Dadeoo

Have the frame inspected. If the sag isn't all in the same place, then it's probably not a big deal. Look for cracks, bent beams, and hardware failure. If there aren't any you are probably OK.

If you want quality, the general rule I follow is to avoid RV companies that make their product in Indiana or are headquartered there. The industry is like Detroit during the postwar automotive boom from the 1940s thru the early 1970s: highly profitable, complacent and lacking quality. Lack of meaningful competition and increased industry concentration, both organizationally and geographically, has made the RV industry incestuous and complacent about quality as well. The automotive industry didn't care about quality until Toyota and Honda produced high quality vehicles to compete. As long as poor quality RVs are selling and profitable, it's hard for anyone to build anything of quality. Look for RVs made in Canada, California, and other parts of the country. Unfortunately they rely on the same suppliers, but the assembled product is better if its done outside of Indiana. Look for one of those.

The fact that there are practically no responses says this isn't a very active forum. The recommendation to hire an inspector shows only shows how poorly built these things are. I have to have a new RV inspected. Think about that. Do I have a new car inspected? Nope. Nobody in the marine industry recommends inspections when buying new, only when buying used. This is the only industry that I know of where every NEW RV should be inspected because there are so many defects manufactured into the product.

Sorry for reactivating an old post, but I have a point to raise. I can't help pointing out that I read this article several years ago, and it was a major factor in why I decided to buy a used Lance instead of an Airstream, and it remains out there as a black eye on this industry. It took a few automotive reviewers no time at all to find the poor quality parts, fit, finish and materials. All this on a unit that the manufacturer/dealer knew would be reviewed by a major publication. What a missed opportunity. A missing rivet that can be plainly seen above the bed! What the heck is that about? It makes me question what an owner will find when they open a utility area. A flawless unit could have helped Airstream's sales and reputation in the long term, once the Covid craze wore off. Instead four years later this article continues to give one of the stars of the RV industry a black eye. And it has sat out there for 3+ years...... Doesn't anyone make a quality product at any price?