On the hunt for the best RV brands? You’re in the right place!
I’m Julie, and with 4 years of RVing experience, I’ve seen a lot. Other than my own RV I’ve been in countless others belonging to my friends and even random RVers I met at camping grounds. I may not know every single RV by heart, but I know which brands deliver the real deal and which ones are just a waste of money.
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This article will cover not just the top RV brands, but also how to identify good RV brands for yourself, different RV types, and the brands to avoid at any cost.
Sound exciting? Let’s get started.
What to look for in a top RV brand?
We have included the best RV manufacturers in the RV industry right now in this article. But over time, new brands will emerge, existing brands may improve, or they may even deprove. The aim of this section is to teach you how to identify a good RV brand for yourself.
High-Quality Materials
This may seem a bit obvious since whether it’s RVing or water bottles, any good brand should use good materials. However, it goes beyond just the material of the exterior, or even the wheels. We’re talking sturdy insulation material, durable flooring, long-lasting furniture, and so on. A good RV brand would get all these from established sources to make sure your entire RV is decked out in solid materials.
Appliances
Good RV brands will give you a well-built RV, but the truly great ones? They distinguish themselves through their appliances. Granted, if you get a well-built RV from a good brand, it’s unlikely you’ll get bad appliances. But the best RV companies will give you top-of-the-line appliances that have you feeling like a king in your RV.
After-Sales Customer Support
Even the best RVs break down, or sometimes, you might just need a bit of help figuring it out. At times like these, good after-sales customer support is a godsend. The good news is, an RV brand that builds you a top-notch RV probably isn’t going to ghost you once the sale is done. If the RV is good, chances are, the after-sales customer support will be good too.
Just in case though, make sure to do your own research. Check out forums and review sites to see what others are saying about a brand’s customer support. You should also check out the brand’s website itself to see if they offer detailed guides and manuals.
Warranty
As with customer support, a comprehensive warranty is important. After all, even the best RVs break down at times. With RV warranties, it’s quite straightforward. The longer and more comprehensive, the better. But once again, do your due diligence. I would also seek out others’ opinions to make sure the brand honors its warranties.
Dealers & RV Prices
While not a must, it’s highly recommended that the brand you’re looking at has a dealer near you. Depending on your situation, you may also need to explore different financing options and even trade-in deals. If that’s the case, then make sure the RV dealer near you has whatever you need. More established RV brands will also have dealers all over the country, which makes repairs much more convenient.
The Top 12 Best RV Brands
These 12 RV brands have withstood the test of time and proven their worth many times over. They deliver where it matters, whether it’s performance, design, or customer support. And whether you’re looking for a first-class class A motorhome or just a cozy little teardrop camper, one of these brands is sure to hit the spot.
Grand Design RV
Grand Design RV’s lineup includes premium and luxury class C motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheels, and toy haulers. Basically, if you want it, you’ve got it.
Grand Design RV has a reputation for tough, solid, and reliable RVs. Their RVs have no problem standing up to rough terrains and extreme weather. They also provide an efficient and responsive customer service team, a 3-year limited structural warranty, and a lifetime warranty on the roof membrane.
Grand Design RV also builds its RVs with high-quality materials and outfits their RVs with premium stainless steel appliances and leather furniture. Their RVs also feature modern designs, which are my personal favorite.
Of course, you get what you pay for. Grand Design RVs are on the higher end of the price spectrum. You also need to spend more on fuel since their RVs tend to be heavier due to their abundance of features like slide-outs.
All in all, Grand Design RV is a premium brand that caters to those with money to spare, whether it’s a premium fifth wheel, or a luxurious class C. If you’re on a budget though, you’ll love this next brand.
Keystone RV
Another comprehensive brand, Keystone RV’s lineup includes travel trailers, fifth wheels, toy haulers, and destination trailers.
Keystone RV is well-known for innovation. There’s never a lack of advanced technologies in their construction processes, such as welded aluminum floor joists. They also apply this same principle to their fixtures. This is apparent from their HyperDeck flooring system and SolarFlex solar package.
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Keystone RV also keeps their RVs affordable. RVers on a budget should definitely check out their options. That said, from what I’ve heard from other RVers, they do have a bit of a quality control issue. Buyers have reported issues with their appliances and leaks. Their customer service isn’t the best too. It seems as though they’re skimping on their customer support team to spend more on their RVs. In my opinion, they’re a really good budget RV brand. And I find the poor customer service to be a fair tradeoff for an excellent RV at bargain price.
Winnebago
Winnebago is one of the oldest RV manufacturers around. They’re known for their high-quality reliable RVs that have proven themselves over and over again. Once again, they offer travel trailers, fifth wheels, toy haulers, and a variety of motorhomes.
As you’d expect from a classic reliable brand like Winnebago, their RVs are built with solid sustainable materials. They also have rigorous testing processes for top-notch quality control.
Winnebago RVs tend to be spacious, ergonomically designed, and comfortable. They give off a very homely vibe, and are the gold standard for RVs. Due to this, they are also quite pricey, and may not be suitable for those trying to keep costs down.
Jayco
Jayco is owned by Thor, and they offer as diverse a range of RVs as any of the previous brands.
Similar to Grand Design RV, Jayco’s RVs are well-known for being dependable and robust. If you’re looking for something that can handle harsher road conditions and weather, this is it.
Jayco employs lightweight but strong materials, as well as state-of-the-art construction techniques to craft their RVs. As such, you can expect a heavy-duty yet lightweight RV.
Price-wise, Jayco’s RVs tend to be more expensive than those from Grand Design RV. The reason for this is that they are built with families in mind, so they’re more spacious, whether it’s the living space or storage space and slide-outs.
The only thing I don’t like about Jayco is that their quality control isn’t very tight. Leaks, cracks, plumbing issues, and more are all common issues. Plus, their customer support is poor for some of their dealers. Overall though, families who can afford to spend more will want to give Jayco a shot.
Airstream
Even older than Winnebago, Airstream has been in the game since 1931. Their mission is to create “the perfect travel trailer”. As such, it’s no surprise that their lineup consists only of quality travel trailers, touring coaches, and basecamp trailers.
Airstream trailers are easily recognizable by their iconic silver bullet shape and vintage design. They’re also built with first-rate materials like steel frames and hardwood floors.
It’s also worth noting that Airstream emphasizes sustainability. You’ll find solar panels, composting toilets, and LED lighting in their trailers. Their lightweight and aerodynamic designs also help improve fuel economy.
Perhaps the only con of Airstream is the price point. They’re one of the most costly around, what with their eco-friendly features and classy but well-built RVs. Nonetheless, that’s only fair given that they’re one of the best travel trailer brands. And if you’re a fan of classy designs or just want to do your part for the environment, there’s no better brand.
Outdoors RV
As the name suggests, Outdoors RV aims to build RVs for outdoor adventures. Despite being relatively new to the scene, it has established itself as a force to be reckoned with for off-road terrains.
Their lineup is limited to travel trailers and fifth wheels. But regardless, their RVs are tougher than any other. With sturdy materials such as fiberglass walls, rubber roofs, and steel chassis, they’re as robust as it gets. Their floor plans are also spacious and give you plenty of storage space, along with large tanks. You also get a suite of amenities that help you feel comfortably at home.
Their RVs are rather expensive, but their toughness is unquestionable. What’s more, for the price you pay, you also get access to their network of more than 100 dealers and service centers.
Thor Motor Coach
Thor Motor Coach is quite similar to Keystone RV. In terms of the lineup, it does differ in that it only offers Class A, B, and C motorhomes and toy haulers. Nevertheless, both brands’ high-quality RVs are priced competitively. And unfortunately, they come in a bundle with poor customer service and quality control too.
Thor Motor Coach differentiates itself through innovation. They use advanced construction techniques like welded tubular steel frames and one-piece fiberglass roofs. They’ve also got impressive systems like the Multiplex Wiring Control system.
Keystone RV was acquired by Thor a while back. I’ve found that with Thor and brands they own, there’s always a pattern of bad customer service and quality control. There’s no denying you still get excellent quality at competitive prices though. The only difference is, Thor Motor Coach offers more variety than Keystone RV. So if you like the sound of Keystone RV’s affordability but they didn’t have the RV you want, you just might find it with Thor Motor Coach.
Casita Travel Trailers
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As travel trailer brands go, this is as good as it gets. As you can probably guess from the name, Casita Travel Trailers deals in exclusively travel trailers. With all their focus on travel trailers, it’s no wonder that they’re the best RV brand when it comes to travel trailers.
Their mission is to create lightweight travel trailers that can be towed by almost any vehicle. And true to their mission, their travel trailers are always light, efficient, and aerodynamic.
In spite of their light weight though, Casita Travel Trailers are very durable and dependable. I also like that their customer support is friendly. They do make some of the best quality travel trailers though, so just note that due to high demand, it could take a while to get your trailer upon placing your order.
Newmar
This next brand also focuses on a single type of RVs – class A motorhomes. Newmar hase all sorts of class A motorhomes, from average-priced to ultra-luxury.
Quality and reliability are synonymous with Newmar. I find that Newmar is quite similar to Thor, Keystone, and Jayco. I say this because they all employ the best materials and state-of-the-art construction methods.
But one key difference is that Newmar doesn’t have the quality control and customer service problems that those three other brands have. It comes at a higher price tag, which I feel is worth it. For those who are looking for a class A motorhome and who don’t mind paying more for the premium quality control and customer support (and of course the awesome class A motorhome itself), look no further than Newmar.
Coachmen RV
It’s getting boring by now, but Coachmen RV is another great brand on the less pricey side that skimps on quality control and customer support to bring you affordability.
I particularly like that they have financing options and trade-in deals available though. These only serve to make their RVs even more affordable. Coachmen RV may not have the technology of the previous brands, but it still uses top-of-the-line materials. And frankly, its affordability is unparalleled.
Heartland RVs
Heartland RVs focuses on the towable range of RVs. So you’ll find travel trailers, fifth wheels, toy haulers, and destination trailers.
Heartland has essentially the same problems and advantages as Jayco, Thor, and Keystone. Its quality and technology are commendable, but the quality control and customer service leave much to be desired. As with Keystone RV, Heartland RVs is also owned by Thor Industries, thus the similar offerings.
Dutchmen RV
Last on the list, Dutchmen RV sets itself apart through the ease of use of its diverse range of RVs.
Before we go any further, let me confess. Yes, Dutchmen RV is owned by Thor Industries. Yes, it has poor quality control and customer support. And yes, Dutchmen RV produces first-rate RVs with only the best materials.
Same as Jayco, they build RVs that can weather extreme road conditions and weather. Between the two, you’ll notice Jayco has more of an emphasis on being lightweight. Dutchmen, on the other hand, pays more attention to ease of use.
In short, if you’d like an RV that’s more simplistic and easier to operate, go for Dutchmen RV.
RV Brands To Avoid
I’m sure even those new to the RV world will have heard of Forest River. Aside from Thor Industries, Forest River is probably the biggest RV manufacturer. That doesn’t mean it’s any good though, quite the opposite. While Thor and its brands may have less than ideal quality control and customer support, their RVs are of good quality and dependable. With Forest River though, its one of the worst RV brands. Not only are the materials they use subpar, but their assembly and workmanship too. And no, their customer support and quality control do not make up for those. In fact, from past experience, their customer service doesn’t respond to attempts to contact them or takes very long, and their quality control is atrocious.
In a nutshell, avoid anything made by Forest River and the brands under them at all costs. Sure Forest River RVs may have a really attractive price point, but the headaches you’ll face will probably shorten your lifespan to the point where the money saved is no longer worth it. The only brand of theirs I’d recommend is Coachmen RV.
Different RV Types
- Travel Trailers: Towable RVs that are in essence a portable home and are attached behind a towing vehicle. They have a wide range of sizes, but aren’t as large as fifth wheel RVs.
- Fifth Wheels: A fifth wheel is kind of like a larger travel trailer. A fifth wheel is much heavier on average, so a special hitch is needed to tow one.
- Toy Haulers: These are made to carry “toys” like bicycles and even ATVs, hence the name toy hauler. Of course, they also have living space, much like any other RV.
- Teardrop Campers: Teardrop campers, as the name implies, are shaped like teardrops. These are the smallest and lightest towable RVs. The interior usually has just enough space for a bed and a small space for cooking.
- Class A Motorhomes: These are the first thing that comes to people’s minds when you say RVs. They’re the largest and grandest, offering the most space and comfort.
- Class B Motorhomes: These resemble a van, and are thus also known as camper vans. Among motorized RVs, these are the smallest. You’ll get the bare essentials like a toilet, cooking space, and sleeping space.
- Class C Motorhomes: These are RVs with a cap on top of the van below. The space in that cap is for sleeping. Class C motorhomes are sized in between class A and class B motorhomes. As such, you’ll get something between, with a good balance of amenities and minimalism.
Which is the best RV Manufacturer for You?
Ultimately, there’s no one straightforward answer to which the best RV brand is.
If we’re talking about which offers the absolute most high-end and luxurious RV, then the answer is either Nemar or brands like Dembell. But I’m pretty sure not everyone needs or can afford the most luxurious RV in the world. That’s why I included 12 RV manufacturers to cater to everyone’s needs.
Consider your needs carefully, and make sure to do your own research thoroughly. Not every RV from a good brand is good, and not every RV from a bad brand is bad.
If you need any further help, make sure to check out our tips and guides. We cover everything, from RV storage ideas, to keeping mice out and winterizing your RV. Alternatively, if you need any RV gear whatsoever, check out our list of the best RV gear!
Source: https://t-tees.com
Category: WHICH
