New 2025 310RL. Starting to regret our decision to purchase.

[SandDragger]

Long story as short as possible. Let me start off by saying this is not a bash thread, just a huge level of frustration setting in. This is our fourth 5th wheel purchase and what we considered to be our last. Went back and forth between Alliance and Brinkley. We settled on Alliance because of all the good things I have seen/read regarding them over the past year(s). Owning 3 other 5th wheels, I am 100% expecting to see issues with a new unit that will be repaired. However, we have what I consider major issues our first 3 trips. First trip (among other issues) involved a leak at the shower head that I didn't catch until 2 days into our 7-day trip. Water had been running down the wall, on top of the water heater, on top of the furnace, then eventually leaking on the subfloor and ground. Finally figured out where it was coming from and shut the valves off to the shower. So, we were stuck with no shower for the remainder of that trip. Took it back to the dealer for that and other issues. PEX line was cracked. 2nd trip started noticing the same issue, so we were stuck again with no shower. Back to the dealer to where they found a cracked PEX fitting by the showerhead (which probably should have been identified the first time). At this point, I had already been voicing concerns about water damage from the first trip. I may just be over worrying, but nobody else seems concerned that water was running down/sitting on the wall studs/subfloor/etc. for days.
Third trip, we arrived at night, and I didn't hook up sewer connections until the next day. Unfortunately for me, the bathroom had already been used. All valves showed closed, so I slowly opened the cap (I stress slow from previous issues...). As wastewater starts gushing out, I put the cap back on. Realized the fuse was blown in the automatic gate valve switch. Get a new fuse and I see power, so I shut the valve only to hear an odd noise I'd not heard before. Attempt again only to realize the valve is still not and will not close. Switch shows the valve is open regardless of where the rocker is. Going back to our first trip, when I dumped the black tank, I had a restriction that I had to stop draining to pull the sewer host and clear out the issue in waste. What I found was (2) cutouts from the hole saw they used to cut the openings for the PVC pipe. So now I'm left wondering if something else was in the tank which caused my gate valve to break. So, for that trip, we were left without a functioning toilet.
I have been in constant contact with Alliance for these (and all the other issues). Yes, the issues are being fixed when found. However, it's more than frustrating to have these major issues that prevent us from using the shower/toilet on our trip. It's also frustrating that the closest dealership (which is where we purchased) is about 1 hour and 20 minutes away. So, each time we take this back to the dealer, we are 3.5 hours or more out of a day. You are looking at 7 hours of time/gas/etc. for us to take to the dealer each time we have an issue. The dealer was actually good enough to come pick it up the 2nd time (I assume because we had the same issue that they were supposed to have fixed). But I am still looking at 14 hours of time/gas/etc. so far just to have used this unit 3X.
Am I just being too picky? We have had the "lowest end" 5th wheel and upgraded each time. All have had issues, but none had issues that prevented us from enjoying our trip until we could get back, until now.
If I'm just being too picky, feel free to tell me so.

 

[Lantley]

Your not being picky, but the sky is not falling as badly as you may think. While a huge nuisance your issues are not catastrophic and are very fixable. Not to let Alliance off the hook, but your selling dealer should have fixed leak the first time.
I understand trips to the dealer are a hassle, but travel distance is sort of something you have to grin and bear, that is not really on Alliance.
Unfortunately RV's are not really tested prior to selling them, this is true of all manufactures regardless of purchase price.
Despite what RV dealers and manufactures may claim they leave to the buyers to do the shake down.
In your case the shake down has been frustrating, but your scenario is more common than it should be.
The fortunate thing is that all your issues are minor, Shake downs can often reveal major problems.
I have a 22 unit and just discovered my back wall was not screw down to the floor.
I am way out of warranty and must deal with repair myself.
Nevertheless I have learned that the RV game is a bit shady and unscrupulous. The buyer assumes way more risk than they should have to.
Again this is true across all brands, If you had bought a Brinkley you could still be in the same boat.
I would contact Alliance and sternly and respectfully let them know what's going on with you rig, understanding what your going through is a huge headache but they are simple issues that should be easy to repair.
One thing to consider is to fully test your rig at the dealership before you pull away once the repairs are made.
Don't wait until your next trip to discover an issue.
Being proactive and diligent is the key to success. It helps to realize that RV's in general are imperfect vehicles and will always require constant maintenance.
Getting the kinks and bugs worked out of a new unit is all part of the process. The disturbing part is the dealers and manufactures across all brands leave it up to the consumer to finds those kinks and bugs.
Hang in their it gets better once everything is discovered and sorted out

 

[SandDragger]

Thank you for kindly telling me to STFU lol. Completely agree though, I see issues with Brinkley as well. Just been very frustrating to have issues that prevent us from at least enjoying our trips. Was also frustrated we had to cancel our Labor Day plans as I do not plan on having our unit back in time as it's still not being looked at. We love the unit, just very frustrated at this point

 

[Bozo]

Thank you for kindly telling me to STFU lol. Completely agree though, I see issues with Brinkley as well. Just been very frustrating to have issues that prevent us from at least enjoying our trips. Was also frustrated we had to cancel our Labor Day plans as I do not plan on having our unit back in time as it's still not being looked at. We love the unit, just very frustrated at this point

My advice…..never buy brand new. That said, if you like it, fix it and have fun.

 

[Lantley]

My advice…..never buy brand new. That said, if you like it, fix it and have fun.

I've heard that but that is not really the answer. I purchased my unit used and I just discovered the back wall plate has no screws in it to attach it to the floor. The unit is a 2022 purchased as an official Alliance Demo. I've owned the unit about 18 months. I also had a short in my GFCI circuit that I had to figure out. If my unit were new at least I could have dropped these issues in Alliances lap. But then I would get to play the warranty wait for approval game.
My real point is buying used does not guarantee a problem free experience. It's still a gamble and there is no warranty to protect you from major issues like frame flex , broken welds etc. The idea that someone has already got all the bugs out already is misleading.
But I do agree with your final comment, "Fix it and have fun". It's really our only recourse.
New or used we can only cross our fingers and hope for the best. When those pitfalls, defects and shoddy workmanship are encountered
we can simply be proactive and seek repairs to the best of our ability.
Luckily forums like these allow us to share knowledge and weather the RV storms.

 

[SandDragger]

My advice…..never buy brand new. That said, if you like it, fix it and have fun.

Our last 5th wheel was used. While I liked the fact we got it at a good price and the guy handed over all the extras they purchased, it was 1 year old when we got it and the furnace quit. Had to spend around $500 right out of the gate. Called the manufacturer just to see if there was anything they would do, I was told warranty was NOT transferable if it was still under warranty, so I was on my own.
Like mentioned above, I've worked on all the rigs we've had, and shoddy workmanship is almost an understatement. I'm surprised some of them make it more than 1 year......

 

[7426TRISS]

Completely understand your frustration. I thought I did a very complete PDI. And still has issues. Both windows in the Living room leaked, 20 plus gallons of water on floor, pass thur gaskets leaked. More water. They fixed it, month at dealer. But no floor damage.

I very well built unit, another brand unit would not had the same out come!!

The dealer and Alliance will care of you, may take time, but will make it right

 

[SandDragger]

Completely understand your frustration. I thought I did a very complete PDI. And still has issues. Both windows in the Living room leaked, 20 plus gallons of water on floor, pass thur gaskets leaked. More water. They fixed it, month at dealer. But no floor damage.

I very well built unit, another brand unit would not had the same out come!!

The dealer and Alliance will care of you, may take time, but will make it right

This has been my biggest concern, floor damage down the road that I'm stuck with from a water leak that started at the factory. I've had a few words with the dealer as well asking how this wasn't caught in their "prep".

 

[Coacher]

It's of no practical value or comfort but I've been searching for a year for my next one and looking at various manufacturers, literally it's the same story everywhere. I would have pulled the trigger months ago but for the devil you know . . .

Summer 2024 I ( and everyone within a mile) heard a neighbor in the campground screaming at his Airstream dealer about a new unit that wasn't working.

My guess is nothing will change until the industry runs out of first time buyers.

 

[M and E]

It's of no practical value or comfort but I've been searching for a year for my next one and looking at various manufacturers, literally it's the same story everywhere. I would have pulled the trigger months ago but for the devil you know . . .

Summer 2024 I ( and everyone within a mile) heard a neighbor in the campground screaming at his Airstream dealer about a new unit that wasn't working.

My guess is nothing will change until the industry runs out of first time buyers.

Exactly. We keep writing the checks, accepting the poor initial quality, and they keep building them the same way. They are a for profit business and won't change until the consumer walks away.

 

[Lantley]

Exactly. We keep writing the checks, accepting the poor initial quality, and they keep building them the same way. They are a for profit business and won't change until the consumer walks away.

Its not just first time buyers that are duped. yes newbie buyers suffer the most because they lack the experience/knowledge to spot basic issues.
However experienced buyers are caught in the same web of poor quality control, shoddy workmanship and challenging warranty policies.
It will take outside forces to change the industry. Real change will not come from within the current industry.
Foreign competition or government legislation will be needed to reform the RV industry.
Unfortunately I don't think any external forces to reform the RV industry are on the horizon.

 

[SandDragger]

Exactly. We keep writing the checks, accepting the poor initial quality, and they keep building them the same way. They are a for profit business and won't change until the consumer walks away.

Unfortunately, pretty much like the automotive industry as well. They just keep pricing them higher, they keep building them worse, and we keep buying them.

 

[Lantley]

Unfortunately, pretty much like the automotive industry as well. They just keep pricing them higher, they keep building them worse, and we keep buying them.

I don't see the auto industry in nearly the same light. Auto dealerships are aligned and not independent entities as in the RV world.
Warrantees are honored by all dealerships . There is no "You did not buy it here nonsense!"
Autos are insanely expensive but for the most part they are improving. Cars easily last 100k miles now days. Fuel injection, multi speed transmissions, hybrids, EV's are all vast improvements over built just 20 years ago.
Cars still break down and to some degree are too complex, but they do not suffer from basic failures like the RV industry.
Competition is the catalyst that keeps everyone trying to do their best. This catalyst does not exist in the RV market.
The entire industry accepts mediocrity as the best they can do. The industry does not even attempt to strive for excellence.
However in the auto industry real competition exist. Companies are constantly raising the bar on each other. Government mandates also keep the auto industry on its toes. These factors do not exist in the RV world

 

[Coacher]

Given two choices, a 30' model for $50,000 from manufacture A or a 33' model for $50,000 from manufacturer B, the larger one wins. There just isn't much thought in why is one more or less expensive? I think that's the trap first time buyers find themselves in.

If you want to save me money, don't include stuff I'm going to replace right away, mattress, battery, etc.

 

[Bozo]

I Am going to figure out the trips, mileage of this p.o.s. that I truly regret buying. Pulling into campground the other day and I notice hydraulic fluid on the middle jack pad….look underneath, blistered hydraulic hose. Now I have to pull underbelly to fix that, but at least I can finally fix the leaking tank valves too. I am thinking 12-13 total”trips” with longest being 90 miles one way. Generally 34 miles one way to my favorite local lake. By that count, less than a thousand miles. this is the 2nd anniversary of ownership. Every trip is something new, it seems. Seals falling out, shelf bottoms always falling out, trim, fridge always moving out of it‘s spot. The lack of thought put into placement of cargo doors, spray ports, light switches, etc. amazes me. The decals are a joke. Probably peel those off and paint the dang thing. Dealer called the other day on anniversary and let him know that we would not be buying another alliance over the previous problems and only solution they would offer was for us to tote in to the factory vs. authorizing dealer to fix. I also expressed my frustrations with the long waits for approvals for warranty work from alliance and then waiting for parts. I am at a point in my life where I can do pretty much what I please but I expect people to do what they say they will do…I guess those times are long passed. My rant is over, but this is far from a complete list of issues this unit has had. I will fix them all before the next owner gets it, that is who I am, but I look forward to the day that this thing goes down the road behind somebody else’s truck. An Ally? I think not.

 

[Coacher]

@Lantley
I believe that competition in the RV industry is exactly what has lead to this. Consumers want longer and longer units for the same money. The industry has responded by driving the prices lower while adding "two more feet".

The price pressure has been helped by the banking industry which is offering longer and longer credit terms to help the cost pressure.

So now we have less well made units being financed for longer terms. As they say consumers should be careful what they wish for.

Eventually, maybe, the pendulum will swing back, markets will correct, and quality and ease of ownership will be valued. Until then consumers are driving the market to lower cost per foot and lower monthly payments.

 

[M and E]

@Lantley
I believe that competition in the RV industry is exactly what has lead to this. Consumers want longer and longer units for the same money. The industry has responded by driving the prices lower while adding "two more feet".

The price pressure has been helped by the banking industry which is offering longer and longer credit terms to help the cost pressure.

So now we have less well made units being financed for longer terms. As they say consumers should be careful what they wish for.

Eventually, maybe, the pendulum will swing back, markets will correct, and quality and ease of ownership will be valued. Until then consumers are driving the market to lower cost per foot and lower monthly payments.

Interesting perspective. Our rig was built pretty well overall, I feel. Mostly aesthetic items are what need attention on ours. Cracked shower base is a biggie though. Not an easy replacement.

 

[Lantley]

Consumers want better built units, more quality control and more reliability
However we get more gadgets and eye candy, creature comfort's and gizmos.
While these things are nice that distract consumer's attention.
Consumers need to focus more on basic structural components and reliability.
How are the waste tanks supported? Is there additional support beneath the shower base to keep it from cracking.
Is the HVAC ducting run properly in a manner that does not restrict the ducts or cause them to collapse.
What kind of clamps are use on the plumbing system. Yes it's Pex but how is it connected. What kind of fitting do they use?
Are wet bolts used in the suspension?
These are all known basic issues that plague the RV industry, yet go unresolved. Instead we get LED strip lights everywhere.
More eye candy less structural integrity.
Mediocrity is the mantra in Indiana change will not come from within.

 

[Coacher]

They want it, but can't, or won't, spend the money necessary to get it. Sadly, most will spend the money for the LEDs. Some will even lament theirs doesn't have the LEDs and add them.

And I should clarify, it's no surprise that most owners never visit forums. We are a small sample size of informed consumers.

 

[RockDr896]

So many great reply's on this thread. The wife and I have gone round and round on this subject. I am in a unique position financially, blue collar trade experience, and having manufactured my own heavy civil equipment. I have chosen to remodel and reinforce the rolling house I have, as opposed to playing another game of "Can I buy a better made RV" from someone else. I am retired, so the "My time" factor does not play into my concerns. My main advice to all repairing their own rigs...pay the greatest attention to the fasteners you use. These things are boxes, that simply flex as you go down the road. The fasteners, are the key to every problem most are having. If the fastener is failing, despite placing in a better one...it is time to reinforce the area. It will be a constant struggle, but the truth is that manufacturers have still not figured it out. The main reason why I bought an Alliance, is that the model I bought (370FB) is a very simple model that can be easily accessed for repairs and wood damage is minimized in it's design. I am not an influencer for Alliance, but at least we have this forum to collectively exchange ideas on how to approach a fix. Thank god, an RV is not a revenue producing machine. Otherwise, people would be making fixes and not telling anybody how they are doing it. Manufacturers are terrible in all the trades! LOL