2018 Coachmen Prism reviews

This was our first RV, and after almost two years, we would choose differently if we were to do it over again. As other reviewers have noted, the rig drives well, but we have had one problem after another with poor quality/workmanship. Our audio/camera unit was useless in sunlight. We had to replace it to be able to use the camera feature. Roof vents crumbled and blew off within the first year. The interior storage cabinets are solid wood, but the bathroom door is plywood with what looks like woodgrain shelf paper stuck on it. That started peeling off pretty much right away. Our house battery wouldn't hold a charge in spite of being carefully routinely recharged according to the dealer's instructions. We ended up spending $2500 on installing a solar panel on the roof and adding another house battery. The large drawer under the fridge flew open several times while we were driving, in spite of only having light plastic bowls stored in it. The drawer latch broke every time, and we finally gave up replacing it. We now travel with a baby gate bracing the drawer. Our bathroom suddenly had a strong urine smell in spite of careful cleaning of the toilet, floor and walls. Turns out that the Dometic 300 toilet is notorious for allowing urine to accumulate in the back of the toilet where you can't see it or reach it. That will need to be replaced. On our last trip we suddenly noticed a large crack in the shower surround in spite of the fact that no damage had been done to it. You can see that the plastic is paper thin, very poor quality. That will also need to be replaced. The rig may not qualify as a higher end RV, but for us the $90,000 that we spent on it with upgrades is a lot of money. We're surprised and disappointed. Show less

The Sprinter turbo diesel 3.0 pulls real strong better than my older 2007 fleet wood 23’ with the 6.0 gas. Comfort is one step above the Chevy chassis which I liked. Unfortunately the rest of the coach is a big disappointment. The quality of Coachmen is not even close to the Fleetwood. 1) After my first trip the kitchen drawers fell out and broke the latches because cheap brackets inside fell apart. I had to rebuild all the inner supports and new latching hardware. 2) Filling the water tank dumped water in the coach because of a loose hose clamp on the water pump under the shower. What a pain that was to fix. 3) When you put the dining room table down to make a bed it didn’t fit because the bench seats weren’t square. I had to rebuild the rear seat to make the top fit. And when you place the cushions down for the bed they won’t lay flat. There too big like it was for a non slide-out dinette. The cushions over hang the bench about 2” or more which is about 4” too much for the cushions to sit flat. 4) After 3 weeks of sitting the truck battery goes dead. I took it to MBZ and said the power draw is in the coach. Something Coachmen pulled power for I suspect the leveling system is active all the time. I have to disconnect the battery ever time I park it. This is a work in progress when I get time. 5) Now this a quality of parts issue. I took my RV out this week end and both roof vents crumbled in the closed position and blew away. The plastic was completely rotted out by the sun and it’s only 1 1/2 years old. I have new parts on order. All of these issues including all the trim that fell off I fixed myself because the dealer is too far and not worth it. The positions of the storage is not ideal but I added some shelves in the cloths closet which helps out. Who hangs there cloths anyway. 6) The leveling jacks scrap over simple drive ways so be careful where you get gas. The propane generator works well along with the AC. All the lightning are LEDS which uses almost no power but I added a second battery for the long run. Over all this is a good rig because of the Sprinter chassis. It’s a pleasure to drive I just don’t like the workmanship of the coach. Show less

The gas mileage is about 12.5 , only 2000 miles on it, so may be not yet broken in. Many little things needed fixing but for first 1 year the dealer taken care of it, no problem. Its very practical, sweet RV. Very reliable so far. i would recommend it . Show less

I just purchased my RV, the dealership and all personnel were fantastic. But the quality control of the unit left much to be desired, I hope things work out, and I will give them a chance to be honorable. As far as the unit, the lighting switches and operation are not the best, you don't have a master control from the drivers seat. No undercoating for rust prevention. The mileage is 12.4 @ 62 mph and 2250 rpm maybe up to 14 @ 55 mph and 2000 rpm. Great get up and go, almost racing quality. They should offer a house battery upgrade to 2, 6 volt golf cart batteries. The manufacturing process and QC shows a lack of attention to detail, too numerous examples to write. Mercedes could have had additional fuel capacity and Coachman could have added an additional tank behind the spare tire and or in place of the spare tire. Additional strengthening of the cargo bins would also improve the quality of the unit. Te use the Jensen VX4022 audio video, for some unknown reason, they choose not to place the bluetooth microphone in the designated place by the overhead console and light, rather a cheap plastic mount is glued by the steering wheel and amplifies road and cabin noise. Good luck trying to sync your cellphone, the secret sync code is 5309, but no one will tell you or knows. No instruction manual was presented, but you can search on line and download it. My AM radio did not pick up any stations, I wonder if the antenna is connected or if there is an antenna, again poor QC. Insufficient USB ports for charging in the cab area, actually, there are none, except 1 in the radio. If they placed a few USB and 12 volt plugs in the various compartments on the dash, it would be fantastic keep the clutter down in the cab. Show less