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Who Makes Thor RV? Discover the Manufacturer!

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When it comes to RVs, Thor RV is a name that stands out. But have you ever wondered who makes Thor RV ? The answer lies with Thor Motor Coach , the number one motorhome brand in North America. With a rich history and a diverse product lineup, Thor Motor Coach is a powerhouse in the RV industry.

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Formed in 2010 through a strategic merger of Damon Motor Coach and Four Winds International, Thor Motor Coach has quickly established itself as a leader in the industry. They offer a wide range of motorhomes that cater to every customer’s lifestyle and budget. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious Class A motorhome or a compact Class C motorhome, Thor Motor Coach has something for everyone.

What sets Thor Motor Coach apart is their commitment to innovation. They are constantly pushing the boundaries of design and technology, ensuring that their motorhomes are equipped with the latest features and amenities. From state-of-the-art entertainment systems to energy-efficient appliances, Thor Motor Coach is at the forefront of RV innovation.

Not only does Thor Motor Coach offer gas-powered motorhomes, but they also have a range of diesel-powered motorhomes for those who prefer the extra power and torque. And if you’re looking for something more compact, Thor Motor Coach has recently expanded their offerings to include luxury Class B options with their Mercedes Sprinter vans.

As part of Thor Industries , Inc., the largest RV manufacturer in the world, Thor Motor Coach benefits from a wealth of experience and resources. Thor Industries , Inc. was founded in 1980 and has since grown through strategic acquisitions of various RV and travel trailer makers. Today, the company owns 20 RV manufacturers and over 200 North American RV brands, solidifying its position as an industry leader.

Key Takeaways:

  • Thor RV is made by Thor Motor Coach, the number one motorhome brand in North America.
  • Thor Motor Coach offers a wide range of motorhomes to suit every lifestyle and budget.
  • They are known for their cutting-edge innovations and commitment to excellence.
  • Thor Motor Coach is part of Thor Industries , Inc., the largest RV manufacturer in the world.
  • With a diverse product lineup and a strong reputation, Thor RV is a trusted choice for RV enthusiasts.

The History of Thor Industries, Inc.

Thor Industries, Inc. is the parent company of Thor Motor Coach and is the largest RV manufacturer in the world. It was founded in 1980 when Wade Thompson and Peter Busch Orthwein acquired Airstream. Over the years, Thor Industries has grown through strategic acquisitions of various RV and travel trailer makers, including Dutchmen, Keystone RV, Heartland RV, Jayco, and Hymer. Today, the company owns 20 RV manufacturers and over 200 North American RV brands. Thor Industries is known for its commitment to innovation and sustainability and is recognized as a leader in the industry.

Thor Industries’ Subsidiaries and Brands

Thor Industries, the leading RV manufacturer, has an extensive portfolio of subsidiaries and brands. These entities specialize in producing a wide variety of motorhomes and RVs, catering to different preferences and lifestyles. Here are some notable subsidiaries under the umbrella of Thor Industries:

One of the most recognizable names in the RV industry, Airstream is known for its iconic silver bullet travel trailers. With their distinct design and exceptional craftsmanship, Airstream trailers offer a unique and luxurious camping experience.

Heartland RV

Heartland RV manufactures a diverse range of RVs, including travel trailers, fifth wheels, and toy haulers. These vehicles are renowned for their innovative features, spacious interiors, and durable construction, making them a popular choice among RV enthusiasts.

Hymer, a renowned European brand, specializes in producing high-quality motorhomes and campervans. Known for their sleek designs, cutting-edge technology, and superior comfort, Hymer’s vehicles offer a perfect blend of style and functionality.

Dutchmen RV is dedicated to providing families with unforgettable camping experiences. Their extensive lineup includes travel trailers, fifth wheels, and toy haulers, offering a range of floor plans and amenities to suit various needs and budgets.

Jayco is a well-established brand known for its commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. Their comprehensive range of RVs includes travel trailers, fifth wheels, toy haulers, and motorhomes, ensuring there is something for everyone.

Thor Motor Coach

As the in-house motorhome manufacturing division of Thor Industries, Thor Motor Coach focuses on producing Class A, B, and C motorhomes. With their emphasis on innovation, reliability, and value, Thor Motor Coach motorhomes are highly regarded in the industry.

Each subsidiary has its own unique brands and models, designed to cater to specific customer preferences and needs. From luxury travel trailers to spacious motorhomes, Thor Industries offers a comprehensive selection of RVs for every type of traveler.

Partnership with Speedway Motorsports

Thor Industries, the renowned RV manufacturer, has recently announced an exciting partnership with Speedway Motorsports. This collaboration cements Thor Industries as the Official RV Partner of Speedway Motorsports and aims to elevate the camping experiences of RVers at NASCAR Cup Series race weekends in 2024.

Through this partnership, Thor Industries is dedicated to creating exceptional camping experiences for NASCAR enthusiasts. They will be actively involved in campground promotions, sweepstakes, RV support, and camper appreciation activities, ensuring that every RVer enjoys top-notch amenities and services during the race weekends.

This collaboration not only emphasizes Thor Industries’ commitment to providing unparalleled camping experiences but also solidifies their position as a leading RV manufacturer in the industry. By integrating their expertise and resources with the thrill of NASCAR events, Thor Industries aims to enhance brand recognition among avid race fans and showcase their exceptional line of motorhomes and RVs.

thor motorhomes

The Impact of Thor Industries

With its global presence and extensive operations, Thor Industries has made a significant impact on the RV industry. As the largest RV manufacturer in the world, they have revolutionized the motorhome market with their innovative designs and commitment to sustainability. Thor Industries has received recognition for its trusted and responsible practices, being named one of ‘America’s Most Trusted Companies’ by Newsweek.

Their diverse range of products, including the popular Thor Motor Coach motorhomes, has cemented their reputation as a leader in the industry. From luxurious Class A motorhomes to versatile Class C models, Thor Motor Coach offers a wide selection to cater to different customer preferences and needs. The quality craftsmanship, attention to detail, and cutting-edge features of their motorhomes have garnered rave reviews from RV enthusiasts.

As they continue to grow and expand their offerings, Thor Industries is set to shape the future of RV travel. Whether it’s embarking on a cross-country adventure or taking a weekend getaway, their motorhomes provide comfort, convenience, and the freedom to explore the open road. With their ongoing commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction, Thor Industries remains at the forefront of the RV industry, continuing to deliver exceptional products that enhance the travel experiences of RVers across the United States and beyond.

Who makes Thor RV?

Thor Motor Coach is the manufacturer behind Thor RV. They are a subsidiary of Thor Industries, the largest RV manufacturer in the world.

When was Thor Motor Coach formed?

Thor Motor Coach was formed in 2010 through a strategic merger of Damon Motor Coach and Four Winds International.

What types of motorhomes does Thor Motor Coach build?

Thor Motor Coach builds a wide range of motorhomes, including gas-powered and diesel-powered Class A and Class C motorhomes. They have recently expanded to offer luxury Class B options with their Mercedes Sprinter vans.

What other brands are under Thor Industries?

Some of the notable subsidiaries and brands under Thor Industries include Airstream, Heartland RV, Hymer, Dutchmen, Jayco, and Thor Motor Coach.

What types of RVs do Thor Industries’ subsidiaries manufacture?

Thor Industries’ subsidiaries manufacture various types of RVs, including travel trailers, fifth wheels, toy haulers, and Class A, B, and C motorhomes.

What is Thor Industries’ partnership with Speedway Motorsports?

Thor Industries has partnered with Speedway Motorsports to become the Official RV Partner of Speedway Motorsports. This partnership aims to provide exceptional camping experiences to RVers at NASCAR Cup Series race weekends in 2024.

What recognition has Thor Industries received?

Thor Industries has been recognized as one of ‘America’s Most Trusted Companies’ by Newsweek for its trusted and responsible practices in the RV industry.

How has Thor Industries impacted the RV industry?

As the largest RV manufacturer in the world, Thor Industries has revolutionized the motorhome market with its innovative designs and commitment to sustainability. Their diverse range of products, including the popular Thor Motor Coach motorhomes, has cemented their reputation as a leader in the industry.

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What are the 10 Best Travel Trailer Brands and Models?

Published on May 23rd, 2022 by Ray & Tammy Roman This post was updated on October 5th, 2023

One of the most frequent questions we get from new and experienced RV enthusiasts alike is: What are the best travel trailer brands to consider buying? This is a crucial consideration because your travel trailer is more than just a vehicle—it’s your home on wheels. Let’s explore some brands that consistently receive high marks for quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction.

Discovering the Best Travel Trailer Brands in 2023: A Guide for Every RVer

Deciding on “the best brand” of anything is subjective. The answer is as unique as you are. Discovering it largely depends on your specific RV travel needs, budget, family size, and personal preferences. he answer also depends on finding the  best truck for your camper .

Over the years my picks for the best travel trailers tends to remain unchanged. Many new brands are on the market, but they have not been around long enough to properly assess their quality. Each of the best travel trailer brands in our list has developed a unique approach to comfort, efficiency, and style.

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Whether you are drawn to the classic charm of an Airstream, the durability of an Oliver, or the tech-forward approach of Jayco, the choice ultimately comes down to your personal preference and budget.

camping with Airstream Flying Cloud best travel trailers list

The Gold Standard: How Do You Choose the Best Travel Trailer Brands of 2023?

What distinguishes the elite from the average in the world of travel trailers? After analyzing feedback from RV enthusiasts and combing through industry reviews, we have identified three things to keep in mind as you shop for your ultimate travel trailer brand.

1. Road-Tested Reliability

When it comes to RVs, it’s not a question of if you’ll encounter issues, but when. With that in mind, the reliability of a travel trailer should be your most critical consideration. The most trusted travel trailer brands inspire confidence based on sterling reviews. That feedback isn’t just from RV industry cheerleaders, but from the real experts – everyday RV owners like you and me.

Don’t fall for the shiny objects shown in walk-through YouTube reviews. Instead, dig deeper and seek out firsthand experiences from actual owners. Start with RV communities such as the iRV2 Discussion Forums . This is one of many excellent ways to get unbiased ratings and insights from owners of the brands you are curious about. Start engaging in discussions about the real-world performance and reliability of the camper you’re interested in.

2. Value for Your Money

Price matters, but not always in the way you might think. While we all love a bargain, when it comes to travel trailers that a lower sticker price can often be a sign of mass production that leads to compromised quality. As with any purchase, affordability is important, but it shouldn’t come at the cost of quality. The best travel trailer brands offer the highest value for the price point with above-average durability, thoughtful design, and overall quality.

3. Customer-First Service

The best travel trailers in the world can’t make up for a poor customer service experience. When investing in a travel trailer, you’re not just buying an RV. You are entering into a relationship. The industry’s top-tier travel trailer brands on our list understand this and prioritize customer satisfaction. From the initial contact with the manufacturer to after-sales support from the dealer and any warranty work in the future, they make it a prioirty to keep customers happy. 

Not all travel trailer brands or their affiliated dealers shine in this area. Explore Google reviews about your local RV dealers that carry the brand you are considering. An overwhelming amount of negative customer feedback may be a telltale sign to look elsewhere.

The Top 10 Best Travel Trailer Brands List

Choosing the best RV trailer brands isn’t easy. There are hundreds of trailer brands and thousands of models. I selected these brands and models based on hundreds of RV user reviews. The following list of camper brands is known for their commitment to quality and value. They are also known for providing excellent customer service and timely warranty repairs. Here are the manufacturers that make our cut.

Now let’s review these brands and their best models to consider buying for your next travel trailer purchase. Remember, take your time to research, visit dealerships, attend RV shows, and even rent different models. This will give you a feel for what suits you best. The adventure of RVing begins even before you hit the road. It starts right here with the exciting process of choosing your home on wheels from among the best travel trailer brands in 2023.

#1. Airstream Flying Cloud

Airstream Flying Cloud (Image: Airstream Media)

When you think luxury camper, Airstream is one of the first travel trailer brands that usually comes to mind. They produce some of the most recognizable RVs in the industry. Airstreams are priced in the high-end range. But ask any Airstream owner and they will tell you that the value you get for your money is well worth the price.

Their iconic models include the Classic, Globetrotter, Tony Bahama, Flying Cloud, and others. Now owned by Thor Industries, Airstream continues to lead the industry with a reliable, iconic, and distinctive design.

Airstream Flying Cloud interior (Image: Airstream)

Why is the Airstream Flying Cloud one of the best travel trailers?

Few travel trailer brands evoke a sense of nostalgia, quality, and adventure as instantly as Airstream. Over the years, this iconic brand has been synonymous with the romance of the open road. The Airstream Flying Cloud travel trailers are a perfect embodiment of this legacy, earning it our number one spot on the list of the best travel trailers.

Crafted with both beginners and experienced RVers in mind, the Flying Cloud merges vintage appeal with modern comforts, creating a unique experience that sets it apart in the RV landscap

With a starting price of $94,400, it is not for everyone. But the first thing that strikes you about the Flying Cloud is its unmistakable design, which aligns with the higher-end price tag. With its distinctive aluminum shell, not only does the Flying Cloud turn heads at every campsite, but it also offers durability and a lighter towing weight. A wide variety of tow vehicles can haul one, from full-size pickups to larger SUVs with adequate towing capacity..

Sleep Capacity: 4-8

Length: 23 to 30 feet, gvwr: 6,000 to 8,800 pounds, 8 floor plans as of 2023.

Airstream Flying Cloud kitchen (Image: Airstream)

Constructed with a handcrafted riveted aluminum shell, it’s more than just pretty. All Airstream designs offer exceptional durability, weather resistance, and a lighter towing weight, ensuring longevity and ease of towing. The Flying Cloud model is loaded with features that exude quality, from the high-end kitchen appliances to the porcelain toilet and more. 

Flying Cloud Features Include:

Quietstream climate control, ultraleather seating, high-end kitchen appliances, seating that converts to sleeping, memory foam mattress, handcrafted cabinetry, retractable awning, rear-view monitoring system, roller blinds and blackout curtains, moen faucets and much more.

Depending on the layout you choose, you can opt for comfortable twin beds or a spacious queen bed, both featuring a memory foam mattress for a restful night’s sleep. A full bathroom featuring a stand-up shower, a porcelain toilet, and cleverly designed storage adds another layer of convenience to your journey.

The Airstream Flying Cloud is our number one choice for the best travel trailers of 2023. It beautifully combines timeless style, superior build quality, and modern convenience in a travel trailer package that combines the joy, freedom, and adventure of life on the road with you.

Airstream Flying Cloud Floor Plans and Specs

#2. grand design rv imagine.

Grand Design RV is another one of the best travel trailer brands. They have a loyal and raving fan base that considers their travel trailers some better overall brands in the industry.

Happy Grand Design Travel Trailer owners (Image: @AKA…Neil, iRV2 Forums member)

I have seen many owner reviews of Grand Design campers who rave about the quality of these units and the outstanding customer service. For me, a list of the best travel trailer brands would not be complete without Grand Design.

The company is located in Middlebury, IN. All their towables and fifth wheels come with a 3-year limited structural warranty. Imagine XLS is one of my favorites due to its excellent styling, features, and amenities. Grand Design has only been around since 2001 and today it operates as an independent business within Winnebago Industries. This line of campers is definitely on our short list of the best travel trailer brands in 2023.

Why I Recommend the Grand Design Imagine

The Imagine travel trailer line is my preferred bumper-pull from this RV manufacturer. There are several reasons I like the Imagine trailer. First off, it comes in 21 different floor plans. Even the smallest model comes with a queen-sized bed. There is no way I would want a travel trailer with anything smaller than a queen bed.

Grand Design Imagine Specifications

11 different floor plans in 3 lines, length: from 19 ft 11-inches to 36-feet 11-inches, one-piece roof membrane with 12-year warranty, arctic 4-seasons package, aluminum framed fully laminated sidewalls, uvw: 3,560 lbs to 8,394 lbs, gel-coated fiberglass exterior, double-insulated floor, roof, and front cap, heated and enclosed dump valves, factory installed rv solar power system.

The Imagine is also loaded with a ton of standard features. Here are just a few of the ones that stand out for me and for what I’m looking for:

Solid hardwood drawer fronts

Upgraded residential furniture, large double door refrigerator, large panoramic windows, residential quality countertops, 3-burner range with oven.

Grand Design Imagine Floor Plans & Specs

#3. oliver legacy elite 2.

The Oliver brand makes high-quality luxury fiberglass trailers in their Tennessee manufacturing facility. The company, which was started by twin brothers Jim and John Oliver, was formed in 2008. 

Oliver manufactures fiberglass trailer with a blend of luxury and resilience that’s hard to beat. Imagine a travel trailer built like a fortress, designed to withstand whatever Mother Nature might throw at it. That’s what Oliver offers – each trailer is constructed with a double-hull fiberglass shell. This gives superior protection against all weather conditions. It’s not inexpensive, but is a testament to the brand’s commitment to quality and durability.

Couple camping by a lake with Oliver Legacy Elite 2 (Image: Oliver Travel Trailers)

The company gets that we’re all different and have our own ideas about what makes the perfect RV. That’s why they offer a wide range of customization options. Whether it’s a specific floor layout, an advanced solar power system, or leather upholstery, Oliver makes it happen. It’s like getting a tailor-made suit, but this one’s an RV made to fit your camping style and needs.

The Oliver Legacy Elite 2

Inside the Legacy Elite 2 (Image: Oliver Travel Trailers)

The Oliver Legacy Elite 2 pictured above is my favorite model and probably one of their top-rated all-fiberglass campers. I like the Elite 2 for several reasons. I like that it has a dry weight of just 4,600 pounds. It can be towed with a good truck or full-size SUV. Keep in mind that 4,600 pounds is just the dry weight. For towing, you need to consider cargo weight too.

The Legacy Elite 2 comes in two-floor plans. One with twin beds and the with a dinette to 75″ x 79″ bed conversion. This model is loaded with standard features.

Oliver Legacy Elite 2 Specifications

Full custom molded interior and exterior insulated shells, plumbing, holding tanks, and drain pipes are enclosed between shells with heat to diminish the risk of freezing, quad shocks on dual dexter leaf spring axles, “nev-r-adjust” electric brakes for exceptional control and braking, molded vanity, norcold 3-way refrigerator 4.5 cubic ft. (12v, 11ov, lp), 15′ dometic awning, 22″ flat screen lcd tv, custom mounted speakers (4).

Oliver Travel Trailers are worth the money if you are shopping for a new RV. Their unique blend of luxury, superior construction, thoughtful design, customizability, and top-tier customer service, makes these fiberglass trailers a trustworthy companion on your road adventures. 

Oliver Legacy Elite 2 Floor Plans & Specs

#4. winnebago industries – micro minnie.

Another of our selected best travel trailers is Winnebago. With a history spanning over 50 years, Winnebago is a well-known and respected brand in the RV industry. Headquartered in Forest River, Iowa, the company builds a huge selection of RVs, including high-quality motorhomes, campers, fifth wheels, and toy haulers.

Winnebago Micro Minnie (Image: Winnebago)

Winnebago makes five popular travel trailer models as of 2023. One of the best travel trailer brands for new RVers and experienced ones alike is the Micro Minnie (which replaced the older Minnie Drop model that made our former list of the best travel trailers.

What I Like About the Micro Minnie

When it comes to striking a balance between compactness and living comfort, the Micro Minnie travel trailers hit the nail right on the head. These little marvels of RV engineering manage to pack a ton of amenities into a small, easy-to-tow package, proving that you don’t have to go big to enjoy the perks of home on the road.

Despite their size, Micro Minnies don’t skimp on the essentials. Step inside to enjoy a fully-equipped kitchen that comes with a double-door refrigerator, a three-burner stove, and even a microwave. So, whether you’re warming up last night’s leftovers or cooking a full-course meal, you’ve got everything you need right there.

Winnebago Micro Minnie Specifications

11 floor plans, exterior lengths from 20’5″ to 25’5″, interior height: 6’4″, exterior height: 10’5″, dry weight: 3,755 to 4,651, gvwr: 5,500 to 6,000 lbs., gray water holding tank capacity: 25 gal., black water holding tank capacity: 25 gal..

A key aspect of Micro Minnies’ appeal is their towability. With a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 5,500 to 6,000 pounds, depending on the model, they can be comfortably towed by a variety of vehicles. Mid-size SUVs, pickup trucks, and some of the beefier crossovers make suitable companions for these compact travel trailers.

Winnebago Minnie Drop Floor Plans & Specs

#5. happier camper hc1.

If you’re looking for an ultralight travel trailer that brings a smile to your face and makes RVing a breeze, Happier Camper travel trailers are it. These compact and retro lightweight travel trailers are winning the hearts of people who want a small trailer that can be towed by a typical passenger car.

Happier Camper HC1 travel trailer (Image: Happier Camper)

Happier Camper trailers are incredibly versatile. Their “Adaptiv” furniture anf cabinetry are made as modular cubes. This lets you customize the layout to suit your specific needs for any camping trip. The modular system includes lightweight cubes that can be rearranged to create a comfortable sleeping area, a cozy dining space, or even a mobile office for those who can’t leave work behind. 

Each trailer’s retro-inspired design pays homage to the iconic campers of the past while incorporating modern amenities. With their vibrant colors, rounded shapes, and nostalgic appeal, Happier Camper trailers turn heads wherever they go. Plus, their lightweight construction makes them a breeze to tow, even with smaller vehicles.

Why The Happier Camper HC1?

Happier Camper specs (Image: Happier Camper)

Happier Camper trailers are also built to last. Crafted with high-quality materials and attention to detail, these trailers offer durability and reliability on the road. From the sturdy fiberglass shell to the energy-efficient appliances, every aspect of a Happier Camper trailer is thoughtfully designed for your comfort and convenience.

A notable Happier Camper HC1 feature is the expansive rear hatch that lets you easily load up a couple of bikes; even a kayak if water sports are your favorite outdoor activity. This is an awesome feature for such a small camper.

Happier Camper HC1 Specifications

100% double-hull insulation fiberglass, length: 10′ (shell), 13.5′ with hitch, width: 6′ 11″, exterior height: 7′ 4″, inside height: 6′ 1″, dry weight: 1,100 lbs., gvwr: 3,500 lbs., adaptive modules are all 20″ x 20″ and of varying height, rear hatch door:  54.5” w x 53.5” h.

One thing to keep in mind with the Happier Camper is that it does not have a typical toilet setup. The Happier Camper has a “ Dry Flush” toilet for RVs . That is the only drawback I see to this camper trailer. Remember, it is small, so don’t expect much room, but that is how it’s been designed. It’s modern, and makes exceptional use of the small interior.

Happier Camper Floor Plans & Specs

#6. starcraft rv autumn ridge.

Another of our picks with a long history in the RV industry, Starcraft, started making metal farm equipment in 1903. In 1968 they began manufacturing campers. Today, what sets Starcraft apart from other small, affordable trailers is its smart construction. Made with TuffShell, Starcraft’s unique fiberglass wall construction, all Starcraft trailers give superior durability while remaining lightweight. This combination not only extends the lifespan of the RV but also makes towing a breeze, whether you tow with a full-size pickup or a mid-size SUV.

Starcraft Autumn Ridge travel trailer

Step inside an Autumn Ridge, and he homey atmosphere helps you feel right at home wherever you park. Their kitchens are a standout, complete with a three-burner stove, a microwave, and a double-door refrigerator – all you need to whip up delicious meals on the road or at the campsite . After dinner, you can relax in the comfortable seating area, perhaps catch a show on the LED TV.

What Makes The Autumn Ridge a Best Travel Trailer?

Prior to the Autumn Ridge, the 2019 Starcraft Mossy Oak travel trailer was my preferred choice. This was a spacious camper available in 11-floor plans, including several travel trailer models with bunk beds . The Mossy Oak came in lengths from 23’4″ to 36’5″, making it the best predecessor of the Starcraft Autumn Ridge. This new model has many choices for RV buyers, with features that will make you want to own one too.

Inside the Starcraft RV Autumn Ridge (Image: Starcraft RV)

Starcraft RV Autumn Ridge Specifications

7 single-axle floorplans, plus, 7 dual-axle floorplans, lengths: 19′ 3″ to 33′ 10″, gvwr: 3750 lbs. to 7,500 lbs., inside height: 6′ 9″ to 8; 4″, fresh water tank: 26 to 58 gal., gray water tank: 19.9 to 39 gal., blackwater tank size: 19.9 to 39 gal., self-adjusting electric brakes and e-z lube® axles, thermal-seal enclosed, insulated underbelly.

The Autumn Ridge by Starcraft RV offers an excellent balance between comfort, durability, and towability. Its impressive features, combined with the ease of towing, make it a great choice

Autumn Ridge Floor Plans & Specs

#7. lance camper 1685 travel trailer.

Lance Campers have a reputation for being very well-built and an owner base that loves the customer support offered by the company. Definitely one of the better RV brands in the industry, the designs are extremely practical and well done. Lance Campers are built with top-grade materials such as  Dual Layer Azdel composite composite panels, an eco-friendly, toxin-free composite panel superior to wood.. These trailer are also built with a one-piece Energy Star Rated Synthetic Membrane Roof.

Lance Camper 2023 1685 travel trailer

Definitely one of the best travel trailers in 2023 (and for many years prior), Lance Camper models are renowned for their quality construction and thoughtful design. Crafted with lightweight yet robust aluminum-framed bodies, and insulated, laminated walls, Lance Camper trailers are designed to endure the elements. Their sturdy construction make them easy to tow with a variety of vehicles, from mid-sized SUVs to full-sized trucks.

Lance Camper 1685 interior (Image: Lance Camper)

Lance is confident about their RVs. In addition to the 1-year limited warranty on every trailer or truck camper they make, the company also offers a 2-year structural warranty on all models. Overall I consider Lance one of the Top 5 best travel trailer brands in the industry.

What I Like About The Lance Camper 1685

Of the 12 models of travel trailers Lance Campers makes in 2023, I like the 1685 model est. There are several reasons. The 1685 is one of their lightest travel trailer models, featuring a dry weight of just 4,690 pounds. The interior is roomy and has lots of storage space available, and the floor plan is intelligently designed and laid out for maximum space efficiency. It includes a wet bath which I have stated before, is one of my personal preferences in any RV we buy.

Lance Camper 1685 Specifications

Gvwr: 6300 lbs, gross dry weight: 4690 lbs., hitch dry weight: 575 lbs., overall length: 21’5”, exterior height: 10’2”, convertible dinette bed: 54” x 78”, fresh tank: 45 gal., grey tank: 40 gal., black tank: 40 gal., refrigerator: 6 cu. ft..

For a small travel trailer, the Lance Camper 1685 is outfitted with generous holding tank capacities. This reduces the frequency of water refills and dump station visits.

Lance Camper 1685 Floor Plans & Specs

#8. shasta rv 18fq.

A division of Forest River, Shasta travel trailers have been a reliable companion for road travelers since 1941. If you’ve been camping a long time, the toaster-like look of the original Shaster brings back memories. What I love about Shasta trailers is they’re a great buy for the money.

Shasta trailers offer a wide range of towing capacities. Because these campers are crafted with a sturdy, lightweight aluminum exterior, they are durable but don’t add extra weight. Whether you already own a large truck for towing, or a family SUV, these campers are a great choice for anyone just starting their RV journey. Experienced RVers looking for an upgrade also find them a great fit. 

The Shasta RV travel trailer in 2023 (Image: Shasta RV)

Why You Should Consider the Shasta 18FQ

Over the years, Shasta has trimmed their travel trailer line to just the Shasta model, which is available as a typical pull-behind and a travel trailer tow hauler. The pull-behind is available in a whopping 14 different floor plans. Of all those plans, my favorite is the 18FQ.

The 18FQ is very well laid out. Stepping inside, you can’t help but appreciate the attention to detail. Kitchens come equipped with a three-burner cooktop, a generous refrigerator, and a microwave oven, giving you all the conveniences of a home kitchen on the road. The 18FQ includes a 60″ x 74″ bed mattress with overhead storage space above and a clothes wardrobe on either side. It has a dry bath with a separate toilet and shower, medicine cabinet and a linen closet.

Interior of the Shasta 18FQ (Image Starcraft RV)

Shasta 18FQ Specifications

Gvwr: 5,050 lbs,, gross dry weight: 3,489 lbs., hitch dry weight: 375 lbs., overall length: 23’1”, exterior height: 10’6”, r-7 fiberglass insulation in walls, floor and roof, .024/.030 aluminum exterior skin, black tank: 30 gal., 3-burner cook top stove with glass cover.

Comfortable sleeping arrangements, quality upholstery, and thoughtful layouts in Shasta trailers set up a homely environment that helps you relax after a day of exploration. You’ll keep comfy in any season with the 18FQ’s efficient climate control system, featuring ducted heating and optional air conditioning units. If you’re in search of a reliable, value-packed travel trailer that can match your love for the open road, a Shasta travel trailer is worth considering.

Shasta RV 18FQ Floor Plans & Specs

#9. jayco jay flight slx.

With over 50 years of industry experience, Jayco has been one of the better brands in the RV industry. They have a loyal following and have always been very responsive to their customers. In 2016 Jayco was purchased by Thor Industries, which owns Airstream, among many other companies. Jayco’s quality, service, and customer responsiveness remain intact after the purchase by one of the world’s largest RV industry manufacturers.

Jayco Jay Flight SLX 2023 (Image: Jayco)

he Jay Flight SLX series is one of Jayco’s top-selling lines. These campers tick all the boxes for both beginner and experienced RVers, by making travel trailers that are easy to tow, durable, and feature-packed.

Why I Like The Jay Flight SLX

Of all the travel trailer models Jayco manufactures, I prefer the Jay Flight SLX. First off, it’s not a huge camper and very light for its size. This makes the SLX very manageable when it comes to towing. In 2023 the Jay Flight SLX is available in 5 floorplans. The floorplan choices offer something for every RVer, including bunkhouse and queen bed walk around models. Two models have slideouts.

Jayco Jay Flight SLX interior (Image: Jayco)

Some of the models feature a Simmons queen-size mattress which is a very comfortable camping mattress. I like that every Jay Flight SLX features a dry bath which is always nice. The bunk beds included in some models have a 4-inch mattress and a weight capacity of 300-pounds.

The galley has standard features such as two-range burners, a three cubic-foot fridge, a microwave, and solid-surface countertops. Chances are you are going to find a plan that works for your camping needs

Jayco Jay Flight Specifications

Unloaded vehicle weight: 2,415 – 2,890 lbs., cargo carrying capacity: 615 – 860 lbs., gross vehicle weight rating: 2,995 – 3,750 lbs., exterior length: 16′ 6″ to 21′ 8″, exterior height w/ a/c: 111 – 1/4″ to 111- 3/4″, interior height (living area): 73″, magnum truss™ roof system & diflex ii material, wall-mounted 8,000-btu a/c, grey tank: 20 gal., black tank: 20 gal., 2-burner cook top stove with microwave, 7 cu. ft. gas/electric refrigerator.

The Jayco Jay Flight SLX offers a perfect entry point for beginner RVers, and a refreshing alternative for more experienced ones, thanks to its balance between ease-of-use, comfort, and construction quality.

Jayco Jay Flight SLX Floorplans & Specs

#10. forest river alpha wolf.

The Forest River RV brand is one of the largest RV manufacturers in the United States. Their Cherokee line of Alpha Wolf travel trailers are the leader of the pack. That’s because when it comes to construction, the Alpha Wolf doesn’t cut corners. Built on a rugged and lightweight aluminum frame, Forest River designs Alpha Wolf for easy towing. They meet the needs of  a variety of vehicles, from pick-ups to larger SUVs.

Forest River Cherokee Alpha Wolf (Image: Forest River)

To protect against the elements, Forest River makes the Alpha Wolf with a protective exterior of glossy fiberglass and sealed underbelly for all-weather camping. An oversized, lighted, and adjustable power awning extends your living space outdoors. There’s an outdoor kitchen with an ice maker, perfect for entertaining, cooking and dining.

Want more reasons to look into Alpha Wolf travel trailers? Get the insiders story from one of the best owner forums in the industry, Forest River Owner’s Forums .

Cherokee Alpha Wolf Specifications

In 2023 you have seven floorplans to choose from with this camper. Here is a partial list of the line-up’s specifications:

Hitch Weight: 570 lbs to 1,026 lbs

Dry weight: 5,795 lbs to 6,780 lbs, cargo carry weight: 1,246 lbs to 1,805 lbs, exterior length: 31′ 6″ to 36′ 8″, total exterior height w/ a/c: 11’0″, exterior width: 96″, gray water tank: 35 to 70 gal., black water tank: 35 to 70 gal., fresh water tank: 49 gal., 1x engineered wood “supertruss” roof structure with 3/8″ decking, “toughbend” rigid skirt metal design.

Alpha Wolf trailers offer a variety of features that can be tailored to your camping needs, and of course budget. Check out the Alpha Wolf 2023 models for a list of floor plans and related options.

T he Forest River Alpha Wolf Floor Plans & Specs

Best travel trailer brands summary.

So there you have it, ten of the best travel trailer brands in the 2023 RV market . Every brand has its advocates as well as critics. The crucial takeaway here is to do your own in-depth research.

Choosing the ideal travel trailer brand isn’t a task to be rushed. Buying the best RV needs time and thorough investigation. But rest assured, the reward of reliable, enjoyable RV travel makes the effort worthwhile.

A final note: don’t forget to evaluate the dealership as well as the brand. The RV dealer is your main point of contact for post-purchase service, and RV warranty work that might be required. Ultimately, the best travel trailer will align with your individual camping needs, accommodate your family, and fit within your budget.

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Top 5 Best 5th Wheel Campers for RV Living: Reviews & Features

About the author:.

Lighter in weight and secured with a hitch to the frame of your tow vehicle.

Full-sized campers, requiring the “5th wheel” U-shaped hitch to tow.

Can be a travel trailer or fifth wheel. Designed with a rear garage and opening for your “toys.”

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  • Customers, First and Foremost: We believe in the time-honored tradition of providing excellent customer service. In the last few years, we’ve built a new customer service facility , made extensive technology upgrades and increased staffing to better handle service, parts and warranties. That means that whatever you need, we have a person dedicated to help.
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  • Treat Friends Like Family: Our owners’ group is large, loyal and fun and does more to advance Heartland’s reputation than a thousand ad campaigns ever could. And that’s why we consider every Heartland owner like family.

who makes thor travel trailers

Names you know.

The Dutchmen line of travel trailers and fifth wheels are among the most recognizable and innovative on the market and come with one of the industry's best structural warranties. Dutchmen offers a turnkey recreational vehicle experience that is attractive to many young buyers.

Friends hanging around outside a Dutchmen Voltage

Dutchmen Travel Trailers

Dutchmen Aspen Trail Logo

Dutchmen Fifth Wheels

Dutchmen toy haulers.

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Find Your Perfect RV

There are so many different types of RVs, there’s definitely something for everyone. But don’t let having so many choices overwhelm you; we’re here to help you sort through it all and figure out what you need and want.

20 Best Travel Trailer Brands & Manufacturers

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The top travel trailer brands and manufacturers all have a few things in common – they have a proven track record for building high-quality, reliable trailers, focus on customer service, and a reputation for excellence.

Many companies offer travel trailers as part of their RV lineup, but a select few stand out and meet the criteria to be considered one of the best!

Let’s take a look at these top RV brands and manufacturers now!

Airstream is the oldest company in the RV industry and is famous for its unique aluminum trailers with rounded edges. The shape of Airstream trailers dates back to the 1930s and was modeled after the Bowlus Road Chief designed by Hawley Bowlus (who helped build the Spirit of St. Louis).

The airstream company now employs over 800 workers and is owned by Thor Industries, the parent company of Dutchmen, Jayco, Keystone RV, and more.

Company 

Headquarters : Jackson Center, Ohio Founded : 1920’s Website : https://www.airstream.com Phone : (937) 596-6111

Airstream RV Types

  • Travel Trailer

Learn More About Airstream

The Pathmakers | A Short Film Celebrating Airstream's 90th Anniversary

Coachmen Industries was started by three brothers, Tom, Keith, and Claude Corson, in 1964 in Middlebury, Indiana. Since that time, they have produced over 750,000 recreational vehicles.

In 2008, Coachman was bought out by Forest River Inc., which also owns Palomino RV, Shasta RV, Dynamax, and more.

Coachmen RV is one of the most popular recreational vehicle manufacturers today, producing campers of just about every type – from Class-As down to teardrop trailers – and for every budget.

Click here to find a Coachmen dealer near you.

Headquarters : Middlebury, Indiana Founded : 1964 Website : https://coachmenrv.com Phone : (574) 825-5821

Coachmen RV Types

  • Fifth-wheel
  • Pop-up Camper
  • Teardrop Camper

Learn More About Coachmen

Coachmen Recreational Vehicles

Crossroads RVs

Crossroads RV was founded in 1996 and has since grown its operations to over 600 employees in five different manufacturing facilities.

Crossroads focuses on towable RVs, including fifth-wheels and travel trailers. Plus, their lineup includes a destination trailer (a larger than normal travel trailer) called the Hampton.

Prices range from around $23,000 for their entry-level travel trailer to over $145,000 for their top-of-the-line fifth wheel.

Click here to find a Crossroads dealer near you.

Headquarters : Topeka, Indiana Founded : 1996 Website :  https://www.crossroadsrv.com Phone : (260) 593-3850

Crossroads RVs Types

Learn more about crossroads rvs.

Crossroads RV Rain Bay Final

Cruiser RV has one main focus when it comes to recreational vehicles, and that’s perfecting the travel trailer.

Since 1988, they’ve been creating affordable, ultra-light travel trailers of all sizes. They have trailers from 21’4″ long up to 30’8″ and sleep from 2 to 6 people.

Prices range from $36,000 for the Hitch model up to $57,000 for the Stryker Toy Hauler.

Click here to find a Cruiser dealer near you.

Headquarters : Howe, Indiana Founded : 2003 Website :  https://cruiserrv.com Phone : (260) 562-3500

Cruiser RV Types

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Great American Trailers by Cruiser RV

Founded in 1988, Dutchmen quickly became the second-largest travel trailer manufacturer before being bought out by Thor Industries in 1990.

Today, Dutchmen is headquartered in Goshen, Indiana, and exclusively produces travel trailers and fifth wheels.

Prices range from $21,000 for the Coleman Lantern travel trailer to $153,000+ for the Voltage fifth-wheel toy hauler.

You can build and customize your own RV on their website, choosing from multiple floorplans, decor options, and amenities. Or you can click here to find a Dutchmen dealer near you.

Headquarters : Goshen, Indiana Founded : 1988 Website :  https://www.dutchmen.com Phone : (866) 425-4369

Dutchmen RV Types

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The Dutchmen Difference

East to West RV

Founded in 2017, East to West RV was quickly acquired by Forest River, Inc. just a year later.

East to West RV has five guiding principles that drive its business operations:

  • Environmental sustainability
  • Corporate and social responsibility
  • Quality construction
  • Customer satisfaction

They currently offer Class-C RVs, fifth-wheels, and travel trailers, with a total of six models.

Click here to find an East to West RV dealer near you.

Headquarters : Elkhart, Indiana Founded : 2017 Website :  https://easttowestrv.com Phone : (574) 264-6664

East to West RV Types

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East to West Recreational Vehicles - Go East to West!

Forest River RV

Forest River RV is a division of Forest River, Inc, along with other popular RV makers like Coachmen, Dynamax, Palomino RV, and more.

Founded in 1996 by Peter Liegl, Forest River has grown to be one of the largest manufacturers of RVs. And unbeknownst to some, they make much more than just campers, including pontoons, commercial trucks, buses, and more.

Forest River also has one of the most extensive lineups of RV types and brands, with almost too many to list here. So, check out their current RV brands and locate a dealer near you.

Headquarters : Elkhart, Indiana Founded : 1996 Website :  https://www.forestriverinc.com Phone : (866) 837-6044

Forest River Inc. RV Types

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Forest River Corporate Video

Grand Design

In 2012, Don Clark and brothers Bill and Ron French founded Grand Design RV.

Before that, they helped build up Keystone RV to be the powerhouse it has become today, but in 2011 decided to leave and get a fresh start with Grand Design RV.

Today, they have over 400,000 sq. ft. of manufacturing facilities on 67 acres in Middlebury, Indiana.

They focus exclusively on fifth-wheel and travel trailers, with ten different brands to choose from. You can request a factory tour or locate a dealer near you.

Headquarters : Middlebury, Indiana Founded : 2012 Website :  https://www.granddesignrv.com Phone : (574) 825-8000

Grand Design RV Types

Learn more about grand design.

The Grand Design Story - Nothing Less Than Customers For Life

Gulf Stream Coach

Gulf Stream Coach is one of the few top-selling RV manufacturers that are family owned!

Started in 1971 by Jim Shea Sr., Gulf Stream has grown to be an industry leader, with over 22 brands and 140 models to choose from. They have sold over 300,000 RVs since its inception.

They have a large dealer network, with over 700 dealers across the United States. Click here to find a Gulf Stream dealer near you.

Headquarters : Nappanee, Indiana Founded : 1971 Website :  https://www.gulfstreamcoach.com Phone : (800) 289-8787

Gulf Stream Coach RV Types

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BT Cruiser 5240 Tour

Heartland RV was founded in 2003 by former Damon Corp. CEO Brian Brady. It is located in the RV capital of the world, Elkhart, Indiana.

In 2010, Thor Industries acquired Heartland RV, putting it under the same umbrella as many other popular RV manufacturers, like Airstream, Dutchmen, Jayco, etc.

Today, Heartland offers over 20 brands of fifth-wheel and travel trailers. Check out their current lineup on their website or find a Heartland dealer near you.

Headquarters : Elkhart, Indiana Founded : 2003 Website :  https://heartlandrvs.com Phone : (877) 262-8032

Heartland RV Types

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Launch Your Life's Journeys with Heartland RV

Jayco was founded in 1968 by Lloyd Bontrager in Indiana when he built his very first pop-up style camper with an innovative lift system.

Over the years, Jayco Companies would grow into an industry leader, acquiring several RV manufacturers to create four different RV divisions – Entegra Coach, Jayco, Starcraft RV, and Highland Ridge RV. In 2016, Jayco Companies was acquired by Thor Industries.

Today, Jayco produces an extensive line of motorhomes and trailers, including Class-A, B, and C RVs, fifth-wheels, and travel trailers.

They’ve won several industry awards, even winning America’s best-selling travel trailer, the Jay Flight, 15 years in a row.

Browse all the floor plans Jayco RV offers or locate a Jayco dealer near you for more information.

Headquarters : Middlebury, Indiana Founded : 1968 Website :  https://www.jayco.com Phone : (574) 825-5861

Jayco RV Types

Learn more about jayco.

Over 4,000 Strong, 1.2 Million RVs and 50 Years in Business - Jayco RV

Keystone RV

Keystone RV was founded in 1996 by Cole Davis and, by 2000, was recognized as number 2 on the Inc 500s list of fastest-growing companies!

Keystone RV Company, now under the Thor Industries umbrella, is currently the #1 manufacturer of towable RVs with over a million owners, thanks to the popularity of models like the Cougar, Alpine, and more.

You can build and customize your own Keystone RV on their website or locate a Keystone dealer near you for more information.

Headquarters : Goshen, Indiana Founded : 1996 Website :  https://www.keystonerv.com Phone : (866) 425-4369

Keystone RV Types

Learn more about keystone rv.

The Keystone RV Story: Heritage

Lance started building truck campers in 1965 and has since expanded that line to include travel trailers.

In 2018, Lance Camper Manufacturing Corporation was acquired by REV Group, joining other iconic manufacturers such as American Coach, Fleetwood RV, and more.

Headquartered in Lancaster, California, they currently offer nine different truck camper models ranging from 6’10” up to 11’11” long and 11 travel trailer models ranging from 14’10” up to 24’11” long.

You can build a Lance camper on their website or find a Lance dealer near you for more information.

Headquarters : Lancaster, California Founded : 1965 Website :  https://www.lancecamper.com Phone : (661) 941-9250

Lance RV Types

  • Truck Camper

Learn More About Lance

Lance Camper Mfg. Corp. | LIVE. LANCE. LIFE.

Oliver Travel Trailers

Founded by Jim Oliver in 2006 in Hohenwald, Tennessee, Oliver Travel Trailers specializes in producing high-quality fiberglass travel trailers.

They currently offer two models, the Legacy Elite and Legacy Elite II, both of which you can personalize to your liking.

Since they hand-make each trailer, there are only a limited amount of production start dates available. So, get started with their buyer’s guide or schedule a factory tour for more information.

Headquarters : Hohenwald, Tennessee Founded : 2007 Website :  https://olivertraveltrailers.com Phone : (888) 526-3978

Oliver Travel Trailers RV Types

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Oliver Travel Trailers | Built For Freedom | Built For Life

Palomino was founded in 1968 by Vern Landey in Savage, Minnesota. As demand quickly grew, he eventually relocated the company to its current location of Colon, Michigan, in 1972.

Palomino grew and expanded over the years, eventually being acquired by Forest River, Inc., in 2002. This led to the rapid growth of the Palomino company, making them one of the top 5 RV manufacturers in the U.S.

Palomino focuses exclusively on towables, including truck campers, fifth-wheels, and travel trailers.

They’ve won several awards over the years, with the Backpack Truck Camper winning the 2022 Top RV Debut and the River Ranch earning the Best New Model award of 2021.

Click here to find a Palomino dealer near you.

Headquarters : Colon, Michigan Founded : 1968 Website : https://www.palominorv.com Phone : (269) 432-3271

Palomino RV Types

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243BHS Palomino Full Walkthrough

Prime Time Manufacturing

Prime Time Manufacturing was founded in 2009 in Wakarusa, Indiana, by a team of RV industry veterans with a combined 100 years of experience.

Over the last decade, PTM has been one of the fastest-growing RV manufacturers in America, being recognized as one of the top 10 companies in the industry.

Their focus is solely on travel trailers and fifth-wheels, offering six total brands (three brands of travel trailers and three brands of fifth-wheels).

Check out their lineup of RV brands or locate a Prime Time Manufacturing dealer near you for more information.

Headquarters : Wakarusa, Indiana Founded : 2009 Website :  https://primetimerv.com/ Phone : (574) 862-3001

Prime Time Manufacturing RV Types

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Bring On The Fun with Prime Time

Scamp Trailers

Scamp Trailers was founded in 1972, with the 13′ trailer being their only model. As the years went by, they slowly grew and added the 16′ and 19′ trailers to their lineup.

Scamp Trailers are extremely lightweight and eco-friendly, designed to be towed behind smaller pickups and SUVs.

While their size options are limited to 13, 16, and 19 feet, they have various floorplan options and amenities you can pick from.

Each Scamp is made to order, and you can start the process by ordering online .

Headquarters : Backus, Minnesota Founded : 1972 Website :  https://www.scamptrailers.com Phone : (800) 346-4962

Scamp Trailers RV Types

  • Scamp Trailer

Learn More About Scamp Trailers

Scamp Trailers Walkthrough

Robert Gray built the first Shasta trailer in 1941 as a mobile military housing unit. Little did Gray know at that time that his creation would help spark a billion-dollar industry!

Today, Shasta RV is one of the longest-running RV manufacturers, having been in business for over 80 years and producing hundreds of thousands of recreational vehicles.

While Shasta was acquired by several companies over the years, first Coachmen, then Forest River, Inc., they are still producing high-quality fifth wheel and travel trailers today.

They currently offer two brands – the Phoenix fifth wheel and the Shasta travel trailer, which was awarded the “Must See RV” in 2021 by RV Business.

Click here to find a Shasta dealer near you.

Headquarters : Middlebury, Indiana Founded : 1941 Website :  https://shastarving.com/ Phone : (574) 825-7178

Shasta RV Types

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  • About Shasta RV
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Starcraft RV

While the Starcraft company dates back to 1903, when they started making farm equipment, it wasn’t until 1964 that they produced their first tent camper.

In fact, Lloyd Bontrager, the founder of Jayco, first worked for Starcraft from 1963-1967, where he invented the first pop-up lifter system.

Today, Starcraft is a part of the Forest River, Inc. company, along with Jayco, Airstream Dutchmen, and many more.

Their main focus is producing high-quality fifth wheel and travel trailers, with the popular Autumn Ridge travel trailer starting at $23,000 up to the Telluride fifth wheel starting at $67,800.

Click here to locate a Starcraft dealer near you.

Headquarters : Middlebury, Indiana Founded : 1903 Website :  https://starcraftrv.com Phone : (800) 945-4787

Starcraft RV Types

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Life UnCAMPlicated

Winnebago is arguably the most recognizable brand name in the RV industry! Founded in 1958, they have become one of the largest RV manufacturers in North America, with plants in five different states.

Winnebago Industries is the parent company of Grand Design RV, Winnebago RV, And Newmar.

Winnebago RV has a wide variety of recreational vehicles to choose from, including Class-As, Class-Bs, Class-Cs, and travel trailers.

They have so many options you may find it helpful to take their quiz to help you choose the right model for you. You can also locate a Winnebago dealer near you for more information.

Headquarters : Forest City, Iowa Founded : 1958 Website :  https://www.winnebago.com Phone : (641) 585-3535

Winnebago RV Types

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Welcome To RVing

Related : 37 Best RV Brands & Manufacturers (Updated 2022)

Are Jayco Trailers Good Quality?

Jayco has earned a reputation for creating high-quality and reliable travel trailers. The Jayco Eagle Travel trailer won the Luxury Travel Trailer of the Year in 2021 by RV News. The Jay Feather Micro won Lightweight Travel Trailer of the Year by RV News and Top 10 Debut by RV Business.

Jayco is known for being a leader in the travel trailer space and has the industry awards to back it up. Plus, their industry-leading warranty is a testament to their build quality.

Who Makes Jayco Travel Trailers?

Thor Industries acquired Jayco Companies in 2016, putting them under the same umbrella as Airstream, Heartland RV, Keystone RV, Dutchmen, and more.

Do Travel Trailers Hold Their Value?

Travel trailers hold their value better than many other campers, especially when compared to large motorized recreational vehicles. According to NADA , travel trailers are still worth 60% of what you paid for them after five years, which is better than many other RV types.

Does Keystone Make Good Travel Trailers?

Keystone RV makes good-quality, reliable travel trailers and has been recognized in the past by the RVDA ( RV Dealer’s Association ), having won seven Quality Circle Awards in one year, more than any other manufacturer, for their excellence in quality, parts, warranty, & sales.

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Top 12 Travel Trailer Brands Of 2024

The Top 12 Travel Trailer Brands Of 2024

Aaron Richardson

  • Last Updated: February 23, 2024
  • 24 minutes read

If you are in the market for a new travel trailer, then chances are you feel spoiled for choice.

Yet this is a big investment and you want to make sure you are going with a great quality travel trailer manufacturer you can trust. If so, you’re probably asking yourself  what the top travel trailer brands are?

Top rated travel trailer brands like Airstream, Jayco, Thor Motor Coach, and Winnebago have spent decades building a reputation for quality ratings and value. They are certainly a good place to start shopping. However, they aren’t the only travel trailer manufacturers worth considering. Some lesser-known brands are highly competitive and might just have the perfect unit for your needs.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at 12 of the top travel trailer manufacturers who standout, as well as some of the smaller travel trailer brands that deserve some extra consideration.

12 Great Travel Trailer Brands To Consider In 2024

Right now, the United States and Canada are awash with RV manufacturers who offer a wide range of travel trailers.

If you’d like to know more about the Prime Time line of campers and their popular LaCrosse Travel trailer, you can learn more here.

Many offer a variety of travel trailers in their line, exploring one or two of their options might help you dial in which RV manufacturers offer high quality travel trailers that you prefer. 

To help you filter through the options out there to find the perfect built travel trailers for your needs, we have composed a list of 12 of the best travel trailer brands for you to consider:

1. Airstream 

Airstream is an icon brand in the travel trailer industry. They were one of the first pioneers to offer travel trailers to capitalize on the early boom of interstate travel.

Their  reputation for quality ratings  is so strong, there are enthusiasts who collect classic units and club followings devoted to them.

Their iconic models include their Classic, the Globetrotter, the much-beloved Tony Bahama, and the Flying Cloud.

Why Are Airstreams So Expensive_ Is It Worth It

Today the Airstream name is under the Thor Industries corporate umbrella. This has helped to modernize the line, while still preserving the original look and feel. Chances are a thorough search of Outdoorsy, RVshare, and a tour of local RV dealerships will likely turn up other attractive options.

Just take your time, take a few for a spin, and make sure to factor in the size of the trailer as well as the power of your chosen tow vehicle.

Here is a link if you would like to know more about the Airstream and their popular Flying Cloud travel trailer. Airstream tends to be a  little on the higher side  when it comes to the price of new models. Even their old classics tend to be costly, due to enthusiast demand.

If you are thinking about renting an Airstream travel trailer trough Outdoorsy, you might want to start with their Flying Cloud model. It  rings it around $67,400 , but it serves as a hallmark for quality in this niche.

There are 16 floor plans to choose from this brand. The Flying Cloud also had dual axels and can sleep between four to eight people depending on the trim level. It also has a reputation for being easy to tow and tracking smoothly through the wheel base of a half-ton or light duty pickup truck.

2. Winnebago Industries

Winnebago is another well-established and one of the best quality travel trailer brand in the RV industry.  

They originally made their name by providing quality motorhomes at a price that made them affordable for family travelers. Over the course of five decades, their line has naturally evolved to include a strong presence in the travel trailer camper niche.

They are headquartered out of Iowa, but their market presence spans the entire United States and much of Canada .  This makes it easier for you to find units to rent or dealerships to tour while shopping around.

Here is a link to the Winnebago line of travel trailers, including their popular Minnie. The Winnebago Minnie Winnie is one of their more popular and best built travel trailers. It’s geared for small families and can sleep up to four.

There are multiple designs, features and trim levels. So, give yourself time to explore and consider multiple units during the shopping process.

Most of the towable trailers in their line come with a3-year structural warranty. It covers the workmanship manufacturing and assembly of the structural portions of your RV. Structural coverage includes.

Some of the standard structural features Winnebago hangs their hat on include:

  • A steel frame with outriggers and cross members
  • The skeletal framing is present in wall studs, floor joists, and roof rafters
  • Slide out boxes and reliable structural assembly
  • Fiberglass front caps with fade and crack resistant paint

3. Dutchmen RV

Dutchmen industry-leading RV manufacturer offer a wide range of RV’s including travel trailers, fifth-wheel campers, and toy haulers . Their travel trailers tend to have extensive storage space, while also focusing on overall comfort and a feeling like being “At Home.”

They have a reputation for build quality using a lot of high-strength aluminum throughout many of their designs.

If you want to know more about Dutchmen and their popular Aerolite travel trailer, you should check this link. Their overarching goal is to elevate the ownership experience with more trailblazing values and industry innovations.

This is reflected in their 3-year limited structural RV warranty and a 100% pre-delivery inspection. The Dutchmen Aerolite is a good place to start if you’re looking for best aluminum travel trailers manufacturers.

It’s available in multiple floor plans that can be tailored to fit the needs of couples and families.

Most of their trim levels weigh in between 5,500 to 7,500 pounds. It boasts a thoughtfully planned living space with many standard amenities such as; ultra-comfort seating, solid-surface countertops, an elegant fireplace, HD TV, and an upgraded stereo system.

4: Coleman 

It is also owned by Dutchmen which is another highly rated aluminum travel trailers manufacturer.

Their line of travel trailers has a reputation for blending comfort with style and elegance.

They offer their Lantern LT, Coleman Lantern, Coleman Light LX, Coleman Light, and Coleman Light Elevated.

There are numerous floorplans to choose from this brand. Most include aluminum-framed walls, residential grade vinyl flooring, and hardwood maple cabinet doors.

If you want to know more about Coleman campers and their  popular Light series of travel trailers , you should check out this link.

Many Dutchmen affiliates will carry a few units from the Coleman line. If you are looking to try out a unit through Outdoorsy or a dealership offering rentals you might want to start with the Coleman Light series.

This travel trailer features aluminum framed construction with may amenities. This includes power stabilizer jacks, an electric awning, a queen bed, and other creature comforts designed to make you feel at home.

5. Happier Camper

Happier Camper is another top rated brand which produces quality fiberglass campers that feature a visually appealing retro style with a versatile, modular interior.

This brand allows you to put your own spin on a new travel trailer camper. They are a relative newcomer in the industry, but they have worked hard to carve out a name for themselves.

If you are looking for a quality travel trailer for the money deserving of a closer look, you might want to check out their Adaptiv.

It has all the styling cues of their line and includes thoughtful storage, a kitchen sink, built-in cabinets, and a table as well as a high-quality cooler.

If you want to know more about the Happier Camper line of trailers and all their possible custom options, you might want to check out this link.

The modest bathroom facility has a dry toilet, which sets it apart from the competition. For some people, this is a pro, and for others, it is a con.

Happier Camper is also proud to offer custom adaptations on their campers. You can work directly with them or an affiliated dealership.

Once you have approved your options, they will construct it to your specifications, and ship it to just about anywhere in the continental United States and parts of Canada.

6. Starcraft

Starcraft is originally started out in 1903 specializing in metal farm implements.

Their line of products started to evolve to the point that they broke into the RV, camper and boat marketplaces in 1968.

They have since been purchased by Thor industries. Yet Starcraft retains their own name, and image, while also having access to Thor’s quality components.

The Starcraft “Mossy Oak” is one of their more popular units of this highly rated brand. This is a great place to start if you want to rent one through Outdoorsy or a rental dealership.

If you would like to know more about Starcraft campers and their very popular Mossy Oak line, you should check out this link.

It’s backed with a three-year warranty. There are multiple floor plans, features and trim levels, which can have a profound impact on the price as well as the weight.

The Mossy Oak 20MB has a gross weight of 5,250 pounds and cost around $15,000. It sleeps up to 7 and represents the low end of the Mossy Oak line.

In contrast, the Mossy Oak 27LRI weighs up to 7,280 pounds and can cost up to $29,000. So, if you are interested in a Starcraft Mossy Oak, give yourself time to explore multiple options.

Standard features of the Starcraft and Mossy Oak line includes things like:

  • Fiberglass Insulation
  • Flexible gas Lines
  • Magnum Roof System, which is fully walkable
  • Sealed Moisture Barrier in the floor
  • Oversized Pass Through Storage with Lighting
  • PVC Roof Membrane with a 15 Year Warranty)
  • Electric braking assist systems

7. Jayco By Thor Motor Coach 

Also, know as Thor Industries, they are one of the  best quality travel trailers brand in the RV industry .

In 2016 they were purchased by Thor Industries who has set new standards for quality throughout all the lines under their corporate umbrella.

The Jayco line is diverse and certainly worthy of being at the top of your list of consideration.

It’s also worth noting that much of their line is backed with an industry-leading two or three-year warranty.

Thor also owns or has merged with other manufacturers, like Heartland. This has brought them to the point where roughly a quarter of all RVs on the road is linked to the Thor Industries.

Jayco is perhaps their strongest presence in the travel trailer niche. They largely control their own distinct brand identity, which includes a reputation for quality spanning more than five decades.

If you’d like to learn more about the Jayco line of campers and their popular Jay Feather travel trailer, you should check out this link.

If you are looking for a good place to start shopping best built travel trailer line, you might want to start with the Jayco Jay Feather.

There are multiple trim levels and features that you might find available through Outdoorsy or a dealership offering rentals.

The Jay Feather can range in weight from 3,195 to 6,425-pounds. It has dual Dexter axles with American made Goodyear tires.

The rear has exterior LED light indicators. Thefrong has additional pass-thru storage, and accommodates solar power accessories.

There are three décor levels to choose from, which can include things like residential counters, extra sitting space, and a fold-out murphy bed .

8. Forest River

Forest River offers an expansive line of recreational vehicles and equipment. They own or are merged with other RV manufacturers such as Prime Time, Rockwood, Cherokee, Xlr and Vibe as well as Wildcat.

If you are looking for one of these travel trailers, chances are you might also find it at a dealership that represents the Forest River line of products.

The Forest River line also includes Fifth-wheel campers, motorhomes, camper travel trailers, pontoons, and thoughtfully designed toy hauler campers .

They are technically owned by a company called Berkshire Hathaway. This means they have multiple manufacturing facilities and dealerships representing their line all throughout the United States.

If you would like to know more about Forest River’s broad line of travel trailers and RV’s including their increasingly popular Alpha Wolf, you should check this link. In 2018 their model 26DBH-L won the prestigious “Best In Show” award from RV News. It is just over 31-feet long and features plush sleeping accommodations, as well as a nice size bathroom.

With a UVW weight of 5,795 and a hitch weight of 600 pounds, it’s the sort of travel trailer that requires at least a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck to tow.

If you are looking for a good place to introduce yourself to the Forest River travel trailer line, through Outdoorsy or a dealership rental,you might want to start with their popular Alpha Wolf.

It’s a  lightweight camper that is easy to tow  and is available in multiple trim levels. The weight range of their models spans from as low as 2,900 pounds up to a staggering 11,500 pounds.

Standard Features of the line include things like:

  • LED Interior Lighting with Individual reading lights
  • Super-Plush Mattresses with Deluxe Bedding
  • Full Under Bed Storage Space
  • Showers and Tubs with an Overhead Skylight
  • Porcelain Stool with Water Jet Assist Toilet
  • Oversized Bathroom Sink
  • Deluxe Furniture Pack

9: Prime Time 

Prime Time travel trailer, is essentially the luxury line of Forest River. If you might want to rent one of their units through Outdoorsy or a rental dealer their popular “LaCrosse” model is touted as a “Luxury Travel Trailer.”

It boasts many high-end features. This includes solid surface countertops, brushed nickel fixtures, and hardware, large stainless steel refrigerator, a high-quality Furrion residential cooktop, and even an impressive 50-inch LED flat-screen television.

10. Palomino 

They are a popular RV manufacturer with a standing reputation for offering lightweight, high-quality travel trailers.

The Palomino line is diverse, including seven base models in the PaloMini, Puma, Pause, Real-Lite Mini, Solaire and Revolve. Each line is also available in multiple floor plans.

Weights can range from as low as 3,000 pounds to as much as 8,000 pounds. So, you will need to factor in the tow vehicle as part of the shopping equation. If you are looking for a place to start when shopping their line, you might want to give the Puma Destination a good hard look.

The base model offers  two-bedroom options  as well as many of the basic features a couple or a family will prioritize for their travels. If you’d like to learn more about the Palomino line of RV’s, campers and travel trailers, you can find more here.

Standard exterior features you can expect to see in the Palomino line include things like:

  • Radius Entry Doors or Double Entry with in-door storage
  • Powder Coated Frames
  • Super Lube Axles
  • Pass-Thru Storage Solutions
  • Power Awnings with LED Lighting
  • An EPDM Rubber Roof which is backed by a 12 Year Manufacturer’s Limited Warranty
  • Manual Stabilizer Jacks
  • ABS Automotive Style Fender Skirts

Standard interior features you can expect to find with this line include things like:

  • 80-Inch Interior Ceiling Height
  • In-Floor Ducted Heating and a 35,000 BTU Furnace
  • Decorative Kitchen Backsplash with Kitchen Ball Bearing Drawer Guides
  • High Output Range With Multiple LP Burners and Glass Range Covers
  • Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink
  • LED Ceiling Lights
  • A 55 Amp Converter with Battery Charger
  • A Bluetooth FM/CD/DVD Stereo
  • Wood Medicine Cabinet with Mirrored Door in the Bathroom
  • Power Vent in Bathroom
  • 12V Shower LED Light
  • Available Queen Beds and Murphy Beds
  • High Density Foam Mattress
  • Three Interior Decors To Choose From
  • Radius Dinette Seat Bases
  • Residential Carpeting
  • Designer Window Treatment Options

11. Avenger

Avenger has a wide line of RV travel trailers with multiple floor plans and features. They have worked hard over the years to develop a reputation for quality and reliability.

Many of their models are clad with an aluminum exterior, with a focus on essential luxury in the interior. They can sleep anywhere from two to seven occupants depending on trim level and floor plan.

Some of their more popular units have cherry wood furnishings and attractive flooring with solid countertops. Of course, all of this sturdy construction also contributes to the overall weight.

This brand makes Avenger travel trailers a little bit heavier than their competition. Most of their models range from 4,800 to as much as 9,200 pounds. If you are looking for a unit to try through Outdoorsy or an RV rental outlet, you might want to start with the Avenger 28 REI.

There are multiple floor plans available but standard features of this “Bunkhouse” style travel trailer include:

  • Sleeping area for up to eight adults
  • Front Bedroom
  • 28 feet 11 inch total length
  • Propane water heater
  • 16-foot electric awning with built-in LED lighting
  • 30 Amp electric system with 50 Amp upgrades available in custom packages
  • Fresh Water Capacity of 48 gallons
  • Grey Water Capacity of 34 gallons
  • Black Water Capacity of 34 gallons

If you’d like to learn more about the Avenger line of travel trailers and the popular 26 BH you should try the following link.

12. Flagstaff

Flagstaff is technically owned by Forest River. However, they still maintain their own independent brand identity. This means there are multiple travel trailers in the line with their own trim levels and floor plans.

Flagstaff tried to focus on lightweight design, which should put them near the top of your list of considerations if you are looking for a travel trailer that you can tow with a mid-size SUV or light-duty pickup truck.

In fact, many of the travel trailers in the Flagstaff line only range between 1,100 to 3,200 pounds.

The Flagstaff E-Pro is a great place to start exploring this lightweight line. It includes a media center with an AM/FM stereo with Bluetooth as well as a USB port and a 12Volt TV. There is also a built-in DVD Player, a WIFI Ranger booster and a roof mount solar panel with a 1000 Watt converter.

Other popular features you can find in the Flagstaff line and their popular E-Pro include a Shower Miser Water Saver in the bathroom. A 13,500 BTU air conditioner, a bike rack mounted directly to the tongue.

There is also an off road package offered with many of Flagstaff’s trailers. It includes a lift kit and 15” Mud Rover, radial tires and other features meant to improve off road handling or tracking.

If you’d like to learn more about Flagstaff travel trailer and the popular E-Pro, you can find out more here.

Consider Renting An RV Through Outdoorsy Or A Dealership Before Buying

If you are new to the world of RV travel and RV shopping, then you really want to take your time finding the best brand which is right for you.

Attending trade shows and spending a slow Saturday touring the local RV dealerships, is a great way to familiarize yourself with your options and the accessories that you want to prioritize.

There are some RV dealership who will let you rent a unit ,  or perhaps even take  “Last Years Model”  for a weekend test run. Rental companies sometimes offer RV’s as part of their available fleet as well.

Yet, these options tend to cost a little more. If you really want to take your time, and perhaps take more than one or two models for the proverbial “Spin” you might want to look into sites like Outdoorsy and RVshare .

These are user-to-user interfaces that allow potential renters to connect with private owners.

Many times, the owners will allow you to rent one of their relatively new units for a price that could be half of what a dealership or rental company offers.

This makes Outdoorsy and RV share a great place to get your feet wet, without having to first make a major investment or having a pushy salesperson standing over your shoulder.

In Conclusion

The previous list really is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg when it comes to the wide range of options.

Think of these as good places to start with some of the more popular RV travel trailer manufacturers.

Which are the top travel trailer brands?

There are many travel trailer brands on the market, each with its own features, styles, and prices. Good travel trailer companies you need to know about are:

  • Forest River
  • Happier Camper

What are the top travel trailers on the market?

Good travel trailers on the market are the ones that suit your needs, preferences, and budget. There is no definitive answer to this question, as different travelers may have different criteria for choosing a travel trailer.

Based on some common factors such as quality, design, features, price, and reviews, here are some of the travel trailers that are often considered great among by experts and users:

  • Taxa Outdoors TigerMoth
  • Airstream Classic Smart Trailer
  • Winnebago Micro Minnie
  • Forest River Alpha Wolf
  • Happier Camper HC1

Which are the most popular travel trailer brands?

The most popular camper trailer brands are the ones that have a large market share, a loyal customer base, and a high satisfaction rating.

Some of the most popular travel trailer brands are:

Which are the highest quality travel trailers?

The highest quality travel trailers are the ones that offer durability, reliability, comfort, and value for RV travelers.

Various factors, such as the materials, craftsmanship, design, features, warranty, and customer reviews of the travel trailers can measure quality.

Based on these factors, here are some of the highest quality travel trailers:

  • Airstream Flying Cloud
  • Grand Design RV Imagine
  • Oliver Legacy Elite 2
  • Casita Spirit

Which are good travel trailers for full time living?

Good travel trailers for full time living are the ones that offer enough space, comfort, features, and durability for living on the road.

Full time living requires a travel trailer that can handle different weather conditions, provide adequate storage and utilities, and suit your lifestyle and budget.

Based on these criteria, here are some great travel trailers for full time living:

  • Forest River Flagstaff Super Lite
  • Grand Design Solitude
  • Coachmen Apex Ultra-Lite
  • Northwood Arctic Fox

Which are the top RV trailers on the market?

Great RV trailers on the market are the ones that offer quality, comfort, features, and value for RV travelers. RV trailers can be classified into three types: travel trailers, fifth wheels, and toy haulers. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages depending on your preferences and needs.

Based on these criteria, here are some of the top RV trailers on the market:

  • Grand Design Reflection
  • Forest River Cherokee Wolf Pack Gold

Which are the highest rated travel trailers?

Travel trailers are one of the most popular types of RVs, offering a range of sizes, styles, and features to suit different needs and preferences.

Here are some of the highest rated travel trailers:

  • Grand Design

Which are the top camping trailers on the market?

The top camping trailers on the market are the ones that offer comfort, convenience, features, and value for camping enthusiasts.

Camping trailers are a type of travel trailer that is designed for outdoor adventures, with options like off-road capabilities, outdoor kitchens, solar panels, and awnings.

Here are a few:

  • Jayco Jay Feather Micro
  • Bruder EXP-6
  • Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro

Which travel trailer brands are known for their build quality?

Travel trailer brands that are known for their build quality are the ones that use high-quality materials, craftsmanship, design, and features to create durable, reliable, and comfortable trailers. I measured the quality build by various factors, such as the frame, chassis, walls, roof, floor, insulation, appliances, plumbing, electrical, and warranty of the trailers.

Based on these factors, here are some of the travel trailer companies that are known for their build quality:

 What are the most popular brands of campers?

Campers are vehicles that can be used for traveling and camping. They come in different sizes, shapes and features. Some of the most popular brands of campers are:

What are some of the different types of campers?

Campers are people who enjoy spending time outdoors in tents, cabins, RVs, or other shelters. There are many different types of campers, depending on their preferences, skills, and goals. Some of the common types are:

  • Backpackers: These campers hike to remote locations with all their gear in a backpack. They usually camp for several days or weeks, and need to be self-reliant and prepared for any weather or terrain.
  • Car campers: These campers drive to a campground or a designated area with their car, and set up their tent or RV nearby. They have easy access to their vehicle and its amenities, such as food, water, and electricity. They usually camp for a few days or a weekend, and can explore nearby attractions or activities.
  • Glampers: These campers seek a luxurious camping experience, with comfortable accommodations, amenities, and services. They may stay in cabins, yurts, treehouses, or other unique structures, and enjoy activities such as spa treatments, gourmet meals, or guided tours. They usually camp for a short period of time, and want to relax and indulge themselves.
  • Survivalists: These campers challenge themselves to survive in the wilderness with minimal or no equipment. They may use primitive skills such as fire-making, hunting, fishing, or foraging to obtain their food, water, and shelter. They usually camp alone or in small groups, and want to test their limits and learn new skills.

Where do you plan on using your camper?

Depending on your preferences and needs, you may choose to use your camper for:

  • Short trips to nearby parks, lakes, or mountains
  • Long journeys across the country or continent
  • Off-road adventures in remote or rugged areas
  • Full-time living or working on the road

Where do you plan on using your RV?

One of the first questions you need to ask yourself before buying an RV is where you plan on using it. Different types of RVs are suited for different terrains, climates and facilities.

For example, if you want to camp in remote areas, you might need a four-wheel drive RV with solar panels and a large water tank. If you prefer to stay in RV parks with hookups, you might opt for a larger RV with more amenities and comfort. Knowing where you want to go will help you narrow your options and find the best RV for your needs.

What is the top class C RV?

A class C RV is a type of motorhome with a cab-over design, meaning a sleeping or storage area is above the driver’s seat. Class C RVs are usually built on a truck or van chassis and can accommodate up to 10 people.

The best class C RV depends on your preferences, budget, and travel needs. Some factors you may want to consider are the RV’s size, layout, amenities, fuel efficiency, and reliability. Some popular brands of class C RVs are Winnebago, Thor, Coachmen, and Forest River.

What are the top camper brands?

The most popular and reputable camper brands in the market:

What is your budget for a camper?

Your budget will determine your camper’s size, features, and quality. Many factors affect the price of a camper, such as the brand, model, condition, age, and location. You can find campers for as low as $5,000 or as high as $100,000 or more.

You should also consider the costs of maintenance, insurance, registration, and fuel when setting your budget. A camper is a big investment, so you should research and compare different options before deciding.

Aaron Richardson

About Author / Aaron Richardson

Aaron Richardson is an expert RVer and the co-founder of RVing Know How. Aaron, along with his wife Evelyn, has been living and traveling in their Keystone Fuzion RV since 2017. Their adventures span across the country and beyond, including memorable RVing experiences in Mexico. Aaron's passion for the outdoors and RVing shines through in his writings, where he shares a blend of travel stories, practical tips, and insights to enhance the RV lifestyle.

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RV Manufacturers: The Ultimate List Of RV Brands

You just found the most complete list of current RV manufacturers on the Internet. However, even our list doesn't include every single manufacturer out there.

We only list North American RV manufacturers. We do not list custom manufacturers/upfitters, extremely low volume manufacturers, or builders of million dollar plus bus conversions.

Also not included are specialty trailers that have living quarters, such as horse trailers.

Nor do we list destination trailer manufacturers, as these are not intended to be towed down the road like a traditional RV, but rather stay at one location and serve more like a cabin.

We only include hard-sided RVs as well as RVs that don't need to have the walls 'set up' upon arrival. (See below)

We do NOT include this type of RV on this page

In other words, we don't list tent campers , expandable trailers, or fold-down trailers.

Finally, we only list RV manufacturers who produce fully contained living units. This means an interior bathroom, shower, cooking, and living facilities.

Yes, this eliminates a lot of small travel trailers , but dang, we had to limit this list otherwise it would become an unruly beast!

If you feel that we've missed an RV manufacturer that fits the above criteria, please leave a comment below.

Ultimate Guide To RV Types

Confused about the different kinds of RVs ? Read our guide that explains the differences between the various RV styles.

  • Looking for the best RV brand ? Read our ultimate guide to the best RV brands to learn more!

Class A Motorhome Manufacturers

Class A RVs are what many people think of when they think of a 'motorhome'.

It's the classic box on wheels.

Below is an alphabetic listing of current Class A motorhome manufacturers in North America:

American Coach

Coachmen rv, entegra coach, fleetwood rv, forest river rv, holiday rambler, monaco coach, newmar corporation, thor motor coach, tiffin motorhomes, winnebago industries.

  • To learn more about the above listed RV manufacturers, see the RV manufacturers listing section below.
  • To find out who builds the best Class A's, see our post highlighting the best Class A motorhome brands .

Class B Motorhome Manufacturers

Class B Motorhome

Class B+ Motorhome

Class B RVs are also known as van conversions.

They typically start with a van 'shell' and then have an RV interior installed.

This list includes Class B+ manufacturers.

A Class B+ motorhome uses a bare van chassis (without the 'box') and the manufacturer creates their living quarters (box).

A Class B+ RV differs from a Class C in that there is no sleeping area over the cab.

Below is an alphabetic listing of Class B and B+ motorhome manufacturers in North America:

Coach House

Grech motors.

  • Leisure Travel Vans (Triple E Recreational Vehicles)

Midwest Automotive Design

Panoramic rv, phoenix usa, pleasure-way industries, renegade rv, safari condo.

  • To find out who builds the best Class B's, see our post highlighting the best Class B motorhome brands .

Class C Motorhome Manufacturers

Class C Motorhome

Super C Motorhome

A Class C RV starts with a bare full-sized van chassis and has a 'house' built on it. 

A Class C will typically have a sleeping area over the cab (though some Class C's use this space for storage or entertainment systems).

Below is an alphabetic listing of current Class C motorhome manufacturers in North America.

Included are Class C+ (also known as Super C) motorhome manufacturers.

  • East to West RV

Gulf Stream Coach

  • To find out who builds the best Class C's, see our post highlighting the best Class C motorhome brands .

Travel Trailer Manufacturers

A travel trailer is towed by a hitch mounted on, or below, the bumper of a tow vehicle.

Therefore, they are also known as bumper pull trailers.

They range from having simple living quarters to 6-figure behemoths with fancy digs.

Below is an alphabetic listing of current travel trailer manufacturers in North America.

This includes lightweight travel trailer manufacturers, as well as companies that make the fancy ones (hello Airstream!).

Alliance RV

  • Allen Camper Manufacturing

Armadillo Trailer Manufacturing

Bigfoot industries, braxton creek, casita travel trailers, cortes campers, crossroads rv, dutchmen rv, escape trailer industries, eveland's, inc, genesis supreme rv, grand design rv, heartland rv, highland ridge rv, keystone rv company, lance camper, northwood manufacturing, oliver travel trailers, outdoors rv manufacturing, pacific coachworks, palomino rv, prime time manufacturing, riverside rv, roulottes prolite, sunset park rv, travel lite rv.

  • To find out who builds the best travel trailers, see our post highlighting the best travel trailer brands .

5th Wheel Manufacturers

' 5th wheel ' or 'fifth wheel'?

Either is fine.

No matter how you spell it, this type of towable RV connects to the bed of a pickup truck. 

5th wheels range from lightweight rigs that are (allegedly) towable by half-ton trucks to monster 40+ trailers that are designed to be lived in full-time, and everything in between.

Below is an alphabetic listing of current 5th wheel manufacturers in North America:

DRV Luxury Suites

New horizons rv, the rv factory, vanleigh rv.

  • To find out who builds the best 5th wheels, see our post highlighting the best 5th wheel brands .

Toy Hauler Manufacturers

Bumper Pull Toy Hauler

5th Wheel Toy Hauler

Want to take your toys along with you to your favorite camping spot?

Get a toy hauler .

These RVs have an open garage area that provides plenty of storage for anything from a kayak to an off-road vehicle.

Typically the entire back end opens out into an access ramp.

Toy haulers come in three different types:

  • Toy hauler motorhomes (Class A and Class C toy haulers aka, motorhomes with garages)
  • Fifth wheel toy haulers
  • Toy hauler trailers (also known as a bumper pull toy hauler )

Below is an alphabetic listing of current toy hauler manufacturers in North America:

  • ATC Trailer

Eclipse Recreational Vehicles

  • To find out who builds the best toy haulers, see our post highlighting the best toy hauler brands .

Teardrop Trailer Manufacturers

While many teardrop manufacturers make small rigs that often have little more than a bed, we only list manufacturers that make teardrop campers that are completely self-contained.

This means a bed, indoor cooking facilities, and a bathroom (with indoor shower).

Yes, this does (greatly) limit the number of teardrop manufacturers listed here.

But it also makes this page a manageable size.

Trust us, there are A LOT of teardrop manufacturers that make traditional teardrops (no facilities - just sleeping quarters). We cover some other options of these smaller sized rigs in our best teardrop camper article.

No clue how one decides which of these  manufacturers to go with, as the choices are overwhelming if one is in the market for a 'traditional' teardrop.

Below is an alphabetic listing of current teardrop manufacturers (that meet our criteria) in North America:

Columbia Northwest

Little guy trailers.

  • To find out who builds the best teardrop trailers, see our post highlighting the best teardrop trailer brands .

Truck Camper Manufacturers

A pickup truck camper sits in the bed of a pickup truck.

This makes for a (relatively) maneuverable RV that is fairly compact. 

However, for anything but the lightest camper, you are going to want a large, heavy-duty truck that can handle the weight.

Below is an alphabetic listing of current truck camper manufacturers in North America:

Adventurer Manufacturing

Bundutec usa, capri camper, host campers, northern lite, northstar campers, rugged mountain rv, fast fact (hint- involves elkhart indiana).

Did you know that Elkhart Indiana is the RV capital of the world?

The majority of RVs made in the United States (and thus the world) are manufactured in Elkhart, Indiana.

How did north-central Indiana become the RV Capital of the World?

Through a combination of timing, location, and availability of the right type of workers, this part of Indiana became the center of US RV manufacturing starting in the 1930s.

This article gives a brief rundown on the how's and why's of this, in case you were wondering.

Who Owns What?

The sad fact about the RV industry is that only a few companies own the majority of the RV brands that currently exist.

This hasn't always been the case, but since the 1980s (and ramped up in the 90s), larger companies have been snapping up independent RV brands.

Four companies control most of the RV manufacturing in the United States, with two really large players.

All four companies are publicly traded, which means they have a fiduciary responsibility to their shareholders to make them money.

This means that cost-cutting measures are rampant in the RV industry.

And this is VERY obvious if you've spent any time looking at how the majority of RVs are built.

It's downright scary how crappy the quality is for many (most?) RV brands.

Below is a breakdown of who owns what RV brands.

Thor Industries and Forest River are the two industry giants with an 80% market share .

Winnebago is a distant third with an under 10% market share.

REV Group rounds out the top 4.

Which is a big two with a couple of 'minor' players and then all the rest.

Thor Industries Brands

Thor Industries is a publicly-traded company that owns all the below RV brands.

They are the world's largest recreational vehicle manufacturer with close to a 50% North American market share .

  • Redwood Residential Vehicles
  • VanLeigh RV (division of Tiffin Motorhomes)

Forest River Brands

Since 2005 Forest River has been owned by Berkshire Hathaway (Warren Buffet's company) and has about a 33% North American market share .

Forest River owns the following RV brands:

Winnebago Industries Brands

Winnebago Industries is a publicly traded company with around an 8% share of the North American RV market.

They purchased Grand Design in 2016 and announced the purchase of Newmar in September 2019.

  • Grand Design

REV Group Brands

REV Group is a fairly new player in the North American RV market. 

Formally known as Allied Specialty Vehicles, it was formed in 2010.

In 2016 the name was changed to REV Group and they became a public company the same year.

REV Group is the smallest of the 'big four' RV holding companies, with a single-digit share of the North American RV market.

  • Midwest Automotive Designs

Privately Held Brands  (Also Your Best Bets)

The following RV brands are privately held (including family-owned manufacturers).

While there is a fairly large number of RV manufacturers listed here, combined they only make up around 20% of the North American RV market.

In other words, overall they are fairly small players.

However, if you are looking for a quality RV, this is the list to start with (there are a few exceptions with the larger brands - see our best RV brands post ).

ATC Trailers

  • Eveland's, Inc (Scamp)
  • Trail Wagons

RV Manufacturer Listings

Confused about the different types of RVs? Click here to read our guide that explains the differences between the various RV styles.

In this section, we list all the North American RV manufacturers that meet our criteria stated at the top of the page.

Manufacturers are listed alphabetically with a brief introduction and what types of RVs they make (including a sampling of model names).

You can use the RV Manufacturers table of contents (directly below) to 'jump' to a particular manufacturer.

Or you can scroll through the list, browsing to your heart's content.

Adventurer Manufacturing is based out of Yakima, Washington and builds truck campers.

It's a family-owned business that has been manufacturing RVs since 1969.

Adventurer Manufacturing Truck Camper Models include:

  • Adventurer and Eagle Cap

Airstream is based out of Jackson Center, Ohio. ( What is an Airstream? )

They manufacture Class B and B+ motorhomes (or Touring Coaches in Airstream speak), as well as travel trailers.

It is owned by Thor Industries.

The Interstate brand of Class B motorhomes has been built by Airstream since 2004.

Airstream Travel Trailer Models Include:

  • Aluminum Airstream Trailers - Basecamp, Sport, Flying Cloud, International Signature, International Serenity, Tommy Bahama, Globetrotter, and Classic
  • Fiberglass Airstream Trailers - Nest (out of production)

All Airstream trailers, with the exception of the Nest (fiberglass), are built with an aluminum outer shell, giving them that classic American iconic look.

Airstream Class B and B+ RV Models Include:

  • Diesel Class B Van - Interstate Lounge EXT, Interstate Grand Tour EXT, Tommy Bahama Interstate, and Interstate Nineteen
  • Diesel Class B+ Van - Atlas

Airstream uses the Mercedes Sprinter van chassis for their Class B diesel motorhomes.

They use the Mercedes Sprinter cutaway chassis for their B+ diesel motorhomes.

( Pros and cons of Airstream trailers )

Allen Camper Maufacturing

Allen Camper Manufacturing is based out of Allen, Oklahoma and manufactures travel trailers and fifth wheels.

It is a family-owned business that has been making RVs since 1958.

Allen Camper Travel Trailer Models Include:

  • Idle-Time and Outpost Lite

Allen Camper 5th Wheel Models Include:

Alliance RV is based in Elkhart, Indiana and manufactures fifth wheels and toy haulers.

They are a privately held company that was formed in 2019.

Alliance Travel Trailer Models Include:

Alliance 5th wheel models include:.

  • Paradigm and Avenue

Alliance Toy Hauler Models Include:

American Coach is based out of Decatur, Indiana and manufactures Class A diesel motorhomes and Class B motorhomes.

It originally a was division of Fleetwood RV but is now a part of REV Group (which acquired the rights to Fleetwood after they declared bankruptcy in 2009).

American Coach Class A Models include:

  • Diesel Class A Motorhomes - American Tradition, American Eagle, and American Dream

American Coach uses the Freightliner chassis for their Class A diesel motorhomes.

American Coach Class B RV Models include:

  • Diesel Class B Motorhomes - American Patriot and American Patriot Cruiser

American Coach uses the Mercedes Sprinter chassis for their Class B diesel motorhomes.

Armadillo Trailer Manufacturing is a Canadian RV manufacturer based out of Enderby, British Columbia, Canada.

They build travel trailers that have two-piece fiberglass exteriors that are under 14 feet in length.

Armadillo is a privately held company that has been in the RV business for over 45 years.

Armadillo Travel Trailer Models include:

  • The standard Armadillo and the Backpack

Aluminum Trailer Company (ATC Trailers) is a privately held RV manufacturer based in Nappanee, Indiana.

They build aluminum trailers for commercial and private use, including utility, car hauling, and toy hauling trailers.

ATC was founded in 1999 and builds both bumper pull and fifth wheel toy haulers.

ATC Toy Hauler Models include:

  • Bumper Pull Toy Haulers - Game Changer and Game Changer PRO
  • Fifth Wheel Toy Haulers - Game Changer and Game Changer PRO

Bigfoot Industries is a Canadian RV manufacturer based out of Armstrong, British Columbia, Canada.

They build travel trailers and truck campers that have two-piece fiberglass exteriors.

Bigfoot is a privately held company that has been making RVs for over 30 years.

However, in 2008 the company closed its doors only to be reopened in 2010 under new ownership.

Bigfoot RV Travel Trailer Models include:

  • 2500 Series

Bigfoot RV Truck Camper Models include:

  • 1500 Series and 2500 Series

Bowlus is a privately held company, based in California, that produces travel trailers.

They revived a 1930's design and started producing a modern interpretation of it in 2018.

The original Bowlus is said to be the inspiration for the Airstream line of travel trailers, and is manufactured using a similar aluminum outer shell construction technique.

The single model they make is high priced, and packed with features you don't find in run-of-the-mill RVs.

Bowlus Travel Trailer Models Include:

Braxton Creek is based out of Shipshewana, Indiana and manufactures travel trailers and teardrops.

It's a privately held company that has been building RVs since 2017.

Braxton Creek Travel Trailer Models include:

Braxton creek teardrop trailer models include:.

  • Bushwhacker Plus

Bundutec USA  is a truck camper manufacturer based in Raymond, Iowa.

They build both pop-up and hard-sided truck campers. The company was formed in 2013 by the retired president of Northstar Campers.

Bundutec Truck Camper Models include:

  • Bunduvry and RoadRunner

Capri Camper is based in Bluff Dale, Texas and manufactures truck campers.

It is a privately held RV manufacturer that has been building campers since 1969.

Capri Truck Camper Models include:

  • Retreat and Cowboy

Casita Trailers is based out of Rice, Texas and manufactures lightweight travel trailers.

It's a family-owned company that has been making RVs since 1983.

These are fiberglass campers that are highly sought after for their durability, longevity, and ease of maintenance. 

They hold their value well.

Casita Travel Trailer Models include:

  • Spirit, Freedom, Liberty, and Independence

Chinook RV is based out of Elkhart, Indiana and manufactures Class B motorhomes.

They also manufacture travel trailers and toy haulers under the Trail Wagons brand.

Chinook RV has a long history of manufacturing motorhomes out of Yakima, Washington, with production ramping up in the 1950s. 

However, they went bankrupt in 2005.

Assets were purchased in 2013 and operations were moved to Elkhart.

In 2018, Chinook RV purchased the Riverside Travel Trailers brand (not to be confused with Riverside RV) from Vohne Liche Manufacturing and rebranded them under the Trail Wagons name. (Riverside Travel Trailers was originally founded in 2009.)

Chinook Class B Models include:

  • Bayside, Countryside, and Summit

Chinook Class B+ Models include:

  • Maverick and Summit B+

Chinook RV uses the Mercedes Sprinter chassis and the Ford Transit Chassis for their Class B & B+ offerings.

Chinook/Trail Wagons Travel Trailer Models include:

  • Dream and Trail Wagon

Chinook/Trail Wagons Toy Hauler Models include:

  • Bumper Pull Toy Haulers - RPM

Coach House is based out of Nokomis, Florida and manufactures Class B and B+ motorhomes. As a family-owned business, Coach House has been building RVs since 1985.

Coach House Class B/B+ Models include:

  • Gas Class B+ Motorhomes - Platinum
  • Diesel Class B and B+ Motorhomes - Platinum II, Platinum III, and Arriva

Coach House RV uses the Ford E-Series chassis for their Class B gas motorhomes.

For their Class B diesel motorhomes, they use the Mercedes Sprinter chassis and the Ford Transit Chassis.

Coachmen RV is based out of Middlebury, Indiana and builds Class A, Class B, and Class C motorhomes, travel trailers, 5th wheels, and toy haulers.

It has been manufacturing RVs since 1964. In 2008, Coachmen RV was purchased by Forest River.

Coachmen RV Class A Models include:

  • Gas Class A Motorhomes - Encore, Pursuit, Mirada, and Mirada Select
  • Diesel Class A Motorhomes - Sportscoach SRS and Sportscoach RD

Coachmen RV uses the Ford F-Series chassis for their Class A gas motorhomes and the Freightliner chassis for their Class A diesel motorhomes.

Coachmen RV Class B Models include:

  • Gas Class B Motorhomes - Beyond and Nova
  • Diesel Class B Motorhomes - Galleria

Coachmen RV uses the Ford Transit and Ram ProMaster chassis for their Class B gas motorhomes and the Mercedes Sprinter chassis for their Class B diesel motorhomes.

Coachmen RV Class C Models include:

  • Gas Class C Motorhomes - Concord, Leprechaun, Freelander, Cross Trail, Cross Trek, and Orion
  • Diesel Class C Motorhomes - Prism

Coachmen RV uses the Ford Transit chassis and Ford E-Series chassis for their Class C gas motorhomes and the Mercedes Sprinter chassis for their Class C diesel motorhomes.

Coachmen RV Travel Trailer Models include:

  • Apex Ultra-Lite, Apex Nano, Catalina Expedition, Catalina Legacy Edition, Catalina Summit Series, Clipper Ultra-Lite, Freedom Express Liberty Edition, Freedom Express Ultra Lite, Freedom Express Select, Northern Spirit, Northern Spirit XTR, Spirit, Spirit XTR, and Viking Ultra-Lite

Coachmen RV Fifth Wheel Models include:

  • Brookstone, Chaparral, Chaparral Lite, and Chaparral X-Edition

Coachmen RV Toy Hauler Models include:

  • Bumper Pull Toy Haulers - Adrenaline, Catalina Trail Blazer, and Freedom Express Blast

Columbia Northwest is based in Mt Pleasant, PA and manufactures teardrop trailers (as well as the Aliner line of fold-down trailers).

It has been an RV manufacturer since the 1970s.

Columbia Northwest Teardrop Trailer Models include:

Cortes Campers is based out of Cleveland, Ohio and manufactures fiberglass travel trailers.

They are a brand new company, starting production in 2021. They are using lightweight fiberglass and carbon fiber materials, and eliminate all wood in the RV. In other words, they are taking a new approach to manufacturing recreational vehicles.

The company has grand plans to include multiple different floor plan lengths as well as branch out into truck campers and motorhomes. They are starting out with a 17 foot travel trailer.

Cortes Campers Travel Trailer Models include:

  • Travel Trailer 17

CrossRoads RV is an RV brand based out of Topeka, Indiana and manufactures travel trailers, 5th wheels, and toy haulers. 

The CrossRoads RV brand has been around since 1996.

It was acquired by Thor Industries in 2004.

Camp Addict Kelly has owned a 2010 24' Crossroads Slingshot travel trailer since 2014.

CrossRoads RV Travel Trailer Models Include:

  • Sunset Trailer, Zinger, and Volante

CrossRoads RV 5th Wheel Models Include:

  • Cameo, Cruiser, Cruiser Aire, and Volante 

CrossRoads Toy Hauler Models Include:

  • Bumper Pull Toy Haulers - Volante and Zinger

Cruiser RV is an RV brand based out of Howe, Indiana and manufactures travel trailers and toy haulers. It is a subsidiary of Heartland RV (part of Thor Industries). Cruiser RV has been building RVs since 1988 and was acquired by Heartland RV in 2015.

Cruiser RV Travel Trailer Models Include:

  • Avenir, Embrace Ultra-Light, Fun Finder, Hitch, MPG Ultra-Light, Radiance, and Shadow Cruiser

Cruiser RV Toy Hauler Models Include:

(Cruiser RV makes both bumper pull and fifth wheel toy haulers, both with the 'Stryker' name.)

  • Bumper Pull Toy Hauler - Stryker
  • 5th Wheel Toy Hauler - Stryker

DRV Luxury Suites is an RV brand based out of Howe, Indiana.

They manufacture luxury fifth wheel campers and luxury fifth wheel toy haulers intended for full-time living.

 It is a subsidiary of Heartland RV (part of Thor Industries).

DRV has been a fifth wheel manufacturer since 2003 and was purchased by Heartland RV in 2015.

DRV Fifth Wheel Models Include:

  • Mobile Suites, Mobile Suites Aire, and Elite Suites

DRV Toy Hauler Models Include:

  • 5th Wheel Toy Hauler - Full House

Dutchmen RV is an RV manufacturer based out of Goshen, Indiana. They build travel trailers, fifth wheels, and toy haulers.

It is a division of Keystone RV Company (part of Thor Industries). Dutchmen RV has been making RVs since 1988 and was bought by Thor Industries in 1991.

Dutchmen RV Travel Trailer Models Include:

  • Aerolite, Aspen Trail, Aspen Trail LE, Atlas, Coleman Lantern, Coleman Lantern LT, Coleman Light, Coleman Light LX, Guide, Kodiak Cub, Kodiak Ultimate, and Kodiak Ultra-Light

Dutchmen Fifth Wheel Models Include:

  • Astoria, Atlas, and Yukon

Dutchmen Toy Hauler Models Include:

  • Bumper Pull Toy Haulers - Coleman Lantern and Rubicon XLT
  • 5th Wheel Toy Haulers - Endurance, Voltage, and Voltage Triton

Dynamax is based out of Elkhart, Indiana and manufactures Class C and Super C motorhomes. 

It has been building RVs since 1997.

In 2011, Forest River purchased the Dynamax brand.

Dynamax Class C and Super C Models include:

  • Gas Class C Motorhomes - Isata 4
  • Diesel Class C Motorhomes - Europa, Isata 3, Isata 5, Force HD, DX3, and DynaQuest XL

Dynamax uses the Ford E-Series chassis for their Class C gas motorhomes.

For their diesel Class C motorhomes, they use the Mercedes Sprinter chassis, the Ford E-Series chassis, the Ram 5500 chassis, and Freightliner medium-duty truck chassis.

East to West

East to West is an RV manufacturer based out of Elkhart, Indiana.

They build travel trailers, fifth wheels and Class C motorhomes.

They are a division of Forest River and started in 2018.

East to West Travel Trailer Models Include:

  • Alta, Della Terra, and Silver Lake

East to West 5th Wheel Models Include:

  • Ahara and Tandara

East to West Class C RV Models Include:

East to West RV uses the Ford E-Series chassis for their Class C gas motorhomes.

Eclipse Recreational Vehicles is an RV manufacturer based out of Riverside, California and builds toy haulers.

It is a privately held company that's been building RVs since 2003.

Eclipse Toy Hauler Models Include:

  • Bumper Pull Toy Haulers - Attitude, Stellar, and Iconic
  • 5th Wheel Toy Haulers - Attitude, Stellar, and Iconic

Ember RV is a recreational vehicle manufacturer based out of Bristol, Indiana.

They build travel trailers.

Ember is a woman-led RV company and started manufacturing in 2021.

Ember RV Travel Trailer Models Include:

  • E-Series, Overland Micro Series, Overland Series, and Touring Edition

Entegra Coach is based out of Middlebury, Indiana.

They manufacture Class A, Class B, and Class C motorhomes.

Purchased by Jayco in 2008, Entegra Coach is now part of Thor Industries as Jayco was acquired by Thor in 2016.

In 2018, Entegra started manufacturing gas Class A motorhomes and Class C motorhomes (previously they only made diesel coaches).

The 2021 model year saw the introduction of the Ethos and Launch Class B motorhomes. 

Entegra Class A Models include:

  • Gas Class A Motorhomes - Vision, Vision XL, and Emblem
  • Diesel Class A Motorhomes - Reatta, Reatta XL, Aspire, Anthem, and Cornerstone

Entegra Coach uses the Ford F-Series chassis for their Class A gas motorhomes and the Spartan chassis for their Class A diesel motorhomes.

Entegra Class B Models include:

  • Gas Class B Motorhomes - Ethos
  • Diesel Class B Motorhomes - Launch

The Ram ProMaster chassis is used for Entegra's gas Class B RVs, while the Mercedes Sprinter chassis is used for their diesel Class B vans. 

Entegra Class C RV Models include:

  • Gas Class C Motorhomes - Odyssey and Esteem
  • Diesel Class C Motorhomes - Qwest

Entegra Coach uses the Ford E-Series chassis for their Class C gas motorhomes and the Mercedes Sprinter chassis for their Class C diesel motorhomes.

Escape Trailer Industries is a Canadian RV manufacturer based out of Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada and builds travel trailers and 5th Wheels.

It is a privately held company that has been making RVs since 2002 and sells factory direct.

Their trailers are made of a one-piece fiberglass body. 

This eliminates the risk of leaks. 

They are known for holding their value.

Escape Travel Trailer Models Include:

  • 17 Foot Escape, 19 Foot Escape, and 21 Foot Escape

Escape 5th Wheel Models Include:

  • Escape 5.0 TA

Eveland's is an RV manufacturer based out of Backus, Minnesota and builds Scamp travel trailers and 5th Wheels.

It is a family-owned business that has been making RVs since 1971 and sells factory direct.

This is another highly-coveted fiberglass sided RV that will hold its value. 

Scamp Travel Trailer Models Include:

  • 13 Foot Standard, 13 Foot Deluxe, 16 Foot Standard, and 16 Foot Deluxe

Scamp 5th Wheel Models Include:

  • 19 Foot Standard and 19 Foot Deluxe

Fleetwood RV is based out of Decatur, Indiana.

They manufacture Class A motorhomes, Class B motorhomes, and Class C motorhomes. It has been manufacturing RVs since the 1950s.

In 2009, Fleetwood declared bankruptcy and its motorhome assets were acquired by REV Group.

Fleetwood Class A RV Models include:

  • Gas Class A Motorhomes - Southwind, Bounder, Fortis, and Flair
  • Diesel Class A Motorhomes - Discovery, Discovery XLE, Frontier, Pace Arrow, and Pace Arrow XLE

Fleetwood uses the Ford F-Series chassis for their Class A gas motorhomes and the Freightliner chassis for their Class A diesel motorhomes.

Fleetwood Class B RV Models include:

  • Gas Class B Motorhomes - IROK

Fleetwood uses the Dodge Promaster for their Class B gas motorhomes.

Fleetwood Class C Models include:

  • Gas Class C Motorhomes - Jamboree
  • Diesel Class C Motorhomes - Pulse

Fleetwood uses the Ford E-Series chassis for their Class C gas motorhomes and the Mercedes Sprinter chassis for their Class C diesel motorhomes.

Forest River RV is based out of Elkhart, Indian.

They manufacture Class A motorhomes,  Class C motorhomes, travel trailer, fifth wheels, and toy haulers.

They have been manufacturing RVs since 1996.

Forest River RV is the original division of Forest River, Inc, one of the largest RV manufacturers and the umbrella company for many RV brands.

Forest River, Inc was purchased by Berkshire Hathaway in 2005.

Forest River Class A RV Models include:

  • Gas Class A Motorhomes - FR3, Georgetown 3, Georgetown 5, Georgetown 7, and Georgetown XL
  • Diesel Class A Motorhomes - Berkshire, Berkshire XL, Berkshire XLT, and Legacy SR 340

Forest River RV uses the Ford F-Series chassis for their Class A gas motorhomes and the Freightliner chassis for their Class A diesel motorhomes.

Forest River Class C Models include:

  • Gas Class C Motorhomes - Forester, Forester Classic, Forester LE, Forester TS, Solera, Sunseeker, Sunseeker Classic, Sunseeker LE, and Sunseeker TS
  • Diesel Class C Motorhomes - Forester MBS, Forester TS, Solera, Sunseeker MBS, and Sunseeker TS

Forest River RV uses the Ford E-Series chassis and the Ford Transit chassis for their Class C gas motorhomes.

The Mercedes Sprinter chassis and Ford Transit Chassis are used for their Class C diesel motorhomes.

Forest River Travel Trailer Models include:

  • Aurora, Cherokee, Cherokee Alpha Wolf, Cherokee Grey Wolf, Cherokee Wolf Pup, EVO, Flagstaff, Flagstaff E-Pro, Flagstaff Shamrock, Grand Surveyor, IBEX, Impression, Independence Trail, No Boundaries, Ozark, Rockwood, Rockwood Geo Pro, Rockwood Mini Lite, Rockwood Roo, Rockwood Signature, Rockwood Ultra Lite, R-Pod, R-Pod Hood River, Salem, Salem Cruise Lite, Salem FSX, Salem Hemisphere, Salem Hemisphere Hyper-Lyte, Sonoma, Surveyor Legend, Vibe, Wildcat, Wildwood, Wildwood Heritage Glen, and Wildwood Heritage Glen Hyper-Late

Forest River 5th Wheel Models include:

  • Arctic Wolf, Cardinal, Cardinal Limited, Cardinal Luxury, Cedar Creek, Cedar Creek Champagne Edition, Cedar Creek Hathaway Edition, Cedar Creek Silverback Edition, Cherokee, Cherokee Arctic Wolf, Cherokee Wolf Pack, Flagstaff Classic, Flagstaff Super Lite, Impression, Riverstone, Riverstone Reserve, Rockwood Signature, Rockwood Ultra Lite, Sabre, Sabre SS150, Salem Hemisphere, Salem Hemisphere Elite, Sandpiper, Sandpiper Luxury, Sierra, Sierra Luxury, Wildcat, Wildcat Maxx, Wildwood Heritage Glen, and Wildwood Heritage Glen Elite

Forest River Toy Hauler Models include:

  • Bumper Pull Toy Haulers - Cherokee, Cherokee Grey Wolf, Cherokee Wolf Pack, Cherokee Wolf Pup, Flagstaff E-Pro, No Boundaries, Ozark, Rockwood Geo Pro, Salem Cruise Lite, Salem FSX, Sandstorm, Shockwave, Stealth, Vengeance, Vengeance Rogue,  Wildwood FSX, Wildwood X-Lite, Work and Play, XLR Boost, and XLR Hyperlite
  • Fifth Wheel Toy Haulers - Cedar Creek, Cedar Creek Silverback Edition, Cherokee, Cherokee Wolf Pack, Riverstone, Sandstorm, Shockwave, Stealth, Vengeance, Vengeance Rogue Armored, XLR Boost, XLR Nitro, and XLR Thunderbolt

Genesis Supreme RV is an RV manufacturer based out of Perris, California.

They build travel trailers and toy haulers.

It is a family-owned business that has been making RVs since 2012.

Genesis Supreme Travel Trailer Models Include:

  • Genesis Classic and Vortex Classic

Genesis Supreme Toy Hauler Models Include:

  • Bumper Pull Toy Haulers - Genesis Supreme and Vortex
  • Fifth Wheel Toy Haulers - Envy, Genesis Supreme, and Vortex

Grand Design RV is an RV manufacturer based out of Middlebury, Indiana and builds travel trailers, fifth wheels, and toy haulers.

Grand Design has been making RVs since 2012.

They were bought by Winnebago Industries in 2016.

Grand Design RV Travel Trailer Models Include:

  • Transcend, Transcend XPLOR, Imagine, Imagine XLS, Reflection, and Serenova

Grand Design 5th Wheel Models Include:

  • Influence, Reflection, Reflection 100 & 150 Series, Solitude, and Solitude S-Class

Grand Design Toy Hauler Models Include:

  • Bumper Pull Toy Haulers - Momentum G-Class
  • Fifth Wheel Toy Haulers - Momentum, Momentum G-Class, and Momentum M-Class

Grech Motors is a privately held company based in Riverside, California. Since the early 1980's Grech has manufactured luxury mini-coaches for the ground transportation industry (limos, buses, etc).

In 2020 Grech decided to use their coach building skills to enter the Class B market.

Grech Motors builds Class B motorhomes on the diesel Sprinter chassis.

Grech Motors Class B Models include:

Gulf Stream Coach is based out of Nappanee, Indiana and manufactures Class C motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheels, and toy haulers.

It the largest family-owned RV manufacturer and has been building recreational vehicles since 1983.

Gulf Stream Class C Models include:

  • BT Cruiser and Conquest

Gulf Stream uses the Ford E-Series chassis for their Class C gas motorhomes.

Gulf Stream Travel Trailer Models include:

  • Ameri-Lite, Capri, Cabin Cruiser, Envision, Geo, Gulf Breeze, Innsbruck Lite, Kingsport, Matrix, Norther Express, Streamlite, Vista Cruiser, and Vintage Cruiser

Gulf Stream 5th Wheel Models include:

Gulf stream toy hauler models include:.

  • Bumper Pull Toy Haulers - GSX and Track & Trail

Heartland RV is an RV manufacturer based out of Elkhart, Indiana and builds travel trailers, fifth wheels, and toy haulers.

Heartland RV has been making RVs since 2004 and was bought by Thor Industries in 2010.

Heartland RV Travel Trailer Models Include:

  • North Trail Ultra-Lite, Wilderness, Mallard, Mallard Pathfinder, Sundance Ultra-Lite, Prowler, Prowler Lynx, Trail Runner, Trail Runner SLE, and Pioneer

Heartland RV Fifth Wheel Models Include:

  • Bighorn, Bighorn Traveler, Big Country, Coreterra, Elkridge, Elkridge Focus, Gateway, Landmark, Milestone, and Pioneer

Heartland RV Toy Hauler Models Include:

  • Bumper Pull Toy Haulers - Fuel, Lithium, Pioneer, Torque, and Trail Runner
  • Fifth Wheel Toy Haulers - Cyclone, Fuel, Gravity, Road Warrior, and Torque

Highland Ridge RV is based out of Shipshewana, Indiana and builds travel trailers, fifth wheels, and toy haulers.

It was formed in 2014 when Jayco purchased the assets of Open Range RV.

Highland Ridge RV is now part of Thor Industries (who purchased Jayco in 2016).

Highland Ridge RV Travel Trailer Models Include:

  • Light, Open Range, Open Range Ultra Lite, Mesa Ridge, Mesa Ridge Lite, Mesa Ridge Limited, Mesa Ridge S, Range Lite, Range Lite Air, Silverstar Lite, Silverstar Limited, and Silverstar S

Highland Ridge RV Fifth Wheel Models Include:

  • Light, Open Range, Open Range Ultra Lite, Open Range 3x, Open Range Roamer, Mesa Ridge, Mesa Ridge Lite, Mesa Ridge Limited, Mesa Ridge XLT, Siverstar, Silverstar Limited, and Silverstart XLT

Highland Ridge RV Toy Hauler Models Include:

  • Fifth Wheel Toy Haulers - Highlander and Silverstar THX

Monaco Coach is based out of Decatur, Indiana and manufactures Class A and Class C motorhomes.

It has been an RV manufacturer since 1953.

In 2009, Holiday Rambler declared bankruptcy and was purchased by Navistar International. REV Group acquired the brand in 2013.

Holiday Rambler Class A Models include:

  • Gas Class A Motorhomes - Eclipse, Vacationer, Invicta, and Admiral
  • Diesel Class A Motorhomes - Endeavor, Navigator, Nautica, and Armada

Holiday Rambler uses the Freightliner chassis for their Class A diesel motorhomes and the Ford F-Series chassis for their Class A gas motorhomes.

Holiday Rambler Class C Models include:

  • Gas Class C Motorhomes - Augusta
  • Diesel Class C Motorhomes - Prodigy

Holiday Rambler uses the Mercedes Sprinter chassis for their Class A diesel motorhomes and the Ford E-Series chassis for their Class C gas motorhomes.

Host Campers is based in Bend, Oregon and manufactures truck campers. It is a privately held RV manufacturer.

Host Truck Camper Models include:

  • Cascade, Everest, Mammoth, Rainer, and Tahoe

inTech RV is based out of Nappanee, Indiana and builds travel trailers.

It is a privately held company that has been building RVs since 2010.

inTech RV Travel Trailer Models Include:

  • Sol and Terra

Jayco is based out of Middlebury, Indiana and manufactures Class A motorhomes, Class C motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheels, and toy haulers.

It has been an RV manufacturer since 1968.

In 2016, Jayco was purchased by Thor Industries.

Jayco Class A Models include:

  • Gas Class A Motorhomes - Alante, Precept, and Precept Prestige
  • Diesel Class A Motorhomes - Embark

Jayco uses the Ford F-Series chassis for their Class A gas motorhomes and the Spartan chassis for their Class A diesel motorhomes.

Jayco Class B Models include:

  • Gas Class B Motorhomes - Solstice and Swift
  • Diesel Class B Motorhomes - Terrain

Jayco uses uses the Mercedes Sprinter chassis (4x4) for their Class B diesel motorhomes (vans). They use the Ram Promaster and Ford Transit chassis for their Class B gas motorhomes.

Jayco Class C Models include:

  • Gas Class C Motorhomes - Redhawk, Redhawk SE, Greyhawk, and Greyhawk Prestige
  • Diesel Class C Motorhomes - Melbourne and  Melbourne Prestige
  • Diesel Class C+ (Super C) Motorhomes - Seneca, Seneca Prestige, and Seneca XT (4x4)

Jayco uses the Chevy chassis and Ford E-Series chassis for their Class C gas motorhomes. They use the Mercedes Sprinter chassis, the Freightliner chassis, and the Ford F-series heavy duty chassis for their Class C diesel motorhomes.

Jayco Travel Trailer Models include:

  • Eagle, Eagle HT, Hummingbird, Jay Feather, Jay Feather Micro, Jay Feather Volare, Jay Flight, Jay Flight SLX 7, Jay Flight SLX 8, and White Hawk

Jayco 5th Wheel Models include:

  • Eagle, Eagle HT, Eagle HTX, North Point, and Pinnacle

Jayco Toy Hauler Models include:

  • Bumper Pull Toy Haulers - Octane and Octane Super Lite
  • Fifth Wheel Toy Haulers - Talon, Talon Platinum, Seismic, and Seismic Alpha

Keystone RV Company is based out of Goshen, Indiana and manufactures travel trailers, fifth wheels, and toy haulers.

It has been building RVs since 1996.

In 2001, Keystone RV was purchased by Thor Industries.

Keystone RV Travel Trailer Models include:

  • Arcadia, Bullet, Bullet Crossfire, Cougar, Hideout, Laredo, Outback, Passport, Passport SL, Premier, Springdale, and Sprinter

Keystone 5th Wheel Models include:

  • Alpine, Arcadia, Avalanche, Carbon, Cougar, Hideout, Laredo, Montana, and Montana High Country

Keystone Toy Hauler Models include:

  • Bumper Pull Toy Haulers - Carbon, Hideout, Impact, Outback, and Outback Ultra-Lite
  • 5th Wheel Toy Haulers - Carbon, Fuzion, Impact, Montana High Country, and Raptor

K-Z RV is based out of Shipshewana, Indiana and manufactures travel trailers, fifth wheels, and toy haulers.

It has been an RV manufacturer since 1972.

In 2014, KZ RV was purchased by Thor Industries.

K-Z RV Travel Trailer Models include:

  • Connect, Connect SE, Escape, Escape Mini, Sportsmen Classic, Sportsmen SE, and Sportsmen LE

K-Z 5th Wheel Models include:

  • Durango, Durango Half-Ton, Durango Gold, and Sportsmen

K-Z Toy Hauler Models include:

  • Bumper Pull Toy Haulers - Escape, Sportsmen Classic, Sportsmen LE, and Sportster
  • Fifth Wheel Toy Haulers - Sportster, Venom V-Series, and Venom

Lance Camper is based in Lancaster, California and manufactures travel trailers and truck campers.

It first started building RVs in 1965.

Lance was purchased by REV group in 2018. Camp Addict Co-Founder Marshall had a Lance 1995 travel trailer he purchased new. He owned it for about 9 years and full-time RVed in it for around 7 years.

Lance Camper Travel Trailer Models include:

  • 1475, 1575, 1685, 1985, 1995, 2075, 2185, 2285, 2295, 2375, 2445, and 2465

Lance Truck Camper Models include:

  • 650, 825, 850, 855S, 865, 975, 995, 1062, and 1172

Lazy Daze RV was based in Montclair, California and sold Class C motorhomes factory direct. They were a privately held RV manufacturer that had been in business since 1956. Unfortunately, in mid-2022, Lazy Daze went out of business. One of the better manufacturers is no longer in business.

Lazy Daze Class C Models included:

  • 24 foot, 27 foot, and 31 foot floor plans

Lazy Daze used the Ford E-450 chassis for their Class C gas motorhomes.

Leisure Travel Vans

Leisure Travel Vans is a brand owned by Triple E Recreational Vehicles,  a Canadian RV manufacturer based out of Winkler, Manitoba, Canada.

Leisure Travel Vans is owned by Triple E Recreational Vehicles, a family-owned company formed in 1966.

Triple E started out building travel trailers and branched out to making fifth wheels and motorhomes.

They acquired the Leisure Travel Vans brand in 2008.

In 2010 Triple E discontinued manufacturing all other RVs except their Leisure Travel Vans line.

Leisure Travel builds Class B and B+ motorhomes.

Leisure Travel Vans Class B/B+ Models include:

  • Diesel Class B Motorhomes - Serenity, Unity, and Wonder

Leisure Travel uses the Mercedes Sprinter chassis and the Ford Transit chassis for their Class B and B+ diesel and gas motorhomes.

Little Guy Trailers has a plant in Somerset, Pennsylvania and manufactures teardrop trailers.

It is a privately held company that has been making RVs since 2002.

As of July 2019, Little Guy is an Extreme Outdoors brand (Extreme Outdoors acquired the assets of Liberty Outdoors).

Little Guy Teardrop Trailer Models include:

  • Little Guy Micro Max, Little Guy Mini Max, Little Guy Max, Little Guy Micro Max, and My Pod

Midwest Automotive Design is based out of Elkhart, Indiana and manufactures Class B motorhomes.

It has been doing custom Sprinter conversions since 2001.

In 2017, Midwest was purchased by REV Group.

Midwest Automotive Design Class B Models include:

  • Gas Class B Motorhomes - Legend and Passage
  • Diesel Class B Motorhomes - Daycruiser, Weekender, and Passage

Midwest uses the Mercedes Sprinter chassis for their Class B diesel motorhomes and the Dodge ProMaster chassis and Ford Transit chassis for their Class B gas motorhomes.

Monaco Coach is based out of Decatur, Indiana.

They manufacture luxury Class A diesel motorhomes.

In 2009, Monaco declared bankruptcy and was purchased by Navistar International.

REV Group acquired the Monaco Coach brand in 2013.

Monaco Coach Class A RV Models include:

  • Diesel Class A Motorhomes - Monaco Signature and Monaco Marquis

Monaco uses the Freightliner chassis for their Class A diesel motorhomes.

New Horizons RV is based in Junction City, Kansas.

They manufacture fifth wheels and toy haulers designed as trailers to live in .

It is a family-owned business that has been making RVs since 1989 and sells factory direct.

New Horizons 5th Wheel Models include:

  • Summit and Majestic

New Horizons Toy Hauler Models include:

  • 5th Wheel Toy Haulers - Summit and Majestic

Newmar Corporation is based out of Nappanee, Indiana and manufactures Class A gas and diesel motorhomes.

Newmar has been making RVs since 1968 and was privately held until it was announced in September 2019 that Winnebago Industries was purchasing them.

Newmar Class A RV Models include:

  • Gas Class A Motorhomes - Bay Star, Bay Star Sport, and Canyon Star
  • Diesel Class A Motorhomes - Canyon Star (front engine), Kountry Star, Ventana, Ventana LE, Dutch Star, New Aire, Mountain Aire, London Aire, Essex, and King Aire

Newmar uses the Ford F-Series chassis for their gas Class A motorhomes. Freightliner and Spartan chassis are used for their Class A diesel motorhomes.

Newmar Super C RV Models include:

  • Diesel  - Super Star and Supreme Aire

Newmar uses Freighliner chassis for their Class C+ (Super C) RVs

Newmar Toy Hauler Models Include:

  • Gas Class A (diesel) Toy Hauler - Canyon Star

Newmar uses Freightliner chassis for their Class A toy hauler motorhomes.

Nexus RV is based out of Elkhart, Indiana and manufactures Class A motorhomes, Class B+ motorhomes, and Super C motorhomes.

They formed in 2010 and initially sold factory direct, but now they sell their RVs through a dealership network.

Nexus Class A Motorhome Models include:

  • Gas Class A Motorhomes - Maybach
  • Diesel Class A Motorhomes - Evoque and Bentley

Nexus RV uses the Ford F-Series chassis for their gas Class A motorhomes and the Freightliner chassis for their Class A diesel motorhomes.

Nexus Class B+ Motorhome Models include:

Nexus RV uses the Ford E-Series chassis for their gas Class B+ motorhomes.

Nexus Class C Motorhome Models include:

  • Triumph and Phantom

Nexus RV uses the Ford E-Series chassis for their gas Class C motorhomes.

Nexus Super C Motorhome Models include:

  • Ghost, Rebel (4x4), Triumph SC, and Wraith

Nexus RV uses the International chassis for their diesel Super C motorhomes.

Northern Lite is a Canadian RV manufacturer based in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada.

As a privately held company, they have been building truck campers since 1989.

Northern Lite Truck Camper Models include:

  • Limited Edition, Special Edition, and Sportsman Edition

Northstar Campers is based in Cedar Falls, Iowa and manufactures truck campers.

It is a family-owned business and has been building campers since 1955.

Northstar Truck Camper Models include:

  • Adventurer, Arrow U, Igloo U, Laredo SC, Laredo SS, Liberty, and STC

Northwood Manufacturing is based in La Grande, Oregon.

They manufacture travel trailers, fifth wheels, toy haulers, and truck campers.

They have been an RV manufacturer since 1993 and are privately held by parent company Northwood Investments (also the parent company of Outdoors RV ).

Northwood Manufacturing Travel Trailer Models include:

  • Arctic Fox and Nash

Northwood Manufacturing 5th Wheel Models include:

  • Arctic Fox and Fox Mountain

Northwood Manufacturing Toy Hauler Models include:

  • Bumper Pull Toy Haulers - Desert Fox

Northwood Manufacturing Truck Camper Models include:

  • Arctic Fox and Wolf Creek

nüCamp RV is based in Sugarcreek, Ohio and manufactures travel trailers, teardrop trailers, and truck campers.

It is a privately held company that has been making RVs since 2005.

Originally known as Pleasant Valley Teardrops, they changed their name to nüCamp RV in 2016.

nüCamp Travel Trailer Models include:

Nücamp teardrop trailer models include:, nücamp truck camper models include:.

  • Cirrus 620, 820, and Cirrus 920

Oliver Travel Trailers is based in Hohenwald, Tennessee and manufactures travel trailers.

It is a family-owned business and has been building Oliver trailers since 2007, selling factory direct.

This is a fiberglass camper .

They hold their value much better than traditionally made RVs.

Fewer issues with leaks. 

Oliver Travel Trailer Models include:

  • Legacy Elite and Legacy Elite II

Outdoors RV Manufacturing is based in La Grande, Oregon and manufactures travel trailers, fifth wheels, and toy haulers.

It has been an RV manufacturer since 2009 and is privately held by parent company Northwood Investments (also the parent company of Northwood Manufacturing ).

Outdoors RV Travel Trailer Models include:

  • Creek Side, Timber Ridge, Black Stone, and Back Country

Outdoors RV 5th Wheel Models include:

  • Glacier Peak

Outdoors RV Toy Hauler Models include:

  • Bumper Pull Toy Haulers - Trail Series

Pacific Coachworks was based out of Perris, California and did manufacture travel trailers and toy haulers. It was a privately held company that had been making RVs since 2006.

They were purchased by Genesis Supreme RV in November of 2020, and the Pacific Coachworks name was discontinued.

Pacific Coachworks Travel Trailer Models include:

  • Econ, Mighty Lite, Pacifica, Panther, Sea Breeze, Surf Side, and Tango

Pacific Coachworks Toy Hauler Models include:

  • Bumper Pull Toy Haulers - Blazen, Panther, Powerlite, Rage'n, Sandsport, Sea Breeze, Surf Side, and Tango
  • 5th Wheel Toy Haulers - Powerlite, Rage'n, and Sandsport

Palomino RV is based out of Colon, Michigan and manufactures travel trailers, fifth wheels, toy haulers, and truck campers.

They have been an RV manufacturer since 1968.

In 2002, Palomino RV was purchased by Forest River.

Palomino RV Travel Trailer Models include:

  • Columbus Castaway, PaloMini, Pause, Puma, Puma XLE Lite, Real-Lite Mini, and SolAire Ultra Lite

Palomino 5th Wheel Models include:

  • Columbus, Puma, and River Ranch

Palomino Toy Hauler Models include:

  • Bumper Pull Toy Haulers - Puma XLE Lite
  • 5th Wheel Toy Haulers - Puma Unleashed

Palomino RV Truck Camper Models include:

  • Backpack Edition and Real-Lite

Panoramic RV is a Canadian RV manufacturer based out of Chambly, Quebec, Canada.

They are a new RV manufacturer and currently are establishing their dealer base in North America.

They build a single floor plan of a Class B motorhome.

Panoramic RV Class B Motorhome Models include:

  • Gas Class B Motorhomes - Panoramic

Panoramic RV uses the Ram ProMaster chassis for their gas Class B motorhomes.

Phoenix USA is based out of Elkhart, Indiana and manufactures Class B+ motorhomes.

It is a privately held company formed in 1996 and sells factory direct.

Phoenix USA Class B+ Motorhome Models include:

  • Gas Class B+ Motorhomes - Phoenix Cruiser and Phoenix TRX
  • Diesel Class B+ Motorhomes - Phoenix TRX

Phoenix uses the Ford E-Series chassis for their Phoenix Cruiser Class B+ motorhomes.

The Phoenix TRX uses the Ford Transit chassis, offering both a gas and diesel engine option.

Pleasure-Way Industries is a Canadian RV manufacturer based out of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.

It is a family-owned company formed in 1986. They build Class B and B+ motorhomes.

Pleasure-Way Class B Motorhome Models include:

  • Gas Class B Motorhomes - Lexor FL, Lexor TS, Ontour 2.0, Ontour 2.2, and Tofino
  • Diesel Class B/B+ Motorhomes - Ascent TS, Plateau XLMB, Plateau XLTS, Plateau XLTD, Plateau TS, Plateau FL, and Rekon 4x4

Pleasure-Way uses the Ram ProMaster chassis and the Ford Transit chassis for their gas Class B motorhomes. They use the Mercedes Sprinter chassis for their diesel Class B/B+ motorhomes.

Prime Time Manufacturing is based out of Wakarusa, Indiana and manufactures travel trailers, fifth wheels, and toy haulers.

It has been an RV manufacturer since 2009.

Prime Time Manufacturing was created as a division of Forest River.

Prime Time Travel Trailer Models include:

  • Navi, PTX, Avenger, Avenger ATI, Tracer, Tracer Breeze, Tracer Air, and LaCrosse

Prime Time 5th Wheel Models include:

  • Crusader, Crusader Lite, and Sanibel

Redwood Residential Vehicles is an RV manufacturer based out of Topeka, Indiana and builds luxury 5th wheels intended for full-time use.

It was formed in 2010 as part of Crossroads RV. Redwood Residential Vehicles is part of Thor Industries (who purchased Crossroads RV in 2004).

Redwood RV 5th Wheel Models Include:

  • Sapphire Edition, Sterling Edition, Garnet Edition, and Classic Edition

Regency RV was based out of Fort Worth, Texas and manufactures Class B and B+ motorhomes.

Regency had been manufacturing RVs since 2015. It started out as a privately held company but was purchased by the Emahiser Group in June 2020.

As of Summer 2023 it appears that Regency is out of business. Their website ceases to exist and their Facebook page hasn't been updated (but comments indicate they are out of business).

Regency RV Class B/B+ Models include:

  • Xalta, Ultra Brougham, and National Traveler

Regency RV used the Mercedes Sprinter chassis for their Class B and B+ diesel motorhomes.

Renegade RV is based out of Bristol, Indiana and builds Class B+ motorhomes, Class C, and Super C motorhomes.

They have been manufacturing RVs for over 20 years.

In 2017, Renegade was purchased by REV Group.

Renegade RV Class B+ Models include:

  • Renegade Vienna and Renegade Villagio

Renegade RV uses the Mercedes Sprinter chassis for their Class B+ diesel motorhomes.

Renegade RV Class C Models include:

  • Diesel Class C Motorhomes - Renegade Veracruz
  • Diesel Super C Motorhomes - Renegade Icon, Renegade XL, Renegade Verona, and Renegade Valencia

Renegade RV uses various Freightliner medium duty chassis for their Super C diesel motorhomes and the Ford F-Series chassis for their Class C motorhomes.

Riverside RV is based in LaGrange, Indiana and manufactures travel trailers. They have been making RVs since 2008.

Riverside Travel Trailer Models include:

  • Retro and Intrepid

Roadtrek is based in Cambridge, Ontario Canada and manufactures gas and diesel Class B motorhomes. They have been making RVs since 1980.

To say that Roadtrek has had a tumultuous time in the late 2010's is putting things mildly. They were acquired by the Erwin Hymer Group in 2016, but that ended poorly (won't go into the details here - Google it), with production shutting down.

In 2019, the French company RAPIDO Group purchased Roadtrek and resumed production.

Roadtrek Class B Models include:

  • Gas Class B Motorhomes - Chase, Play, Zion, Zion Slumber, and Zion SRT
  • Diesel Class B Motorhomes - SS Agile

Roadtrek uses the Ram Promaster van for their gas Class B's and the Sprinter van for their diesel Class B RVs.

Roulottes Prolite is based in St-Jerome, Quebec, Canada and manufactures lightweight travel trailers.

They are a privately held company and have been making RVs since 2000.

ProLite Travel Trailer Models include:

  • Plus S, Lounge, Plus, Profil, Escapade, Evasion, Classic, Supreme, Max, and Xtreme

Rugged Mountain RV is based out of Boise, Idaho and manufactures truck campers.

It is a family-owned business that has been making truck campers since 2016.

In September 2019 they announced they would be moving to a factory-direct sales model from having dealers.

Rugged Mountain Truck Camper Models include:

  • Granite and Polar

The RV Factory is an RV manufacturer based out of Elkhart, Indiana and builds luxury 5th wheels and toy haulers intended for full-time use.

It is a privately held company formed in 2014 and in 2016 acquired the Augusta 5th wheel line and Weekend Warrior toy hauler line.

The RV Factory sells factory direct.

The RV Factory 5th Wheel Models Include:

  • Luxe Elite and Luxe Gold

The RV Factory Toy Hauler Models Include:

  • 5th Wheel Toy Haulers - Luxe

Shasta RV is based out of Middlebury, Indiana and manufactures travel trailers and fifth wheels.

It has been an RV manufacturer since 1941.

In the mid-2000's Shasta stopped building trailers.

Forest River revived the brand in 2010 (the brand was part of the Coachmen RV acquisition).

Shasta Travel Trailer Models include:

Shasta 5th wheel models include:.

Safari Condo is a Canadian RV manufacturer based out of Saint-Nicolas, Quebec, Canada.

They make travel trailers and Class B motorhomes.

Safari Condo is a privately held RV manufacturer that has been building RVs since 1997.

The Safari Condo Alto travel trailer comes in different models, including ones with fixed roofs and ones with retractable roofs.

Safari Condo Travel Trailer Models include:

Safari condo class b models include:.

  • Gas Class B Motorhomes - M Series, L Series, and XL Series
  • Diesel Class B Motorhomes - L Series and XL Series

Safari uses the GMC Savana chassis and Ram ProMaster chassis for their Class B gas motorhomes.

For their Class B diesel motorhomes, they use the Mercedes Sprinter chassis.

Starcraft is based out of Middlebury, Indiana and manufactures travel trailers and fifth wheels.

They have been building RVs since 1964.

In 1991, Starcraft was purchased by Jayco and is now part of Thor Industries (who purchased Jayco in 2016).

Starcraft Travel Trailer Models include:

  • Mossy Oak, Mossy Oak Lite, Mossy Oak Ultra Lite, Autumn Ridge, GPS, Launch Outfitter, Satellite, Super Lite, and Super Lite Maxx

Starcraft Fifth Wheel Models include:

Sunset Park RV is based out of Shipshewana, Indiana and manufactures travel trailers and toy haulers.

It is a privately held company that has been building RVs since 2008.

Sunset Park Travel Trailer Models include:

  • Liberty Independence, Sun-Lite, and Sunray

Sunset Park Toy Hauler Models include:

  • Bumper Pull Toy Haulers - RUSH

Thor Motor Coach RV brand is based out of Elkhart, Indiana and manufactures Class A motorhomes, Class B & Class B+ motorhomes, Class C motorhomes, and toy haulers.

Part of Thor Industries, the brand was created in 2010 when Damon Motor Coach and Four Winds International were merged (these two companies were previously purchased by Thor Industries).

Thor Class A RV Models include:

  • Gas Class A Motorhomes - A.C.E., Freedom Traveler, Hurricane, Windsport, Miramar, and Challenger
  • Gas 'RUV' Class A Motorhomes - Axis RUV and Vegas RUV
  • Diesel Class A Motorhomes - Palazzo, Aria, Venetian, and Tuscany

Thor Motor Coach uses the Ford F-Series chassis for their Class A gas motorhomes and the Freightliner chassis for their Class A diesel motorhomes.

For their 'RUV' line of Class A's (though they don't necessarily call them Class A's), they use the Ford E-Series chassis (the same they use on their gas Class C's).

Thor Class B Models Include:

  • Gas Class B: Palladium, Scope, Sequence, Rize, Talavera, and Tellaro
  • Diesel Class B (4x4): Sanctuary and Traquility 

Thor Motor Coach uses the Dodge ProMaster chassis for their Class B gas motorhomes and the Sprinter chassis for their diesel Class B RVs.

Thor Class B+ Models Include:

  • Compass RUV and Gemini RUV

Thor Motor Coach uses the Ford Transit cutaway van chassis for their Class B+ diesel motorhomes.

Thor Class C RV Models Include:

  • Gas Class C Motorhomes - Chateau, Coleman, Daybreak, Four Winds, Freedom Elite, and Quantum
  • Diesel Class C Motorhomes - Chateau Sprinter, Delano Sprinter, Freedom Elite Sprinter, Four Winds Sprinter, Quantum Sprinter, Citation Sprinter, Siesta Sprinter, Synergy Sprinter, and Tiburon Sprinter
  • Diesel Super C Motorhomes - Inception, Magnitude, Omni, and Pasadena

Thor Motor Coach uses the Ford E-Series chassis for their gas Class C motorhomes and the Mercedes Sprinter chassis for their diesel Class C RVs. For their Super C motorhomes they use the Ford F-Series chassis and Freightliner S2RV chassis.

Thor Toy Hauler Models Include:

  • Gas Class C Toy Hauler - Outlaw Class C
  • Gas Class A Toy Hauler - Outlaw Class A

Thor Motor Coach uses the Ford E-Series chassis for their gas Class C toy haulers and the Ford F-Series chassis for their Class A toy haulers.

Tiffin Motorhomes is based out of Red Bay, Alabama and manufactures Class A motorhomes and Class C motorhomes.

Tiffin started out making RVs in 1972 as a family-owned business. They were purchased by Thor Industries in late 2020.

Tiffin Class A Motorhome Models include:

  • Gas Class A Motorhomes - Open Road
  • Diesel Class A Motorhomes - Allegro Breeze, Allegro RED, Allegro Bus, Phaeton, and Zephyr

Tiffin Motorhomes uses the Ford F-Series chassis for their Class A gas motorhomes and both the PowerGlide chassis and the Freightliner chassis for their Class A diesel motorhomes.

Tiffin Class B Models Include:

Tiffin uses the Mercedes Sprinter chassis for their Class B diesel vans.

Tiffin Class C Motorhome Models include:

  • Diesel Class C Motorhomes - Wayfarer
  • Diesel Super C Motorhomes - Allegro Bay

Tiffin Motorhomes uses the Mercedes Sprinter chassis for their Class C diesel motorhomes and the Freightliner chassis for their Super C diesel motorhomes. 

Travel Lite RV is based out of New Paris, Indiana and manufactures travel trailers and truck campers. 

It is a family-owned business that has been making RVs since 1998.

Travel Lite Travel Trailer Models include:

  • Rove Lite, Aura, F Lite, Evoke, and Falcon

Travel Lite Truck Camper Models include:

  • Extended Stay, Super Lite, and Rayzr

VanLeigh RV is based out of Burnsville, MS and manufactures fifth wheels.

VanLeigh was formed in 2014 by three generations of the Tiffin family. In 2019, it became a division of family-owned Tiffin Motorhomes. In late 2020 it, as well as the entire Tiffin product line, was sold to Thor Industries.

VanLeigh ceased production in March of 2023 as Tiffin decided to concentrate on motorized RVs.

VanLeigh 5th Wheel Models include:

  • Beacon, Vilano, and Pinecrest

VanLeigh 5th Wheel Toy Hauler Models include:

Venture RV is based out of Shipshewana, Indiana and manufactures lightweight travel trailers. 

Venture started as a division of K-Z RV and is now part of Thor Industries (parent company K-Z was purchased by Thor in 2014).

They introduced their first 5th wheel model in the summer of 2023.

Venture RV Travel Trailer Models include:

  • SportTrek, SportTrek Touring, Stratus, Sonic, Sonic X, and Sonic Lite

Venture RV 5th Wheel Models include:

  • SportTrek Touring

Winnebago Industries is based out of Forest City, Iowa and manufactures Class A motorhomes, Class B motorhomes, Class C motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheels, and toy haulers.

The Winnebago RV brand was 'born' in 1961 and is an American icon. It is a publicly-traded company.

Winnebago Class A Models include:

  • Gas Class A Motorhomes - Adventurer, Adventurer AE, Intent, Sightseer, Sunstar, Sunstart 33K, Sunstar LX, Sunova, Vista, Vista 33K, and Vista LX
  • Diesel Class A Motorhomes - Horizon, Inspire, Journey, and Forza

Winnebago uses the Ford F-Series chassis for their Class A gas motorhomes and the Maxum and Freightliner chassis for their Class A diesel motorhomes.

Winnebago Class B/B+ Models include:

  • Gas Class B Motorhomes - Roam, Travato, Solis, and Solis Pocket
  • Gas Class B+ Motorhomes - EKKO
  • Diesel Class B Motorhomes - Boldt, Era, and Revel

Winnebago uses the Ford Transit chassis and Ram ProMaster chassis for their Class B and B+ gas motorhomes. For their Class B diesel motorhomes, they use the Mercedes Sprinter chassis.

Winnebago Class C Models include:

  • Gas Class C Motorhomes - Aspect, Cambria, Minnie Winnie, Outlook, and Spirit
  • Diesel Class C Motorhomes - Fuse, Navion, Porto, View, and Vita

Winnebago uses the Ford E-Series chassis for their Class C gas motorhomes.

For their Class C diesel motorhomes, they use the Mercedes Sprinter chassis and the Ford Transit chassis.

Winnebago Travel Trailer Models include:

  • Access, Hike, Hike 100, M-Series, Minnie, Micro Minnie, Micro Minnie FLX, Minnie Drop, Minnie Plus, and Voyage

Winnebago 5th Wheel Models include:

  • Micro Minnie, Minnie Plus, and Voyage

Winnebago Toy Hauler Models include:

  • Bumper Pull Toy Haulers - Spyder
  • Fifth Wheel Toy Haulers - Spyder

Author: Marshall Wendler

As the co-founder of Camp Addict, Marshall Wendler is a seasoned expert in the world of RVing, with years of hands-on experience living the full-time RV life in his travel trailer. From 2014 to 2020, Marshall learned the ins and outs of the lifestyle and has enjoyed sharing his knowledge and expertise with others. After a brief hiatus as a part-time RVer in 2021 and 2022, Marshall is back on the road full-time, embracing the vanlife and all the exciting possibilities it brings. He particularly enjoys the freedom and flexibility of boondocking and is excited to share his technical insights with the Camp Addict community. Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to the RV world, Marshall has valuable insights and information to share, and is here to help you navigate the exciting world of RVing with confidence and ease.

Hi Marshall, I just learned in an article about the existence of a trailer manufacturer which isn’t on your list called Living Vehicle. If the marketing hype about their new model HD30 features and quality is anything close to reality, it seems like it will certainly be a game changer for the RVing world. I’m wondering if you’ve heard of them, and if you could add them to your Ultimate list (and with any luck to your Best RV Brands list!)

I’ve known about Living Vehicles for several years now but haven’t added them to this page. I consider them to be a high-priced, low-volume manufacturer which we don’t include on this page (per the note at the top).

The HD is pretty pricey but appears to be a well-built, very nice rig.

I’ve never seen one in the wild, which is one of the reasons why I consider them to be low volume. I’m guessing (and this is just that – a guess) that most people that buy these rigs aren’t towing them accross the country to boondocking spots. I’m guessing they are mostly stationary on a nice piece of land as an alternative to building a sticks and bricks structure.

Hi Marshall! It is time to pull the trigger and purchase a motorhome on the Ford E 450 chassis. We discussed below why that chassis on a class C is what I need in able to tow over 5,000. However, I still want to know vehicles that are under 5,000 that can be towed behind a class A or C. I find lists on the net but it seems that each one are different from each other. I know that the Jeep is the go to vehicle to tow however, my wife does not want another Jeep. What I am still confused on is if a vehicle weights 4,000 pounds and the motorhome can tow 5,000 pounds, that leaves 1,000 pounds the Motorhome can tow….Right. What else do you have to consider in order to keep the tow number under 5,000 pounds? Does the fuel weight matter, water tank, dishes, cloths etc matter?

Thanks and I hope this is not to confusing!

Things are starting to get real! 🙂

Motorhome Magazine used to be the definitive source for vehicles you could flat tow, but Camping World/Good Sam did away with the magazine at the end of 2020. Though it appears they still publish a dinghy tow guide (vehicles you can flat tow) through their ‘new’ RV magazine. It appears that this information is behind a paywall, but it seems that Roadmaster (a flat tow equipment manufacturer) publishes links to them on their website.

The FMCA (a very respected RV association) appears to publish their own dinghy tow guide.

Both websites have guides going back for years to check out what used vehicles you might consider. Either would be a good source, but verify the information yourself before purchasing a vehicle.

The tow weight is completely different than the weight of the actual RV. The RV weight (GVWR or Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) is the weight the RV’s chassis can support. The weight on the RV’s wheels.

Any vehicle you tow will not put any weight on the RV’s wheels, as the dingy tow vehicle will support its own weight via its four tires. (As a side note, this is different than towing a trailer, which WILL put weight on the rear axle of the vehicle doing the towing via the tongue weight of the trailer).

You don’t have to worry about items you put in the RV affecting the amount it can tow other than GCWR, which I’ll discuss in a minute. You DO need to worry about items you put in the vehicle you are towing, as this goes towards the weight that the RV has to tow.

So there are two weights that you need to be concerned with when figuring out how heavy of a vehicle you can tow behind your soon-to-be purchased Class C with the E450 chassis. The hitch weight rating (5,000 pounds or potentially more) and the motorhome chassis’ Gross Combined Weight Rating (or GCWR).

The hitch weight rating is pretty straightforward. It is how much the vehicle you tow weighs, including any stuff in that vehicle (in case you are using it to store camping items, etc).

GCWR is the combined weight of the vehicle you are towing and the RV itself. We discussed this a bit in one of the below comments. So to know the Gross Combined Weight of your RV and the vehicle you are towing, you have to know the weight of the RV itself. In other words, you need to weigh the sucker. Or, to cheat, you can see what the GVWR (max amount the RV can weigh) is and add the weight of the vehicle you want to tow, and you will have your Gross Combined Weight, which needs to be below the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR).

Since you should never load up your RV to more than the chassis can handle (aka the GVWR), then you should be good using this cheat method.

The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating is another topic I’ll briefly touch on. You have to make sure that there is enough Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC) with the way the RV comes out of the factory so that you aren’t going to easily overload it with personal items. There should be a yellow weight sticker on every RV (typically near the main entry door or driver’s door – it’s in the driver’s door sill on my Winnebago Class B camper van) that tells you how much cargo carrying capacity you have for that particular RV. The GVWR should be there as well.

With some RVs, you will have very little cargo-carrying capacity, and it’s super easy to exceed the GVWR of the chassis. Some RV manufacturers don’t care about this; they know the average consumer won’t bother checking before purchasing. And most RV owners will never weigh their rigs, so they’ll never know if they are overloaded.

I know that is a lot to throw at you, so let me know if you need clarification on anything.

So glad I found your page! I have been trying to figure out for months what Class A or Class C motor home will tow my 4 door Jeep Wrangler at 4,400 pounds. A coach that will pull 5,000 pounds will not work. It seems that the advertising on some of these listed coaches is over stated. Seems like these manufactures make finding this out as had as they can. I did find that the Fleetwood Flair has an 8,000 pound towing capacity. If that is true, this coach would work. Right? I really don’t want a Fleetwood product as Winnebago coach is what I want but all i see is 5,000 pound units. Honestly, I am at my wits end trying to figure this out. I can not afford a new coach so I am researching used units like the Flair.

The reason why you are only finding gas coaches with 5,000-pound tow ratings is that there is currently only one manufacturer of gas RV chassis – Ford. So all the manufacturers use the same chassis, so they all have the same tow ratings.

Previously there was a Workhorse chassis that used a Chevy gas engine. I don’t recall what the tow ratings on those were, but I’m guessing they, too, were in the 5,000-pound range.

If you need/want a higher tow rating, you are going to have to go to diesel.

Keep in mind that the Fleetwood Flair with the 8,000-pound rated hitch still has the same actual tow rating limitation as all the other rigs. You need to look at the fine print.

Notice that the Flair has a GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating, or the maximum the RV itself can weight) that is 5,000 pounds less than the GCWR (gross combined weight rating, or the maximum of the RV plus anything it is towing).

Actually, some of the larger floor plans have a 4,000-pound difference.

So what that means is that if you have your RV at or close to maximum weight (which may not be hard to do with a lot of floor plans), you are limited to only being able to tow 5,000 pounds, even if the hitch itself is rated at 8,000 pounds.

I hope that helps explain why you are seeing the tow ratings on gas motorhomes that you are seeing.

Thanks Marshall, My wife does like diesel at all. I guess my only option is to sell my 4 door Jeep and get a two door Jeep. That is about 300 lbs less than a four door. I guess 300 pounds less is better than nothing. One last thought. Isn’t the Ford 450 chassis able to tow more than 5K pounds on a class C? Thanks again.

You are very welcome, Mark!

Ah, good call on the E-450 Class C chassis! Indeed they do have a higher towing rating. Here is the Ford website that talks about the GVWR and GCWR of the 2023 E-Series RV chassis. Notice that there is both an E-350 and E-450 chassis. The E-450 is the one with the higher GCWR.

Taking a quick look at Winnebago’s current two Class C offerings (that use the E-Series chassis) I see that they have a 7,500 hitch rating. Winnebago also clearly shows the GCWR difference between the E-350 and E-450 chassis. The E-350 appears to be used only on the shortest floor plans (with the E-450 being an option if I’m reading it correctly).

If you can find a good used Class C on the E-450 chassis that meets your needs, then that solves the towing problem!

I also like Class C’s over Class A’s for safety reasons. The cab that you are riding in while the vehicle is in motion is an actual vehicle cab on the Class C. Whereas the Class A is nothing but a fiberglass cap. Which would you rather be in if you were in an accident?

Best of luck with your search!

I can’t thank you enough Marshall, you have saved the day! Mark

Check out a new small camper that just came out. Bought mine in April 2022. Encore RV.

Thanks for the heads up on that brand, Lance.

Their first trailer is a small teardrop with an exterior kitchen and no bathroom.

We don’t list manufacturers of this style RV, as we mention in the introduction at the very top of the page.

There are a lot (as in A LOT) of teardrop manufacturers, especially those that make the style of no bathroom and exterior kitchen, having interior as basically sleeping only, and you can’t stand up in them.

One day we may tackle the job of listing all of these manufacturers, but that would be done on a separate page. And is a long way down our to-do list.

Thanks again for the heads up!

Just learned of another manufacturer of Class B RVs for you to consider: Embassy RV.

Yeah, I’ve seen them before. Just took another look at them. Problem is they are factory direct only and appear to be a low-volume manufacturer, which is why I haven’t included them yet.

We’ll be doing a Class B manufacturer-specific page sometime in the near future and most likely will include them there.

Thanks for the heads up!

I just learned of the existence of an RV manufacturer you might add to this list: Foretravel Motorcoach. (I don’t know anything about them.)

Thanks for the comment!

We’ve covered Foretravel several times in earlier comments. They are a low volume, high dollar manufacturer, which we specifically exclude per the introduction of this article.

I may revisit this ‘policy’ in the future, but as of now, Foretravel isn’t included in this list.

J’ aimerais savoir qui fabrique la Sun Valley Road Runner et peut -on changer le panneau avant qui a la base tient plus du tout merci

Translation: “I would like to know who makes the Sun Valley Road Runner and can we change the front panel which has the base no longer holds any thanks”

The Sun Valley Road Runner was built by Sun Valley Incorporated. Unfortunately they went out of business in 2008, so you own what is called an orphan RV.

I tried to find an owners group/forum for Sun Valley RV products, but wasn’t able to find one quickly.

If you need work done on it, you most likely won’t be able to find OEM parts. You will need to find an RV mechanic who can fix whatever issue you have, or figure out how to make the repair yourself.

Sorry I don’t have better news for you! Hopefully the repair won’t be that difficult or expensive.

I forgot to mention one more: Northern Lite manufactures clam-shell truck campers generally considered to be of very high quality, and they are just now in the process of entering the travel trailer field with their Boreal 27FB. I’d be curious to read your thoughts on this unit. https://northern-lite.com/boreal-27fb-travel-trailer/

I am aware of the Boreal and signed up to get product updates months ago. Still nothing more about the trailer than what little they have on their website. But I am hopeful that it will be a quality unit when it finally hits the market. Looking forward to seeing one in person, but until I do, I don’t have any particular opinion about it (except what I’ve already said).

Hi Marshall, I wanted to offer another 5th wheel RV manufacturer for your list. From the marketing hype on their site (Americana RV, http://www.americanarv.com ) I get the impression they may even qualify for your “Best RV Brands” ranking.

If we all believed marketing hype…. 🙂

I’m not familiar with Americana RV so I checked out their website. It has a copyright date of 2009 and the link to their RV blog ‘points’ to a website that no longer exists. The pictures seem like they are straight out of 2000 (or earlier). And the whole website has a dated feel to it.

Don’t know if they are still in business. They may very well be and just don’t spend any time/money on their website.

I did a quick Google search and couldn’t find any more information about the company. So it’s one big question mark in my mind.

Thanks for pointing them out and for checking out Camp Addict!

Hi Marshall,

Can you please tell me what you think of the Gulfstream Vintage Cruiser 23QBS? I’m planning on using it for about a 3 week travel excursion out west and will be pulling it with my Nissan Titan. It needs to sleep 6 adults comfortably and bathroom is important. We can wing it on the kitchen area being small but with 6 adults all over age of 58, well, we just want to enjoy traveling without breaking the bank. We’d also like to be able to travel OTG on federal lands when campsites are full and unavailable.

Gulfstream isn’t know for putting out a quality RV and certainly doesn’t make the best RV brands list . They put out an inexpensive product that is built accordingly. (As do the vast majority of RV manufacturers out there.)

Instead of looking for a new RV (assuming this is what you are considering), I’d look at a used rig from one of the better RV brands.

You can join the RV Consumer Group and see what rigs might be better quality choices.

Also, with a 26 foot trailer and 6 adults, I assume you are going to be spending all your waking hours outside. It will be incredibly cramped inside with that many people, not to mention there isn’t enough seating area inside.

Keep in mind when you have an RV slide, many floor plans (including the Vintage Cruiser, I do believe) have bathroom access being blocked with the slide in. This means if you are traveling and need to go to the bathroom, you will need to put the slide out. Not the most convenient thing, so keep this in mind.

Make sure the weight of the Titan isn’t exceeded with 6 adults, the tongue weight of the trailer, and anything else you cram into it. I’m guessing with 6 people alone, you are going to be close to exceeding maximum weight, if not going over.

As far as living off the grid, again with 6 people, the fresh water and holding tanks are pretty limited on that rig. So you won’t be able to go without dumping and filling for very long.

Now that I’ve got all the “good” news out of the way, it definitely sounds like quite the adventure! It does put a smile on my face to think of you planning this trip. I hope you find the right rig and have a great time!

Thank you for clarifying the difference between Class B+ And Class C motor homes. I have observed that another difference seems to be that class B+’s do not have slide outs while Class C’s do. Is that a correct observation?

You are welcome!

Ah, interesting observation. While it’s not completely accurate, it is a good general statement.

Most Class B+’s do indeed come with no slides. However, there are a few that do have slides. For example, the Thor Motor Coach Gemini Class B+ comes with slides on its floor plans. But, for the most part, B+’s don’t have slides. A slide in a B+ isn’t usually a good idea because of weight issues.

The chassis that are used for a Class B+ motorhome have less weight carrying capability than what is normally used for a Class C. A slide out is relatively heavy and eats into the Cargo Carrying Capacity of any motor home. When you have a low Cargo Carrying Capacity to start out with (which is the case with many Class B+’s), the last thing you want is a slide taking up this valuable commodity.

Unfortunately many RV consumers aren’t aware of this, or that Cargo Carrying Capacity is even a ‘thing’ they should be concerned about. They are more interested in the ‘wow’ factor of the increased interior room a slide affords. RV manufacturers know this, which is why they put slides on rigs.

Plus side outs are a big potential problem area. Given the choice, I’d take a great no-slide layout over one with a slide. Only exception to that is if I was just going to park my RV and not take it anywhere (and thus never have to bring the slide(s) in/out), then I’d want all the interior room I could get.

Thanks for the comment and great observation!

Thanks for the article, really informative piece that should be read by a first time rv buyer.

Glad you liked it, Mike!

Our Best RV Brands post is another great one for the newbie RVer.

Hi Marshall, my husband and I love your blog and hoping you can help. We are looking to live full time on an RV and travel around the US and Canada. We’re thinking to purchase a four season travel trailer, although our plan is stay in moderate climate whenever possible. Do you know anything about Coachmen Freedom Express (ultra-lite) trailers for four-season travel and/or would recommend it? Thanks! Christa & Ken

Hey Christa,

Glad you found, and like, Camp Addict!

Coachmen isn’t the best brand, and it isn’t the worse. You can check out our list of the best RV brands and see that Coachmen isn’t there.

We also highly recommend that you join the RV Consumer Group and see what they think about the Coachmen Freedom Express, as well as other travel trailers you might be eyeballing.

As far as how well the Freedom Express will do in cold weather, it will do probably as good as any OK to decent RV. Which means that it’ll most likely do fine in the moderate climates you are hoping to chase.

Just keep in mind that while you might have the best of intentions of always being in moderate climates, it doesn’t always work out that way. You will occasionally find yourself in weather extremes that you might not have planned on.

Good example of this is where Kelly and I are currently boondocking in south central Colorado. It was in the 80’s one day and the next was a start of a summer snow storm that dumped 14 inches of snow on us. A few days later we are back to 70’s and all is right in the world.

I know this is going off on a bit of a tangent, but I just wanted to point out that even with the best of intentions, you are never going to be in the perfect temperature that all of us full-timers hope to chase.

Best of luck finding the ‘good enough’ RV for you and we hope that the full-timing lifestyle treats y’all as well as it has Kelly and I!

Taylor coach

Hey Maverick,

Yes, we are aware of Taylor Coach and know someone who owns one.

However, per their website they “focus on custom builds” and we specifically state at the top of this page “We do not list custom manufacturers/upfitters”.

Hello guys! Thanks for all of the research and sharing-what a service! I’m living in Colorado and want to start living nomadically, set up my design & tailoring studio in a motorhome and work for outdoor gear companies throughout the state all year without traveling south. It appears that there are no winterized Class A or C Motorhomes ( 4 seasons package-pipes won’t be exposed/heated area—furnace, propane heater, space heater to heat keeping—Double pane windows, etc.) available on the market or used market. True? Can you share any suggestions on how I could live year round in my RV in CO? Tx!

Hey Andrew,

You want to live all year in Colorado in an RV? Yikes!

There are definitely motorhomes that have 4-season packages in that they have dual pane windows and heated basements. But there is no RV that is built to withstand year round living in a cold environment such as Colorado (other than maybe some custom or very expensive expedition vehicles).

Not sure why you’d want to subject yourself to that when your house has wheels.

Winter living in an RV has a lot of problems associated with it. Humidity inside and cold outside are two big ones.

We don’t have experience living year round in such cold extremes because our houses have wheels and have zero desire to deal with harsh winters in an environment such as Colorado. So we cannot give you advice on how to do it.

Can you do it? Probably. I’m sure there are people who do live year-round in an RV in Colorado. But RVs just aren’t built for this. They lack the necessary insulation and extreme cold weather protection.

If you want to live year-round in Colorado, then have an RV for the warmer months and get a traditional house for the cold months. That’s the best advice I can give you besides using the wheels on your RV and head south for the winter.

Trying to find your recommended class a Motorhome. Looking at accessibility class and Winnebago really expensive and saw Newmar lower but the saw owned by Winnebago… so a good product Newmar?

Yes, Newmar is a good brand. In fact it made our list of best Class A motorhome manufacturers . For that matter, so did Winnebago.

So you are looking at a couple of decent brands there.

Best of luck finding the right Class A motorhome for you!

Thank You!! For compiling this list. Very helpful for a noob camper. My uncle always swore by Coachmen 5th wheels, but now I’ve found a whole world of smaller and more affordable travel trailers to start out with my wife and I RV adventures.

You are very welcome, Andy! We are happy you found our list. : )

Advanced RV in Willoughby, Oh. Class b rv’s that are custom made. They also sell used and rent them.

As you mentioned, Advanced RV is a custom RV manufacturer. At the top of this post we mention that we don’t include custom RV manufacturers, so we don’t include Advanced RV.

Phenomenal article on rv’s, was looking for an investable company

Hello! Thank you for a great article! I just started looking for travel trailer and am very overwhelmed with the different brands.. Question, what is the brand And model of your RV? I trust your opinion and would be interested in researching the model you own 🙂

Thank you Rose

Glad you like the list of RV manufacturers!

I personally own a travel trailer made by Lance. I’ve lived in it for over 6 years and it has treated me very well.

Thank you so much for the information! I was in the process of combining my own list after searching many times and I didn’t find your post. But alas I finally found it. After hearing so many horror stories of folks just having a terrible time with their newly bought Rv and the dealership or manufacturer, I have decided to go used hoping most of the kinks have been worked out by then. Looking forward to fulltime RVing in Florida. Thanks

Hey Melisa,

We are glad you found this post!

We think purchasing a not-too old, but already taken the depreciation hit, used RV is the smart way to go. Stick to one of the top RV brands to stack the odds in your favor.

I hope you enjoy full-time RVing as much as Kelly and I do! Best of luck with your launch!

What about Earth Roamer?

Please see the statement at the top of this post that says the following:

“We do not list custom manufacturers/upfitters, extremely low volume manufacturers, or builders of million dollar plus bus conversions.”

Earth Roamer falls in this category. They are very expensive, low volume rigs. I understand they are great, and if they fit your needs, then they are definitely worth investigating.

InTech Sol Eclipse. Is it a poorly build trailer or have you had a chance to research it? Why don’t you recommend this brand?

InTech isn’t on our list of the best RV brands because the RV Consumer Group doesn’t rate them and I don’t have personal, hands-on experience with them so can’t vouch for their quality.

That doesn’t mean that they are either a good or a bad brand. I just don’t have enough information to make a decision one way or the other.

Guys, thanks so much for the great info!

Where do you suggest is the best place to search for used Class C motorhomes from some of the top companies you suggested?

You are very welcome, glad you are finding this post helpful.

You can try searching on RvTrader.com. You can search by manufacturer, class, and distance from you as well as other filters.

Hi, So grateful we stumbled on you while doing research. We bought a Jayco Greyhawk Class C 2009. We have enjoyed it but looking for a used Class A. We have a budget of one hundred thousand. We are thinking Winnebago or Tiffan. 38 ft. Help!!! We will be trading in the Jayco. Just not sure which to go regarding class A brand. Thank you for the immense education. We were spared throwing away a lot of retirement money on junk. Judy and Pete

Hey Judy and Pete,

Both Winnebago and Tiffin make our Best RV Brands list in the Class A category. So they definitely would be brands I’d consider if I were in the market for this type of RV.

Glad you found this page useful! Best of luck finding the ‘right’ next rig for you.

I own a 1998 Scamp 16 foot. It is the deluxe model with the nice oak cabinets. It is all original and everything still works. I’m thinking of selling it though and getting something a few feet longer but can’t decide what to buy. I pull it with a Toyota 4Runner so don’t want to go over 4000 to 5000 lbs.

Yeah, with a 4Runner you are fairly limited in what it can tow. Scamp and Casitas are a good option. Also, you might want to check out the best teardrop trailers section of our best RV brands post to see some other possibilities.

Best of luck finding your next rig!

What a fantastic resource. I just started my search and so far the Lance 1995 is the perfect rig for me which is what I suspected prior to reviewing your comments. I was interested to know it is your go to trailer as well.

Yes, Marshall did a fantastic job on this post. He’s got years of learning about and watching RV manufacturers and looking at RVs and their quality under his belt. He’s a great resource and has been so helpful in my life as far as getting good answers to the RVing things I have questions about as well. We are glad you found us!

Hello. We want to upgrade from a 2006 Safari Trek to a much newer DRV Mobile Suites Aire, but are concerned about some negative (scathing) reviews of the ones now built by Thor. Has the quality of the DRV Suites models been compromised by Thor since Thor bought Drv in 2015? What models/years of DRV Aire are “safe” to buy? We are full-timers going on 6 years now and live part of the year in very cold climate. Many thanks in advance.

DRV does make our top RV brands list, but you are correct in questioning if quality has slipped since Thor bought them. Thor isn’t exactly know for quality. In fact, quite the opposite. But DRV and Airstream, both Thor brands, are on our top RV brands list. There are 15 Thor brands and only 3 made our top brands list, if that tells you anything.

Having said that, I asked a full-timing friend of ours who lives in a DRV what years are best. He mentioned that there was use of Schwintek slide mechanisms around 2013 that you may want to avoid. And he did confirm that quality has slipped a bit with Thor ownership.

So what his recommendation is regarding DRV’s is to avoid any with Schwintek slide mechanisms and if you really want to hedge your bets with quality is to go with a pre-Thor unit. But at that point you are getting a 5+ year old unit, so you have to make sure it’s been maintained properly. He mentioned common maintenance issues are keeping up the caulking (that’s the case with all RVs) and slide floors needing to be replaced.

Hope that helps! Good luck finding the right DRV for you.

Thanks a million!! Please pass in our thanks to your friend for his advice as well!

Agreed, bought a brand new DRV 39DBRS. I purchased this after selling my Tiffin Allegro Bus. Very sad day. Prior to Thors acquisition they were well built. The 1.5 years i owned it was nothing but problems. Slide welds broke on both sides, 3 valences fell off the walls during trips, 4 MDC shade didn’t work at all, The furnace had to have three circuit boards replaced, the rear fold out couch bed wouldn’t support my weight (210lb) and ended up sliding off the front, aluminum self tap screws holding the moldings in place on the outside needed to be drilled tap and replace because of shearing off at the screw head, the rear camera never worked consistently, bottom of the slides separated on three of the four slides. The funny thing is my dealer told me that I had a good unit compared to the others he had sold and was having to do warranty repairs on. Yikes! I would never ever advise anyone to purchase DRV products.

I just bought an 84 contour???? That is the only name on it….any ideas?? It’s a 23 foot fifth wheel

Hey Rhiannon,

No clue on that, nor did a quick Google search turn anything. The person you purchased it from doesn’t know what the brand is?

Great list, info and all else, but you forgot our Foretravel? They have new motorhomes from $600k and up, well in range of a high volume production coach, but Foretravel is hand built! Yes you can reach for the stars here but they make coaches for mere mortals too

We had another comment about this below, from Bob. We don’t list them because as stated in the beginning of the post,

“We do not list custom manufacturers/upfitters, extremely low volume manufacturers, or builders of million dollar plus bus conversions.”

Foretravel fits into this category, rendering them off of the list. Thank you for the nudge though! We did miss a few, and there may be a few more that can be added to the list by our readers, so we appreciate your input!

Lazy Daze: why is it not here? Not custom, only factory direct.

Dang! How did I miss Lazy Daze? Not only are they one of the better RV manufacturers out there, they’ve been in business forever, and I’ve known about them for years.

Total oversight on my part! This is why I have comments open on this post – to give you a chance to point out what I missed.

Lazy Daze has been added! Thank you!

A comprehensive list for sure! I came across a manufacturer a while ago: Sunset Park RV (sunsettrailers.com). They make travel trailers, toy haulers, and a mini camper similar to a teardrop. They may fall in the “low volume” category, I don’t know. I’m unaware of their history. I do believe they are privately owned, too, which I found most appealing.

Personally, I wouldn’t mind seeing this list grow to include popup campers and the like. This is a really good start, though, and it’s nice to have a little bit of the history included in the description.

I did run across Sunset Park RV when I was doing my research and I don’t know why I didn’t add them. Well, they’ve been added now!

I had to cut the list at some point, so I went with including only hard-sided RVs. I may expand the list at a later date, but for now I need a breather because this list took a really long time to put together.

I can appreciate that. I’m sure it did take quite a bit of your time to research not only the companies but some of the historical data. Some names I recognize from so many years ago that are now owned by Forest River or Thor and are not, I feel sure, of the same quality that they were back in the 80’s and 90’s. The RV industry as a whole is in a bad place right now, in my opinion.

You are correct about the names now owned by Thor and Forest River. It sucks, but it’s the nature of the beast these days. The RV industry is in a sad world of hurt. It’s too bad. That’s why we are going to put out a list of the ones that are still making good quality. (Until Thor, etc get hold of them, at least)

Thanks for your comment, we truly appreciate it!

Foretravel Motorhomes and New Horizon Fifth wheels

However, both Foretravel and New Horizons fall into the categories that we don’t include. As stated in the third paragraph at the top of this page:

Foretravel is not only a custom manufacturer, but they retail for seven figures.

New Horizons is a custom manufacturer (though they build REALLY quality units). This is from the FAQs of their site:

“New Horizons RV sells factory-direct only. This allows us to build our units to each customer’s individual specifications and to interface directly with the customer, working one-on-one with each customer in order to build their perfect dream RV.”

Thanks for the input and for reading the page.

Edit 6/1/19: I’ve decided to add New Horizons RV to the list as they are an EXTREMELY high quality RV manufacturer that only sells factory direct. They do offer customization for their RVs, but so do other factory direct sellers. They aren’t exclusively a custom RV builder. They are definitely one of the best RV manufacturers out there, so they deserve to be on this list.

Really helpful Marshall. We have an Escape but have friends who recently bought trailers from the big makers. There are lots of issues with truly crummy quality that has shocked the buyers. We always advocate going to the owners forums or Facebook sites before buying, but continue to see folks with stars in their eyes go nuts over some pretty thing at an RV show. The big sellers often do not stand behind their units, which is really poor when someone spends big bucks for cheap work. This list is really a service! It must have taken a huge amount of digging.

Thank you for the kind comment, Catherine! Yes, this list took a while to put together.

Yeah, that’s the problem that is rampant in the RV industry. Buyers don’t have a clue what they are buying (quality wise) and fall in love with a floor plan. Then when things go sideways, they have a heck of a time getting their RV fixed (which they shouldn’t have to in the first place).

There are tools out there to help one make an informed decision. Problem is not many people know about it.

As long as there are naive buyers, the big manufacturers will take advantage of the situation by producing sub-par products. I’m not foolish enough to think I’m going to make a difference. I just hope to help a few people make an informed decision.

I’ll start working on a post about which manufacturers I feel make a quality unit (and why), as well as a great resource out there to help educate people. Stay tuned!

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Outdoor Fact

Travel trailer brands to avoid

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 Travel Trailer to avoid

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

keystone travel trailer to avoid

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

Coachmen travel trailer brand to avoid

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

Winnebago travel trailer brand to avoid

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 travel trailer brand to avoid

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

Gulf Stream travel trailer brand to avoid

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

Hurricane RV brand to avoid

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:

travel trailer brands to avoid

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.

buying a recreational vehicle

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

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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.

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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

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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.

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

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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.

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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!

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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/

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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???????? 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

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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!

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

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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.

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

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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

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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.

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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.

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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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

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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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