jayco vs winnebago travel trailer

9 Best & 3 Worst RV Brands Out There

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

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

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

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

Alright, on to the 9 best:

Table of Contents

1. Airstream

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

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

2. Dutchmen Brands

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

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

3. Forest River Brands

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

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

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

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

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

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

6. Northwood Manufacturing

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

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

7. Oliver Travel Trailers

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

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

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

8. Pleasure-Way

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

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

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

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

9. Winnebago

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

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

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

The 3 Worst RV brands ( In Our Humble Opinion)

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

There are a few brands we recommend avoiding, however:

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

Jayco vs Winnebago – Which Option Is Better?

Jayco and Winnebago are the most popular RV brands you can purchase. Both brands have features enthusiasts enjoy, which is why they’re so popular in the community. However, key differences can help you determine which option would work best for your situation.

Before choosing your brand, your budget, lifestyle needs, and how often you travel on the road. This can give you a good idea of how much durability and comfort you need while traveling.

Please continue reading to learn the key differences between Jayco and Winnebago RVs to choose the best option for your lifestyle. In addition, we will compare these RVs so that you have an accurate idea of what to expect from your purchase.

Jayco RV Reputation

The Jayco brand took off in the 1970s when they created fold-down campers for RV enthusiasts. This revolutionary invention made Jayco one of the top RV manufacturers in the United States.

These days, the main thing that makes Jayco stick out from its competition is that they’re extremely sustainable . Many people who drive an RV care about sustainability because they spend so much time in the environment .

RV enthusiasts also like the Jayco brand because it’s something familiar to them, so they don’t have to spend time getting to know something new. people in every industry prefer choosing familiar brands because they don’t have as many unwanted surprises with these products.

Winnebago RV Reputation

Winnebago became the staple for luxury RV camping, which is why they are significant in the industry. When you purchase a Winnebago RV, you get all the home comfort you desire on the road.

So, after spending a long day hiking or camping, you can rest easy in your Winnebago camper thanks to its luxury amenities.

Winnebago also has a reputation for being expensive because of its luxury designs. However, many RV enthusiasts feel like the price of these Winnebago RV’s are worthwhile thanks to the extra features they get.

They also have different pricing options for people interested in getting the Winnebago name for an affordable price.

Jayco vs Winnebago: A Detailed Comparison of the Two

Winnebago and Jayco RVs are both excellent options depending on your wants. For example, if you’re looking for an extremely environmentally friendly option, choosing Jayco would be the route you should take. However, if you’re interested in an RV with luxury features, Winnebago RVs are your best bet.

Both RVs are expensive, so it depends on what you’re interested in regarding your lifestyle preferences. Below, we will have a chart representing these differences so you can visualize what to expect from each RV.

How Reliable are These RVs?

Fortunately, no matter which RV option you choose, you will be satisfied with your product’s reliability. There’s a reason that Jayco and Winnebago stand out in the RV community, and that’s because they provide quality products for their buyers.

Below, we will discuss the reliability of these RVs in more detail.

Jayco Reliability

Do you travel through several different weather conditions in your RV? Fortunately, this is not a problem in the Jayco RV if you do. They have a roofing system that can handle all weather conditions without damage

And this is handy if you’re traveling through an area with hail or if a branch falls on your roof.

However, just like any vehicle, when it gets older, it gets less reliable. So, if you purchase an older Jayco model, you should be prepared for potential breakdowns while you drive.

It’s also important to participate in standard RV maintenance no matter which brand of RV you purchased.

Jayco RVs are extremely reliable if you’re looking for a sustainable option during your travels. You won’t have to worry about these RVs quitting on you out of nowhere. They are well-built machines designed to handle plenty of miles for your lifestyle needs.

Winnebago Reliability

When it comes to reliability, you don’t have to worry at all when purchasing a Winnebago RV. Winnebago has a strong reputation for producing a quality recreational vehicle you can take anywhere without issues.

You can expect luxury features and these RVs to last long and keep you safe on the road.

Common Customer Complaints

Unfortunately, there’s no such thing as a perfect RV, so there will be customer complaints for both options. It’s important to remember that these are two of the best RV brands you can purchase. Below, we will discuss people’s most common complaints about both RV brands.

Winnebago Customer Complaints

If you’re worried about purchasing the wrong RV for your lifestyle, it’s important to look at the negative aspects of each RV. These are the most common issues people face when they purchase a Winnebago RV.

• Problems with the plumbing system
• Difficulty using electricity
• Difficulty towing the RV
• Winnebago RV manufacturing defects

Before you get worked up about these issues, remember that no machine is perfect. Every RV you encounter will have problems on occasion.

Jayco Customer Complaints

Now it’s time to discuss people’s most common complaints about Jayco products. These are the most common issues you can expect with your Jayco RV.

• Battery mishaps
• Water leaking through the roof
• Trouble expanding the slide-out room
• Air conditioning and heater troubles

If you experience any of these problems with your Jayco RV, it’s important to go through troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue.

How To Choose the Best RV

Now that you understand the key differences between Jayco and Winnebago RVs, it’s time to help you choose which option would work best for your situation. There’s no objective way to determine which RV is the best because it depends on your preferences.

Consider Your Budget

Everybody has a different budget when it comes to purchasing an RV. You can splurge on the Winnebago luxury RV with an expansive budget. However, if your budget is more limited, it would be best to purchase a Jayco RV instead.

Both RVs are expensive, but the Jayco options are slightly more affordable than the Winnebago. Either way, you’ll get a quality product no matter which RV you purchase.

Most people purchase RVs through a financing company to make monthly payments instead of buying outright.

When you make monthly payments on an RV, you can expect to pay it off for around ten years. This is between the amount of time you’ll spend paying off a regular automobile and a mortgage.

RVs are more expensive than your average vehicle because they offer living features that a standard car doesn’t. You must purchase the RV option that suits your lifestyle best, so you don’t have to go through the selling process again.

Personal Preferences

If you value luxury over anything else when choosing an RV, you would be better off purchasing the Winnebago RV. These RVs come with luxury features you can’t find in the Jayco options. Luxury RVs are a great way to ensure you stay comfortable during your travel experience.

However, many RV enthusiasts prefer to reduce their impact on the environment, which is why you should purchase a Jayco RV. Jayco is one of the most sustainable RV brands you can purchase thanks to its reusable materials and low ego footprint .

Spending so much time in nature can make you want to care for the planet as much as possible. You can take steps to live a cleaner lifestyle by purchasing a Jayco RV instead of an alternative option.

It would be best to stay comfortable and confident while driving in your new RV.

Frequency of Travel

Before you purchase an RV, you should take time to consider how often you’ll use it. For instance, if you only plan to use your RV during select months, it might be best to choose the eco-friendly option instead of the luxury option.

Alternatively, if you plan to spend months on the road at any given time, a luxury RV would be better.

It would be best to prioritize your comfort while driving for long durations. Otherwise, you’ll spend time being homesick instead of enjoying the environment around you. If you spend less time on the road, you don’t need the luxury accommodations that’ll cost you extra.

If you’re unsure how long you’ll spend traveling on the road, you should rent an RV before purchasing one . This way, you don’t give yourself a long-term commitment if you decide the lifestyle is inappropriate.

Additionally, you can rent a Winnebago or Jayco RV during a temporary travel situation to better understand which one you prefer.

Final Thoughts

Winnebago and Jayco RVs are excellent options thanks to their durability and reliability . Many customers are satisfied whenever they purchase one of these RVs, and the type of RV depends on your preferred lifestyle.

However, each RV you purchase has its own set of issues, so it’s important to look through the most common complaints before you make your purchase.

Winnebago RVs are better if you’re looking for luxury accommodations , but Jayco RVs are better if you’re looking for an environmentally friendly option .

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Subscribe To Email List

Free  Camper & Camping Tips

Don't Miss Out On Interesting Updates.

We won't send you spam. Unsubscribe at any time.

Jayco vs Winnebago Brand Comparison – Which Is the Better RV Manufacturer?

• Latest Posts

• Best Heat Tape for RV Water Hose Solutions [GUIDE] -
• Jayco vs Winnebago Brand Comparison – Which Is the Better RV Manufacturer? -
• Coach-Net vs Good Sam: What’s the Better Choice? -

I have traveled in RVs from both Jayco and Winnebago , and there are some noticeable differences between these two brands.

For me, Jayco offers better affordability, while Winnebago RVs always feel more luxurious inside. I wanted to write this Jayco vs Winnebago brand comparison to help anyone considering buying a new RV from these popular North American manufacturers.

So, let’s take an in-depth look into how Jayco and Winnebago compare.

Bottom Line Up Front – I think that Winnebago is the better RV brand, mainly because they provide a luxurious interior and manufacturing that is hard to beat. While Jayco has its plus points, including generally being more affordable, Winnebago offers much more. If you have the money to spare for a quality Winnebago motorhome, I think the investment is definitely worth it in the long term.

Main Differences Between Jayco vs Winnebago

The main differences between Jayco and Winnebago are:

• Jayco generally offers cheaper motorhomes, whereas Winnebago is a more expensive brand.
• Winnebago RVs are more luxurious, whereas Jayco RVs don’t feel as extravagant.
• Jayco builds its RVs with the environment in mind, whereas I don’t think Winnebago is as environmentally conscious.
• Winnebago offers a three-year warranty on their RVs, whereas Jayco offers a two-year warranty.
• Winnebago RVs have more durability, while I think Jayco motorhomes are built with cheaper materials.

Exploring Jayco and Winnebago – Features

Both Jayco and Winnebago have a long history, and I have used RVs from both brands. So, I have good experience of how these two brands perform. I will take you through the key features of Jayco and Winnebago RVs.

Quality and Durability

I haven’t had many issues with either Jayco or Winnebago RVs; however, I do think that Winnebago provides slightly better quality.

I’ve found that Winnebago’s materials, mainly stainless steel, wood, aluminum, and fiberglass., are better suited to creating a durable RV. I don’t think that Jayco RVs are poorly constructed, but I prefer the quality feel of a Winnebago.

I’ll explore these two brands’ costs later, but Jayco tends to be cheaper. As someone who has owned many types of RVs over the years, I find that cheaper manufacturers have to make cost-cutting measures somewhere, and this generally means using less durable materials that won’t have the same durability.

However, something that I think is an excellent addition to some Jayco RVs is Climate Shield. This is a weather protection system that consists of:

• G20 tint windows to keep your RV cooler in hot conditions
• Heated underbelly to prevent tanks from freezing
• Double layer of fiberglass to help in cold conditions
• Radiant barrier insulation to maintain a consistent interior temperature

This is a good addition to many Jayco RVs, and I have found it helps in warmer and cooler months to keep a comfortable and consistent temperature.

Floor Plan and Interiors

From my own experience, I’ve found that Jayco offers more floor plans for their RVs and travel trailers than Winnebago.

It depends on the motorhome class you are looking for; however, when I have been trying to decide between buying a Jayco or Winnebago, I find Jayco has more floor plan options.

Even though I think that Jayco provides more varied layouts for an RV, I have also felt that Winnebago is a more luxurious brand. This impacts the price (Winnebago motorhomes generally cost more), but you get an extravagant interior.

So, if you want more floor plan options, I would suggest looking at Jayco; however, for a higher-quality interior, Winnebago wins it for me.

Read also : Comprehensive Guide to RV Classes .

I’ve also found comparing the warranty between two RV brands challenging because there is so much to consider. It wasn’t until I started looking to buy an RV of my own that I appreciated how varied the warranty could be between brands and parts of the RV itself.

So, I’m going to keep this part relatively general instead of getting into the nitty-gritty of the Winnebago and Jayco warranties.

I’ve also found the Jayco warranty to be one of the best on the market; however, it isn’t as long as Winnebago’s. Jayco has a standard two-year warranty on their RVs; however, depending on the materials inside your RV, they can be covered for a lot longer. For example, Dexter Axles have a 5-year warranty, and Dicor roofing has a 20-year warranty.

You might find the information about warranty periods on Jayco’s website useful.

Winnebago offers a three-year warranty/100,000 miles on their RVs, but I advise you to check the warranty period for each RV model, as it can vary.

Affordability

I have found that Winnebago is more expensive than Jayco; however, I think the extra money is often worth it for a better constructed and more durable RV that has added luxury.

Jayco still has a range of expensive RVs, but I think many of their models are better suited to those on a tighter budget.

For example, the most expensive Class A motorhome from Winnebago costs more than Jayco’s most costly model. Price isn’t always an indication of quality, but in my own experience of driving and sleeping in RVs from both brands, I would prefer to spend the extra money for a higher-quality and luxury Winnebago RV, particularly if I was RV-ing full-time.

Environmental Sustainability

As someone who travels around many RV destinations , I like to keep myself conscious of the environment. This extends to the products I buy and alterations I make to my motorhome, such as adding solar panels .

So, I try to choose a brand that keeps an eye on the materials it uses for motorhomes and tries to make an effort for the environment. I think that Jayco is better for environmentally sustainability, and they focus on manufacturing eco-friendly RVs and trailers. This includes practices such as sustainable sourcing materials, reducing freshwater use in manufacturing, and building lighter RVs.

It might sound that I am being a bit harsh on Winnebago, as they do make efforts to help protect the environment. For example, I found out that some of their manufacturing facilities have moved towards solar power.

While Winnebago does take steps towards being eco-friendly, I think that Jayco is the better brand for environmental sustainability.

Pros and Cons

• Their RVs are built to reduce harm to the environment, which I think is a significant advantage.
• Jayco RVs are generally cheaper, so they suit those who want to save some money.
• They have many floor plans available for their motorhome range.
• Offer a decent two-year warranty period.
• I don’t find Jayco RVs luxurious, and they often use cheaper materials.
• Their RVs aren’t as comfortable for long trips.
• Elegant and luxurious motorhome manufacturer.
• These RVs are very comfortable, especially on longer trips.
• Winnebago offers a three-year warranty period
• I like their overall quality and durability.
• I don’t think Winnebago is as environmentally friendly as Jayco
• Winnebago RVs cost more money, so they won’t suit people on a tighter budget.

Best Jayco and Winnebago RVs

There are a lot of RVs that I love from Jayco and Winnebago, but here are my top motorhomes from these manufacturers.

Jayco Melbourne

I think the best RV from Jayco is Class C Melbourne .

I’ve been lucky enough to spend some time traveling in the Melbourne with friends, and I love its spacious nature combined with a modern aesthetic. It is strange because when I first set eyes on the Jayco Melbourne, I didn’t think it would be particularly big inside, but it feels much more extensive.

Given that I like to travel in RVs with some concern for the environment, the Jayco Melbourne gives you the option of adding solar panels, which is a bonus. Also, it has good fuel efficiency compared to many other motorhomes, and I thought traveling in the Melbourne and driving it was a breeze.

I did find the sleeping area a little small on this motorhome, and it is one of the few criticisms I have about it. I don’t think it is a huge deal, and it certainly didn’t ruin my trip, but some people might be put off. Also, the towing capacity isn’t huge (5000 lbs), but it is a Class C motorhome, after all.

In my experience of sleeping in and driving a few Jayco RVs over the years, the Melbourne stands out for me as the best.

• This RV feels more spacious than it looks.
• It is available for a fairly reasonable price.
• I enjoyed traveling in the Melbourne RV, and it was easy to drive.
• I thought the sleeping area was on the small side.

Winnebago Forza

Of all the motorhomes I have ever stayed in throughout my life (and there have been several!), the Winnebago Forz a is at the top of my list. Why? It is just a gorgeous RV with a ton of luxury features, although this also ensures a high price tag.

The Forza is a top-of-the-range Class A motorhome that embodies luxury. If you choose this model, you get the choice of five different floor plans, and the whole interior is in keeping with Winnebago’s elegant feel. Just about everything in the Winnebago Forza feels like a high-end hotel, from HD TVs to a home theater music system, and I particularly loved the King bed, which was a huge relief after a long day driving around the country.

I do have a few concerns about the eco-friendliness of this motorhome, but I can’t deny that it is one of the top Class A RVs on the market. The Forza looks better than some houses I have lived in; that’s how beautiful it is inside. However, it will set you back a lot of money, but I think it is worth it if you can afford the cost.

• The most luxurious motorhome I have traveled in.
• It has a really elegant and spacious interior
• I found the sleeping area excellent and perfect for a good night’s sleep.
• This motorhome is pretty expensive, but I think it is worth every penny.
• I don’t think the Forza is that environmentally friendly.

Are There Any Alternatives?

I have a couple of alternative brands if, for some reason, you aren’t too keen on Jayco or Winnebago.

Thor is a well-known motorhome brand, and I have enjoyed traveling in their RVs when I get the chance.

I don’t think Thor is as good as Winnebago as the latter provides better durability, luxury, and overall comfort. However, one of the major advantages of Thor is that they are a cheaper brand and more on par with Jayco in their pricing.

Similar to Jayco, I think that Thor has much better floor plans and customizable options for the interior of your new RV. I know some friends who have bought a Thor RV, and they have commented that durability isn’t always up there with the best. For example, I found that Thor often uses particle board instead of plywood on the exterior. Particleboard absorbs water, which causes durability issues.

I think that Thor produces good motorhomes, especially if you are on a tighter budget. While they aren’t up to the same standard as Winnebago, they are still a solid RV manufacturer, in my opinion.

You can read this Thor vs Winnebago comparison to better understand how this brand performs.

Gulf Stream

The other alternative brand you can consider is Gulf Stream .

I have only stayed in a couple of Gulf Stream RVs; however, I have extensively researched this brand and found that they are one of the better manufacturers for sustainability. Gulf Stream seems to focus a lot of its efforts on creating more environmentally friendly motorhomes and strives to keep things lightweight, which helps fuel consumption.

One downside of Gulf Stream is that they don’t have a vast product range, and their available RVs and trailers are quite limited. While there are numerous floor plans on offer, I was a bit disappointed when I considered looking into buying a Gulf Stream RV.

I don’t think Gulf Stream is a bad brand, and I like their focus on sustainability, but their motorhome options aren’t as extensive as Jayco or Winnebago.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: is winnebago an expensive brand.

Answer: Compared to Jayco and some other RV brands, Winnebago can seem quite expensive. However, their RV range is of higher quality, and I think that the extra money buys you a more luxurious and durable motorhome.

Question: Is Jayco a good brand?

Answer: Jayco manufactures good RVs, but I think that they are inferior to Winnebago due to using lesser quality materials. However, if you want to save some money and still get a good motorhome, Jayco is worth considering.

Question: What is the most popular Winnebago?

Answer: The most popular Winnebago motorhome is the Winnebago Travato. This is a Class B RV that is affordable and can sleep up to four people. While I think the Winnebago Forza is the creme de la creme of RVs, the Tavarto is a great motorhome for many people who want to experience a comfortable life on the road.

Question: Where are Jayco motorhomes made?

Answer: Jayco has a long history, dating back to the 1960s. Their headquarters are based in Middlebury, Indiana, and a significant part of their workforce is from the Amish community. While some people think Jayco is originally an Australian brand, they formed Jayco Australia Ltd in the 1970s.

Question: Is Jayco an environmentally friendly brand?

Answer: I think that Jayco is one of the most eco-friendly RV manufacturers. They use many sustainable materials when constructing their range of motorhomes, and they have focused on building lighter RVs to promote better fuel economy.

Verdict – I prefer Winnebago, although their motorhomes cost more

I think it is difficult to look past the Winnebago brand.

While I don’t think they are as eco-friendly as Jayco in the design and materials used on their motorhomes, I just love their RVs. For me, I want a motorhome that actually feels like a home, and Winnebago is the brand that consistently offers this.

I recognize that Winnebago is an expensive brand, especially it’s Class A motorhomes, such as the hugely impressive Forza. However, if your budget can stretch to a Winnebago motorhome, I don’t think you can find a better brand for luxury and performance.

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

• How to Tie a Tie
• Best Coffee Beans
• How to Shape a Beard
• Best Sweaters for Men
• Most Expensive Cognac
• Monos vs Away Luggage
• Best Luxury Hotel Chains
• Fastest Cars in the World
• Ernest Hemingway Books
• What Does CBD Feel Like?
• Canada Goose Alternatives
• Fastest Motorcycles in the World

Travel trailer showdown: The best Airstream, Jayco, Winnebago, and Casita travel trailers you can buy today

We compare the best airstream, winnebago, jayco, and casita travel trailers worth buying in 2023.

Few things are more liberating than hitting the open road — whether that means a simple weekend road trip with friends and family or a year-long, cross-country expedition living the van life as a “digital nomad.” If you’re looking to do just that, you need a well-equipped basecamp. If traditional tent camping the whole way is “roughing it” too much, but you’re not looking to splash out on an uber-luxurious, quarter-million-dollar class A motorhome, a compact, lightweight travel trailer might be just what you need.

Airstream travel trailers

Jayco travel trailers, winnebago travel trailers, casita travel trailers.

Buying any new (or new to you ) RV is exciting, but it can be confusing, a little overwhelming, and even downright stressful. Every company offers a long list of standard and optional features, and it’s tough to know what you really need, especially if you’ve never done “the whole RV thing” before. That’s why we rounded up the best models from the most popular brands, including Airstream, Jayco, Winnebago, and Casita, to compare all the features, specs, and options that matter. This is our 2023 travel trailer showdown.

Airstream’s classic “silver bullet” travel trailers hardly need an introduction. The iconic design has changed little in decades; today, they’re still some of the most instantly recognizable models on the road. The brand’s catalog includes a wide variety of models, from the entry-level 2023 Basecamp with a starting price of $46,000 to the 2023 Classic that bases closer to $190,000.

Airstream Flying Cloud

The Flying Cloud is Airstream’s most popular model . Originally introduced in 1949, it has a rich history and has long been among the brand’s top sellers. Due to demand, it was reintroduced in 2009 and continues to offer the best variety of floor plans with a balance of comfort, convenience, and price. With a starting price tag under $100,000, it falls squarely in the middle of Airstream’s catalog of travel trailers.

• Starting Price : $94,400
• Available Lengths : 23’, 25’, 27’, 28’, or 30’
• Sleeps : 4, 6, or 8
• Axles : Double
• Kitchen : Premium finishes, including a full sink with a residential-style faucet, three-burner gas stove, refrigerator, and microwave
• Bathroom : Standard bathroom with separate shower stall
• Stand-out Features : Memory foam mattress, retractable Sunbrealla awning, HD TV

Airstream Basecamp 20

Aistream’s second-best-selling model is unlike anything else on the road. With an aluminum-wrapped exterior, the Basecamp 20 travel trailer is unmistakably an Airstream. But the interior features a more “adventure-forward” design that sidesteps the ultra-premium luxury amenities of its bigger and pricier brethren. Think of it like a rugged, hard-sided tent on wheels, perfect for when a full-sized Airstream is too much, but a compact teardrop trailer just isn’t enough.

• Starting Price : $54,400
• Available Lengths : 16′ and 20’
• Axles : Single
• Kitchen : Basic with compact sink, two-burner gas stove, compact refrigerator, and microwave
• Bathroom : Small wet bath with shower
• Stand-out Features : Large rear cargo area, flexible living space, outdoor shower, heavy-duty, wear-resistant fabrics throughout

2024 Jayco Jay Flight

The Jayco Jay Flight has been the top-selling travel trailer for more than ten years. With a wide variety of floor plans and lengths ranging from 25′ 4” to 40’ 4”, it’s ideal for every type of camper, from solo travelers to couples to larger families. Plus, Jayco recently began adding many more modern features, like solar prewiring, LED exterior lighting, and a dedicated smartphone app to monitor and tweak most settings wirelessly.

• Starting Price : $32,232
• Available Lengths : 25′ 4” to 40’ 4”
• Sleeps : Up to 10
• Kitchen : Residential-style with three-burner cooktop, microwave, and refrigerator
• Bathroom : Full-size bathroom with skylight
• Stand-out Features : Solar-prewiring, solid hardwood cabinets, outside shower, on-demand tankless water heater

2024 Jayco Jay Feather

For campers looking to upgrade from Jayco’s entry-level travel trailer, there’s the 2024 Jay Feather. It’s a more rugged, adventure-ready rig with weather protection, double-sided perimeter walls, and two-inch-thick laminated flooring — all of which make this a solid year-round travel trailer.

• Starting Price : $41,078
• Available Lengths : 24′ to 33′ 2″
• Sleeps : Up to 9
• Kitchen : Residential-style with a three-burner cooktop, microwave, and large refrigerator
• Bathroom : Spacious bathroom with residential-style fixtures and a skylight
• Stand-out Features : Solar prewiring, smart LED TV, 10-cubic-foot fridge, 0- to 100-degree weather insulation

The only name that’s arguably more iconic than Airstream in the world of RV’ing is Winnebago. For decades, the Minnesota-based manufacturer has made some of the most affordable, reliable, and accessible travel trailers. Its catalog is deep, but these are the two top models worth shopping for in 2023:

Winnebago Micro Minnie

Winnebago’s best-selling Micro Minnie is designed to pack a ton of features into a surprisingly small footprint. At just seven feet wide with a starting curb weight of less than 3,400 pounds, it’s easily towable by even smaller electric vehicles. Even the entry-level model comes with a long list of standard features, but this travel trailer can also be kitted out for serious off-road adventures with off-road tires, solar power, and more.

• Starting Price : $37,182
• Available Lengths : 19’ 5” to 22’ 5”
• Sleeps : 3 to 5
• Axles : Single or Double
• Kitchen : Sizable kitchen with a double-door refrigerator, three-burner cooktop, and convection microwave
• Bathroom : Compact bathroom with separate shower stall and a skylight
• Stand-out Features : JBL exterior speakers, outdoor gear storage, walkable roof, power awning

Winnebago Voyage

For RV campers who just can’t leave the conveniences of home at home , Winnebago’s aptly named Voyage is designed to get you from A to B in style and comfort. That includes spacious floor plans that measure up to nearly 40 feet, kitchens built for entertaining, tons of storage, and a long list of residential appliances.

• Starting Price : $64,664
• Available Lengths : 27’ 11” to 38’ 11”
• Sleeps : 4-8
• Kitchen : Large, residential-style kitchen with four-burner cooktop with an oven, microwave, and a double-door 15-cubic-foot fridge
• Bathroom : Oversized bathroom with a walk-in shower stall and skylight
• Stand-out Features : Large HD TV, fireplace, optional king bed, and multiple slideouts for an expandable floor plan

Casita’s egg-shaped travel trailers are a unique alternative to Airstream’s aluminum-clad “silver bullets” and traditional “stick-built” RVs. They’re made from a two-piece fiberglass shell — a design that’s extremely durable and watertight. Plus, they’re significantly lighter than almost any comparably sized model on the market. The 17-foot Deluxe Casitas measures less than seven feet wide and, at roughly 2,480 pounds (dry weight), they’re towable by almost any SUV and even some crossover vehicles.

Casita Freedom Deluxe

Casita’s flagship two-person travel trailer, the Freedom Deluxe, packs all the essentials and features a couple might need into a highly compact space. That includes a bed at the rear, a dinette, a full kitchen, and even a wet bath.

• Starting Price : $32,694
• Available Lengths : 17’
• Kitchen : Compact kitchen with a small sink, two-burner gas cooktop, and an optional microwave
• Bathroom : Compact wet bath with a flush toilet
• Stand-out Features : Outdoor shower, swiveling captain’s chairs, solar prewiring, and an optional built-in surge protector

Casita Spirit Standard

The Spirit Standard mostly relies on the same tried-and-true layout of the Freedom Deluxe. But, this model trades the wet bath at the front for a pair of bunk beds and the swiveling captain’s chairs for a convertible dinette to add room for one more camper to sleep. Plus, this model is even lighter and more affordable than its flagship brother but with many of the same features.

• Starting Price : $30,996
• Sleeps : 3-5
• Stand-out Features : Outdoor shower, solar prewiring, and an optional built-in surge protector

Editors' Recommendations

• Hitch up with the 7 best off-road trailers ready to take you anywhere in 2024
• Stanley cup alternatives: The best water bottles you can get
• Pickleball paddles, shoes, and more: The best pickleball gifts you can get
• Discover the best Texas state parks: A guide to natural beauty you can enjoy year-round
• Winnebago’s new Access travel trailer is insanely cheap yet surprisingly full-featured

There's always excitement in the air when a new camper company emerges with innovative designs and fresh perspectives. Today, that buzz surrounds the Japanese X-Cabin 300, a lightweight camper that's turning heads with its beautiful design. Manufactured by X-Cabin, which is a sub-label of the Effect Meiji Corporation, this camper is a breath of fresh air in the camping world, despite its young beginnings in 2020. Situated in the bustling industrial hub of Nagoya City, Japan, X-Cabin has created a unique steel camper that's bringing a new spin on the iconic Airstream look. Features of the X-Cabin 300 The X-Cabin 300 is 15 feet long, 7 feet wide, and approximately 7 feet high. It has a galvanized steel chassis that provides a sturdy foundation and marine-grade stainless steel parts that ensure longevity and durability. Weighing in at around 1,600 pounds, this camper is remarkably lightweight, making it a breeze to tow and maneuver, even for those with smaller vehicles.

The X-Cabin 300 boasts a sleek silvery body that's reminiscent of the classic Airstreams, making it an instant eye-catcher on the road. The body is less rounded than the classic Airstreams, but that doesn't take away from its luster. Its streamlined design not only looks fantastic but also contributes to improved aerodynamics, enhancing fuel efficiency during your adventures.

Today’s best RVs and travel trailers are equipped with all the comforts of home. Some, including many of the most popular Airstream models, are practically studio apartments on wheels. But the most drool-worthy RVs are more than just vehicles to take all your creature comforts on the road. They’re also designed to get you almost anywhere you want to go, thanks to rugged suspensions, beefy, all-terrain tires, and power systems built for days, even weeks, of disconnected living. That’s where the Airstream Trade Wind travel trailer comes in.

Getting far, far off the beaten path requires serious self-sufficiency capabilities, and that’s where Airstream’s all-new Trade Wind delivers. With the largest battery bank, the highest solar capacity, and the most capable inverter/charger combination, it’s the company’s most off-road-ready travel trailer ever.

There’s arguably no brand in the RV world as legendary as Airstream, and there’s no travel trailer on road (or off) quite like the Airstream Basecamp. Since its debut in 2007, it’s been the benchmark for premium overlanding-worthy towables. This year, the brand is again partnering with REI to add another “silver bullet” to the Basecamp lineup: The REI Co-op Special Edition Basecamp 20X.

When Airstream partnered with REI on the first Basecamp 16X edition, the intent was to create a more rugged version of the OG Basecamp 16. The flagship 20X model maintains that intent with the most aggressive, adventure-ready chops of any Basecamp model yet. That includes a three-inch lift, 16-inch, all-terrain Goodyear tires, stainless steel stone guards to protect the aluminum shell, and solar guards to shield the windows from rocks and other debris.

Winnebago Revel vs. Jayco Terrain

By lichtsinn

Winnebago continues to take the lead on innovation in mainstream RV design. Therefore, it is no surprise that they’re now dominating the off-road, adventure van market as Class B motorhome buyers go off-road and off-grid. Providing comfort and performance in one tough package, adventure vans have grown in popularity over the years.

Among camper vans, the Winnebago Revel is the top choice for adventures both on and off the road. There are some competing manufacturers that have introduced RVs to try to compete with the Revel but continue to come up short. One example is the Jayco Terrain. How does the Revel compare to the visually similar Jayco Terrain?

Continue reading to learn about how the Winnebago Revel stands out from the competition due to Winnebago’s dedication to quality and innovation.

Winnebago Revel

Key Specifications 

• Exterior Length – 19’7″
• Exterior Height – 10′
• Interior Height – 6’3″
• Freshwater Capacity – 21 gal.
• Holding Tank Capacity – 21 gal. (gray)

Key Features

• On-Demand 4WD with Hi/Lo Range
• Heavy-Duty Vinyl Flooring
• Removable Counter Extension
• Indoor/Outdoor Refrigerator Access
• ONEPLACE Control Panel
• Power Lift Bed with Gear Garage Below
• (6) Removable Cargo Tie-Down Anchors
• All-in-One Gear Closet and Wet Bath with Shower and Cassette Toilet
• 215-watts Solar
• 320-amp-hour Lithium-Ion Battery with Battery Management System
• Insulated and Heated Gray Water Tank

Jayco Terrain

• Exterior Height – 10′ 1″
• Interior Height – 6’1″
• Freshwater Capacity – 22 gal.
• Holding Tank Capacity – 20 gal. (gray)
• 4×4 Van
• Rubber Flooring
• (2) Pullout Countertop Extensions
• JRIDE Package
• Power Lift Bed with Gear Garage Storage
• L-Track on Garage Floor
• All-in-one Wet Bath with Shower and Cassette Toilet
• 200-watt Solar Panel Setup
• 210-amp-hour Smart Lithium Battery
• Heated Gray Tank with Skid Plate

Both the Winnebago Revel and Jayco Terrain are built on the ever-reliable Mercedes-Benz® Sprinter Chassis with 3.0L 6-cylinder, 188-hp, turbo-diesel engine, 7G-Tronic automatic transmission, and 220-amp. alternator. This chassis also includes numerous safety driving aids including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, active brake assist, active distance assist distronic, rear cross traffic alert and rear ultrasonic park assist.

One of the first things that stands out is the pricing difference between the Winnebago Revel and the Jayco Terrain. In an attempt to undercut Winnebago’s pricing, the Terrain’s base price MSRP is currently listed around $1,000 less than the Revel. However, this is itself an inaccurate quote, as it does not factor in the “Customer Value” package that adds nearly $20,000 to the Terrain pricing. The Terrain “Customer Value” package is a mandatory add-on, essentially under reporting the shown base price. The package includes numerous features that are standard on the Revel including a roof rack and ladder, patio awning, hydronic heating system and more. The package also forces you to add a Coleman-Mach air conditioner, while you have the choice to add it or not in the Revel.

The Winnebago Revel boasts extensive, automotive-grade insulation in its roof, sidewall, and flooring to keep out the cold. This insulation is odor-free and will not settle even on rough and loose terrain. Also, the sidewall insultation is wrapped in a vapor barrier for added protection. By comparison, the Jayco Terrain does not feature this level and quality of insulation which is a detriment in colder climates.

Once you step inside the Winnebago Revel you’ll first notice the dinette with a bench seat. The bench seat is covered in a comfortable “leather like” fabric and includes a standard safety belt and a 3-point safety belt. The dinette table in the Revel can be completely removed allowing for additional space in front of the bench seat. Below the bench seat is storage for the removable countertop and on the floor below the table you’ll find an in-floor storage compartment. The back of the bench seat can also be removed for access to yet another storage area.

The Terrain instead has (2) less comfortable bucket seats, made with a more rigid fabric, and safety belts. The dinette table is collapsible only, it can not be removed. There is no additional storage below the table, under or behind the seats.

The overhead cabinets in the Revel have a Slam Latch Positive Lock System so you can easily open the cabinets and they securely stay open. The Terrain’s contoured cabinets are more difficult to open and do not securely stay open on their own.

POWER LIFT BED WITH GEAR GARAGE BELOW

The Gear Garage located below the Power Lift bed is an incredibly popular and often-mentioned feature of the Winnebago Revel. The Terrain also has a similar garage area, but provides fewer mounting brackets to secure your cargo. While the Revel includes (6) secure brackets to hold the (6) removable tie-down anchors located along both sides of the gear garage floor, the Terrain includes only an L-shaped section to place the brackets in providing a less secure tie-down of your gear. By allowing you to completely remove the anchors in the Revel you can also have a flat floor if you choose to prevent any scratching of gear that may be stored there. The brackets in the Revel are covered in a rubber material to further prevent damage from anything getting scratched along the floor.

Another shortfall of the Jayco Terrain is the lack of easy access to the battery which is located within the sidewall of the gear garage area. The only way to reach this in the Terrain is sideways through the rear of the coach. The Revel on the other hand has a compartment in the Gear Garage that can be opened for full and easy access to the battery. The Revel also includes a storage compartment and numerous storage nets in the rear garage walls while the Terrain just has just one slim storage compartment.

The thick mattress and side panels that make up the sleeping area of the power lift bed in the Revel are wrapped in a comfortable fabric providing a soft surface to sleep on. The thinner mattress and side panels in the Terrain are covered in the same “plastic like” material as the bucket seats in the dinette.

An inevitable comparison is the multifunctional bathroom space in both the Winnebago Revel and Jayco Terrain. They share similar layouts with removable shelves, a dry storage compartment, Thetford cassette toilet and more. However, as is a common trend in the Terrain, the quality of material and attention to detail is the defining factor that makes the Revel superior. The wall surround in the Revel’s bathroom space, like the vast majority of components in Winnebago RVs, is manufactured in house and provides a better waterproof seal. Each bathroom space also serves as a closet with removable bamboo shelves. The Revel includes a removable clothes rod while the Terrain uses a less durable clothesline.

With motorhomes designed for off-grid and off-road travel, power is a key factor. The Revel has a 320 amp-hour lithium-ion battery with a dedicated second alternator to charge the system. This setup also includes a state of charge Battery Management System (BMS) that monitors voltage, amps, battery temperatures, and more with an easy-to-use app. By comparison, the Jayco Terrain is equipped with a 210 amp-hour lithium battery which provides you with less watt-hours so the Jayco can run for less hours off-grid.

When comparing a Winnebago motorhome with a visually similar model from another manufacturer, the key distinctions come down to quality and reliability. For decades, Winnebago has provided smart design innovations, superior craftsmanship and quality you can trust which means Winnebago RVs will always stand out against the competition. Contact your Lichtsinn RV Sales Consultant today to find out more about the innovative Winnebago Revel.

View Winnebago Revel Inventory

Experience the Best®  at Lichtsinn RV, awarded by Winnebago Industries as the  #1 Winnebago Dealer in North America each year since 2015 . Lichtsinn RV is located  1 mile north of Winnebago Industries in Forest City, IA  and we proudly sell new Winnebago motorhomes and pre-owned RVs from various manufacturers. While at Lichtsinn RV, you can expect  no delivery miles on new RVs , a  complimentary half-day educational orientation of your RV ,  excellent guest reviews , an  assigned support team from sales, parts, service and the business office ,  superior accommodations ,  no-hassle pricing  and  competitive financing . See our extensive  new and used inventory here .

Return to LichtsinnRV.com

Additional Posts You May Like:

Winnebago RV Production Quality Advantages

Winnebago vs. Other RV Manufacturers

Lichtsinn Storage and Power Package for the Winnebago Revel

The Winnebago Revel – Functional Meets Comfortable

Winnebago Revel vs Jayco Terrain: Battle for the Class B RV

Updated: May 28

Which is the best class b RV? The two biggest names in the market go head to head. Find out which is better and how it stacks up with the rest of the competition.

For starters, the 2024 Winnebago Revel 44e  built on the 2023 Mercedes Benz Sprinter AWD 144WB starts at $223,495  as their website lists. The Jayco Terrain  on the same chassis starts at $212,250  for the 2023, with their 2024 prices likely to be higher.

If you want to zig-zag your eyes left and right, here are the two brochures for the two vans - 2024 Winnebago Revel 44e  and the 2024 Jayco Terrain 19y . However, you'll come to realize that both are about the same with a wet bath, cassette toilet, power lift bed, awning, 3 cu ft. fridge, a MaxxAir Fan, and a 21 gallon freshwater tank capacity. There are some small differences like 2nd row bench seat vs bucket seats or overall aesthetic.

The Sprinter vehicles it's built on are the same as well - AWD, High Roof, 144WB ( 19. 5ft long) with options like adaptive cruise control, touchscreen multimedia infotainment center, intelligent voice control, traction control etc.

The big difference here is the suspensions upgrades  and the electrical system, where the Winnebago Revel boasts 52% more battery size, which means you can be off-grid for longer compared to the Jayco Terrain. The Winnebago Revel also has more insulation  than the Jayco Terrain - more on these items later.

Does the Winnebago Revel or Jayco Terrain have better reviews or a bigger market share?

The Winnebago Revel has been around for a lot longer than the Jayco Terrain, and with a larger van life market share they have more aftermarket vendors that cater to the Revel. Both vans are built on the same chassis with a very similar layout so we're talking minor aftermarket solutions like an additional storage compartment. However, RV Shops will have more experience doing warranty work on Revels -  more on this later too . Jayco is no small company, with 321,000 daily website visitors vs Revel's 387,000.

As a more up-and-coming product line, the Terrain 19Y is increasing their market share fast, but reviews like these also often show up

So what's the Best Class B RV?

Here's the real 2024 best new RV analysis.

The highlights here tell a high level summary, but there is a lot more that goes on beyond this.

The bottom line is that RV dealers mark up 40% on top of what the manufactures make. When Brooklyn Campervans spends 3-4 months crafting the vans, you can truly experience the difference than a van that is made in 5 days.

The advantages of Brooklyn Campervans' builds are the no-set up Starlink , 2x fresh water storage, 4x more insulation , 4x more solar, so we're talking a lot more time in nature and less time worrying  when you'll run out of water and battery and putting a pause on your trip. Also no blackwater tank or cassette toilet means no frequent trips to dump sites !

Brooklyn Campervans employs the latest technology and power solutions. The other game changer is no-setup satellite internet . Their custom built-in Starlink ROAM solution is always on. *This is very different than the regular Starlink, where to set up - one would need to put the dish on a tripod, put it somewhere safe, wire it, and sync to a phone EACH time. With constant satellite internet available, it opens a whole new world of Bluetooth connections for remote monitoring for cameras, battery levels, temperature and so on. This is a huge peace of mind for pet owners. Reliable internet is also perfect for those that want to stream movies, do remote work, and feel safely connected while traveling alone.

At the end of the day - Brooklyn Campervans can keep up with technology and constantly innovate because they do not mass produce vans!

Which Class B RV has the best design?

The best way to compare is side by side.

The Winnebago Revel 44e

The Jayco Terrain 19Y

Brooklyn Campervans

At Brooklyn Campervans the design is crafted with the highest quality materials and it is based on what you want  - so there's really no going wrong with it. As a small company, they have built a team of expert craftsmen. A larger company simply does not have the time or desire to hand tile, do textured paint, or build each countertop based on the material you want.

What camper van company has the most upgrade options?

When building a camper van upgrades need to be planned at the very beginning. The main reason is that most upgrades are electronic, and wires are hidden behind the walls like a home. Another big reason is that with it being built on the Mercedes Sprinter van - we're talking a small space, so planning should not be an afterthought.

For example, between the Winnebago Revel and the Jayco Terrain, you buy the vans as is, you cannot expand past 215w of solar or add more battery, but you can add plenty of exterior modifications from 3rd parties.

Brooklyn Campervans not only does all exterior modifications as a one-stop-shop, it also allows for plenty more upgrades because you get to customize it at the START  of the build.

This means you pay for what you want, and nothing you don't. It also means that you get to choose from a lot more options than a van that's built for the masses. You can go from a stealth city van to an overlanding rig for mountain biking, and the inside can change drastically between builds as well.

Here are just a couple upgrades that hasn't been mentioned:

Security Camera System - 360 degree security camera system with infrared recording capabilities and a monitor to always see what's around you

Rearview Camera Mirror  - Wide screen HD rear view mirror helps with blind spots. The package also includes front and back dash camera, which may help lower RV insurance.

Solar Panels + Walkable Solar Roof Deck - Upgrade to 800w of panels or upgrade your solar panels to marine grade, so they can double as a roof deck. Enjoy sunset dinners or yoga on the deck.

Electric Step-Up Boards - Automatic running boards are not offered elsewhere on new vans, but at Brooklyn Campervans they have been tested - tried and true. They preserve the clearance of the vehicle, which is essential to make use of the AWD Sprinter vans off-the-beaten path.

Home Theater - Built in, hidden, and automatic. The space transforms into a home theater with a projector. The bed turns into a couch, and all lights or colors are programmable for the ultimate movie night.

Skylight - The slide out skylight is unique in that all other camper van sky lights are clam-shell. The benefit of this skylight is that you can enjoy the stars without seeing your reflection or dirty finger prints!

Custom woodworking - If you want extra storage space, a countertop extension, a fold-down exterior table, it is all possible.

Floor Plans - There are lot more than just the one floorplan offered elsewhere. Select from different plans in the 144WB or 170WB Sprinter chassis. Indoor wet bath or outdoor shower, fixed bed or convertible bed, pop-top to sleep 6 etc.

BKC Swing Out Panels - These panels literally open up the van, so you can enjoy the summer breeze and beautiful views from bed when you wake up in the morning. Here are 6 reasons why our past clients love it.

Design - Real shower tiles, specialty paint, colors, upholstery, everything is possible.

Y ou can see all the upgrades and design your custom van online here .

What camper van uses the best materials?

Brooklyn Campervans uses more high quality sustainable materials with local companies. From using Sheep's Wool as an option for insulation to Paper Stone countertops, not only are they safer, higher quality, they are also more environmentally friendly. Most importantly, the cabinets and walls are built out of high quality wood that will last you a lifetime - not particle board that will come loose over time.

What company has the best warranty?

"It’s hard enough to get an appointment with Mercedes for servicing the Sprinter chassis, let alone scoring an appointment with an RV repair shop when something goes wrong with the Revel’s house. It could be weeks, even months."  These same RV Shops also service every other model of RVs from Class A to Class C - and yes the Jayco Terrain 19Y as well. "Of the repair shops where we took our Revel, almost all admitted they had never worked on a Revel. Some had never even worked on a Class B. This results in more troubleshooting hours at a high per hour service rate and sometimes return visits."

Brooklyn Campervans builds in a simple way that makes everything easily serviceable. Over the past 3 years they have built a nationwide network of camper van builders that span all across the United States. This reciprocal agreement means that everyone specializes in similar Class B camper vans. In the extremely unlikely scenario an issue cannot be solved, a Brooklyn Campervans technician will hop on the next flight to you or pay for the delivery of your van to be delivered to Brooklyn. As a small company, bespoke customer service goes above and beyond just warranties - it includes assistance from when you get the van, to help when you eventually sell the van.

Which camper van has the best power solution?

Following the topic of warranties, the electrical system is the most prone to issues. We often get people in camper vans built by other companies reach out to us for servicing electrical issues, which is the most frequent topic. These electrical systems are incredibly intricate and complicated, and since each company does it differently, it is hard to service.

Brooklyn Campervan uses the EcoFlow Power Kits which has a 5 year warranty with dedicated support for the company. The simple plug and play system is easy to fix, expand upon, or replace.

Besides this, EcoFlow Power Kits also offers the following standout advantages:

All-in-one solution . There are no longer 5 components (MPPT, Inverter, etc.) with a nest of thick wires that can get caught or go wrong. The EcoFlow Power Kit is space saving, compact, much lighter, and more powerful.

3600w Inverter  beats the 2000w in Revel. Run more stuff without tripping the breaker and overloading your system.

Automatic warming : batteries don't function well in cold temperatures, and EcoFlow Power Kits includes an automatic heating pad.

Universal shore power plug charging . With better technology you can charge the van like you charge your laptop. You no longer are limited to 30 amp plugs at RV Parks.

In 2022 Winnebago switched to a 12V Air Conditioner, which means it can finally run off-grid. However it is still well behind in keeping up with technology. It is no wonder that word on the streets is that Winnebago is switching over for their 2025 model.

The Winnebago Revel and Jayco Terrain Power Lift Bed System

The Revel and Jayco both sleep two with a common bed lift system. The system allows for more garage space underneath the bed, such as space for two e-bikes. This set-up is great for those who want to use the van as a cargo van, however if the storage is used, then the bed cannot be used.

With a lift bed you will also lose upper cabinet storage and sleeping space. The Mercedes Sprinter tapers in the higher you go. You not only lose a few inches, you may lose up to 1.5 feet if the bed passes the bump-out (Flarespaces), rendering the bed unsleepable for anyone over 5'5".

An alternative interior layout for a configurable bed is the U-Lounge Layout from Brooklyn Campervans. This allows a hangout area for 5 people, and the convertible bed that takes seconds. This maximizes storage underneath the seats and above in the upper cabinets.

Brooklyn Campervans builds custom vans, so if you prioritize storage, gear garage space, hanging out, a comfortable bed, it can all be customized based on your needs.

What has the media said about the Winnebago Revel vs. Jayco Terrain?

Between the Jayco Terrain and Winnebago Revel, the media and the stats show that the Revel is slightly more superior. However, out of the other Class B RV's The Autopian  puts it succinctly:

"I really like what appears to be an incredible level of detail here. Earlier this year, I took a tour of the $210,292 Winnebago Revel. This was a van from Winnebago, a household name in RVs. Yet, the interior almost felt like it was tossed together from spares from the factory floor. Some material choices didn’t make sense and the fit seemed unbefitting of a van asking well into the six figures. The vans I’ve been in from Thor Motor Coach were similar, but at least their six-figure price tags start with a one and not a two. These vans? At least to my eye, it looks like every inch of the interior was thought about before it was slapped into place. Brooklyn Campervans seems to go the extra mile to make the van feel like a home away from home. I suppose how I’d describe it is that the Winnebago Revel felt like a van trying to be an apartment while these are apartments crammed into vans ."

Between the Winnebago Revel and the Jayco Terrain, we recommend the Revel primarily for its larger battery. However, Brooklyn Campervans not only has a more robust electrical system, its build and design in terms of capabilities, material, aesthetic and technology surpasses any from mass production companies. The ability to customize allows you to design a camper van that fits your travel needs, and also in the style that makes you feel like you're at home. Finally, Brooklyn Campervans does it all a lot cheaper. You can see what Sprinter camper vans for sale there are or inquire about a custom sprinter camper van .

Frequently Asked Questions

2023 winnebago revel vs 2024 winnebago revel - what's new.

The big difference is the vehicle. The 2023 Winnebago Revel is built on the 4x4 2022 Mercedes Benz Sprinter chassis. This means it has a 3-liter turbo diesel engine and on-demand 4WD. The 2024 Winnebago Revel is built on the 2023 Sprinter, which is All-wheel-drive. For 2023, the Sprinter has replaced the 3.0 liter six cylinder turbo diesel engine for a new 2.0 liter inline-four cylinder twin-turbo diesel engine. Basically, this means the newer van is easier and smoother to drive, and is more off-road and dirt roads capable. Brooklyn Campervans will be building on the 2024 AWD Mercedes Sprinter.

Besides that, the new 2024 Winnebago Revel offers an improved electrical system and has brought the fresh water tank inside due to concerns of plumbing freezing. These are the main upgrades since the 2023 Winnebago Revel.

2023 Jayco Terrain vs 2024 Jayco Terrain - what's new?

The 2024 Jayco Terrain will also be upgrading from the 2022 four wheel drive Sprinter to the 2023 AWD Sprinter chassis. The customer value package will also now offer the Starlink satellite internet system. Besides that most upgrades are minor at a slight cost increase.

What is expected in the 2025 Winnebago Revel?

The major change expected is that will adopt the much better and compact all-in-one solution - the EcoFlow Power Kits. Another upgrade is the bench seat can separate to allow more room for two individuals. There will also be some changes to the bathroom and the door handles.

How long is a Winnebago Revel vs Jayco Terrain?

Both are built on the 144WB Mercedes Sprinter which has an exterior length of 19.5 feet. Brooklyn Campervans also builds on the 170WB Sprinter, which is 23 feet.

Which RV offers the best off-road capabilities?

The 2023 Winnebago Revel and the Jayco Terrain both are built on the same Mercedes Sprinter. However, Brooklyn Campervans offers automatic step-up boards to preserve clearance as well as a 2" Lift off-road package from Agile Off-road.

Can you do another side by side review?

Yes, 100%! Just let us know what to compare!

Recent Posts

The Concrete Oasis Camper Van Layout Review

Ultimate Guide to Sprinter Van Conversion Layouts

9 Best Van Life Apps in 2024

Sign up to RVT’s Insight Weekly Newsletter to get blog posts and more

RV Manufacturers With the Highest Average Consumer Rankings and Reviews …

RV consumers love to tell-all about their RVs on RVInsider .  This provides RVT with invaluable data which can be a huge help to the more than 1/2 million RV shoppers who visit RVT.com each month in search of their next RV.

In a previous article, we revealed  RV Brands and Models with the Highest Consumer Reviews and Rankings .  In today’s article, we take a step back from the nitty gritty detail of RV Brands (and Model numbers) and we look at a bigger, broader landscape — how RV consumers rank order the RV manufacturers themselves.

RV Manufacturers Under A Consumer Microscope …

This article gives you a glimpse into RV consumer experiences, sentiments and feelings about RV manufacturers in the following key categories:

• Top Overall Rankings of RV Manufacturers
• Interior Design and

Statistics represented in the Tables below are derived from RVInsider.com where thousands of RV consumers have Reviewed the RVs they either currently own (or have owned at some time in the past.)

Here is the RV consumer’s Average Overall Rating for RV Manufacturers :

Now let’s dig in a little deeper, into the different attributes of RVs.  This shows us some “jockeying for position” among the RV manufacturers.

Check out the consumer-at-large’s rank ordering of RV manufacturers by:   Average Livability Rating

You’ll notice Holiday Rambler and Winnebago pull ahead of Fleetwood as far as Livability go and Keystone moves ahead of Jayco.  Interesting …

Now, here’s a snapshot of how consumers rate the OEMs with respect to:   Interior Design:

For Average Interior Design Ratings, notice that Holiday Rambler stays below Fleetwood and drops below Winnebago but still rounds out the top 5.  Jayco jumps to 6th place and Coachmen falls from 6th to 9th position as far as Interior Design is concerned.

Here is how RV manufacturers rate to consumers for:   Average Quality Ratings

Monaco and Tiffin still top the list as far as Average Quality Ratings go, but consumers say … Holiday Rambler beats out Fleetwood for Quality, but Fleetwood tops Winnebago.  Good to know but remember this is only a guide, only an averaging of what hundreds of RV owners have said.  It’s important to do your own in person research as well.  But suffice it to say, as far as Quality, the Reviews say that Forest River beats out Keystone and unmoved, Thor Motor Coach is still bringing up the final position in the Top 10 Ranked OEMs with respect to Average Quality.  (Still a good position.)

NOTE:  Only manufacturers with more than 80 Reviews each are included in this report.

Consumer Reviews and rankings are an extremely useful tool for RV shoppers.  Keep an eye on RV Insight by RVT.com for future consumer Reviews comparisons and findings.

What You Can Do:

If you’re an RV owner, you might want to help other RV shoppers.  Feel free to Review the RVs you’ve owned.  Simply visit  RVInsider.com , choose the Manufacturer(s), Brand(s) and Model(s) you have owned in the past and rate them yourself.  Thank you for your contribution!

Share this article:

37 Comments

This be an old survey, HR is now a Fleetwood Product. And from talking to dealers and consumers about both of them. They have more then there share of problems. What I surprised not to see on the list is Newmar. There are in my opinion a very top quality product. As is the Tiffin on your list. Many of the great motorhomes have fallen to the ression.

No, this is an up-to-date summary of the average consumer rankings from thousands of Reviews which have come in to RVT.com/rv-reviews over the past two years.

This article only shows how RV consumers rate RV Manufacturers.

Yes, Holiday Rambler is now a Fleetwood product, but so many of the older HR’s are out there, much-loved and very popular and so RV consumers still actively Review them all the time. That’s why they still rank so highly in this list.

You mention Newmar and Tiffin. Newmar definitely topped the list of the most highly rated “RV Model” for the Newmar Mountain Aire 3778. See our previous article: “ RV Brands and Models with the Highest Consumer Reviews and Rankings … ” posted on Oct. 5, 2016. And you’re right about Tiffin too. As far as RV Models go, the Tiffin Allegro Bus 43QGP came in second most highly ranked RV Model by consumers.

Additionally, this article only looks at RV manufacturer and consumer Reviews and averages out their corresponding ratings. It is not about Class A manufacturers only, hence you’ll notice Keystone in this list as well.

Hope that helps clarify.

Thanks Albert!

Are there any ratings on Crosswinds RVs?

No, we have no listings and no Reviews for Crosswinds RVs.

Did you mean Crossroads RVs?

We have lots of Crossroads RVs listed for sale and quite a few Reviews for various models of Crossroads RVs as well.

What is your opinion of the Camino by Carriage?

Doesn’t look like there is a Carriage RV called the Camino. There is a Cameo, however, which doesn’t seem to have been manufactured for quite some time.

And, the consumers who have owned one and reviewed them really seem to like them. Here is a link to some reviews of Carriage Cameos .

What is your opinion of a 2007 HITCHHIKER II LS SERIES 5TH WHEEL M-32.5 LKSBG

If you want to know how consumers like / feel about the NuWa Hitchhiker, check out Owners’ Reviews here .

Hope that helps!

Hi first time buyer. Is National Dolphin LX 6342 a good RV? Will it last? List price is $40K with 63K miles on it. One owner, is in very nice condition thank you! George

Sorry, National Dolphin above is 2007

1st time buyer 2012 Dutchman used

I have a Barth monarch one of the last ones

How does the REV group in particular the American Coach Revolution come in? Thanks

Sorry. More specific. 2017 revolution. Thanks

Here is a link to what Consumer Owners say about the American Coach Revolution .

At the date of this writing, no owners have specifically reviewed the 2017 model year.

Hope that helps Tom!

Hi, Any thoughts on Sonic Lite 169VDB by Venture RV?

Here are some consumer owner reviews of the Venture RV Sonic for various model years.

Looks like mostly 4 out of 5 star reviews!

You can find reviews on almost any Make and Model of RV by running a quick search on RVInsider.com. Always good to read what actual owners have to say, for sure.

Hope this helps and happy RV shopping!

Looking as a first time buyer at a Monaco 2001 Windsor 38PBD 93K MILES, 2002 Knight 38PDQ 79k miles and 2001 Diplomat 40PBD 53k miles. What is a fair price in good condition on all three? I was told to stay away from the C7 Cat motors, Your thought?

Hi Bill: Thanks for your comment!

Here is an owner’s review of the 2001 Monaco Windsor 38PBS .

Also, here is a link to some owner reviews of Monaco Knights

You asked what would be a fair price for any of these units. We suggest you have a look for similar units on RVT.com plus also, run the unit’s information in the RV section of Nadaguides.com . They track and report sales prices for consumers. Great resource for buyers and sellers!

As far as C7 Cat motors, we couldn’t give you any advice there. Best to check with actual owners, see what they have to say.

Try searching consumer reviews of RVs you know come equipped with the C7 Cat on our partner website, RVInsider.com .

Hope that helps, Bill!

Happy RV shopping and please come back and let us know which direction you decided to go!

I don’t see Newmar on your list?

Thanks for your comment! At that time there may not have been a lot of consumers who wrote reviews of Newmars. Here’s a link to the latest Newmar reviews on RVInsider. Looks like an average of 4 out of 5 stars! If you own a Newmar, you can write a review at RVInsider.com and share your experience with fellow RVers.

How about 03 Itasca Sunova 30B, any good? Thanks

Thanks for getting in touch! At the date of this writing, no owners have specifically reviewed the 2003 Itasca Sunova 30B, but here is a link to an owner’s review of the 2005 30B . There are several reviews for other models and model years at RVInsider.com , if you’d like to look at some other opinions.

Hope that helps Henry!

Where’s Grand Design? They make some of the best 5th Wheels and travel trailers out there.

Thanks for your comment, Eric. It’s possible that Grand Design didn’t have many reviews at the time this article was written. Here’s a link to the latest Grand Design reviews on RVInsider. If you own a Grand Design, you can write a review at RVInsider.com and share your experience with fellow RVers.

Does anyone have reviews on the 2013 Rexhall Aerbus?

Here is a link to all the Rexhall Aerbus reviews on our partner site, RVInsider.com.

At this time, it looks like the newest Rexhall to have been reviewed by an Owner is a 2005. But, check out all the Rexhall reviews because there are lots of 5 star ratings by consumer Owners for years other than 2013 as you requested.

Hope this helps!

Thanks and happy RV shopping, Horace!

Also Horace, for whatever RV you’ve owned in the past yourself, feel free to head over to RVInsider.com and write your own RV review .

Thanks again,

What about Lazy Daze?

It’s a great blog for RV newbies as well as RV veterans. RV enthusiasts can really get benefit from it.

Have you heard anything about Casita travel trailers? It’s just me. I’m looking for small and inexpensive.

Hi David, thanks for your inquiry. Here is a link to all of the Casita reviews found on our partner site RVInsider.com :

Thanks for your comment, Barry! Here’s a link to the latest Lazy Daze reviews on RVInsider. At this time, there aren’t a lot of reviews for Lazy Daze, but it looks like an average of 4 out of 5 stars. If you’ve owned a Lazy Daze model, you can write a review at RVInsider.com and share your experience with fellow RVers.

Hello I know they are much older, but I would appreciate your thoughts on a Country Coach or Foretravel vs the newer manufacturers Thanks

You might want to check out all of the Owner Reviews for Country Coach and Foretravel Motorcoach on RVInsider.com.

Thanks Ken!

I’m looking at a Forest River 2014 Legacy M-340BH Cummins Diesel. ~40,000 miles. I see in the guide that FR is usually down in the lower part of the listing. They are now owned by Berkshire, would we expect better service and quality moving forward?

Looking for reviews on the 2020 or 2021 Class A Thor’s.

Leave a Comment

Your Comment

XHTML: You can use these tags: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <s> <strike> <strong>

Sign me up for the newsletter!

Recently Listed RVs

• Buying & Selling

RVT.com Quick Links

• Sign Up RVT
• Press Releases

Find us on Facebook

Copyright 2024 Insight RV Blog from RVT.com /" title=" Theme by DesignerThemes.com"> Theme by DesignerThemes.com

Winnebago Winnie Drop Compared To Jayco Hummingbird

The Winnebago Winnie Drop offers several benefits over other tear-drop travel trailer products like the Forest River R-Pod and the Jayco Hummingbird .  Tear-drop trailer must take weight into consideration, but in doing so, in many situations reducing weight results in reducing structural integrity.  That is not the case with with Winnebago  Minnie Drop.    The Minnie Drop combines the use of quality materials and construction techniques to produce a well constructed, yet light weight. 

Winnebago Winnie Drop VS Jayco Hummingbird

These are just a few examples of the benefits you will have owning a Winnebago Winnie Drop over other tear-drop trailers like the Forest River I-pod .  Admittedly, the Winnebago product is not the cheapest in its class, but when you consider what you are getting for your money; it is an unsurpassed value.  In our opinion, the few hundred dollars you spend now, will pay for itself five-times over during your ownership.  Like they say; " You get what you pay for ".

Teardrop Trailer

• View More »
• Value My Trade
• Get Pre-Approved
• Send to Friend

• U Shaped Dinette

• Rear Kitchen

Travel Trailer

Our {brand} prices are so low, {mfg} won't allow us to display our price without you requesting it. Complete this form and we'll contact you with our price.

Stock Number {stockNumber} {priceLabel} {msrp} {salePriceLabel} {saleprice}

Your message was sent successfully

A representative has been notified and will be with you shortly.

Enter your location to find RVs nearest you

Fretz RV, Pennsylvania’s Premier RV Dealer

While we attempt to ensure our RV inventory is current and accurate, this listing may not reflect the most recent transactions; or may reflect occasional data entry errors. We highly recommend you  contact us  to get the latest inventory status .  All inventory listed is subject to availability and prior sale. Ask about our FREE Camping promotion with the purchase of a new or used RV. Discount RV Internet Pricing on : Jayco RVs , Pleasure Way Van Campers, Roadtrek Class B, Coachmen Galleria, Winnebago Motorhomes and Winnebago Towables, Renegade Vienna RV, Chinook RV, Leisure Travel Vans, OPUS Camper, Skinny Guy Campers, Ember RV, TAXA Trailers, Toy Haulers , and more. You'll find travel trailers for sale with the best prices. Fretz RV is one of the top RV dealers in PA, allowing us to offer top name brands at the best prices.  Fretz RV is the oldest Jayco PA Dealership!  

* All RV prices exclude tax, title, registration and fees, freight, and dealer prep. All payments are with approved credit through dealer lending source. Advertised monthly payment is based on 25% cash down, plus tax, title, registration and fees, at 8.99% APR for 84 months on finance amounts under $10K, at 8.99% APR for 120 months on finance amounts from $10K to $15K, at 8.99% APR for 144 months on finance amounts from $15K to $25K, at 8.99% APR for 180 months on finance amounts over $25K, and at 8.99% for 240 months on finance amounts over $50K.  3.99% for 60 months on select vehicles, WAC, 30% down payment required. 

Fretz RV is not responsible for any misprints, typos, or errors found in our website pages. Any price listed excludes sales tax, registration tags, and delivery fees. Photographs may be representative only and may vary somewhat from the actual items offered for sale.  Manufacturer pictures, specifications, and features may be used in place of actual units on our lot. Please contact us at 215-660-3732 for availability as our inventory changes rapidly. All calculated payments are an estimate only and do not constitute a commitment that financing or a specific interest rate or term is available.

Fretz RV is located in Souderton PA.  Serving New Jersey, Allentown PA, Philadelphia PA, York PA, Lancaster PA, and Harrisburg PA.  We sell and ship RVs all over the world!

Manufacturer and/or stock photographs may be used and may not be representative of the particular unit being viewed. Where an image has a stock image indicator, please confirm specific unit details with your dealer representative.

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

Close Close

Outdoor Fact

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

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

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

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

Travel Trailer Brands to Avoid Purchasing in 2024

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

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

What travel trailers brands to avoid in 2023:

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

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

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

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

Let’s check out the result now:

1. Forest River Travel Trailer

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

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

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

2. Keystone Travel Trailer

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

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

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

3. Jayco Travel Trailer

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

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

4. Coachmen Travel Trailer

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

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

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

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

5. Winnebago Travel Trailer

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

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

6. Fleetwood Travel Trailer

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

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

7. Gulf Stream Travel Trailer

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

8. Thor Hurricane RV

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

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

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

What to Avoid When Purchasing an RV?

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

Rushing to a deal

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

Skipping the legwork

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

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

Being unsure about the requirements

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

Ignoring the tow weight

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

Travel Trailer Buyer’s Guide

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

2. Towing Capacity

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

3. Size and Floorplan

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

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

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

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

Last Updated on January 1, 2024

Related Posts

Carlos Perry

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

60 Comments

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

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

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

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

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

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

What are the best brands?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Pingback: A Breakdown of RV Full Time Cost: How Much Does It REALLY Cost? May 3, 2019