So what are the 10 best travel trailer brands? Here at Top Rated Travel Trailers, one of our goals is to provide you with unbiased information on travel trailers and the companies that make them. Choosing the best travel trailer brands is a tough choice
What we’ve done with this list is look at the most popular manufacturers of travel trailers, look at the models they make, and how well they sell. We also took a look at feedbacks and comments that we have found posted online in forums and other places travel trailer owners hang out.
What Are The Best Travel Trailer Brands This Year?
1. Airstream
Airstream – As a brand, Airstream is all about luxury. Producing some of the most iconic travel trailers ever made, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more distinctive style of travel trailers. Priced on the high-end of the travel trailer price range, Airstream still manages to provide a tremendous amount of value with numerous amenities and superior craftsmanship. This is the link to the Airstream Forums.
2. Grand Design
Grand Design – This manufacturer have an interesting story. They are a break-off from Keystone. I’ve come across many reviews where Grand Design owners praise the company for a quality product and a great customer service. They have a 3-year limited structural warranty on all of their coaches. They are located in Middlebury, Indiana. This is the link to the Grand Design Forums.
3. Oliver Travel Trailers
Oliver Travel Trailers – Oliver Travel Trailers are manufactured by Oliver Fiberglass Products (OFP) Company in Hohenwald, Tennessee. Interested in talking to other Oliver travel trailer owners? Visit the Oliver Travel Trailer Forums.
4. Forest River
Forest River – Founded in 1996 by Peter Liegl, Forest River operates multiple production plants throughout the Midwest and West Coast. They produce travel trailer, pop-up campers, fifth wheels, and many more types of recreational vehicles. Check out the Forest River Forums.
5. Gulfstream
Gulfstream – Around since 1983, this brand of travel trailers is well-known and recognized in providing outstanding quality and innovation. Looking to speak to existing owners of Gulfstream trailers and RVs? Visit their forums right here.
6. Heartland
Heartland – This company is founded in 2003 by Brian Brady and a group of RV industry veterans. Heartland RV is located in Elkhart, Indiana. They make several models of travel trailers that are well-regarded by consumers. Visit the Heartland RV Forums.
7. Eclipse Recreational Vehicles
Eclipse Recreational Vehicles – One of the largest producers of toy haulers and travel trailers, Eclipse Recreational Vehicles was founded in 2003. They make over 50 models of travel trailers. Eclipse has no forums for their owners that we could find.
8. Jayco
Jayco – Jayco RV goes back to 1968 when the company was founded by Lloyd J. Bontrager. Jayco blends Old World Amish craftsmanship and innovative technology. It is the nation’s largest family-owned-and-operated RV manufacturer today. To register for their forum, click here.
9. CruiserRV
CruiserRV– CuiserRV is a subsidiary of Thor Industries, the same corporation that owns AirStream and most recently, Jayco. They are located in Howe, Indiana and make several models of travel trailers and travel trailer toy haulers. We could not find a CruiserRV owners forum, but you can try checking out their Facebook page.
10. Winnebago
Winnebago – With a history of well over 50 years, this travel trailer brand is actually more well-known for its motor homes, but they also make an excellent line of travel trailers. We could not find a forum dedicated specifically to owners.
In addition to the above-mentioned travel trailers brand, we have included additional travel trailer manufacturers below for reference.
It’s important to note that with all the brands that you are going to find, you’ll also find loyal fans of the brand and also detractors of the brand. Not one brand is perfect. Where one brand excels, another brand may not be so good. We can’t stress enough the need for you to research the brands in which you might be interested. Talk to other owners and if you can, visit the models. Ask questions —lots of questions.
When it comes to travel trailer manufacturers, you are going to come across quite a few of them in the industry. Many build multiple types and styles of travel trailers. A few of the larger
Like any other purchase you make, oftentimes you get what you pay for and buying a travel trailer from any manufacturer is no different. The more expensive ones tend to have higher quality materials and features while the less expensive ones use lower quality materials in order to keep the cost down. Do your research prior to choosing a brand and model and you should be just fine.
Below you will find a list of travel trailer manufacturers. They are listed in no particular order.
Travel Trailer Manufacturers
- Coachmen RV: This is a division of Forest River. It builds travel trailers, 5th wheels, toy haulers, and motorhomes.
- Dutchmen RV: Dutchmen produce several widely-recognized brands of recreational vehicles, including Aerolite, Aspen Trail, Coleman, Denali, Kodiak, Razorback, Rubicon, and Voltage.
- Forest River: As far as travel trailer manufacturers go, Forest River does quite a bit both under this brand and some of the other travel trailer brands it owns. It makes travel trailers, 5th wheels, and toy haulers.
- Trillium Travel Trailers: They make fiberglass travel trailers.
- Scamp Travel Trailers: They also make fiberglass travel trailers.
- Keystone RV: Keystone RV is the #1 manufacturer of fifth wheel recreational vehicles in North America. You’ll find Keystone RVs available in all types and sizes of towable options. From ultra-lightweight travel trailers that can be towed by the new fuel-efficient crossover vehicles and smaller pickup trucks to luxurious fifth wheels, you can find a Keystone RV that’s just right for you.
- Palomino RV: Palomino RV operates as a separate division of Forest River, Inc. and has grown from their humble beginnings in Minnesota to one of the top 5 RV manufacturers in North America, with over 300 dealers representing, selling, and servicing the Palomino Brand.
- Shasta RV: An American icon that is still going strong.
- Starcraft: Makers of the AR-One and several other travel trailers, toy haulers, and fifth wheels.
- T&B: Maker of teardrop travel trailers.
35 comments
What are your thoughts about Newmar (for full-timing)? I saw that it wasn’t on the list, but then thought that maybe you are just reviewing current TT brands.
Newmar is one of the best for Full timing! There is a FB group for Newmar Owners, I am the admin. You should join!
Friends of ours owned a Newmar and they love it. It was their primary home.
Hi Emma, yest I typically just write about travel trailers and not motor coaches, however I did write an overview of their models here https://topratedtraveltrailers.com/newmar-rv-buy/
We have friends who have been doing full-time RVing out of a motor coach and they love it. They have a Newmar and are very happy with it.
We have a 2003 Coachmen Captiva. We keep having water issues which we are getting repaired to sale as we would like a newer trailer with a front kitchen and back bedroom with 2 slides. What brand do you recommend that is made lite weight but sturdy. We pull with a Ford F-150 ecoboost 3.5 engine.
what about a sunline solaris 26. It’s a 1998 model, but we’re interested in it. What are your thoughts?
Collette, I’m sorry I’m not familiar with that brand of travel trailers. I wish I could be of further help, however, you can try their forum http://www.sunlineclub.com/forums/
Thanks
Do you think Keystone Summerland mini 1850FL would be have good quality?
Renee, I’ve not been in one or have had the opportunity to review one. As I’ve become more aware of Keystone I have found some websites and forums that where owners of Keystone trailers question the quality of construction and customer support. I would look research further before making a decision.
Renee, I would visit the Keystone forums and ask some of the members who have one. Keystone like many of the travel trailer brands have those that simply love them or simply hate them. Here is the link to their forum.
http://www.keystonerv.org/
Coachmen…and Forest River….kind of like saying Mustang and Ford isn’t it?
Agree somewhat Bill, each brand name does have its own unique features and selling points.
Thanks for your comment Bill.
Avoid Forest River Puma…..purchased new in 2008 & one problem after the other…..tires, water leaks, micro wave explosion, windows and blinds, flooring, etc
What do you know about or think of the highlander light Fifth wheel
Pamela, I don’t research 5th wheels much, but the Highland RV light travel trailers are very nice and well built.
Would like to buy arrack trailer for the first time. Looking at Dutchman Aerolite 281RLSs and a Kestone Courgarlite 28RLS. Seen good and bad reviews what’s a girl to do?
Cindy I have seen the same with both, good and bad reviews. Keep researching, try and talk to owners of each model if you can, ask the dealer for contact information if possible. Look at other models also so you can make a better comparisons. Check the forums for reviews and comments. Make it a point to actually get in the trailer you are considering. Also check your dealers reputation for customer service as well.Above all take your time and don’t rush into buying one over the other without solid research.
We are looking at a Grand Desige 2800BH. Have read a lot of articles but would like your opinion.
Hi Steve:
I am researching Grand Design so right now I do not know much about them. I should have an article about their product line in the next month or so. So far what little I know is that they do make a good product. However I need to do more in depth research. Thanks for your comment,
How do you rank Keystone number 9 in your list, then question the quality of their construction in a comment? I am looking for a quality trailer, and the only one I have seen that impressed me at all was the Airstream. But you certainly pay for the quality. Everything else, including Coachmen, Forest River, and others on your list look like junk. What about Lance? They seem to be higher quality, but again, you pay for it.
Hi Ian,
I know it looks like a huge contradiction. When I initially did the research for this list I did not come upon some forums that had very strong things to say about Keystone. Since then I have reviewed those forums a lot more closely and I am looking to revise the list. Keystone and a couple of others will end up being removed. I agree with you the more expensive one typically are better built, Airstream surely is one of those, even though some people have complained that once Thor bought them the quality suffered. Making a list like this that isn’t full over expensive travel trailer is hard. Even then you will find positives and negative on just about every brand out there regardless of prices. Thanks for your feedback, much appreciated.
Hi Ray,
I’m a first-time buyer looking for a tough, lightweight trailer to be my second home in which my wife and I can travel and micro-live for months at a time without servicing issues if in remote places or outside the U.S. We only intend to sleep, eat and bathe inside the trailer – all other activities will be outside. Leaning toward Airstream for toughness of steel vs. fiberglass shell – agree? Airstream Sport or Basecamp?
Thank you, John
John, either model is going to be very good. The Sport is styled more traditional and has plenty of space. The Basecamp is fairly new so I don’t know much about. I can tell you that it has a very modern design and features many modern amenities that seem to have been developed for the outdoor type such as you. The base camp appears easier to tow which is something to consider if you will be out in the boonies. The pre-wired solar feature is something not seen in typical travel trailers and might be beneficial to you. You can’t go wrong with an Airstream and the Basecamp on the surface appears to be your better choice. Good luck with your purchase.
Hi Ray! We have just started looking at Teardrop TT. We think we would like about a 17 foot one. The 2 that we have seen are the Winne Drop(Winnebago) & the RPod(Forest River) Any thoughts on either. We think the idea of a fiberglass one is practical. Please give us some input on either of these or possible others that we may not be aware of.
Thank you! Doreena
Doreena I have hear good things about the Winnie Drop. Winnebago has been producing travel trailers and motor coaches for a long time. Personally I think you will have an edge with quality of construction if you buy the Minnie Drop. Thanks for your comments.
Hi Ray,
Have you ever reviewed any of the Outdoors RV Travel Trailers, like the Timber Ridge model or ant of the other Models?
Thanks Tim
Tim, no I have not but will add them to my editorial calendar for a future article. Thanks
Who is the maker of Sun Valley and Fleetwood Pioneer. What about the quality? Would you recommend purchasing one made in 2003?
Sun Valley is made by Evergreen RV which went out of business this past June. The Pioneer was made by Fleetwood.
Do you think that a 1979 silver streak 32 foot would be a good choice for full time?
Javier, that a decent size travel trailer. It just depends on the number of people. For 2-3 folks using it full time I would this it should be fine.
Ray, I’m interested in TT with winter design features: thicker walls and ceiling, insulation, dual payne or other similar purpose windows, sealed underbelly, heated tanks and ideal connections. I will be living full time Dec-Apr in Big Sky, MT where temps ma be single digit for weeks. I’m looking at Artic Fox, Outdoor RV Manuf’s Timber Ridge model, and Denali. Any others you may recommend for deep winter? Or a thoughtful guide recommendation to lead me through the pros and cons?
Doug, check out this article on winter camping wth TT. http://camping.lovetoknow.com/trailer-rv-camping/rvs-made-winter-camping
The Artic Fox is mentioned as well as the Starcraft Launch which one I really like. Like the article mentions make sure you get the arctic package. This package usually consists of dual pane windows, extra insulation in the floors and roof, and extra heating solutions for the RVs plumbing to ensure nothing freezes and bursts.”
Ray, We are looking at buying a 2016 Nomad 258rk travel trailer. We were told that the company that manufactured them has been bought out and that Nomads will no longer be made. We are wondering what you think of them and are concerned about whether the warranty will be covered and any problems taken care of if they occur. We really like the floor plan and the price is right.