Best RV Brands: The 12 Top Manufacturers Producing the Highest Quality Rigs

Alright, RVers (and prospective RVers). Let’s have a real talk: the RV industry is oversaturated.

We have A LOT of RV manufacturers. We have A LOT of RV enthusiasts. I mean, we have a lot of recreational vehicles, period.

So allow me to illuminate you on the best RV brands so you’re not shooting in the dark!

I’ve been around. With 5+ years of RVing experience, I’ve seen more than just a couple of motor coaches and travel trailers. Sure, I’ve had my experience with what I think the top RV brands are… But what you have to remember is that RVers talk.

Campgrounds. RV shows. Clubs and meetups. RVers talk, and I’ve talked to many seasoned pros about which brands are producing the best RVs.

So really, this list doesn’t just come from me: it comes from the whole community! I’m not just discussing brands building luxury RVs for the 1%. We’re covering EVERYTHING: budget, innovation, weekend warriors, extended adventures, and, of course, what to avoid…

Buckle up! We’re looking at an oversaturated market. There are a lot of good options, but there are only a few best RV brands for you.

What Defines the Best RV Manufacturing Brands?

Don’t just take my word for it! It’s time to learn how to identify what makes a good RV brand so good.

The RV industry is booming. New models are always coming down the assembly line. Over time, new brands emerge, existing brands may improve, and some even go down the (gravity flush) toilet.

So, in support of keeping you savvy and razor sharp, here’s how you spot the good trailer and motorhome manufacturers from the ugly.

The Highest Quality Materials

This may seem obvious. Whether it’s RVing or water bottles, any good brand should use top-shelf materials with superior craftsmanship, right…? Well, you might be surprised!

However, in an RV, high-quality materials extend beyond just the mechanics, exterior, or even heavy-duty, rig-friendly tires.

I’m talking things like:

• Superior insulation
• Durable flooring
• Long-lasting furniture
• And high-grade materials throughout the whole construction

Put simply, the best RV brands always source materials from established, esteemed sources to ensure your entire rig reflects top-tier craftsmanship.

High-End Features and Amenities

Good RV brands will deliver a well-built rig. But the truly great brands? They distinguish themselves through their appliances.

Granted, if you get a well-built rig from a reliable RV brand, it’s unlikely you’ll get bad appliances. But the best RV companies will give you high-end amenities, premium features, and plenty of appliances, such as:

• Premium ovens
• Efficient air conditioning
• Leading RV refrigeration units
• And more!

Whether it’s a castle or a castle-on-wheels, the features should have you feeling like a lord.

Genuine After-Sales Customer Support

Even the best RVs break down. Or sometimes, you might just need a bit of help figuring out your motorhome.

At times like these, good after-sales customer support is a godsend. The good news is, most RV brands that build you a best-in-class rig probably won’t ghost you once the sale is done. The leading brands making quality RVs take customer satisfaction seriously.

But just in case, make sure to do your own research! Check out forums and review sites to find real-world customer feedback about a brand’s after-sales support and services. You should also check out the brand’s website to see if they offer detailed guides and manuals to further support customers.

Comprehensive Manufacturer Warranties

Moreover, a comprehensive warranty is just as crucial! After all, even the most reliable RVs, unfortunately, will break down eventually.

With RV warranties, it’s quite straightforward. The longer and more comprehensive it is, the better. The average warranty for a new RV tends to sit in the one to three-year range. After that, you have to purchase and rely on the reputable extended RV warranty providers to continue your coverage.

But once again, do your due diligence. I would also seek out other customer opinions to ensure the brand honors its warranties.

Convenient Dealer Accessibility

As a final, optional-but-smart consideration, I’d also highly recommend you choose an RV brand with a dealership near you. Depending on your budget, you may also need to explore different financing options and even trade-in deals.

If that’s the case, then make sure your chosen RV dealer has whatever you need. More established RV brands will have dealers all over the country, which makes repairs and ongoing maintenance much more convenient.

The 12 Best RV Brands (With Something for Everyone!)

It’s time to find you the ultimate comfort on the open road!

These 12 RV brands have withstood the test of time and proven their worth repeatedly over their decades of operations. They deliver where it matters.

“Ultimate comfort” means what’s right for you. RV types, the prices, even just the perfect floor plan… So, whether you’re looking for a luxurious Class A motorhome, a top-of-the-line pop-up trailer, or just a cozy little teardrop camper, one of these brands is sure to hit the spot!

Best for Premium Builds

1. Grand Design RV

Grand Design RV has a reputation for tough, solid, and reliable RVs. Their rigs have no problem standing up to rough terrains and extreme weather, with a lineup that includes the whole shebang: luxury class B and C motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheels… Basically, if you want it, you’ve got it!

Premium (and grand) is the name of the game here. Grand Design builds its RVs with high-grade materials at every turn, outfitting its units with upscale residential amenities, stainless steel appliances, and spacious interiors. (The latter being one of their signature go-to power design moves.)

Of course, you get what you pay for. Grand Design RVs are on the higher end of the price spectrum. Plus, all that premium modern decor lends itself to a heavier rig and lower fuel mileage.

But in return, you get one of the best RV brands, hands down! As well as motorhomes, we would also consider them one of the best brands producing travel trailers. AND, if you’re not sold, you’ll also find an efficient and responsive customer service team, with a 3-year limited structural warranty and a lifetime warranty on the roof membrane.

Who said life on the road couldn’t be grand?

Best for Innovation

2. Keystone RV

Put simply, Keystone RV is well-known for innovation. There’s never a lack of advanced technologies in their manufacturing processes, with more always in the pipeline!

This naturally applies to the brand’s dedication to high-quality construction, such as welded aluminum floor joists. However, it’s also about the systems that Keystone designs and implements in its rigs.

Examples of this include:

• HyperDeck Flooring, which replaces traditional wood with 100% inorganic materials, making it highly resistant to water damage. It’s lighter, stronger, and a lot more durable in the long term.
• The SolarFlex Solar Package, which is a modular, integrated solar solution for buyers. It includes components like solar panels, MPPT charge controllers, and, in some packages, high-quality RV inverter units, allowing owners to monitor and expand their solar capabilities while keeping the package as a factory-integrated out-of-the-box unified ecosystem.

Overall, Keystone RV keeps things affordable, with many options available for different budgets.. Most of their rigs sit in the low-to-mid-range, with a few high-end lines too.

Unfortunately, with their budget models, there is a well-established reputation for serious quality control issues and a lack of customer support. Go with Keystone for mid-range and higher-end rigs that package awesome, innovative systems.

And for budget rigs, I’d seriously suggest looking elsewhere.

Best for Reliability

3. Winnebago

Winnebago is one of the oldest RV manufacturers around. They’re renowned for building some of the most reliable RVs on the market, having proven their worth over and over for decades.

As you’d expect from a classically reliable RV brand like Winnebago, their rigs are built with sturdy materials and timeless designs. Additionally, post-pandemic woes aside, they’re well-regarded for rigorous testing processes and top-notch quality control.

Furthermore, Winnebago RVs tend to be spacious in living space, ergonomically designed, and comfortable for extended adventures. They give off a very homely vibe and are a bona fide classic in the USA’s RV community.

Due to this, they are also quite pricey and may not be the best pick for limited budgets. If you already own a Winnebago, I’d recommend painting your RV’s exterior if it turns gnarly, de-rust and re-seal regularly, and stick to a proper maintenance routine to keep your rig in tip-top shape. Winnebago’s have good resale value, so capitalize!

Best for Families

4. Jayco

Jayco started small as a family-run business with Amish roots, first building out of a literal chicken barn in rural Indiana. Today, this brand is an international powerhouse and is owned by the massive RV conglomerate Thor Industries! (Which we’ll get to.)

Similar to Grand Design RV, Jayco’s RVs are well-known for being spacious, durable, and designed with families in mind. However, I’d define their key factor as value. Jayco puts less emphasis on being premium for premium’s sake, preferring to stick with their roots and build premium rigs for the whole family.

Living spaces are roomy, rigs have ample storage, plus you get high-end features like slide-outs and clever conversions to further maximize every nook and cranny. Moreover, they also employ sturdy, lightweight materials, as well as state-of-the-art construction techniques to craft their RVs to ensure it’s a smooth ride in a hardy package.

The only thing I don’t like about Jayco is that their quality control has gone downhill since Thor Industries took over the brand. (That’s a common issue we’ll get to.) Leaks, cracks, plumbing issues, and all widely reported issues in post-COVID models, in particular.

But older Jayco RVs that reflect the company’s original family-first ethos are still terrific value. Families who can afford to spend more and hunt for the perfect second-hand rig will be in good hands.

Best for Quality Trailers

5. Airstream

Even older than Winnebago, Airstream has been in the game since 1931(!!!). Their mission is to create “the perfect travel trailer”. As such, it’s no surprise that they are another hot contender for the best travel trailer brand.

Airstream trailers are easily recognizable by their iconic silver bullet shape and vintage design. They’re built with first-rate materials, such as:

• Premium aluminum frames
• Aircraft-grade shells
• And quality interiors designed to last for decades

Plus, they use lightweight and aerodynamic designs to improve fuel economy and the towing experience. While a Jeep Wrangler’s towing capacity is pushing it, they are still equipped for less robust tow vehicles overall.

Unfortunately, Airstreams run high prices amongst travel trailer brands and recreational vehicles. And they have a few other quirks too, such as limited floor plans and lower insulation factors.

Consider your climate and your needs overall. And if you’re after Airstream-level quality WITHOUT committing to the tow-life, they also make Class B and B+ touring coaches built on Mercedes chassis.

Regardless, other than a Winnebago (or a 1986 Fleetwood Bounder 😉), there aren’t many RVs that look this good in the southwestern deserts.

Best for Off-Road Trailers

6. Outdoors RV

Going boondocking, fellow off-road-warriors? As the name suggests, Outdoors RV builds recreational vehicles equipped for rugged, outdoor adventures. Despite being relatively new to the scene, they’ve established themselves as a force to be reckoned with for off-road terrains.

Though their lineup is limited to travel trailers and fifth wheels, they downright excel in that niche! Outdoors RVs are amongst the toughest towables on the market. They use hardy materials, such as:

• Laminated fiberglass walls
• Durable rubber roofs (EPDM or TPO)
• Custom steel chassis

With a bunch of models also coming pre-equipped with off-roading tires. They also utilize floor plans that feature ample storage space and room for robust systems, like water holding tanks.

While Outdoor RVs are expensive, their toughness is unquestionable. What’s more, for the price you pay, you also get access to their network of more than 100 dealers and service centers. That means, no matter where the off-roads take you (and what happens on them), a little help is never far!

Best for Compact Towables

7. Casita Travel Trailers

So, Outdoors RV had you choosing between travel trailers or fifth wheels. But Casita Travel Trailers, as the name suggests, has honed that niche to one category—and it shows in the builds they produce!

For lightweight travel trailers, Casita is one of the best RV brands around. Their mission is to create portable, towed homes of compact sizes and light weights built for easy towing. Even a properly equipped Jeep Wrangler can tow one comfortably, which is a big plus for small SUV owners!

But in spite of their lighter builds, Casita Travel Trailers are very durable and dependable. The fiberglass shells can take a serious wallop, and the lighter tow makes for easier navigation on rough roads.

Casita is in high demand. This can, unfortunately, affect supply, repairs, and support processes, especially during peak periods. But if you were after something nimble that slotted into your life with ease (and potentially without having to change your tow vehicle), they’re a smart choice.

Best for Class A Motorhomes

8. Newmar

For another specialist brand, we have Newmar; these guys build some of the best, most luxurious Class A motorhomes on the market! (They also build “Super” Class Cs, but these are basically Class As built on truck chassis instead of the usual bus frames.)

As one of the top manufacturers of Class A diesel coaches, quality and reliability are synonymous with Newmar. Overall, I find that Newmar is quite similar to Keystone and Jayco RVs as well as Thor Motor Coaches, just with fewer quality control issues. Across their RVs, you’ll find pure opulence:

• High-end finishes
• Upscale residential amenities
• Thermal pane windows (otherwise known as dual pane windows)
• Very spacious interiors
• And just a whole lot of class!

Of course, all that class comes at a very high cost. And hulking mansions of the road, such as these, don’t excel in fuel efficiency either. But the good news is that Newmar also delivers some mid-range models as well as smaller and more compact Class A motorhomes.

They may not be the ideal RV brand for you if you were hoping for low-footprint and nimble. But if you wanted luxury at a grandiose scale, Newmar is a top-tier brand.

Best for Affordability

9. Coachmen RV

Coachmen RV swoops in as a great brand for people shopping in the budget to value-for-money range. While that comes with caveats, the pros are a BIG win:

1. Coachmen offers the lowest entry-level prices in a lot of cases. They usually undercut brands like Jayco or Keystone.
2. They have broad lineups, including Class C RVs, fifth wheels, travel trailers, and more. They build products suitable for first-timers, weekenders, and the budget-conscious alike.
3. Their RVs have an established reputation as budget workhorses.

Are there quality control issues? Yes. Does their customer support drop the ball sometimes? Absolutely.

But they’re also an extremely affordable and accessible RV brand. You’ll find dealerships well-versed in Coachmen RVs right across the country, with plenty of financing and trade-in options available.

Even as a starting point into the market, Coachmen is an excellent beginner RVer brand.

Best for Variety

10. Thor Industries and Forest River

Things may get a little spicy with this choice. But if you’re looking for the best variety across the different classes of RV types, we have to talk about Thor and Forest River.

Here’s how it works:

1. Both brands are massive umbrella conglomerates, dominating the USA’s RV market.
2. Both brands have huge ranges of RVs and sub-brands. On this list alone, Keystone, Jayco, and Airstream are all owned by Thor, and Coachmen by Forest River.
3. They have awful reputations for filler sub-brands (like Heartland RV and Dutchman RV) as well as poor quality control and after-sales support.
4. BUT… when they actually try, they pop-off.

Thor Industries has its dedicated Thor Motor Coaches brand producing high-quality, mid-range Class A and C motorhomes with all the modern decor you could want. Plus, not ALL brands drop off after being bought out by Thor; for example, Airstream still produces amazing RVs.

Meanwhile, Forest River, while lacking a dedicated in-house brand, has its areas of expertise. Coachman RVs, while facing some quality control issues, still have a very clear niche carved out. Moreover, Forest River excels in the tent trailer game, featuring more than once on our list of the best pop-up campers.

Should you approach with caution? 100%. I’ve had to swoop in and seriously tweak how we approached this list—if you look in the comments below, you’ll see a very lively debate regarding customer feedback and satisfaction with these brands, particularly Thor.

But, I can’t actually not mention them. If you’re in the market or traipsing through RV shows, a massive chunk of the builds you look at will actually be of the Thor or Forest River brands. (Even if you don’t know it.) But again, when they hit, they hit.

Ultimately, just think of it like Modern Day Disney: it’s pure quantity over quality. But every now and then, you get an Andor. 😉

Some Final Notes on Finding the Right RV Brand for You

Well, that’s a lot of good info! Whether it’s for full-time living or holiday expeditions, I hope you have a sense of what the right RV brands for you is for you.

But before we close off, pay attention! We’re almost done, but there’s something very very important you should know first.

What RV Brands Should You Avoid: a More Nuanced Take

Folks, let’s not sugarcoat it. Post-pandemic, the RV industry is struggling at best and a bad joke with no punchline at worst. Here’s the timeline:

1. COVID hit, and the industry saw a boom.
2. Manufacturing processes were blitzed to keep up with the demand, cutting corners and hiring a lot of unskilled or untrained labor.
3. We got a gluttony of supply chain shortages, and quality control went out a six-storey window.
4. Many new rigs ended up with shoddy Frankenstein builds.
5. RV dealers were flooded with these shoddy units.
6. Customer service and warranty processes went out that same window.
7. And now the market is flooded with lemons and a lot of unsavory dealerships pawning them off as new models (e.g., post-2022).

Are things getting better now? Yes. Are they good? Ehhhhhhhhh…

So, forget asking “What RV brands should I avoid?” Here is what I would advise instead:

• Prioritize well-maintained second-hand RVs from the 2010s, particularly 2013-2019. They’re better made, well-reviewed, cheaper, and have fewer tech-dystopia-era electronics built in.
• Push dealers hard. Independent inspections, lengthy pre-delivery inspections (PDIs) of every system, and hard specifics on warranties and service times are a given right. (And read reviews for RV dealerships as much as you would for specific models.)
• Bring a seasoned RVer you’ve befriended along for a second-hand opinion.
• Buy a suitable van to convert into a camper and go live the vanlife! (Dealers hate this recommendation—teehee.)
• If buying new models, go post-2022 only, and the later the better. Check the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This will tell you the year of production, so you can be certain it was, in fact, built in the year you’ve been told.

And if the seller is refusing to co-operate with any of that, take your dollaridoos elsewhere. The seller’s role is to sell: yours is to look after yourself.

When buying a MASSIVE ticket item like an RV, remember: no friends but the mountains. (Well, except anybody else willing to crawl under the chassis with you. 😊)

FAQs About the Leading RV Manufacturers and Brands

Now that the spice is cleared from our palettes, let’s wrap up with some final queries. You got questions, I got answers, and above all-

We got a lot of good brands of RVs for the adventures ahead.

You’ve Seen the Top RV Brands—Which One is Best for YOU?

Ultimately, there’s no one straightforward answer to which is the best RV brand. And, the sneaky final plot twist is that there is no right RV brand for you either.

But that doesn’t mean there isn’t a best RV for you.

RV classes, individual models, years of production, service history—these are the things that truly matter. Forget brand loyalty! That’s how people end up with Beats Headphones or the Apple Butterfly Keyboard.

So instead, start by considering what you want. Every RVer has different needs. There will always be hits and misses within brands.

But as long as you’re shopping models with a critical eye and finger on the pulse of your travel style, you’ll be fiiiiine. And if you’re unsure which brand, class, or model is right for you, you can always rent an RV for a month to try it out first.

After all, with so many flavors out there, it’s smart to sample before you buy. 🙂