RV Ratings

(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....See more » (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. Class: The second category called, “Class” is broken up into three separate parts: * (P)………..Premium * (AA)……...Above Average * (E)………..Economy 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 a upper-end buyer, above average buyer or an entry-level buyer this guide will help you focus on companies that meet your expectations and comfort level. In the example above Company A is #1 in the premium category. Company B and C are also in the #1 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. Manufacturers 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: * (AD) Class A diesel motorhome * (AG) Class A gas motorhome * (C) Class C motorhomes * (FW) Fifth wheel trailers * (TT) Travel trailer Manufacturer: The forth category is the name of the particular RV manufacturer being rated. Overall Price Range: The fifth category in the sample rating chart is intended to give our readers an overview of prices being offered by a particular manufacturer. For example, a motorhome manufacturer may only offer luxury motor coaches costing $350,000 and up. This is an important category because RV buyers can focus on a manufacturer that builds products in their price range. Categories 6, 7, 8 and 9 comprise the ratings for each manufacturer. While there are many different approaches or criteria we could use to rate each company, we decided to focus on: * (C) Construction * (CS) Customer satisfaction * (DR) Dealer rating * (RV) Resale value 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 6, “Construction” is an important factor in the overall rating of each manufacturer. To learn more about how we arrived at our 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 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 we arrived at our conclusions regarding customer satisfaction. (DR) = Dealer Rating: In category 8 many different RV dealers and salespeople were interviewed to arrive at our conclusions. Both perspectives are important and help paint aSee less »