winnebago vs lance travel trailer

9 Best & 3 Worst RV Brands Out There

If you’re considering buying an RV, you know that they are expensive. And that makes sense; after all, you’re buying a home on wheels. It’s a big commitment, and you owe it to yourself—and your pocketbook—to put in the requisite research. You want to make sure that you get the right RV for you, and from a brand you can trust.

Fortunately, we’re here to help. We’d love to introduce you to the 9 of the best brands, as well as three of the worst, so you can be sure to avoid purchasing an RV from a brand you can’t trust.

These brands are varied; some of them are some of the oldest RV sellers, whereas others are only a decade old or younger. Regardless of their age, however, each of the RV brands examined below has a great track record of designing and selling fantastic RVs. Innovation, quality, and craftsmanship are incredibly important. Keep in mind, of course, that this is our personal list, and you may choose to go with a brand not on this list. Ultimately, trust your gut and your research, as well as user reviews and other actual RV owners. Before buying any RV do a thorough walk-through, ask questions, and see if you can take it for a test drive. Many RVs can be rented, so you can try a model similar to the one you’re interested in purchasing and take notes.

Lastly, we’re listing the brands below alphabetically; each of the 9 is well-established, well-respected, and makes great RVs. Lastly, we’ll conclude with 3 brands we recommend not giving your business.

Alright, on to the 9 best:

Table of Contents

1. Airstream

Airstream is one of the oldest RV manufacturers, and as such, have long prided themself on continually pushing the boundaries and perpetually improving their designs. The original lightweight travel trailers, Airstream campers have long been ingenuitive in their use of space; everything in an Airstream is built with functionality in mind. And this has been true since Airstream’s first models hit the road in the thirties; those earliest models, should you ever get the chance to examine one, are still incredibly functional. It is that functionality that guarantees any Airstream you might purchase will never go out of style, because style isn’t the point of an Airstream. Instead, function is—and few brands are as reliably functional as Airstream.

So if you’re looking for timeless function, modern lines, and no wasted space, Airstream is the brand for you. Beside their travel trailer line, their touring coaches—the Atlas and Interstate lines—combine Mercedes-Benz quality and glamor with Airstream function. Like their travel trailers, Airstream interiors are elegant, well-furnished, loaded with amenities. And you can count on great views; Airstreams specialize in wide window frames, allowing for plenty of scenic views.

2. Dutchmen Brands

Dutchmen in and of themselves are a great RV brand, but they also make RVs under other brand labels. Among those best brands are the following:

• Dutchmen themselves. One of the best manufacturers in the industry, they produce travel trailers, expandables, fifth wheels, and toy haulers. This brand offers travel trailers with extensive storage space, extreme comfort with a touch of coziness. The design and decor their trailers provide ensures they feels like a home. They are well built in mostly aluminum, and lightweight while producing good quality and reliability. A great number of these travel trailers provide bunkhouse floorplans, ideal for families of numerous occupants. Simultaneously, they are also offered in small sizes and in ideal floor plans for couples seeking comfort in camping. The weight of these travel trailers are average and as such, are most often best towed by a large vehicle.
• Aerolite is a brand operated by Dutchmen, and offers astonishing travel trailers with up to 10 different floor plans. As the name implies, Aerolite is known for its lightweight builds, as well as for its easy towing and compact designs. Most of the floorplans provide great spacious room and entertainment, as well as extra storage space. The interior design and decor are offered in up to 3 various options to choose from, and essentially appear elegant in style, comfortable, and well furnished. This brand is ideal for any size families and couples seeking lightweight solutions with great living space and an almost luxurious touch without being extreme.
• Atlas. With the features you’ll find in the Atlas fifth wheel and travel trailers, like the massive kitchen island and ample pantry storage, Master Chef kitchen, and residential-size 60×80 queen beds, you’ll have everything you need to explore the world that awaits.
• Coleman. This line consists of 5 different models: Coleman Lantern LT, Coleman Lantern, Coleman Light LX, Coleman Light, and Coleman Light Elevated, each providing a range of floorplans to choose from. This brand offers trailers built in extensively aluminum framed walls, residential grade vinyl flooring, and hardwood maple cabinet doors. The style and decor of these trailers provide a warm and cozy feel with an elegant touch. They provide plenty of storage, particularly providing such space as under sleeping beds and in overhead cabinets. A few of these floorplans are designed uniquely and provide up to 2 expandable sofas, further used for extra sleeping space at night and immense living space throughout the day. The average shipping weight of this brand’s trailers starts from 3,000 lbs and works up to 7,000 lbs.
• Denali.From the moment you step inside either a Denali fifth wheel or travel trailer, you notice functional quality, from storage space to high arched interior ceilings, LED lighting and solid surface countertops to the residential sized queen or king size beds. This is one of Dutchmen’s most popular lines.
• Kodiak. Think of Kodiak as the love child of Coleman and Denali and you have a pretty good idea what to expect. This, too, is an incredibly popular brand, and offers a range of options to meet you where you are, whether that’s the expandable Kodiak Cub line or the Kodiak Ultimate.

3. Forest River Brands

Forest River owns quite a few brands, many of which have great reputations. Among the most favored are the following:

• Coachmen is one of their RV lines, bought in 2008. Coachmen has been making RVs for more than 50 years, and that dedication shows in their motorhomes, fifth wheels, and travel trailers. With more than 30 options, odds are good they’ll have at least one (if not several!) RVs that might pique your interest.
• Dynamax.  A longtime trusted brand, legendary product integrity and customer loyalty have combined to result in a new generation of RVs, offering casual, easy living interiors with fresh décor options designed to maximize comfort and value.
• East to West. While a newer Forest River line, the quality is certainly there: the new Della Terra, for instance, was just awarded both RV Business’ 2019 Top RV Debut and RV Pro’s 2019 Best in Show.
• Flagstaff. This brand of travel trailers is manufactured by Forest River, built specifically for the benefit of an easy tow with your daily vehicle such as an SUV. The models produced of this brand include: Flagstaff Classic Super Lite, Flagstaff hard side pop-up Camper, Micro Lite, Shamrock, Sports Enthusiast Package, Flagstaff Super Lite, and Flagstaff Tent Campers. Flagstaff E-pro trailers includes various floorplans such as E12RK, E12SRK, E14FK, E15TB, E16BH, E17PR, E19BH, E19FBS, E19FD, and E19QB. The construction of these models includes 6-sided aluminum cage construction, laminated roof and walls, tinted bonded frameless windows, and more. The interior design is very standard and provides efficient comfort for living space. These trailers are ideal for both, families and couples seeking a simple taste and style. The unloaded weight ranges from 1,100 lbs up to 3,200 lbs.
• Palomino is a long-time RV manufacturer best known for their truckbed campers, but they also produce good quality travel trailers. Both their truckbed campers and trailers are affordable and utilize a lightweight construction with full amenities, as do their fifth wheels, destination trailers, and toy trailers. In general, you can expect an interior design that is immensely well furnished and includes maple hand-glazed cabinetry, which adds a comfortable feel to these lines.
• Rockwood is similarly known for excellent quality and comfort. Rockwood trailers are offered in various styles and floor plan models, such as Ultra Lite, Rockwood Roo, Mini Lite, and Geo Pro. The difference between these models is the size they come in. Ultra Lite and Mini Lite appear large in length, Geo pro appears small and compact, and Roo provides slide outs. The similarities of these trailers include their relatively lightweight designs, which offer easy towing. The unloaded vehicle weight on these models starts from 1,100lbs up to 6,500lbs. The construction Rockwood provides is mostly aluminum, with great quality cabinetry in solid wood, and extra simple features that make a difference, causing this brand to stand out in the industry. This brand is ideal for those seeking comfort with high-quality design and furnish, but without a preference for high-end luxury.
• Sonoma is yet another fantastic  brand owned and operated by Forest River, with a wide range of floor plans to fit whatever your needs are. All of their models are mostly aluminum built with laminated aluminum framed floors and walls, an outside shower, overhead cabinets with glass inserts and a laundry chute per floorplan. A characteristic of this brand is its options of bunkhouse floorplans for larger families and kids. They offer extensive comfort space for living, and are ideal for any size family, for those seeking good quality design, and more.

Now 50 years old, Jayco is one of the original names in trusted RVs, offering the same quality assurances now as decades ago. Even now, they still offer a 2-year warranty, twice the length of the industry standard, because they know their products are great and stand behind them in a way most companies simply cannot. Their incredible lineup includes everything from pop-ups to fifth wheels, motorhomes and toy trailers. No matter what you are looking for, odds are good Jayco can offer something that if not exactly what you need and want, sure is close if not better.

Four central tenets help Jayco maintain their status as the best of the best: Quality, in construction, engineering, and industry-leading warranty; family focus, with designs and floor plans that are just as family-centric as they were 50 years ago; awards, including the fact they’ve been America’s best-selling travel trailer 13 consecutive years now; and sustainability, including EcoAdvantage touches on every product and the little things that help you save money and gas mileage.

Newmar was created by RV people for RV people. As a company, they were founded under a singular, distinct vision: to make the best RVs possible. That’s because their founders, Marvin Newcomer and Marvin Miller, knew how much well-made, functional, innovative recreational vehicles mean to the people who own them. They were RV enthusiasts themselves and had experienced firsthand the passion and enthusiasm which a great RV can create.

And that passion shows in their RVs. An Amish and Mennonite company, Newmar takes the same quiet pride in their motorhomes you might expect upon learning their Mennonite and Amish heritage. As they say on their site, “we take pride in every rivet, weld, and mechanical function.”

6. Northwood Manufacturing

Founded in 1993, Northwood is one of the best examples of Pacific Northwest ingenuity, as well as one of the first RV manufacturers to break through the stranglehold the Midwest once had on the industry. Located just outside La Grande, Oregon, beside the scenic Blue Mountains, Northwood RVs reflect the mountains they’re built alongside. Northwood builds sturdy, dependable, truly four-season equipment. Not only do the fully insulated holding tank areas circulate warm area around the suspended tanks to provide protection from freezing in frigid conditions, but the knife valves are also enclosed to protect them from freezing. A combination of rigid foam, batten, and reflective foil insulation helps keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Similarly, Northwood products are designed with energy efficiency in mind, making great use of LED lighting, and offering solar options.

And the interiors are similarly well built. Not only are the cabinets solid wood and beautiful, but they’re anchored to the RV walls, making both the RV and the cabinets stronger. Odds are good the cabinets in whatever Northwood RV you choose may well be better than the cabinets in your home!

7. Oliver Travel Trailers

While lacking the experience of some of these other brands, what Oliver can offer is absolute top-notch construction. For instance, ever Oliver travel trailer is built with four distinct fiberglass shells: two inner shells and two outer shells. This is in addition to the original aluminum frame! As a result, these travel trailers are perfect for four-season living in a way most other brands simply cannot match.

The double hull functions much as double pane windows would, and when combined with the Dometic Penguin 2 furnace that comes standard, the Oliver stays toasty even on the coldest nights. Additional composite materials built into the shells combined with the use of reflective and insulating materials and an air gap between the 2 shells not only helps keep the interior at comfortable levels it also helps to prevent condensation from forming on the inside.

Similarly, the unique double hull construction helps add additional towing stability, and marine-grade components help ensure everything lasts. As Oliver notes, “Even our frame and entry steps are built of aluminum for a ‘No Steel, No Rust, No Maintenance’ factor.” Incredible storage capacity is built seamlessly into the design, and Olivers are designed so that you can live in them off-grid if you so desire as well, with large freshwater and wastewater tanks, a battery bank, two 20-pound propane tanks (which can be upgraded to 30-lb tanks) and even optional solar packages and remote freshwater refill capacity.

8. Pleasure-Way

Pleasure-Way builds custom Class B motorhomes on completed Ford, Chevrolet, and Mercedes chassis’. They have a very high standard for quality control, every single coach made is audited, and every craftsman’s work must meet their rigorous standards and testing. And that sort of quality control comes through in their customers’ experiences; never have I heard a single person badmouth Pleasure-Way, so well-respected are their vehicles.

And with good reason! Not only is everything built to order (there are no construction lines with Pleasure-Way, only craftsmen doing great work), but it is all custom work. On average, it takes six weeks and over four hundred man hours to finish just one Pleasure-Way motorhome! Pleasure-Way’s unique construction process strays very far away from most recreational vehicles manufacturers that mass produce thousands of coaches in a fraction of the time, and that differences results in a higher quality construction.

The construction of Pleasure-Way motorhomes involves measuring, constructing and hand-fitting custom made parts onto each individual chassis. Even though all chassis of a particular make and model, such as Mercedes-Benz or Ram, appear to be identical to each other, there can be slight tolerance differences in the body by up to a quarter of an inch, and Pleasure-Way accounts for those differences with their custom work, by hand fitting and trimming each individual part, from running boards to wall partitions, to perfectly fit each particular coach. Once the specific piece has been custom fit, it will be serialized with that particular coachís chassis vehicle identification number and it will be installed later in the production process to that exact unit.

Oh, and did we mention they’re Canadian? You just get a different level of service with Pleasure-Way. Unfortunately, however, they at this time only make Class B motorhomes.

9. Winnebago

One of the oldest RV brands in the country (first founded in 1958!), Winnebago has more than earned the trust of RVers the world over. Not only are their coaches, fifth wheels, travel trailers, and more all well-built, but Winnebago also offers some of the best after-sale service in the industry, including extended warranties and 24-hour roadside assistance. Additionally, they do a much better job than most RV brands in supporting their customers in finding the right fit for their budget and lifestyle. For instance, they actually run a separate site designed entirely to help RVers determine what they need from an RV in four simple questions : 1)Will it meet my needs? 2) Is it built to last? 3) What happens down the road? And 4) What kind of company stands behind it?

Winnebago can help you answer all four of those questions for yourself, and their wide range of options means you can find what you need, regardless of your budget and travel plans.

For instance, they offer 4 different travel trailers, such as the Minnie Plus and Minnie, ideal for families of 4 occupants, and the Micro Minnie and Minnie Drop, ideal for single or couple adventurers. The floorplans and interior designs of all four models range from simple to average and are ideal for those acquiring a minimal taste in design. These travel trailers are equipped with all necessities for comfortable living. The average weight rating of the Winnebago models start from 2,000 lbs and work up to 6,500 lbs in dry weight. And that’s just their travel trailers!

The 3 Worst RV brands ( In Our Humble Opinion)

As for the worst? The worst RV brands tend not to stay in business very long, fortunately, as people notice when the quality isn’t up to par.

There are a few brands we recommend avoiding, however:

• Gulfstream. Gulfstream used to have a good reputation; however, in recent years, a number of customers have complained of leaks. That’s not something you want to deal with on your camping trip. After all, isn’t part of the point of an RV getting out of the rain?
• Fleetwood. Fleetwood again is a manufacturer that once held a great reputation. Now, though, customers are starting to note that their interiors don’t hold up, requiring expensive repairs as the wear and tear is greater than should be but generally occurs after the warranty has run out.
• Hurricane. Fortunately, Hurricane RVs haven’t been around all that long, and at the rate they’re going, they won’t last long, either. Some customers report it appears as if their RVs were built with repurposed parts, and that’s not something any reasonable person is going to put up with for long.

Outdoor Fact

8 Worst Travel Trailer Brands to Avoid Today [2024 Update]

Buying a travel trailer is a big investment, and you want to make sure you’re getting the best bang for your buck. But with so many brands and models on the market, it can be tough to know where to start. And with so many options to choose from, it’s easy to be drawn in by the promises of a slick-talking salesman.

But beware: not all travel trailer brands are created equal. Some brands have a reputation for shoddy construction, poor customer service, and frequent breakdowns. In this guide, we’ll reveal the worst travel trailer brands to avoid. So if you’re serious about buying a travel trailer, steer clear of these brands at all costs.

If you’re serious about buying a travel trailer, it’s important to do your research and avoid these worst travel trailer brands. This following comprehensive guide will help you make an informed decision.

Travel Trailer Brands to Avoid Purchasing in 2024

Since there are a lot of different opinions for the question: “Which are RV brands to avoid?”, to provide a fair answer, we conducted a survey to Camping is our life  – a reliable Facebook group for RV campers with more than 128,000 members, in which there were appropriately 3,000 respondents.

According to the survey’s result, here are what we got for the query what RV brands to avoid:

What travel trailers brands to avoid in 2023:

• Forest River t ravel trailer brand: 45%
• Keystone  t ravel trailer brand: 26%
• Jayco travel trailer brand: 15%
• Coachmen travel trailer brand: 5%
• Winnebago travel trailer brand: 3%
• Fleetwood travel trailer brand: 2%
• Gulf Stream travel trailer brand: 1%

The rest 3% came to some other brands: Coleman, Thor,…

Why? Outdoor Fact did some more research on these brands trying to figure out the main reasons why they’re on the list of worst travel trailer brands to avoid.

Please note that: 1. We’ve not maintained any order here. So, the lists are not for travel trailer ratings best to worst brands. 2. Not only the craftsmanship, but the experience of buyers with customer service is also taken into account to evaluate the brands. 3. Not all products of these companies are low-quality and obviously their customer service can be improved day by day. All these listed brands have a few units that run well and a large number of customers highly appreciate. 4. If you’re a first-time buyer and you’re interested in any models from these RV manufacturers, you should have someone with experience come and checked with you. Of course, you should always go after a product that suits you the most even if it comes from a brand in this list.

Let’s check out the result now:

1. Forest River Travel Trailer

Forest River RV, which is currently owned by Berkshire Hathaway, is a large American manufacturer of recreational vehicles. Its inventory includes travel trailers, fifth wheels, pop-up campers, and a few other variations of RVs.

Though it used to be the most credible name in the RV industry, Forest River has slowly lost customer’s trust due to various reasons. There are a lot of complaints regarding leakage in the interior which lead to reductions of performance on the field. In addition to that, the issues of sinking floors present a major worry for people that travel around the year. Finally, the customer service of Forest River seems apathetic while receiving feedback from RVers and that kind of treatment steadily turn away many loyal clients.

Although communities still hope that Forest River would eventually address its shortcomings, it’s a good idea to get your recreational vehicle from another brand. Until the brand manages to put a stop to the growth of negative reviews, you should exclude all of its models from your shopping list. It’s simply unwise for you to invest on Forest River RVs knowing that you likely have to deal with a plethora of frustrating troubles. So save yourself a headache and just pass over vehicles that come from the brand.

2. Keystone Travel Trailer

Starting the journey in 1996, Keystone is a latecomer in the RV industry as being one of the well-known manufacturers of towable RVs in North America. The company produces travel trailers, toy haulers, and fifth wheelers.

Providing customers with spacious, fuel-efficient recreational vehicles, they are however structural and technical issues which make Keystone receive a lot of complaints from RV owners as one of the travel trailer brands to avoid. Most RVers frown upon the mediocre quality as well as the finishing of the furniture. They claim that the cabinet doors fall off the hinges within short periods of time.  Additionally, the control board of the vehicles proves difficult to manipulate which give substandard experiences.

Aside from that, the website of Keystone itself is a pain to navigate and that give people a fairly hard time searching for relevant information. The helpline of the brand offer negligible assistance to the consumers and that makes people feel Keystone is unreliable in terms of post-purchase support. Despite the fact that the brand already earns fame in less than a decade of operation, it needs to pay more attention to quality control. Before Keystone completely patch up the drawbacks of its vehicles, it’s far from ideal as one of the  travel trailers not to buy .

3. Jayco Travel Trailer

Talking about the experience with Jayco, customers tend to share different opinions. While some have been satisfied with their purchase, there are reportedly a great deal of RV owners complained about their Jayco travel trailer as a big waste of money. Jayco RVs feature a wide array of built-in facilities and facilities that appear quite attractive at first glance. However, such things usually fail after a while and that lead to huge maintenance expenses. Obviously, no one likes to foot the repair bill if the vehicle breaks down repeatedly.

Common issues include water leakage, improperly installed ventilation, missing fixtures,… A couple of RVers even claim that the toilet seat of Jayco RVs is shoddy. With multiple unhappy consumers, it’s clear that Jayco cut corners while assembling its recreational vehicles to reduce manufacturing cost. Aside from its stellar appearance, models from Jayco have nothing else to offer besides disappointment. Although certain integrated features perform adequately, RVers deserve more consider the money they have to pay to purchase the vehicle.

4. Coachmen Travel Trailer

This is a rather well-known brand that has been in the business since the 1960s. They have introduced a wide range of recreational vehicles to the market. For most of the time, Coachman products are fairly good and will match a variety of customer demands. However, it seems that that later Coachmen RV has run into several issues that considerably reduce their usefulness in the field. The biggest customer complaint is that the product quality is not as good as it used to be. That’s the reason why Coachmen is in this travel trailer brands to avoid list.

Most of the Coachmen RV problems take place in the interior which greatly impact the user experience with the vehicle. The drawer and the slides are fragile and flimsy so they cannot hold too much weight. Leakage is another notable issue as well which can quickly degrade the floor.  In some models, leaking can be spotted around the vent, the shower and the sink. The problem will even get worse if you use the RV in rainy and humid weather. This makes the time you spend inside the RV to be stressful and extremely inconvenient.

The fridge upgrade in several Coachmen RVs has also lead to a rather annoying problem. After installing the new fridge, the wiring is left exposed with the wires ends visible. It’s serious enough that a recall has to be announced to fix the issue. Beyond that, you can face several technical difficulties while using the vehicle on the road that make it one of RV brands to avoid. The Coachmen Recreational Vehicle is surely not the worst thing you can get out there. But if you want to buy one of their recent models, do examine it carefully and know exactly what you are dealing with .

>> Read more:  Best RV Short Queen Mattress  <<

5. Winnebago Travel Trailer

For a brand that has been around for quite sometimes, Winnebago does have some excellent products for you to check. Yet quality is a criterion that cannot be found on every Winnebago product. The market demand for a high number of RV seems to make the brand to scale back the quality control for increased production. Many instances of damaged walls and bent panels have been noticed in normal operations. Interior components frequently become loose and require tightening. Lighting system tends to fail unexpectedly without warning.

Plenty of other drawbacks have been reported which substantially lower the brand attractiveness in people’s eyes. Contacting customer service usually results in unsatisfied answers and little action from the brand. These are the reasons why Winnebago is named on the list of travel trailer brands to avoid.

6. Fleetwood Travel Trailer

Fleetwood is another long-running brand that has operated for more than six decades. Their products used to offer respectable performance with tight post manufacturing exams. However, as time went by, recent Fleetwood models have shown many defects and shortcomings. As a whole, the brand RV quality has dropped quite a lot from before. Customer spoke about the low quality of interior that it degrades very fast. Compare to other RV brands, the inner portion of the Fleetwood RV age much faster.

In operation, the RV battery sometimes refuses to be recharged which may render many functions of the vehicle completely useless. You could end up stranded in such situation. You soon have to replace with an RV battery on the market for better and stable performance. Not to mention the black water tank is prone to leaking even in the newer models. When being contacted by the customer, the company is commonly unresponsive.  All of those complaints about Fleetwood make it one of the worst travel trailer brands to avoid.

7. Gulf Stream Travel Trailer

The last name we would like to refer in the list of worst travel trailer brands to avoid is nothing but  Gulf Stream . It is a once highly sought after brand due to their popularity and admirable performance. But there are plenty of problems that need to be addressed in later products. Leaking and rusting are the issues that really get the ire of the customer. They greatly degrade the RV interior and lower your comfort while you are using the vehicle. Certain components are incorrectly installed or just illogically placed. The customer service is quite responsive though they might charge you extra fees to deal with the problem.

8. Thor Hurricane RV

Most people never heard about this brand, and you’d better stay away from it. People that ever come into possession of a Thor Hurricane product have encountered a lot of issues. Brand new Thor Hurricane RV is said to be assembled of less – than – new components. To say the least, you can think that you own a collection of well-used parts than a complete RV. That being said, the quality of the brand product is definitely not up to specs. A wide range of operation difficulties, structure weakness and malfunction features can be found all over the vehicle.

Many recalls have been announced since the company foundation three decades ago. Fire hazard, improper awning installation, failing BCC and ineffective parking brake are several prominent problems that have been fixed. Some of the Thor Hurricane RVs are eve release with incorrect weight rating which can make the entire thing to uncouple if you load the vehicle with too much weight. For most of RV buyers, Thor Hurricane is one of worst RV brands to avoid.

>> Find out about Best time to buy a Travel Trailer, click here ! << 

What to Avoid When Purchasing an RV?

Buying a recreational vehicle (RV) is one of one of the biggest purchase decisions that people make in their lifetime. With so many options available, it’s easy to end up picking the wrong model. Making a wrong purchase decision is a part of our life. We often buy the wrong shoes, clothes, or gadgets. However, the difference, in this case, is buying the wrong RV will be a costly mistake. So, what to avoid when purchasing an RV? Besides the travel trailer brands to avoid shown above, let’s learn what steps you should follow to avoid a poor buying decision:

Rushing to a deal

You should be researching and taking notes because purchasing an RV involves lots of money. It’s an investment too because used vehicles have good value in many secondhand car markets. Avoid the RV shows because the salespersons push the buyers to make a hasty decision. Don’t be caught up in that excitement only to find out later that the trailer is the wrong size, type, or too expensive.

Skipping the legwork

There are so many brands and manufacturers to choose from. So, it requires some effort on your part to find the best product. Find out information online about the make and model and read the related forums to dig out the best deals. Attend local RV shows, request brochures from the companies, and take factory tours, if required. These will help you learn more about all the available options.

Video: If you are an RV first-time buyers, watch this to know more about the worst travel trailer brands to avoid and other useful tips!

Being unsure about the requirements

What do you need the RV for? A small travel trailer is enough if your plan is to go camping in the state parks or exploring the scenic backroads. However, it will feel small and cramped when you are looking for a cross-country adventure with one or two friends. In that case, a large motorhome will be the best choice.

Ignoring the tow weight

You should never do it because it determines how much the RV can pull and can take the weight of extra gear. It refers to the total weight that a vehicle can two and it varies from one model to another. If your RV has a low tow capacity, you can’t use it for long trips and carrying much stuff.

Travel Trailer Buyer’s Guide

Similar to other purchase, calculating the budget is the first and foremost task while shopping for the ideal recreational vehicles. Nowadays, new models go as high as $20,000 while old ones tend to revolve around $10,000. Generally speaking, unless you have specific criteria, it’s unnecessary to grab premium recreational vehicles that might strangle your financial capability. One way to determine the budget is to make a list of wanted features, filter out suitable models and then decide the average amount of money you have to spend

2. Towing Capacity

For trailers, it’s of utmost importance that you need to learn the towing capacity. There are a total of two weight ratings listed on the owner manual: Dry Weight and Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. Between the ratings, you should be concerned with the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating as it tells you the weight of the loaded trailer: stowed gears, full water tanks and more. Furthermore, assess the hitch on your vehicle to make sure that it’s able to tow the trailer without incidents. Replace the hitch at once if its weight rating is incapable of handling the trailer.

3. Size and Floorplan

Comfort is one of the top priorities for RVs and it’s quite hard to make yourself comfortable if your RV lacks interior space. Take into account the number of people, the length of your travel and so on in order to ascertain the amount of room you need. For conventional trips, you and your family could get by just fine on basic models. On the other hand, if you travel extensively, it’s strongly recommended that you pick a sizable vehicle that possesses slide-out sections, upgraded cabinets, …  

Everyone wants to buy from a reputable RV dealership but there are certain travel trailer brands to avoid. One or two hours of scouring through online information will give you a good idea about the best and worst make and models in the market. Check the google reviews, ask in reputable forums , and if possible, contact the company’s customer service to see how professional they are in handling customers. You can also choose a comparatively new brand if it offers warranty on their sold units and has a good selection of parts and accessories.

By avoiding the  worst travel trailer brands  listed above and closely follow the steps, you can narrow down your search range and will eventually manage to make a wise and informed purchase. Remember that buying from a top-notch manufacturer can save you plenty of hassles.

Want to buy an RV, here are some tips for you.

Last Updated on January 1, 2024

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Carlos Perry

Carlos Perry’s passion for outdoor activities can be traced back to 5 years ago when he spent a significant time to conquer beautiful pristine lands and experience different cultures with his best friends. Currently working as a blogger, he takes pride in providing comprehensive contents about camping knowledge, survival skills based on his own experience. A lot of his work was published on well-known travel magazines like: Travel+Leisure, Thrillist

60 Comments

The title to this is TRAVEL TRAILERS to avoid….Number 1 was travel trailers and the rest were Motorhomes. Gulf Stream, for you info, has not made the style of motor home for several years.

Hi Kenneth, Thank you very much for your supporting comment. 1. It’s true that Gulf Stream have no longer manufactured that motorhome model >> Good info provided 2. FYI, 4/5 are travel trailers. As the title says, here we mainly focus on travel trailer brands to avoid (Worst RV brands in general). The problem is that we inserted the wrong picture that make you misunderstanding it. I’ve changed the photos to better explain the topic. If you have any question, feel free to ask! Thanks

Puma trailers, I have a 2022 year model that was bought in April of 22, seem right after I had it for a year , two of the theee slide outs are leaking, seems that they use tape to hold the two pieces of roofing material togeather, and the also to tape it to the end of the slide which, the tape degraded in both areas and let water seep in , causing both of the roofs to rot and break down. Returned to the dealer and was told that it only had a year warranty on the roof, to which I replied the roof is rotted, so it’s been leaking for months. I was given a 20,000$ repair bill, to fix something the builder should have honored and repaired. Stay far far and away from Forrest River products, crap products that are held together with tape. I have mailed their customer service twice , with no reply’s. Thanks for any input.

Shouldn’t the title of this be “Brands to Avoid?” Because the worst brands to avoid would be brands that you ought to buy.

I have a 2018 Winnebago Micro Minnie and find its quality to be excellent. Mine has given no trouble whatsoever and its build quality and materials seem quite satisfactory, if not industry-leading. BTW, I’m a retired professional Quality and manufacturing Engineer with 40 years experience in my profession and have owned several RVs, too.

I would have to agree with John, we also own a 2018 Winnebago Micro Minnie & the quality is above & beyond anything else that we’ve seen on the market. This is our 2nd Winnebago and I at this point I would not even consider any other brands!

What are the best brands?

Hi Russ, the Airstream has an unwavering reputation in the market. The distinctive looks, shiny polish, and aluminum work, makes these caravans worth the investment in spite of their high price. Check out this list for your better choice: https://outdoorfact.com/best-travel-trailer-brands/

Forest River is a brand you listed as worst to buy but would that also includes their R-POD line?

My Forest River NoBo 19.5 has a kayak rack with a faulty design (per Rhino Rack specifications) they offer no solutions and my kayak rack is useless! No Bo ripped me off here.

It’s usually all about preference and past experiences. So if someone had a good experience with a forest river they might like forest river. Then a person had a bad experience they won’t like them anymore. It’s like a car. I won’t buy a Pontiac ever again not just because they are out of business but many other issues. I like my Toyota much better.

Amen! I’ve heard nothing but bad things about Forest River, but I have a friend that’s that’s all his dad has ever owned, so my friend just bought a brand new Forest River for himself and after looking it over, I’m thinking about getting a new Forest River myself.

Andy Knowles well I have an fr3. Lots of little things getting annoying. I’ve had it for three years but I came from tent camping so I have nothing to compare to. All I can say is you need to be a little handy.

I certainly agree with Any K.. we have owned close to 10 different campers over the years (new & used & different makes & models). We now own a Forest River 26BUD & love it! (no issues whatsoever!) The workmanship is better than most & the floor plan is excellent. I would not hesitate to refer friends or family to buy one. I don’t care if you buy “the best” (whatever that may be based on who may be doing the review) or not but understand, the owners care & maintenance has ALOT to do with how well it holds up over the years.

Buying trailers from any brand, check it carefully. There will be pros and cons of all travel trailer brands. If buying new go in restroom and stand in shower. Pretend you are taking shower and see how much room you have or see if you have to bend over to shower. Also check toilet for roominess. Other thing I would get a rv with a 15,000 btu ac and have them install a sewer flush as soon as you buy. If buying used get an inspector before purchase. They have a lot of people that do quick fixes to sell. But problems still exist. Find out what your tow vehicle can tow. If it can handle over 5000 lbs you can tow a under 4000 lbs trailer. You have to allow 500 lbs per person in gear. Never max out the vehicle. Just because it says it can tow 7000 lbs doesnt mean it will handle good and the sway is bad.

???????? yes! What is the best Brands out there? I’ve researched for almost 3 yrs now. I was leaning towards a few, and then heard RUN! lol! First I was told to stay away from Jayco and Forrest River! So I look into the BEST rvs to buy and theres Jayco AND Forrest River listed! Its so confusing sometimes! And yes a list of the best of the best would be awsome! Bumper pull and 5th wheel is what we are looking into. Thank you for the list of bad! But which brand is the BEST to invest ? Lol

Hi, Been in the business for forty years,your trailer or fifth wheel is only as good as the dealer you bought it from. I suggest to look at a cougar!

WE WOULD LIKE TO KNOW THE BEST TO WORST 5th BRANDS OF RVS!!

I feel the worst ???? RV brand to avoid is Forest Rivers RVs . The warranty is is a joke no one wants to do repairs under factory warranty that have a hard time getting paid and have to wait forever to get parts. We have a new Avenger ATI and in the first month of owning it the walls are coming apart ,inverter Dead , furnace dead , stereo dead, floor buckling up , screws coming out of window frames , 110 out falling out of walls , and a hole lot more. Called company and all I could get was lying from top executives down. So would recommend not buying any of their RVs unless you are ready to throw your money away.

I feel like we tossed our money but a good attorney will be your best advise

If your buying used… DO NOT even consider anything fleetwood. (They’re out of business now) but I’ve never seen a trailer made by fleetwood that wasnt garbage or so rotten it couldnt move. Also… I personally will never buy another with fiberglass siding. I feel they’re more prone to leaks and delamination

The new Shasta’s because they are not made with the quality of the older models. I am not trying to offend anyone, I love the way it looks but I have seen so many with poor workmanship, 20 or more. They had the name and could have produced a killer camper. I mean no disrespect, just trying to be honest. My friends have all sold theirs and many are still in a shop trying to be fixed, so sad.

I’ve had 2 made by KZ, one Pioneer, and one Forest River. No real problems out of any other than some very minor items which were covered under warranty.

Forest River, bad on warranty repairs and will not stand by their product.

I camp in : hammocks, tents, our Teardrop camper and I have owned in the past a 29ft Mallard and 2 different 24ft Jayco campers. I love camping period. I could care less what I’m sleeping in as it’s only a vessel to rest my head at night so I can get out of it in the morning and enjoy the great outdoors! I see them only as camping gear. Focus on why you camp and less on what gear you choose to get out there. There isn’t a camper on the planet that won’t need something fixed or replaced at some point in time. Camper companies come and go and some are better than others but for the most part they are all pretty good once you get any bugs worked out.

Forest river was definitely the junkiest camper we ever owned! Our nicest one was an MPG made by cruiser rv. We found the quality of materials inside were better in the MPG

I would suggest doing some factory tours. We did this after the fact at rally’s we attended and were glad we bought the brand we did. Nothing is perfect, but when you see them being put together and meet the people working on them, you have a clearer picture of what you are gonna get, my opinion. For instance, after a Thor factory tour all the Thor owners were very upset that their units were all glued together and no nails or screws were used in putting them together. Someone didn’t care about the rattling and vibration theses rvs take each and every time they are out.

We special-ordered a brand new 2019 Keystone and it was put together terribly we were very very disappointed and I’ve had to have a ton of things fixed in the first two weeks of having it was very disappointed are 2004 was built way better they just don’t make things like they used to and build in a rush 4 productivity

We regret buying our Coleman. Made cheap. Had small roof issue at 8 months old. Black water pipe windy…not as straight as it should be so emptying can be painful.

Avoid light weight/ feather weight. They are made cheaper in every way, in the name of tow weight. That’s my feeling anyway.

Seems, your opinion differs from many others! I have read many articles and researched for almost 2 years, and about half the models you said, “Don’t buy” many others rate as some of the best! Such as Jayco, and Winnebago! I have looked at pretty much everything on the market and Jayco, Forest River, and Winnebago are above average in build in their price range!

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Airstream vs. lance: brand showdown.

Jayco vs. Gulf Stream: Head-to-Head Brand Comparison

Struggling to decide between Airstream and Lance RV? We have got you covered! Both are popular choices among RV enthusiasts, but they have distinct differences that you need to be aware of.

Key Takeaways:

Airstreams are known for their iconic, stylish design and unique features, while Lance RVs prioritize quality build and interiors. Both brands come with a higher price tag than other RV brands, but they offer exceptional reliability, making them a worthwhile investment.

In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into both RV brands and compare them side by side to help you make an informed decision on which one is better for your needs. Read on till the end to learn more.

Airstream Brief Overview

Airstream RVs are iconic travel trailers known for their distinctive rounded shape and polished aluminum exterior. The Airstream company was founded in 1931 by Wally Byam, and since then, it has become a beloved brand among RV enthusiasts.

Regarding ownership, Airstream is currently a subsidiary of Thor Industries, Inc., a publicly traded company. Thor Industries is one of the popular manufacturers in the RV industry, and it owns a number of other well-known RV brands in addition to Airstream, including Jayco, Heartland, and Keystone RV.

Despite being owned by Thor Industries, Airstream has maintained its unique identity and continues to produce high-quality, luxurious travel trailers that are highly sought after by travelers and adventurers alike. So while Airstream may be part of a larger corporate family, it remains an important and cherished brand in the world of RVs.

Lance Brief Overview

Lance RVs are a popular choice among RV enthusiasts, known for their high-quality construction and attention to detail.

The Lance Camper Manufacturing Corporation has been around since 1965, and they’ve been producing some of the most well-regarded RVs on the market ever since. In terms of ownership, Lance Camper is currently a subsidiary of REV Group, which is also a publicly traded company.

Recommended Read: Largest US RV Manufacturers & Brands They Own

RV Types Offered By Both RV Brands

Airstream vs. lance: complete brand comparison, maintenance and problems: airstream vs. lance.

Owning an Airstream RV is a true labor of love, requiring more maintenance than most campers, but the rewards are definitely worth the effort.

To maintain the iconic shiny, and new appearance of an Airstream, you must be diligent about regular washing and waxing, and take special care to keep the aluminum exterior in excellent condition. It is critical to avoid using a pressure washer too close to the trailer, as this can lead to unwanted dents and leaks in the rivets.

Although Airstream RVs are known for being durable, long-lasting camper , they are not immune to common problems that can arise over time. Issues such as leaks, floor rot, scratches, and dents can pose a challenge to owners, particularly when it comes to finding replacement parts for older models. If you are considering purchasing a used Airstream, it is important to keep this in mind.

Despite these challenges, Airstreams are beloved by their owners for their unique style, superior craftsmanship, and undeniable charm. With the right amount of care and attention, an Airstream can provide a lifetime of happy memories and unforgettable camping experiences. If you are up for the task of maintaining this iconic camper, an Airstream may be the perfect addition to your RV collection.

When discussing Lance RVs, it is worth noting that there are indeed some issues, such as roof deformities and screws becoming dislodged from bathroom doors, among other similar concerns. Moreover, in recent times, many users have reported problems with Lance trailers like slide-out issues, kitchen faucet leaking, and more.

So it’s important to be prepared for the maintenance of Lance RVs. It’s important to highlight that issues are generally expected, regardless of your chosen brand. Hence, it’s best to buy your RV after thorough research and possibly from a reputable dealer so that you have minimal issues.

Build Quality: Airstream vs. Lance

Airstream trailers are usually more expensive than your average RV, and part of the reason for that is the high-quality components used in manufacturing. They use better materials than most other RV manufacturers, which means their trailers tend to last longer and hold up better over time.

But let’s be real here: no RV is perfect. Airstreams have their fair share of issues, just like any other brand. We already discussed its problems and maintenance needs earlier. So while Airstreams are generally well-built, they’re not exactly super high-quality.

That being said, if you’re willing to spend the money and you appreciate the retro-cool design of an Airstream, you’ll probably be happy with your purchase. Just don’t expect it to be perfect.

The Lance RV is built using materials that are highly resilient against water damage and rot, resulting in an impressive level of durability. Additionally, the incorporation of advanced CNC machining technology allows for precise cutouts and cabinet production, contributing to the overall high-quality construction of the Lance.

Customer Support: Airstream vs. Lance

There is a mixed bag of opinions regarding the customer support offered by Airstream. While there are some users who appreciate their customer service for the prompt response. There are also other users who had a disappointing experience.

Lance RVs is a reputable and established brand in the RV industry, renowned for their top-notch travel trailers and truck campers. In general, the quality of customer support provided by Lance is commendable. Although a few customers have expressed dissatisfaction with the level of customer service they received, we observed only a limited number of negative feedback.

Cost: Airstream vs. Lance

Usually, Airstream RVs are considered pretty costly in the RV industry. Even their base models of trailers begin at the price range of $46K. Just for your reference, on average, a new travel trailer costs anywhere from $11K – $35K .

Like Airstream, Lance also offers trailers at a high price tag that usually ranges between $45K – $78K.

Pros and Cons Of Airstream

Pros and cons of lance, what do redditors think about airstream and lance.

In general, the opinion of Reddit users is mixed. Some users believe that Airstreams are high quality and worth the price due to their longevity. However, others highlight that the new RVs are slightly struggling in terms of quality.

Additionally, some users note that the small size and layout of Airstreams may be uncomfortable for extended trips, and recommend attending an RV show to compare different brands and models. Ultimately, the decision to purchase an Airstream should be based on individual needs and preferences.

Reddit users, on the whole, hold Lance in high esteem. They value the utilization of genuine plywood for the entirety of the rig’s interiors, and praise the fact that even an older Lance model surpasses its competitors in terms of quality.

Although Lance RVs come with a higher price tag, users are willing to invest in them due to the meticulous attention to detail, superior construction, and range of features they offer.

[Sources – Reddit Posts 1 , 2 ]

Final Verdict – Which Brand Is Better For You?

In short, deciding between Airstream and Lance RVs all comes down to personal preference. If you prioritize stylish design and floor plans, then an Airstream RV may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you place a higher value on quality build and interiors, then a Lance RV may be a better fit for you.

It’s important to note that both brands come with a higher price tag than other RV brands, but their reliability and quality make them a worthwhile investment. Ultimately, deciding which brand aligns better with your needs and preferences is up to you. Regardless of which brand you choose, investing in a high-quality RV is a great way to enhance your camping and travel experiences.

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