10 Best Travel Trailer Brands for the Money (Plus 5 To Avoid)

With more new RVers joining the RV lifestyle each year, it’s never been more important to find the best travel trailer brands.

It’s also never been more confusing, as there are hundreds of different RV brands, from small regional options like Happier Camper to large national Fortune 500 companies like Thor Industries.

So, how can you figure out which RV brands are the best?

That’s where we can help, as we’ve analyzed industry reports, manufacturer specifications, and real-owner reviews to compile this list of the most popular and best travel trailer brands.

We’ve also included a couple of RV brands to avoid.

A Few Quick Notes:

Before we review the most popular and best travel trailer brands, we should mention a few quick caveats.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of travel trailer brands. There are hundreds of different RV brands and models, so if a camper isn’t on this list it doesn’t mean it’s not a quality RV.
This list is a general guide to the best travel trailer brands. Individual experiences can and will be different. For instance, my family has owned and enjoyed two Foresrt River travel trailers, however, you will find no shortage of negative reviews of this camper brand.
I think it’s important to include some budget-friendly RV brands that provide good value for the money on this list, as not everyone can afford a $50,000 premium travel trailer.

Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s take a look at the best travel trailer brands on the market today.

Best Travel Trailer Brands:

1. Forest River: Wide Selection & Budget-Friendly Pricing with Above Average Quality

Forest River is one of America’s leading RV manufacturers, backed by Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway since 1996. With an impressive A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, this industry giant offers one of the most extensive product ranges in the RV world, catering to virtually every camping style and budget.

Forest River travel trailers offer brand-leading versatility and affordability. Their models typically range from $20,000 to $50,000, making them accessible to many first-time RV buyers while still offering plenty of bells and whistles for luxury camping.

As one of the “big three” alongside Thor and Winnebago, their market share is huge, as they are the producer and parent company for countless RV brands and models, including several on this list.

For all their industry weight though they’re not immune to negative reviews. Because, while many owners praise their travel trailers for value and features, others report issues with quality control, slide-out issues, and warranty delays.

Despite the mixed reviews though, Forest River remains a solid entry to mid-range option for those seeking value and a wide selection.

2. Winnebago: America’s Most Well-Known RV Brand

Winnebago is one of the most iconic names in the RV industry, with a reputation so strong that many people use “Winnebago” generically to refer to any RV. Founded in Forest City, Iowa in 1958, this Midwestern RV manufacturer has built a legacy of quality, innovation, and customer-focused design that keeps RVers coming back for more.

The Winnebago difference begins with construction quality. Unlike other RV manufacturers, Winnebago produces most components in-house at its massive 200-acre Iowa facility (the world’s largest RV factory). Their proprietary SuperStructure construction includes thermo-panel sidewalls, interlocking joints, and laser-cut tubing for precise connections. Steel replaces wood in the cab structure for enhanced durability, while their multi-stage e-coating process minimizes corrosion on metal components.

Owner satisfaction ratings reflect this commitment to quality, with Winnebago receiving top marks for:

Livability and comfort
Well-designed floor plans
Towing experience

While not without occasional quality control issues (particularly in post-2019 models), Winnebago maintains strong customer loyalty through responsive warranty service and an impressive owner community.

For RV buyers seeking the ideal balance of quality, innovation, and value, Winnebago consistently delivers a premium experience without the hefty price tag.

3. Airstream: Iconic American Travel Trailers with Premium Quality & Timeless Appeal

Airstream travel trailers are one of the most recognizable RVs on the road today, thanks to their iconic aluminum-clad exterior and distinctive silver bullet design.

Founded by Wally Byam in the 1930s and now owned by Thor Industries, these iconic aluminum-clad trailers command premium prices ($30,000–$150,000) but offer unmatched quality, durability, and resale value for RV travelers with deep pockets.

Offering an aircraft-grade aluminum construction. Unlike conventional trailers that use plywood and fiberglass, Airstreams feature a riveted aluminum body hand-assembled with thousands of rivets, creating an exceptionally durable shell that routinely lasts decades, sometimes even outliving their original owners. The company claims that 65% of all Airstreams ever built were still on the road as of 2006.

This premium construction provides several practical advantages:

Improvied towing and fuel efficiency due to aerodynamic design and reduced wind resistance
Less maintenance with minimal sealing requirements
Superior resale value (some models even appreciate over time)
Exceptional weather resistance and insulation

The Airstream interior also matches its exterior quality with high-end finishes, including leather cushions, bamboo inlay walls, premium branded fixtures, and high-end appliances.

For those seeking a high-end travel experience backed by eight decades of American craftsmanship, Airstream offers extraordinary value for an expensive price tag. Not just recreational vehicles, but heirloom-quality investments that combine nostalgia, engineering excellence, and timeless design.

4. Jayco: America’s Bestselling Travel Trailers

Visit any RV campground and you’ll see plenty of Jayco blue jay logos. Founded in 1968 by Lloyd and Bertha Bontrager in northern Indiana, this family-oriented company began with an innovative pop-up camping trailer design and has grown to become a dominant force in the industry now operating as a subsidiary of Thor Industries.

What distinguishes Jayco from other RV brands is its commitment to construction quality. Offering proprietary Magnum Truss roof systems, which withstand 50% more weight than competitor roofs. As well as custom-built frames providing perfect weight distribution for each model.

Jayco also uses premium materials, including real wood cabinetry, aluminum-framed walls with fiberglass exteriors, and American-made Goodyear tires rated for higher speeds. They also offer an industry-leading warranty with a 2-year limited warranty (double the industry standard) and a 3-year structural warranty.

And if that’s not enough, their Jay Flight model has been North America’s bestselling travel trailer for 15 consecutive years, which shows consistent customer satisfaction.

It’s not all good news though, as some RVers note warranty service delays and quality control issues in recent models. The company also transparently acknowledges owners should expect 3 to 5 repairs during the first few years of ownership, which may be frustrating despite the comprehensive warranty coverage.

5. Lance: Premium Travel Trailers with Top-Notch Construction

Lance Camper has built a reputation for creating some of America’s highest-quality travel trailers. Founded in 1965 and originally focused on truck campers, Lance didn’t begin manufacturing travel trailers until 2009 but quickly established itself as an industry leader through innovative construction techniques and premium materials.

Offering class-leading construction techniques including:

LanceLock: A patented system of interlocking aluminum extrusions that creates a strong but lightweight frame
Azdel Composite Panels: Used instead of plywood, these panels are rot, mold, and water-resistant while being 50% lighter and twice as strong as wood
Euro-Lite/Lite-Ply: Premium five-layer poplar plywood imported from Europe for cabinetry that’s both sturdy and lightweight
3D CAD Engineering: Computer-controlled precision cutting ensures perfect component fit and structural integrity
Corrosion-Resistant Fasteners: Stainless steel fasteners

Also, the interiors feature well-laid-out floorplans with ample storage and comfortable sleeping arrangements. Most models include full bathrooms, queen beds, and customization options like solar panels and four-season packages for cold-weather camping.

While Lance trailers are some of the most expensive on the market (starting around $41,500), you get what you pay for. Customers consistently rank Lance as one of the best travel trailer brands for quality construction, efficient layouts, and solid resale value.

Their only real complaints from customers are their somewhat limited floor plan options and occasionally slow warranty service.

6. Grand Design: Quality-Focused RVs with Industry-Leading Construction Standards

Grand Design known for its high-quality 5th wheels also makes a full line of premium travel trailers.
Founded in 2012, this relatively young company has quickly become a leader among travel trailer brands by focusing on build quality and after-sale support.

Offering a range of brand-exclusive construction and building technologies, including advanced lamination, dual-seal technology, and upgraded insulation.

The RV brand also performs a rigorous 300-point Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) on every unit before shipping to dealers, investing over $3.8 million in this quality control process since its founding. Plus, new models come with a 1-year limited warranty, a 3-year structural warranty, and a 5-year frame warranty, the longest in the industry.

Grand Design also offers a positive customer experience after purchase, thanks to traveling service technicians, the comprehensive MyGDRV online owner portal, and partnerships with only full-service dealerships.

7. Coachmen: Affordable Travel Trailers with Practical Design

With nearly 60 years in the RV business, Coachmen has built a reputation for producing practical, budget-friendly travel trailers that prioritize functionality over flash.

Now operating as a subsidiary of Forest River, this long-established brand offers an extensive lineup that offers everything from compact pop-ups and travel trailers to spacious fifth wheels.

Focusing on straightforward, user-friendly designs with floor plans that maximize livability without unnecessary complexity, the brand delivers solid value with dependable construction and practical amenities at a reasonable price.

Customer reviews are also generally positive, though some owners have complained about quality control issues with components like plumbing fixtures and cabinet hardware. Most criticisms center around fit and finish though, rather than major structural concerns, and the brand’s extensive dealer network makes service and parts readily available.

For RVers seeking a no-nonsense travel trailer that balances affordability with good build quality, Coachmen is a great choice.

8. Keystone: Affordable Travel Trailers with Positive but Mixed Reviews

Keystone RV is another large RV manufacturer that makes a wide range of models.

With over 25 years in the business, this Forest River subsidiary offers an impressive range of 200+ floor plans across numerous models including Bullet, Cougar, Passport, and Springdale. Their immense production volume allows them to hit attractive price points for a variety of budgets.

Most owners report that the “bones” of their Keystone trailers remain solid even after years of use, the frames rarely bend, the walls stay firmly attached, and roofs maintain their integrity. Keystone’s engineering team has also introduced useful innovations like KeyTV (improved signal distribution), SolarFlex (pre-wired solar capability), and Hyperdeck composite subfloors that resist water damage.

However, Keystone has struggled with components and quality control over the years. Long-term owners frequently report appliance issues (particularly Dometic-branded items), plumbing leaks, trim pieces falling off, and cabinet hardware failures. Also, their warranty coverage, a 1-year limited warranty and a 3-year structural warranty is industry standard but owners report mixed experiences with service quality and response times.

For budget-conscious RVers willing to handle occasional DIY fixes and maintenance, Keystone offers good value in their price range. Their extensive dealer network also makes service and parts easily accessible.

9. Gulf Stream: Budget-Friendly Travel Trailers with Mixed Reviews

Gulf Stream is a family-owned company, founded in 1983, known for its budget-friendly travel trailer lineups.

Based in Nappanee, Indiana, the company targets entry-level and mid-range market segments with lightweight, relatively inexpensive travel trailer models.

Because of more budget-friendly pricing and lightweight design though, the reviews for this RV brand are often mixed. For example, while owners appreciate Gulf Stream’s lightweight construction for its ease of towing this often impacts long-term durability.

Gulf Stream has also struggled with build quality over the years, as some units perform well for years, while identical models develop multiple issues.

For budget-conscious shoppers, Gulf Stream offers an affordable entry point into RV ownership. However, as one reviewer summarized, “If you want better quality, you’re going to have to pay more for it and the trailer will be a lot heavier.”

10. Alliance RV: A Rising Star Built on Customer-Focused Quality

Founded in 2019 by industry veterans, Alliance RV has quickly established itself as a premium manufacturer despite being relatively new.

Operating from its Elkhart, Indiana facility, Alliance has earned a reputation for exceptional build quality and customer-focused design across its expanding product lineup.

From the beginning, Alliance committed to incorporating direct customer feedback into its manufacturing process. Unlike many established manufacturers who rely on dealer input, Alliance actively solicits and implements suggestions from actual RV owners, resulting in features that reflect real-world RV life.

All their models are constructed on a custom chassis, creating a sturdier foundation. Standard features include high-end components like stainless steel appliances, LED lighting, and superior insulation packages.

Owner reviews consistently praise Alliance’s build quality, noting impressive attention to detail and fewer initial quality issues than industry averages. Their four-season capabilities, residential-style amenities, and storage solutions also make them particularly popular among full-time RVers and extended-stay travelers.

The company also backs its products with solid warranty coverage and responsive customer service, though as a newer RV manufacturer, its dealer network remains somewhat limited compared to industry giants.

Travel Trailer Brands to Avoid:

Coleman: Coleman travel trailers, now manufactured by Dutchmen RV (a Thor Industries subsidiary), is a budget-friendly option that struggles with significant quality control issues. Despite the trusted Coleman name recognition from their camping equipment, these trailers consistently disappoint with leaks, electrical problems, and poor build quality. Customers frequently report trim falling off, wallpaper peeling, and even structural integrity issues appearing within the first year of ownership.
Palomino: Palomino (a Forest River subsidiary) suffers from significant quality control inconsistencies across their product lines. While some owners find them to be a good budget-friendly option, many report serious structural defects. Common complaints include water leaks from windows and skylights, plumbing connections failing, cabinet doors detaching, interior walls buckling, and electrical systems malfunctioning.
Cruiser: Thor Industries’ Cruiser RV brand has developed a reputation for poor build quality and customer service issues. The brand earned a dismal D- rating from the Better Business Bureau. Customer reviews often show problems with water intrusion, substandard materials, and virtually non-existent customer support. Leaking is one of the most common complaints, with owners reporting water damage within the first year of ownership from improperly installed windows, seals, and roof components.
Dutchman: Dutchman RV (another Thor Industries subsidiary) consistently ranks among the worst travel trailer brands for quality. Common complaints include faulty plumbing, improperly installed slides, electrical issues, and structural problems. The company’s warranty process can also be lengthy and frustrating, with owners reporting units spending more time in repair shops than at RV campsites.
Heartland: The bad outweighs the good for this Thor Industries subsidiary. While praised for its well-designed floor plans, good storage, and residential-style amenities, these positive attributes are often overshadowed by quality control problems and frustrating warranty experiences. Common complaints include underbellies detaching, water leaks, failing components, and substandard installation work.

Final Thoughts on the Best Travel Trailer Brands

Choosing from the best travel trailer brands requires balancing quality, features, and budget.

Whether you choose premium craftsmanship from Airstream or Lance, or value-driven options like Forest River or Coachmen, it’s best to avoid cheap brands with persistent quality issues

Happy camping and safe travels!