For decades there has been confusion on this topic amongst RV’ers. Many questions have been asked about which is the stronger brand. Which brand delivers the best quality, best pricing options, and which brand sells more RV’s.
While there are plenty of similarities between the two brands, there are also some distinctions. Let’s answer these important questions regarding Sandpiper vs. Sierra debate.
There aren’t many differences between the two brands. Forest River, is the manufacturer of both Sandpiper and Sierra. They are different branches of the same brand. Much like GM owns both GMC trucks and Chevrolet. With the same brand behind both Sandpiper and Sierra RV’s, there are quite a few similar traits. Both Sandpiper and Sierra RV’s are even built in the same factory and assembly line in Goshen, Indiana.
You’ll notice a lot of similarities in the flooring, and the appliances. Most of the time these will be similar for the two brands. Some of the differences will be interior colors, exterior graphics, furniture, and window treatments. These are oftentimes different.
Other than a few minor details, the most important parts of the RV’s are the same. Things like:
All of the important aspects of the two RV’s are the same. Only a few small traits are different.
Being built in the same factory in Goshen, Indiana you can assume that the process is quite similar for both Sandpiper and Sierra RVs. They’re both built using the laminated production model.
The walls are built using this method. They take a piece of interior board, a sheet of Styrofoam insulation, a sheet of plywood, then a sheet of fiberglass. These are pressed together with aluminum studs, and this creates a very strong wall.
This method is lightweight, and revolutionary when it comes to building RV walls. Both the Sandpiper and Sierra’s walls are built in the same fashion.
Remember as a buyer, if the models are the same then the only differences you’re going to be dealing with are:
There are a few reasons for this. Sandpiper has been around longer than Sierra, and as a rule, most towns will only allow one Sandpiper or Sierra dealer. If Forest River is producing two different brands then that allows another dealership filled with Forest River products allowed in the same town.
Factories become more productive because they are used to building similar RV’s. It keeps the factories operating smoothly, and it keeps the salesman honest. They can’t charge an arm and a leg when there’s a dealership down the road offering a similar product for a much better price.
There are a lot of good questions that you should ask the salesman when you go to purchase an RV. While there are some honest dealers out there, some will try and rip you off if they can.
Get a list of questions to ask and go in prepared. Some great questions could be:
Make sure that your local dealers can take care of you when you’re on the road, and at home. If they don’t offer that service, take your business elsewhere. They should offer fair and reasonably priced services. Don’t settle for less.
You should also do some of your own research on different dealerships in your area. Check out www.customerlobby.com. On this website, you can search for the dealership you’re interested in and find real customer reviews. This site guarantees that the reviews are real because users have to make their own account before posting any reviews.
These accredited websites are good to find real reviews but it’s all too common that competitors post fake reviews in an attempt to damage a company and get more business through those customers.
You should also check them out with the BBB (Better Business Burea). Make sure that they’re accredited with them and also check their rating. You’d like to see an A or A+ rating from the BBB. These are both great ways to check the legitimacy of the dealership.
There are some major benefits as a dealer who sells one of these two major brands of RVs. One of the main benefits is that whether you sell Sandpiper or Sierra, you can ask the customers if they’re familiar with the other brand. With all of their similarities, you can use the other brand to help sell the one that you have in stock.
The pricing is more stable as well. Due to the fact that there might be another dealership down the road selling a similar product. With no massive swaying in prices, it keeps customers more interested in buying.
The warranty department is larger, which leads to a higher rate of customer satisfaction. They are able to take care of them in a much quicker fashion. The same can be said about the parts department. Customer satisfaction is much higher because more parts are readily available to be shipped. If something goes wrong with a customer’s RV, they can get their parts in a timely manner.
There are also a few setbacks for dealers as well. There isn’t only more competition often times the competition is just down the road. So you can use your geographical location as a reason to buy.
You’re also dealing with lower prices because of the competition. This is can also make commission lighter for the dealers.
There are quite a few benefits for customers purchasing a Sandpiper or Sierra RV. With more competition, it forces dealerships to be more honest with their pricing options. Since you know the two brands are pretty much the same, you can pit the dealers against each other, until you get your best price.
The resale value for both Sandpiper and Sierra are very strong because both brands have been around for decades and are very well known. Sandpiper, however, has the best resale value as the line outsells Sierra about four to one.
Of course, Sandpiper and Sierra are both very well manufactured products. They are great quality RV’s that a lot of people are familiar with, and can often sell themselves based on their reputation.
The RV wholesalers in Lakeview, Ohio, and Dodd City, Texas are two top-rated dealers in the country.
At the end of the day, no matter which of these two RVs you chose, you’ll be making a great choice. The main thing that you need to make sure of, is that you’re getting a fair price and good service with the purchase of your RV.
Remember a lot of dealerships sell one of the two brands. If that particular dealership isn’t offering you the service that you deserve, take your business elsewhere.
If there’s one negative about purchasing a Sandpiper or Sierra RV, it’s just that you didn’t purchase one sooner. These are top quality RVs produced by Forest River. Their products have been well received for decades now. Customers love Sandpiper and Sierra for a reason. They’re dependable, and if you need any services the customer specialists are great.
We are not just looking for a quick sale. We want a long-term relationship with ALL of our customers built on trust, integrity, fairness, service and support.
