If you’re in the market for a new RV and trying to decide between Coachmen and Fleetwood, you might feel like you’re stuck. But don’t worry, because in this guide, we’re going to explore the nitty-gritty details of these two iconic brands to help you pick the right one.
Key Takeaways
The primary distinction between Coachmen and Fleetwood is the category of RVs they produce. Coachmen offers a diverse range of RVs, including Class A and Class B motorhomes, as well as non-motorized options such as toy haulers and trailers. In contrast, Fleetwood solely produces Class A and Class B motorhomes.
Handy Tip: If you are new to RVs and confused by hearing terms like ‘Class A,’ or ‘Class B,’ then we highly suggest you check out our beginner-friendly guide to RV classes.
Continue reading as we delve deeper into a side-by-side comparison of Coachmen and Fleetwood, covering a range of factors including maintenance, construction quality, customer service, and pricing.
Who Owns Coachmen RV?
Founded in Middlebury, Indiana, USA in 1964, Coachmen RV is a notable manufacturer of RVs. The company has a wide range of RVs in its product line, which includes travel trailers, toy haulers, fifth wheels, and motorhomes.
Among their well-known models are the Freedom Express, the Leprechaun, and the Mirada. Coachmen RV is owned by Forest River RV brand, which is a subsidiary unit of the big multinational company.
Who Owns Fleetwood RV?
Fleetwood RV got its start a long time ago, back in 1950 by John C. Crean. At present, Fleetwood RV is part of the REV Group, a big player in the specialty vehicle business. Here’s a little-known fact: most RV brands in the United States are owned by three large companies.
Check out this article to learn more: Largest US RV Manufacturers & Brands They Own
RV Types Offered By Both RV Brands
| RV Type: | Coachmen: | Fleetwood: |
| Motorized | Class A | Class A |
| Motorized | Class B | Class B |
| Motorized | Class C | |
| Non-Motorized | Toy Haulers | |
| Non-Motorized | Fifth Wheels | |
| Non-Motorized | Travel Trailers | |
| Non-Motorized | Destination Trailers | |
| Non-Motorized | Camping Trailers |
Coachmen vs. Fleetwood: Complete Brand Comparison
| Comparison Points: | Coachmen: | Fleetwood: |
| Founded | 1964 | 1950 |
| Company Support | Average | Decent |
| Maintenance | Average | Average |
| Build Quality And Design | Decent | High |
| Cost | More | Less |
Maintenance And Problems: Coachmen vs. Fleetwood
Anticipate experiencing maintenance concerns and issues, such as shower leaks, loose screws, and flimsy drawers, with Coachmen RVs. The occurrence of such issues ultimately depends on the RV model in question. The likelihood of encountering such problems in the future decreases if you acquire a high-quality RV from a reputable dealer.
Just like any other RV out there, Fleetwood RVs are bound to have a few hiccups. One of the most noticeable problems that these RVs tend to have is a leaky rubber roof, as well as some slide-out leaks. So, don’t be surprised if you need to get your hands dirty with some maintenance work, just like you would with any other RV.
Build Quality: Coachmen vs. Fleetwood
When it comes to the top dogs of the RV industry, Coachmen is usually seen as a pretty trustworthy brand. Even after over fifty years in the game, they’re still crushing it thanks to their ability to stay current without compromising their reputation for quality and killer features.
Fleetwood RVs are known for their solid build quality and durability. The company has been producing RVs for over six decades and has a reputation for using high-quality materials and construction methods.
In terms of customer ratings regarding the average quality, they rank higher than most RV brands, even above Winnebago and Coachmen. [Source]
Customer Support: Coachmen vs. Fleetwood
In our research, it seems like Coachmen RV isn’t winning in terms of customer service. Folks aren’t exactly raving about their experience with the company.
Plus, we stumbled upon a report where the customer said that after the parent company Forest River took over, the quality of Coachmen’s products went downhill. [Source]
So, Fleetwood RVs has been getting some mixed reviews about their customer support. Some folks are giving them props for being awesome at taking care of customers, but others are complaining that their customer support fell short. Overall, it seems like their customer service is just okay, nothing too spectacular. [Source – RVInsider: 1, 2]
Cost: Coachmen vs. Fleetwood
All things considered, the cost disparity between the two RV brands is negligible, with slight variation depending on the model and RV condition. Typically, Coachmen RVs tend to fetch slightly higher prices. To illustrate, a used 2015 Fleetwood Class RV is priced at $49,900, while a used Class C Coachmen RV will set you back around $66,000.
Pros and Cons Of Coachmen
| Pros | Cons |
| Good Floor Plans | Higher prices than other RVs |
| Decent Build Quality |
Pros and Cons of Fleetwood
| Pros | Cons |
| High Build Quality | Only makes motorhomes |
| Good Interior Design |
What Do Redditors Think About Coachmen And Fleetwood?
Reddit users have the opinion that Coachmen is a top-tier RV brand. They say that Coachmen RVs are built to last and can handle all sorts of terrain and activities.
Nevertheless, it is advised to be careful before buying one and have a third-party check it out to avoid any potential problems.
Although some models may have minor issues like not having a Black Tank Flush, users find the cabinets of Coachmen RVs to be top-notch and the designs to be attractive. All in all, Redditors give Coachmen RVs a thumbs up.
On the other hand, in general, reddit users have a positive opinion about Fleetwood RV. For instance, some users highlight they have been owning Fleetwood RV for a couple of years without any issues. However, some users recommend checking for roof issues, engine maintenance records, and general wear and tear before purchasing.
[Sources: Reddit Posts – 1, 2, 3 4]
Final Verdict – Which Brand Is Better For You?
In a nutshell, if you are looking for a decent quality RV with nice floor plans and a couple of options, then Coachmen is the right choice for you. However, if you’re all about top-notch construction and you only roll with motorhomes, Fleetwood is your jam. At the end of the day, it all boils down to personal preference, budget and needs.
Read Next: Winnebago vs. Coachmen: Brand Analysis & Build Overview