even that bad here currently but it has a week or two every year.. man..

CRAAAAAAP!!! That's what current RV products are... A 50% ,across the board, hair cut is in order!

@douglascounts4634

2 ай бұрын

Every time an RV goes down the road, it is like having a conventional house go through an earthquake. You are asking them to be built to aircraft standards with the economy models starting at one million dollars or more. Those are not going to sell very well.

@jtoepke9763

Ай бұрын

@@douglascounts4634 also if Rv’s were pulled over for a weight check like commercial vehicles…. I wonder how over weight for the gvwr citation would be received by the owner. Just because it fits in the Rv does not mean the trailer can handle it. I CAT scaled my combined rig and my Tv separately and stay under recommended maximums. I have seen many campers with 6 bicycles hanging behind a rear bumper, does that affect towing performance? Like many people here I am learning every day from the comments.

Would like to hear more about how the dumpster fire with truck manufacturers ( Ford, GM, Dodge, etc) is affecting the towable market. Same with general auto interest rates. Makes it hard to sell a high-end (or heavy) towable if you don't have an adequate truck. Also I have noticed with 2024 (confirmed with Freightliner) that the Cummins was dropped for the Powerstroke. Wonder if this is due to the legal issues Cummins recently had.

@JoshtheRVNerd

2 ай бұрын

I may try looking into it.. I’m not much of a Motörhead though. Just a friendly neighborhood rv nerd

Appreciate your work and effort. It will be interesting to see how GD stands the test of time. Like you had said in a previous video towing vehicle can greatly affect how the tow able frame reacts. That said the manufacturers should say in their warranties what vehicle is recommended for highway safety to tow each trailer and what testing standard they used. Also a chart to include which vehicles are safe and which are not, to include which are to stiff for the frames. This would greatly help the consumers. On the dealers side when it the sale consumer safety should be a priority, like asking "what vehicle do you have to tow a towable?" and direct their sales appropriately and not allow them to leave a lot if they are configured illegally.

@JoshtheRVNerd

2 ай бұрын

I’ve seen things blow up in mfg faces before. If I had to guess in a year it will be largely forgotten and by 2 it’ll be a distant memory I could be wrong. Thats just a guess

In my opinion the issues with warranty has not been the amount of time it covers or the items it covers. The problem with warranties in the RV industry, they’re are worthless in most cases. Loopholes that give manufacturers an exit, while seldom supporting the purchaser

@JoshtheRVNerd

2 ай бұрын

I 100% understand why people feel this way. There’s too much evidence and instances to support it I know it CAN be better and really.. NEEDS to be better

I love ALL your content. Great info and your delivery is entertaining. Keep it going!

@JoshtheRVNerd

2 ай бұрын

Thank you! Will do!

Glad to hear Grand Design stepped up and offered a reasonable warranty on their product, disappointed its from 2020 year models and newer, why not include 2019?

Couple of thoughts. People complaining about not having dark, wood grain interior finishes. As soon as I look inside a door of an RV at a show and it looks like a deep, dark cave, NO THANKS! The lighter grays for floors, cabinets, upholstery just seem more upbeat. Plus you can actually see better what you’re wanting to do. My Number Uno thing is travel access to bathroom and refrigerator. Voice of experience, as we hoomans get older, our bladders get weaker. You get tangled up in a multi-hour traffic jam, you’ll be glad to pay for a restroom. I travel a lot of times on state routes where there are none, or very limited numbers of facilities. My Flagstaff FBLS was bought specifically because I wanted those two features on the road. And the best news for 2024’s is that Rockstaff or Flagwood flipped the theater seat and refrigerator. So now, when you open the door, full fridge and restroom access. I love what you do by providing a forum to discuss RV’S and how we use them. Rock on!

@JoshtheRVNerd

Ай бұрын

Ty! Surprising how many mfgs watch this Channel for viewer input as well

@DonnaBrooks-dd5pl

Ай бұрын

What do you think of camping sites that restrict access to older units ​@@JoshtheRVNerd

For us, interest rates were a factor, but when the time is right, the time is right. I say, go get that big huge money pit if its the right thing for you. Really like these updates, helpful information.

@JoshtheRVNerd

Ай бұрын

My pleasure! Ty for watching

Good to hear the updates, industry seems to be going through fast changes trying to adjust to market upsets. I would enjoy the amount of cotton wood fuzz floating around your area, where I live it looks like it's snowing with every mild breeze and piling up like snow drifts, gets into everything(hate it).

@JoshtheRVNerd

2 ай бұрын

We haven’t hit major cottonwood season yet but its coming

My 2 cents... Prices shouldn't increase for longer warranty period, which basically means they'll be finally made the way they should have been made in the first place! And as far as interest rates go, they definitely affect my choices, because I do calculate how much interest I will be paying and that pushes me away from a sale. I know most Americans care about whether or not they can afford the monthly payment and don't care about anything else, like price/interest (applies to housing market as well), but I just don't operate like that. Thank you for all the videos that you do! I love watching them.

@CraigSchulman1

Ай бұрын

Absolutely correct! Prices skyrocketed and quality plummeted. Consumers shouldn’t have to pay extra for a warranty.

Love the short, long, mid length videos. So all the videos. I also appreciate all the content. My problem with the warranty stuff, these companies don't honor the warranties now. So many units sit at a location waiting for approval from the manufacturer. So, these companies know they are sending out garbage and overcharging for it, but now they want people to pay a higher price for an rv that doesn't fall apart, as much? 😂 yeah ok. Keep up the awesome videos. I appreciate all you do.

@JoshtheRVNerd

22 күн бұрын

Thanks for sharing and watching!!

As somebody else here mentioned, it doesn’t matter how long the warranty is. They either deny warranty or they don’t fix it right and it takes way too long. Half of these warranties aren’t worth the paper they’re written on.

Boomer here. I know too many people whose RV experience was such an extremely expensive absolute nightmare that I have no desire to swim in that pool of pirañas. And, yes I can afford the purchase, but not the nightmare…..

I am using the T-Mobile service that you spoke of. I talked to T-Mobile tech support about canceling the service. He told me that I should continue the service and at some point it will just stop if you are using it out of your GPS home area. I told him I didn’t want to get a 160.00 bill all of a sudden and he said that wouldn’t happen. So for now it’s still on and working. Thanks Josh!

@JoshtheRVNerd

2 ай бұрын

Ty Ken

Grand Design is saying ok I believe in my build and product is good and I stand behind it ... I guess I will be looking at them

Josh, always appreciate the updates you provide. Thank you!

Im glad the manufacturer was someone i never knew of.

Great video Josh. In response to the California policy about cancellations, from a business standpoint I think it’s a good idea especially after you explained how people sometimes will book and cancel several times until they get their ‘dream site’.

@JoshtheRVNerd

2 ай бұрын

Yeah I can totally understand it as well

Thanks Nerd!! Appreciate the long form of the single monthly update. Also appreciate the quick correction.

@JoshtheRVNerd

2 ай бұрын

Ty. Still annoyed with myself that I did that

What the manufacturers have missed is what IBM did for their products was to sell the buyer a full warranty with service included. How did they make money? They made their product with such high quality very few claims were made and they pocketed a profit. The key was to built in quality. At the current time RV manufacturers don’t built quality products, at least from the consumers point of view and that’s all that counts.

@JoshtheRVNerd

2 ай бұрын

Man that would be amazing g

Hi Josh i find your videos fascinating. I love being educated and if you have more information than time I would definitely spend extra time watching your additional videos ❤. So bring em on! And thank you very much for spending your time and energy on producing them for us all 😊

@JoshtheRVNerd

2 ай бұрын

well thank you :)

Josh, Love the monthly update. Always good info. Would rather see increase in frequency rather than increased length.

@JoshtheRVNerd

2 ай бұрын

Noted! Ty

On frame failure, warranties, Grand Design... Our plan to buy an RV after retirement (18 months ago) hit a speed bump with COVID. Then price hikes, COVID build issues and hearing about manufacturers not standing behind their products. We're planning to buy after the 2025s are released. In light of Grand Design's new warranty announcement, we may reconsider them as an option.

@JoshtheRVNerd

2 ай бұрын

Appreciate all the info. Ty

@SonarTravels

2 ай бұрын

If you consider them without them disclosing what changes are being made to their frames, and also how much weight can go in each storage section, why would this change get you to consider them? Just a thought. They have not said a single word about what changes they made, NOT ONE that I have seen.

We purchased a Grand design 150 RD Fifth wheel. 2022 yr used. It was purchased late Nov 2023 for 40,000. We did a walk through. “Everything worked” until it didn’t. The service kid showed us “everything”, not really. So to begin with it had a very good looker refrigerator/ Freezer. Worked fine at that time. Of course we were told top of the line Furrion. So we brought it home, seeing it was late Nov. hubby did the antifreeze to the on demand water tank & ran through all the system. Spring came. It had a back up camera that we were told, oh you just have to download the app. Did not show us how it worked. So after attempting to go by the call in number and all the ridiculous steps, we found out it was probably the router/wifi hook up was not working. 😡 it would cost us to fix it left it. Then fast forward to late spring and we fired up our WONDERFUL Furrion Top Of The Line refridge/ freezer to store our beef. And it failed. Lost 350+ of steaks, hamburger ect. 😡😡Called the dealership, 130$ to come look at it. Took out the fuses! Screwed back in. It worked 1/2 a day. They have to come out again. 😡😡😡. Supposed to tomorrow Mon29th of July. We have not been able to use it at all this season. I am a seasoned camper. We had an older Dodge Travco RV WITH engine. I learned my lessons on. We traveled all over with that. Then an older Colman t used but many good years., then a Cougar 5th wheel 33 ft RBH. Then this junk. I’m so upset with this Reflections purchase and feel integrity was not part of the deal. I just feel like take and fix this refrige and sell it. The junk coming out of the RV market is laughable. I used to love camping but am turned off!

Thanks for being my Saturday morning cartoons. #nerdherd! Love all your videos! Cheers

@JoshtheRVNerd

2 ай бұрын

Our pleasure!

@spitfire155k2

2 ай бұрын

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Good one!

Love the transparency. Would favor a second monthly video rather than one very long one. I am wary of a bigger, better warranty at a higher price. RVs for many are currently not affordable, prices have not come down significantly (altho discounts may have increased) and I don't hold a lot of faith in the manufacturer actually honoring it. From my narrow window of the world, I would rather see a significant improvement in quality without the need for an extended warranty.......novel idea, but everyone benefits. The reasons for Grand Design altering their warranty probably had more to do with a real or potential loss in sales and the negative publicity they garnered while dicking around trying to decide how long they can ignore the issue. I know of at least one RV dealer who will not take a GD in trade.

@JoshtheRVNerd

2 ай бұрын

Ty for the video frequency feedback

Wow, lots of great info here. I don’t mind the length this time of year because it’s happening now. I think the camping reservation systems are going pre pay like you said. It may look like the Fastrak system for driving in the restricted lanes on the interstate. You prepay then reload your account when your balance drops below a certain amount. It’s probably going to be all privately operated. Things are to change to be sure.

My favorite youtube video every month. Love the industry updates!

@JoshtheRVNerd

2 ай бұрын

Ty!

There are also health reasons for cancellations. In 2022, within 2 weeks of arrival, I had to cancel 5 days in the Tetons and 5 days at Yellowstone. My husband had ended up in the hospital. We are baby boomers.

@JoshtheRVNerd

2 ай бұрын

Yeah it happens. Sorry you went thru that

@barrynash1126

Ай бұрын

"Stuff" does happen, but shouldn't account for 30% of the sites in a supposedly full-booked campground being empty, as we've found. For my part, I once had to "eat" the cost of reservations at a State Park when TV problems enroute prevented me from getting there. Just the risk and cost of the RV life.

Hi Josh, here in Wisconsin, the reservation problem is people reserving like three different weeks then canceling 2 of them. You can reserve State Parke sites 11 months in advance. So people will reserve two to three weeks, and then when close to the time, they will decide which week they want to go and cancel the other weeks. So if one want to advance register a park the park may be full 11 months out and then have spaces two to three weeks out. If your flexible like retired me it can work. If you going on you vacation time arranged around work or school it can become real difficult. The state realizes this but has not found a good solution yet. Thanks for the info and keep up the good work!

@JoshtheRVNerd

2 ай бұрын

Yeah that’s a problem as well

24:28, those are some serious spidey senses to see an open cargo door behind you! Fun Fact: Josh closes/locks open RV cargo door in the service line....RV is in service line because cargo door lock is broken and doesn't unlock from the outside lol! :)

@JoshtheRVNerd

Ай бұрын

Spotted it in my viewfinder

I enjoy my Uncle Josh paired with a nice dry Chianti and Fava Beans.

@JoshtheRVNerd

2 ай бұрын

Hahaha

Looking good. Thanks. ✌️😊 I appreciate the update, it's really good news. I thank them as well. 🌈

@JoshtheRVNerd

2 ай бұрын

So nice of you. Ty

Thanks, Josh!

Great video so far Josh! (I am about half way through this latest one) I would def watch second/subsequent update videos if you were to post them.

Love the monthly updates. Two comments to data presented. The rise in boomer purchasing could be in part that they have more disposable income and are less affected by current interest rates. One reason for last minute cancellation is trouble on the road while traveling to a destination

@JoshtheRVNerd

2 ай бұрын

Solid interpretation of the boomer.. uhh.. boom?

The long videos are perfect

@JoshtheRVNerd

Ай бұрын

👍🏻 ty