4campnuts
Southern NH
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Joined: 05/23/2005
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I would think an entry level RV is one that allows the buyer to feel comfortable making the leap to purchase their first one, without going too crazy and overbuying.
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Mousefart
New Jersey
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Joined: 08/15/2004
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fla-gypsy wrote:Short answer: snobbery. Some folks just need to feel superior.
A much better way to describe TT's is by "Pricepoint" because as you noted there is not a lot of difference in these things other than the fluff items and the gawdy decorations they put in them
Bingo!
I have a small 18 ft HTT because it is what suits my needs.
a - I camp mostly solo or with one other person.
b - It is as long as I can get and fit in the parking available.
c - I camp in state parks that have smaller "tent" sites (that are far apart from each other and well isolated though) that I can still squeeze into.
d - I am an avid winter camper and the small size is easy to heat.
Is my RV "entry level"? Only to the snobs, it is the ideal solution to me.
Paul (Mouse)
2007 Flagstaff Shamrock 17 Hybrid (heavily modified for boondocking and winter camping).
2007 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab 4x4, 4.7L HO, factory tow, 3.92 gears.
Equil-i-zer Hitch, Prodigy.
Yamaha EF2400 Generator (quiet, cause I care!)
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JIMNLIN
Big Cabin, OK
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Joined: 09/14/2003
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entry level unit or high end unit doesn't have a thing to do with snobery. That just ones way of justifiying his entry level unit. Entry level is what it is and its a lower cost unit compared to a high end unit. Lower costs can be less as in options/quality/lighter weight construction methods including the main frame/etc. If having a lower priced entry level unit bothers you get over it as it sure isn't bothering anyone else.
'03 2500 Dodge/Cummins HO 3.73 6 speed manual Jacobs
'97 Park Avanue 28' with two slides
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JJBIRISH
Butler, PA, USA
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Joined: 10/06/2002
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it must bother somebody, people often point it out to you...
"oh, no wonder, you have a entry level."
"you got a starter unit."
"oh well, mine isn’t a entry level."
"YA, I looked at them before I bought."
it might not bother them but obviously they think it should bother me...
anyone that thinks price points by any name guarantee them more or better quality, need to spend some time at the mfg...
on some the price point gives them different interior color options on the same floor plan on the same chassis, with different graphics being on the exterior...
moving up the price point may give you a roof 1/16" thicker and a enclosed underbelly...
moving to the top of the line, the unit goes down the same assembly line with the same workers building it... many options are included as standard and a few may only be offered on this unit...
I am not sure how many have been to the factories... but the major difference isn't going to be in quality or fit and finish, only in the gingerbread...
if you want to compare quality or fit and finish you need to compare mfg to mfg or plant to plant of the same mfg... that is where you may find these differences in any significant amount...
I promise I won't ever use your trailer nor have I an a derogatory manor if you won't...
maybe then I can change my signature... until then I will profess my love for me built by lazy American worker, entry level, mass-produced, little trailer...
all terms I have heard to embarrass me for my purchase, that I have used for over 1,400 nights now...
Love my mass produced, entry level, built by Lazy American Workers, Hornet
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tatest
Oklahoma
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Entry level is simply the lowest price point a manufacturer markets to.
One manufacturer's entry level can be more expensive than the most expensive TT another manufacturer makes. I.E. price Airstream's "entry level" Safari against Sun Valley's trailer line.
Tom Test
Itasca Spirit 29B
2001 Ranger Edge
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RustySocket
SW Washington
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Joined: 03/02/2005
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Entry level is the trailer I owned just prior to the trailer I currently own....
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cybervanner
Richmond, VA
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Joined: 09/25/2007
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I haven't been able to determine what "entry level" means either. My HTT that I currently own is I guess sort of considered an "entry level" rig, but the surprising thing is that it's equipped with a multitude of features that supposedly "high end" models do not have. I owned a TrailManor, and I've looked at similar sized Airstreams, and there are several amenities that the higher end models lacked, like a ducted furnace, 6cu/ft fridge, electronic ignition water-heater, outside shower, barbecue grill, and a stove with an oven.
In just about all the newer RV's I've been in, I have noticed poor quality in the construction of the cabinetry from the little tiny rigs like mine, to even the really fancy high-end models. My old Norris TT had solid wood cabinetry in it, and not a bit of particleboard, or even any plywood. I would think that a higher end model TT could have it's cabinets built like this. It's not all that much heavier, because particleboard is heavier to achieve the same strength level.
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Mousefart
New Jersey
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I think if you really want to define "entry level", it must be within the same class of RV. You can't just say I have a MH and you have a PUP so your is "entry level".
You have stripped down "entry level" PUPs, and you have fully loaded, high quality PUPs. The fully loaded PUP is NOT entry level (except to the snobs) within it's class.
You have stripped down "entry level" motor homes (not small, but inexpensive), and you have fully loaded, high quality motor homes.
This...
...is about as small as you can get. At $21,000 plus, it is NOT "entry level" even compared to a motor home. SIZE isn't the determining factor, the above is a VERY high quality rig.
My fully loaded Shamrock is no comparison to ANY Airstream, but it is still not "entry level". Forest River is considered one of the higher quality brands in the hybrid class. There are many small trailer far cheaper and stripped down than mine is (again, within the hybrid class).
Basically, you need to compare apples to apples.
Now as far as manufacturers/dealers calling a rig "entry level", it's just sales tactics to demean and embarrass you into buying a more expensive rig (this method works best on guys). Some guys actually go out to buy that mini-van because it's what they NEED for their family. Of course, the saleman will try to demean him for buying a "girlie car" and try to sell him the Dodge Magnum with the HEMI at double the price. 
* This post was
edited 07/16/08 09:03pm by Mousefart *
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jtallon
Rapid City, SD
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Joined: 04/24/2008
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My Ameri-Lite is entry level.
I don't much care. It doesn't leak, unlike a lot of higher (and lower) level trailers. It doesn't have the payment of higher level trailers, so I can afford to camp more often. And my 2 year old can't tell the difference between an Ameri-Lite and something that costs twice as much. He's just having fun.
Sure, I don't have residential quality countertops in my camper. But then, I don't ever remember having a campfire in my home living room, either. So maybe it's really my house that's entry level...
I suppose it's possible to quantify what qualifies as entry level. But would it really change what you purchase? We all buy the nicest camper we think we'll be satisfied with at the price we can afford. Where that falls on someone else's arbitrary scale matters not at all to me. Unless they'd like to subsidize my purchase, that is...
Jason, Angie, and our toddler, Sean Patrick
2008 Ameri-Lite 27BH
2007 Dodge 1500 QC Laramie, 5.7Hemi, 3.92
Equalizer hitch, Prodigy Brake Controller
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Rubiranch
Salt Lake City, UT
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Joined: 03/09/2004
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WOW!! What does that make my 40 year old trailer?
TV: Mint 1972 Ford F-250 XLT
TT: 1969 19' Excel; entertains 6, feeds 4, sleeps 2
You don't shoot to kill, you shoot to stay alive.
I don't carry because I have to, I carry because I get to.
I like new things-
- when they're 40 years old!
My pictures
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