Best Quality RV Manufacturers to Look For

[AHarris]

We're looking at probably upgrading the TT this summer since we decided to keep the truck, maybe something like an Airstream, nice 5er, or just a bigger TT.



The TT I have now was made by Fleetwood. Bought it new in July '03. I am not at all impressed with the build quality or the materials in the coach, especially the slightly warping countertops and particle board cabinetry. It's still a good coach and doesn't leak and should last for years--but I keep it clean and waxed and take care of it.



For our next one, though I want to get something that will last for a good 10-20 years. That's one reason why I'm thinking about the Airstream. But they are so frigging expensive!



Fleetwood is out of the question based on the unimpressive quality of my current camper. I liked Bigfoot but they didn't make anything big enough and they are out of business now.



Of the other manufacturers (that are still left) such as Jayco, Montana, etc. which ones strike you guys as the best in terms of good quality versus cost?

 

[DAN V]

EXCEL by PETERSON INDUSTRIES

I am looking at the EXCEL brand. They are very well built. They do make only about 350 units per year. Go to their website and look at the videos. I have my eye on a used one. If you get a new one they are very spendy but IMO I think they are worth the money. EXCELRVS. COM

 

[RHestand]

IMHO, our 98 Airstream, 31' Excella, is head & shoulders above any of the motor homes, TT, etc. that we have had in the last, almost 40 years.

With all the bad roads, and putting a lot of miles on our previous units, they would literally shake themselves apart. It's terrible to stop at a nice spot for the night, park, and before you open the door, wonder about what has broken, or fallen off the walls inside. (I mean stuff like cabinets. ) I won't even get into rain and water leaks.

After 11 years, and many trips around the USA, Mex. and Canada, other than regular maintenance, I've only replaced tires and batteries(Oh yes, one wheel bearing. ) on mine.

And yes, they are expensive. Some guys on this site, have and will say "over priced", but I have to say, "I have never regretted buying mine. "

They tow very well, and over all, everything works like they are supposed to. The longer you have and use one, the more you come to appreciate that.

Also, with proper research, I would not be concerned about buying a used one. In fact, with today's economy, there might be some good deals out there.

Good Luck, Ray

 

[Jim W]

If you are looking at 5er's there are three or four that you may want to look at. Some of these may be in a price bracket that may be too high. Since I do not know what is your price range. The first one would be a Double Tree, the second model is a Titanium, the third would be Cameo and the last would be Jayco.

You may be able to find a two or three year old model that is in excelient shape and be less costly then new. This is what I did and I found a one year old model that was bought but never used. I save a bundle over a new model with the same features.

 

[Hoefler]

I found Landmark from Heartland to be well made and reasonably priced.

 

[skorski]

5twheel

Remember the old saying you get what you pay for. Try New Horizon ,Built to your spects if you can draw it they will build it, how you want it . try the web page www.new horizon .com Good luck. They will last a life time.

 

[DAN V]

skorski, you sure that website is right cause all i get is some home place in cali?

 

[B.G. Smith]

Would agree that Airstream, Titanium and Cameo are good quality. Cameo is made by Carriage and their lower level units, Newmar makes some good trailers as does New Vision which I believe is K-Z. bg

 

[skorski]

5er

Sorry about that Dan the web sight is New Horizons RV, custom Fifth Wheel, Travel Trailers, MotoMovers (toy haulers), and 5-Star RVs designed and built for you!. Ski

 

[skorski]

Dan diereguard the above message dumb computer. The sight is New Horizons RV, custom Fifth Wheel, Travel Trailers, MotoMovers (toy haulers), and 5-Star RVs designed and built for you! Ski

 

[skorski]

5 er

Dan the website is New Horizons RV, custom Fifth Wheel, Travel Trailers, MotoMovers (toy haulers), and 5-Star RVs designed and built for you!

 

[Gaylord]

I've BTDT. When I sold our 5th wheel that we had for 20 years, I had replaced all the appliances, sister ribbed those where the staples came lose, removed and re-caulked the entire skin & roof & replaced the landing gear.

I told the wife that I would only buy a high end unit... . Airstream, Holiday Rambler, Avion or an old Silver Streak. Ended up with a 27' Holiday Rambler. Great unit and zero problems. Finally!

Remember, vacuum molded construction & unitized construction is far superior to camper construction (1" wood with staples).

Yep, it doesn't have slides. I tell every campground owner that I am the perfect camper... no kids, no slides and no four legged ***** machines... . brings a smile to their face every time.

Unless you buy used, it will be very difficult to find a high end unit, except Airstream, without slides and used units without slides are ..... well, inexpensive. Most people want want slides. HTH

 

[RideSlow2004]

Had very good luck with my Jayco, (31BHS) bought from local dealer in Kent WA, (Watts RV) on recommendation from 2 guys I work with that also have Jayco's and purchased from same dealer. Not a high end unit by any stretch of the imagination, but good for traveling with kids, friends, and grand kids. Of course, I also had 2 Fleetwood trailers before, that served us well. We used them all year, average about one trip every two months. Even Jayco recommends in the manual for my unit that it not be used for full time. Roads out here are getting worse, trailer seems to be holding up well.

 

[Bill Stockard]

IMHO, our 98 Airstream, 31' Excella, is head & shoulders above any of the motor homes, TT, etc. that we have had in the last, almost 40 years.

With all the bad roads, and putting a lot of miles on our previous units, they would literally shake themselves apart. It's terrible to stop at a nice spot for the night, park, and before you open the door, wonder about what has broken, or fallen off the walls inside. (I mean stuff like cabinets. ) I won't even get into rain and water leaks.

After 11 years, and many trips around the USA, Mex. and Canada, other than regular maintenance, I've only replaced tires and batteries(Oh yes, one wheel bearing. ) on mine.

And yes, they are expensive. Some guys on this site, have and will say "over priced", but I have to say, "I have never regretted buying mine. "

They tow very well, and over all, everything works like they are supposed to. The longer you have and use one, the more you come to appreciate that.

Also, with proper research, I would not be concerned about buying a used one. In fact, with today's economy, there might be some good deals out there.

Good Luck, Ray

We've bought two new Airstreams ('76, '82) and one '89 Argosy (Airstream product) 5th wheel trailer. Not only did they give excellent service over the years and thousands of miles we towed them, they held their resale value better than anything else we've ever owned. In each case when we sold these units, they brought within $500 of what we originally paid for them.



Bill

 

[Skydiver]

Another vote for Newmar. Our 1989 37' Kountry Star does what its supposed to do. It is still beautiful inside.

I would like to own a newer unit.

 

[ringneck]

carriage is one off the best,you will find.

 

[Grizzly]

Consider anything made by Northwood MFG. They make Arctic Fox, Desert Fox and Nash. All 3 are 4 star rated in the RV Consumer Group. New Horizon, the only 5 star rated RV are excellent, but very expensive.

 

[David Pendleton]

There was a write up in the TDR a few years ago about RV's, quality, and the like.



Anyone remember it? Mods?

 

[Grizzly]

There was a write up in the TDR a few years ago about RV's, quality, and the like.



Anyone remember it? Mods?

I just made a search, and went way back, for RV quality and couldn't find anything.

 

[B.G. Smith]

https://www.turbodieselregister.com...ng-fifth-wheel-trailer-any-tips-welcomed.html Here is an older thread where you may find some useful info. bg