#1 SELLING RV CONSUMER
GUIDES FOR 20+ YEARS
We rate over 95% RV manufacturers and popular models from 2008-2022
Our Travel Trailer Comparison Guide has been the #1 RV buyer’s resource for more than 20 years. We provide reviews for the vast majority of RV manufacturers in North America. Even better, our useful charts compare them against each other. Our chapters on construction techniques and modern materials should be read by every RV buyer. While it may sound dull, many readers find these the most interesting parts of the book. Remember, this applies not only to travel trailers, but also fifth wheels and toy haulers.
Our review guide provides fair and balanced reviews. But we also reveal lots of money saving tips. Our buying tips alone will save you thousands of dollars on any RV, new or used.
Who Builds the Best Travel Trailers, Fifth Wheels or Toy Haulers for the Money?
This is a great question and on the minds of most RV buyers that are looking for a new or used towable. But, to answer that question there are some variables that will determine which travel trailer, fifth wheel or toy hauler is right for your travel needs.
- How long do you plan to own your RV trailer?
- Will you vacation in your travel trailer or fifth wheel for extended periods of time or use it just for weekend use?
- How much are you wanting to spend?
- Will you be traveling during the pleasant summer months, or do you see yourself as an extreme RV-er?
#1 MISTAKE MOST TRAVEL TRAILER BUYERS MAKE
Most buyers start at the dealer level when shopping for a travel trailer, fifth wheel or toy hauler and fall in love with a particular floorplan. This is the wrong approach and usually leads to buyer’s remorse.
Not knowing which RV manufacturer builds top-quality units that will hold their resale value over time is a big mistake. Our Comparison Guide rates over 95% of RV manufacturers in North America.
We believe in starting at the manufacture level first and our strategy has proven to be correct. There is no other RV publication that we are aware of that has been as successful helping consumers purchase a RV for the last 20 years.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A WELL-BUILT TRAILER
Almost all potential buyers want to know if the model they are looking to purchase, new or used is constructed well and will stand the test of time.
Developing a set of construction requirements that appropriately reflect a structurally sound fifth wheel or travel trailer is essential and helps remove any frustration when trying to understand the quality of a particular model, new or used.
An essential element for selecting any towable model is how well it is constructed. In our comparison guide, we cover fundamental aspects of construction:
- Frames
- Underbelly construction
- Exterior wall construction
Insulation types- Plumbing & electrical
- Kitchen cabinets
- Windows
- Roofing materials & much more
Insulation typesHOW WE COLLECT OUR DATA FOR OUR PUBLICATION
As we carried out our research, we found that most RV salespeople didn’t know much regarding the overall construction methods of the products they were selling. This frustrated us and it made our staff look deeper into the industry to see how much those in management knew about construction methods. Interestingly, most in management were also to some extent tentative in conveying which construction techniques were best and what to look for in a quality-built trailer.
We were beginning to think we would never complete the construction chapter of our book until we decided to get in touch with travel trailer plant managers to see if they could shed some light on the topic. To our surprise, many plant managers were delighted to talk with us and they had the technical expertise we were looking for. Much of their insight and feedback has gone into our book. We also receive valuable input from previous RV owners and those that have purchased our RV guides in the past.
Our research team frequently speaks with RV manufacturers and RV dealers around the country. More importantly, we also interview existing travel trailer, fifth wheel and toy hauler owners. This unbiased feedback is combined with the manufacturers’ own technical data, resulting in an easy-to-read and reference publication that has helped thousands of RV buyers for more than 20 years.
Our Travel Trailer & Fifth Wheel Guide includes a current factory article for each trailer manufacturer with helpful and interesting facts and insights you won’t find anywhere else. Each article sheds insight about buyouts, impending or past bankruptcies, lawsuits and notable events and product changes. We also feature popular selling models per manufacturer with honest reviews.
Each article contains valuable information in these key areas:
- Company background and history
- Principle target customer
- List of best-selling models
- Company’s main competitors
- Average MSRP of best-selling trailers
- Financial stability of company
- Rating charts which show how each manufacturer is performing over multiple years. (These rating charts are very important and reveal if a particular manufacturer is trending, upward or downward in quality, customer satisfaction, factory support and overall resale value of models)
- Objective comments from research staff
TRAILER MANUFACTURERS WE RATE IN OUR GUIDE
| Manufacturer | Manufacturer | Manufacturer |
|---|---|---|
| Airstream | Extreme Warrior | Pacific Coachworks |
| August RV | Forest River | Palomino RV |
| Bigfoot | Genesis Supreme | Prime Time |
| Casita | Grand Design | Redwood RV |
| Chalet RV | Gulf Stream | RV Factory |
| Coachmen | Heartland | Starcraft RV |
| CrossRoads RV | Highland Ridge | Taylor Coach |
| Cruiser RV | Jayco Inc. | Thor Industries |
| DRV (Double Tree) | Keystone RV | Trail Manor |
| Dutchmen | KZ RV | Vanleight |
| Dynamax | Lance Campers | Venture RV |
| East to West | Livin' Lite | Weekend Warrior |
| Eclipse RV | New Horizons RV | Winnebago |
| Escape | Northwood | |
| Evergreen RV | Outdoors RV |
TRAVEL TRAILER & FIFTH WHEEL COMPARISON GUIDE
Rating model years 2008-2022
Rating: Travel Trailer, Fifth Wheel & Toy Hauler Manufacturers & Popular Models
This resource will give you all the tools you’ll need to make an informed buying decision.
Having 20 + years of research in your hands is a good thing and will benefit you in two ways. First, you will know which manufacturers are worth your time. Two, you will know how to determine what is a fair price, new or used and negotiate an awesome deal.
Buying an RV should be enjoyable, and our #1 selling publication will make the buying process fun without all the confusion and stress.
E-Book
Retail Price $59.95
Sale Price $49.95
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Printed Book
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Sale Price $59.95
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BUT WAIT THERE IS MORE…..
Many of our customers have requested that we bundle the Travel Trailer Comparison Guide with our most popular BONUS OFFERS. To accommodate those interested in more information we have included our three top-selling bonus offers into one comprehensive package, called the….
Bonus Offer #1:
The best way to ensure a problem-free purchase is to research a RV dealers’ reputation before making a purchase. We have put together this amazing E-book which lists 100 of the best RV dealers in the country. Our Top 100 RV Dealers also provides valuable tips on how to select a reliable dealer in your area and much more. Be an informed buyer with this valuable resource. A $24.95 value.
Bonus Offer #2:
Newly Updated! RV Extended Warranties are a great way to protect your RV investment. Did you know that many buyers pay 30% to 50% more than they should for this protection? Don’t let this happen to you! This valuable 35-page E-book will explain the pros and cons of extended warranty policies and how to secure the best warranty at the cheapest price. A $24.95 value.
Bonus Offer #3:
Bonus Offer #3:Most RV dealers do not want you to read what we have included in this amazing resource. Did you know that most RV buyers feel they paid too much for their RV, whether it’s new or used? Our How To Buy An RV And Save E-book will answer your questions and give you the information you need to negotiate the best possible deal. This resource has the potential of saving you thousands of dollars. A $39.95 value.
TRAVEL TRAILER COMPARISON GUIDE
Plus – Our Best Selling Bonus Offers
Rating: Travel Trailer, Fifth Wheel & Toy Hauler Manufacturers & Popular Models
All RV buyers want to know if they are getting a good deal and buying a quality model that maintains a good resale value. This package delivers on all points:
Top 100 RV Dealers
Extended RV Warranty Guide
How To Buy An RV And Save Thousands
Our package will save you more than you can imagine and help you select the best towable unit. No risk with our money-back guarantee!
Save 30% below with our bundle package!
E-Book + Bonus Offers
Retail Price $149.80
Sale Price $89.95
Immediate Download
Printed Book + Bonus Offers
Retail Price $159.80
Sale Price $99.95
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OUR MOST POPULAR OFFER
With our Ultimate Travel Trailer Package you will receive our Travel Trailer & Fifth Wheel Comparison Guide, 3 Bonus Offers which are E-Books and 3 Individual RV Model Reports.
Top 100 RV Dealers
Extended RV Warranty Guide
How To Buy An RV And Save Thousands
3 Model Specific RV Reports
Once you have narrowed your search down to a few models you can request your Individual RV Model Reports which provides in-depth ratings, reviews, quality of construction and dealer costs, along with wholesale values if purchasing used.
Part One – Here is what is included in each RV report:
Each 8 to 10-page RV report starts out with a Factory Article about the manufacturer that builds the model you’re considering. Article is based on our interviews with each manufacturer over the last 20+ years, giving our customers some additional insight into the manufacturer and direction the company is heading. Each factory article contains:
- Company history
- Principle target customer
- List of best-selling model
- Company’s main competitors
- Comments by research staff
Part Two – RV Reports Intended Use:
In this section of the report we focus on intended use. There are four main categories most RV models will fall into. They are: Weekend, Vacationer, Snowbird and Full-Time use.
Based on the standard options, overall quality, and data collected from various RV sources, we can accurately determine the overall intended use of a particular model.
If your intention is to use your RV to head south for the winter and spend 3-6 months a year in your unit, you will probably be dissatisfied with a poorly constructed model or a model that was intended for moderate use only.
Part Three – Comprehensive Rating Chart:
The manner in which a particular RV model performs in the areas of: Quality of Construction, Reliability, Payload, Drivability (motorhome only), Customer Satisfaction, Style & Resale Value will ultimately determine the overall satisfaction level of the unit.
When rating a particular model, our staff has spoken with RV owners, dealers and we attend various RV shows on a regular basis. We also receive feedback from people that have bought our reports in the past. All this information is collected and stored in our data base which allows us to accurately rate models based on 20+ years of research.
Part Four – Depreciation Chart:
This cart shows how a particular RV model depreciates over time and the RV dealer’s invoice for a new model or the true wholesale value for a used model. This information will help you decide if the model you’re looking at is a good investment and how a particular model will perform over time in regards to resale value. Having the dealer’s invoice or true wholesale value is very important and puts you in the driver’s seat when it is time to negotiate a price. This data has helped thousands of our customers over the years and we receive positive emails on a regular basis thanking us for this info. Each report also includes a STAR RATING showing what that particular RV model received based on the data collected in the Comprehensive Rating Chart. A Five Star Rating is the highest rating an RV model can receive.
ULTIMATE TRAVEL TRAILER PACKAGE
BONUS OFFERS + RV MODEL REPORTS
With this package you will receive our Travel Trailer & Fifth Wheel Comparison Guide, 3 Bonus Offers which are E-Books and 3 Individual RV Model Reports.
Top 100 RV Dealers
Extended RV Warranty Guide
How To Buy An RV And Save Thousands
3 Model Specific RV Reports
Having 20+ years of research at your fingertips will help you save money and buy the best RV for your needs. Guaranteed. In fact, many of the buying tips included in this package came from previous readers. Even better, many of our money saving tips have been proven thousands of times. After 20 years of talking to RV buyers and sellers, we know which tactics work and which don’t. Which this package we share them all. This special offer has been discounted over $98.00
Ultimate E-Book
Retail Price $239.75
Sale Price $118.95
Immediate Download
Ultimate Printed Book
Retail Price $249.75
Sale Price $128.95
Free Shipping
HOW TO ACCESS BONUS OFFERS AND RV MODEL REPORTS
If you order the Ultimate E-Book Package you will receive instant access to your Travel Trailer & Fifth Wheel Comparison Guide. In addition, you’ll also get the Bonus Offer books and the RV Report Request Form. Lastly, you’ll also receive an e-mail with download instructions include with your receipt.
With the Ultimate Printed Package will receive instructions to access the Bonus Offers and RV Form when book arrives priority mail. To request your RV Report(s), simply fill out the RV FORM on our website and click “Submit”. We’ll take it from there and return your report via e-mail. Each report contains 8 pages of detailed ratings and wholesale and retail values for that particular model. All reports are sent as a pdf document, making saving or printing a breeze.
Bonus offers are supplement resources (E-Books) that will help you save thousands when it is time to buy! Instructions to access your three bonus offers and request your reports will be sent with your printed Travel Trailer & Fifth Wheel Comparison Guide. Save your bonus offers to your computer, iPad or Tablet for future reference or printing.
Should I Purchase a Towable RV or a Motorhome?
Nothing beats vacationing in an RV. Whether you are driving in a motorhome or towing a travel trailer or fifth wheel behind your truck, it is an experience like no other.
In fact, the summer of 2021 saw more people than ever purchasing RVs. Even today the RV industry is experiencing better than expected sales. The baby boomers are retiring in large numbers and people just want to get outside and enjoy nature.
Amongst the RV camping community, one debate has always remained front-and-center. When purchasing an RV, which type is best? Should I buy a towable or motorhome? If you are not sure which type of RV is best suited for your travel needs our RV Combo Package is for you!
MOST BUYERS DON’T HAVE CLUE ABOUT RV CONSTRUCTION METHODS
Every RV shopper wants to know if the RV they’re looking at is well-built. But how many know what to look for? Not many. You wouldn’t know it to look at them, though. Many buyers, in an attempt to inspect an RV, make a show of studying various features, fiddling with faucet handles and opening and closing storage compartments with a thoughtful expression. What do they learn from this? Unfortunately, nothing.
Some buyers will even go the extra mile and slide underneath the trailer to inspect what lies beneath. But what exactly are they looking at? And, more worryingly, what are they supposed to be looking for? Most buyers don’t know the first thing about a well-built chassis or how to identify one. These days there’s a good chance that most buyers will encounter an enclosed underbelly. This is a plastic covering that improves aerodynamics. It also hides all the plumbing and structural stuff. Not much to see there. Some buyers may even climb up the rear ladder to check out the roof construction. Most will find a white expanse of fiberglass, rubber or vinyl. Our readers will know how to identify a quality roof. Also, which material is preferred. And why.
Research now always saves money later. Always.
Research now always saves money later. Always.Now let’s imagine you spent the weekend reading our Travel Trailer & Fifth Wheel Comparison Guide. How quickly would the tables be turned if you asked, “Is this a one-piece EPDM roof or is it seamed?” Or, what if you said: “I don’t see any cambering from here. Is this flat? I don’t mind a flat roof if it’s fiberglass or even TPO vinyl, but flat EPDM can be a problem. Is the roof warranty separate from the RV warranty?”
Who would you think has the upper hand in this scenario? The well-informed customer or the salesperson struggling to come up with an educated response to a question he’s never been asked?
We know that no one wants to read a boring, exhaustive text book about RV construction. In fact, we don’t want to write one, either! All of our books cover everything you want to know in an easy-to-read style that can be quickly referenced as needed. Want to come up to speed on roof construction? See Chapter 2. What’s the difference between hydraulic slide-outs and electric slide-outs and which is better? See Chapter 3. You’ll known which one is better and why in a few minutes. You’ll also know which features or upgrades aren’t worth the expense for your needs. Our job is to educate you without boring your socks off.
A few of the key topics discussed:
- Chassis and Frame: What to look for.
- Underbelly construction: Do you need enclosed or open? Heated or not?
- Exterior wall construction: Welded aluminum framing vs. Traditional wood framing
- Types of Insulation: Solid block, fluffy residential, foamed in place. What is an R-Rating and why is it so important?
- Plumbing: From fixtures to holding tanks. What are PEX lines, and do you need them?
- Electrical: Incandescent lighting vs. LED: Does it matter? What you need: USB ports and reliable Wi-Fi. And what you don’t: DVD players.
- Kitchen cabinets and countertops: Do I need hardwood cabinets? Are solid surface countertops better than laminated countertops? (You might be surprised.)
- Windows: Double pane is always better than single pane, but often not worth the additional expense.
- Roofing materials: A lot of choices and they all claim to be the best. Pros and cons and a list of worst to best.
- Flooring: Ceramic tile is better than linoleum, right? Wrong. Carpet: where you want it and where you don’t.
- Towing: Is your tow vehicle up to the task? What you need to know.
- Finishes: Fiberglass, aluminum, clear coat, after market protectants, fading and delamination. The questions you need to ask, and a word of caution.
DON’T LOSE HEART IF YOUR BUDGET RESTRICTS YOU TO AN ENTRY-LEVEL MODEL
There are LOADS of great entry-level travel trailers, fifth wheels, and toy-haulers models on the market. In fact, entry-level models make up the bulk of towable sales. Why? Because they meet the needs (and budget) of the majority of RV buyers.
Curiously enough, a walk-through in a premium model built and designed for full-timers and snowbirds may not appear that different from an entry-level model. Both versions will be nicely decorated and furnished. The differences are more subtle. A trailer designed for extended travel will have beefed-up plumbing and electrical systems, and, often, residential grade full-sized appliances. Insulation will be thicker in the walls. Sinks, faucets, cabinets, windows, and doors will be designed for daily use.
A perfect example…
For example, a perfect way to highlight the difference between an economy model and a top-of-the-line unit involves door hinges. An entry-level door may be tested to withstand 1,000 cycles. Whenever you throw open the door and slam it shut behind you, that’s one cycle. An above-average door will have three hinges in lieu of two. However, a premium door will have a full-length piano hinge, tested to withstand 10,000 cycles. If you’re buying an RV for a couple of weeks of vacation a year, 1,000 cycles should provide a dozen years of reliable service or more.
Some of our favorite models are in the entry-level category, and the charts in our comparison guide are easy-to-read with insightful articles. Remember, your RV dealer has every reason to steer you toward the premium-priced models. Why? Higher commission for them. Happily, we at RVReviews.net have no incentive beyond helping our readers find the perfect RV for them. At the best price. If we like an entry-level travel trailer, fifth wheel, or toy hauler, we’ll say it. Furthermore, if a premium fifth wheel, for example, is known for problems and is not recommended, we’ll say that as well.
Order with confidence And Peace of mind
We have an A+ rating through the BBB and we offer a 30-day money back guarantee. If you’re not completely satisfied with our product(s), simple return item for a full refund within 30-days. This includes printed books & E-books. We accept all major credit cards and PayPal.
Happy Travels,
Author Randall Eaton
