Travel Trailer Brands

[aaronoto]

Looking at picking up a travel trailer in the somewhat near future.  I know the old adage "you get what you pay for" is especially true in travel trailers...  What are the top quality brands these days?  I'd rather spend a little more and get a smaller trailer then buy a cheaper trailer and go bigger.  I like what I'm hearing about Arctic Fox and Nash, but what do folks consider the "top quality" brands in travel trailers?  Looking for something in the 24-26' range.

Thanks!

[huntandjeep]

Artic Fox and Nash ( both made by Northwood Mfg.) are both quality brands. I looked at both last year ( along with a Blackrock , by Outdoors RV ) when we bought our new trailer. We wound up with a 24' Jayco. Comparing the Nash/Fox/Jayco/Blackrock back to back the wife and I couldn't justify the extra $20k for the Nash/ Fox/Rock. Best to just go to a bunch of different dealers,  find a floor plan you like , than narrow down the brand.

[Ccortez]

go to the Puyallup rv show and look at all the trailers there that way you get to see more different brands and floor plans they have available. that's what I did last year and got a good deal on my 2016 toy hauler

[Jason]

Keystone Montana are great trailers?

[Boss .300 winmag]

Keystone Montana are great trailers?

I heard they are not, knew someone who bought one, nothing but trouble from brand new trailer.

[Firing Pin]

Lots of different floor plans and options available.  You really get what you pay for, and there are horror stories about all brands.  Do yourself a favor and go in and really look at how they are made/put together.  Look at the amount of storage that is available and check for a feel.  Mean if it looks and feels cheap, well then it probably is.  I really like the Outdoors RV brand, a sister company to the company that makes Nash and Artic Fox.

[HntnFsh]

Are you looking for new or used? If used I would take a hard look at Artic Fox you may be interested in. Ive seen several with delamination issues!

[aaronp13]

The wife and I had the same decision to make last year and ended up going with a 2003 Arctic Fox 22GQ. We knew we were going used as I cannot yet afford brand new, but as of the years we were looking at (2000-2005 or so) Arctic Fox seemed to be the best bang for the buck.

I took it to elk camp this year and was more than happy with the trailer. Huge upgrade over the Coleman tent I have slept in the past three years! Haven't had it out since elk season as we just bought in September, but we have a few trips planned this spring. I have looked the trailer over top to bottom and have nothing but good to say about build quality. They do a good job on the Arctic Foxes.

[Jason]

Keystone Montana are great trailers?

I heard they are not, knew someone who bought one, nothing but trouble from brand new trailer.

We've have had three in the family over the years, two still own them. Other than general maintenance I've never heard of no real problems.

[Mudman]

Friend just bought a Jayco toy hauler.  Leaked, repaired, back to factory and came back horrible.  A lemon still sitting at dealership while court settles the loan.  We have a 10 year old Fleetwood 27 mallard.  Kinda cheap but hasn't gave us any major issues and its stored outside.  We like it, cheap and paid for and still in good shape.

[jrebel]

There are only 3-4 major factories that build trailers.......They stamp them with different names.  We bought a 26' StarCraft 4 years ago and love it.  Huge slide, bunks 4 season package 20 k  new.  Save money and buy one with aluminum siding.....Fiberglass will turn yellow and is harder to repair if damaged.  I have also seen it warp bad on some of the Montana line of trailers. 

[724wd]

My wife and I bought a cheap Viking 17BH two years ago.  So far, so good!  A budget choice, but one that's been working for us.  It's not a 4 season unit, but in the winter we use a good cover and carefully winterize.

[Firing Pin]

The smooth sided trailers have come ALONG way with the technology and the understanding of what humidity and lack of control of the process does.  I had a Holiday Rambler great floor plan and very well built but started to de-laminate and looked like crap.  Didn't leak inside but just didn't look good on the outside.  Most makers have done a good job but DO YOUR REASEARCH and ask the questions about how it was made.

[Mark251]

We researched trailers quite extensively last summer and we decided to go with the Nash.  The Arctic Fox is a great trailer with nicer finish work but the infrastructure on the Nash is similar.  We wanted a trailer that we could use for both family camping trips as well as hunting trips.  The Nash fit the bill.  We have the 23D and we love it but if you need more space, Nash just came out with their 26N model as well.

[Mudman]

I agree on the alum siding over fiberglass.  Not because its better, its because it is tried true and proven.  It is also repairable and last forever with proper maint.  Fiberglass is a huge expense to repair and has issues still. Weight is more.  Whole panels must be replaced!  Many have little fenderbenders, blown tires, tree branch etc.  I do.  Cant imagine replacing whole panels that are cracked vs having a few dents in alum.  Airstream had it right years ago but no one listened due to $$.

[Wacenturion]

You might want to look for a used Bigfoot travel trailer.  They were made them in 17.5, 21 and 25 foot sizes.  Absolutely top end and their used prices reflect it.  Not only do you get a great trailer, but if youn ever decide to sell it, it will go quick and you will not lose much if kept in excellent condition.  I've had other brands over the years and quality wise and longevity, Bigfoot is at the top.  A true four season trailer.

They are a full fiberglass trailer with the top piece fitting down well over the bottom portion.  A had a Bigfoot motor home and recently downsized to a 2008 25' Bigfoot travel trailer (picture below).  Found one in northern California in October and jumped on it.  There seem to be a good number that come up for sale in the Pacific Northwest as they are made in B.C.  Not much on Craigslist at the moment, but with spring coming you see some come up.

There is also a dealer in Tacoma and Everitt...Apache RV that has new ones.

[Mudman]

I agree the Bigfoot clamshell 2 piece design is very good.

[Buzz2401]

They are all junk.  Buy used because your going to be fixing stuff anyways.  I would say Airstream and Bigfoot are at top of the list quality wise but it still just a matter of time before all the stuff they put inside them starts to break.  Keep whatever you buy stored under cover because it is only a matter of time before it starts leaking. 

[aaronoto]

They are all junk.  Buy used because your going to be fixing stuff anyways.  I would say Airstream and Bigfoot are at top of the list quality wise but it still just a matter of time before all the stuff they put inside them starts to break.  Keep whatever you buy stored under cover because it is only a matter of time before it starts leaking.

Haha, funny you say this because the more I read the more I lean towards the same sentiment.

Thanks all for the suggestions!  I was originally thinking buy quality and keep for a while, but maybe I'll go cheaper and dump before it becomes a money pit...  Got some stuff to figure out on my end.  In this day and age I'm amazed that it's so hard to to construct a trailer that doesn't leak!

[CAMPMEAT]

Whatever you buy, buy a good extended warranty. They all have an issue sooner or later.

[Miles]

My wife and I shopped around and looked up countless reviews for about a year before pulling the trigger on this one.  So far zero complaints. I would recommend the Montana line. 

[jrebel]

They are all junk.  Buy used because your going to be fixing stuff anyways.  I would say Airstream and Bigfoot are at top of the list quality wise but it still just a matter of time before all the stuff they put inside them starts to break.  Keep whatever you buy stored under cover because it is only a matter of time before it starts leaking.

Haha, funny you say this because the more I read the more I lean towards the same sentiment.

Thanks all for the suggestions!  I was originally thinking buy quality and keep for a while, but maybe I'll go cheaper and dump before it becomes a money pit...  Got some stuff to figure out on my end.  In this day and age I'm amazed that it's so hard to to construct a trailer that doesn't leak!

Let's be real.....It's like any other car, house, tent, etc etc etc.  They all require maintenance and proper care to last.  Doesn't matter what trailer you buy, if you are rough on it and don't keep up on maintenance it will be nothing but a nightmare.  Don't buy a 26' trailer and think you are gonna bounce it up the Colockum without breaking something.  Roofs and seals need regular maintenance.....esp. if you don't have a covered parking area.  Sun is far worse for the roof than rain / snow.  If you don't winterize you will have problems.  Use proper chemicals in your toilet and dump it regularly.  They are work.....But if you enjoy camping...They are worth it.  Take care of them and they will last forever.  I know people that have 30 year old trailers that still work great. 

[Miles]

If your looking for a fifth wheel, check: Elkridge, Grand Design, Mobile Suites, and Montana. They are all high end and many fulltimers prefer these....That tells you something. 

[jeffro]

My wife and I shopped around and looked up countless reviews for about a year before pulling the trigger on this one.  So far zero complaints. I would recommend the Montana line.

Nice truck
2500 or 3500

[Wacenturion]

They are all junk.  Buy used because your going to be fixing stuff anyways.  I would say Airstream and Bigfoot are at top of the list quality wise but it still just a matter of time before all the stuff they put inside them starts to break.  Keep whatever you buy stored under cover because it is only a matter of time before it starts leaking.

Haha, funny you say this because the more I read the more I lean towards the same sentiment.

Thanks all for the suggestions!  I was originally thinking buy quality and keep for a while, but maybe I'll go cheaper and dump before it becomes a money pit...  Got some stuff to figure out on my end.  In this day and age I'm amazed that it's so hard to to construct a trailer that doesn't leak!

Let's be real.....It's like any other car, house, tent, etc etc etc.  They all require maintenance and proper care to last.  Doesn't matter what trailer you buy, if you are rough on it and don't keep up on maintenance it will be nothing but a nightmare.  Don't buy a 26' trailer and think you are gonna bounce it up the Colockum without breaking something.  Roofs and seals need regular maintenance.....esp. if you don't have a covered parking area.  Sun is far worse for the roof than rain / snow.  If you don't winterize you will have problems.  Use proper chemicals in your toilet and dump it regularly.  They are work.....But if you enjoy camping...They are worth it.  Take care of them and they will last forever.  I know people that have 30 year old trailers that still work great.

Exactly........my Bigfoot pictured above is a 2008 model and for all intents and purposes shows exactly like new.  Previous owner spent the time to maintain it properly.  Of course quality holds up much better in the long run. 

[Bofire]

my 1999 Nash has ben stored outside since new. no leaks anywhere

Carl

[Mudman]

  Ours is a 2002.  Stored outside and still dry.  I could swallow replacing rubber roof cost after 15 years, maybe.  And I do bounce it up rough roads!   Important to have a TT with the axle sprung under leafs for ground clearance.

[Miles]

Have you decided on a trailer yet?

My wife and I shopped around and looked up countless reviews for about a year before pulling the trigger on this one.  So far zero complaints. I would recommend the Montana line.

Nice truck
2500 or 3500

Thanks.  2500 Duramax.  The 5th wheel is the high country version, so they are a little lighter then the normal Montana line.  Dry weight is right around 12,000 lbs and GVWR is 15,000 I believe.  It tows pretty good, just have to watch out for high winds.

[bear]

Bought a Light by Open Range a couple years back.  Love the trailer. Rated one of the best for cold weather.  Sold by Blade RV in Mt Vernon which I think is a great dealership to deal with.   

[kellama2001]

We have a 2006 Komfort 26' that I absolutely love.  We take it to some amazing places and holds up well on crappy mountain roads.  It has the 4 seasons package on it and we've taken it during the late hunt, single digit temps with no problems (as long as you don't run out of propane for the heater!).  There have been no water leak issues (stored outside on the East side of the state), and no issues with the fiberglass. It has an aluminum frame and before our F250 diesel, we towed it with a GMC half ton.  I absolutely love the floorplan, one little slide makes a huge difference, and there's tons of storage.  There's even a hatch in the back for tall items, tools, generator, etc., that is way easier to access than the pass through cargo areas.  If this trailer ever bites the dust I'll have another one custom made exactly like it.

[Wacenturion]

Another trailer that has a following....Outback.  I purchased a 2006 25RSS  just to leave on my property in eastern Washington.  Much cheaper than continual motel bills when I'm over there, and besides I like waking up to a cup of coffee on the property itself.

Nice floorplans.  A 25' trailer that turns into a 30' when the end queen bed manually pulls out. It also has an electric slide out where the sofa is and two bunks at other end. 

[HntnFsh]

We have a 2006 Komfort 26' that I absolutely love.  We take it to some amazing places and holds up well on crappy mountain roads.  It has the 4 seasons package on it and we've taken it during the late hunt, single digit temps with no problems (as long as you don't run out of propane for the heater!).  There have been no water leak issues (stored outside on the East side of the state), and no issues with the fiberglass. It has an aluminum frame and before our F250 diesel, we towed it with a GMC half ton.  I absolutely love the floorplan, one little slide makes a huge difference, and there's tons of storage.  There's even a hatch in the back for tall items, tools, generator, etc., that is way easier to access than the pass through cargo areas.  If this trailer ever bites the dust I'll have another one custom made exactly like it.

I have an 07 Komfort 253 with Thermal Max package Extremely well built. Aluminum framing etc. When we were looking I felt that these were built at least as well as the Artic Fox and Nashes!

[rasbo]

Ive had a 23 ft comfort that's been awesome,I spent a winter in it on the east side and boy Im impressed

[kellama2001]

I have an 07 Komfort 253 with Thermal Max package Extremely well built. Aluminum framing etc. When we were looking I felt that these were built at least as well as the Artic Fox and Nashes!

I agree! The quality is really impressive.

Ive had a 23 ft comfort that's been awesome,I spent a winter in it on the east side and boy Im impressed

We've lived in ours for a time also while building a house. They are remarkable!

[Bmcox86]

If you really look into only a few companies actually make travel trailers, they just have tons of brands under there company. When I was researching the one I was going to buy, I found 3 at different dealerships with the exact layout, the only difference was price, name and outside color.

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[Miles]

Just dropped ours off at the rv park.  Moving out of the house on Tuesday and will be living in it until our house is finished in Colorado.   I'm excited for the trip from California to Colorado. 

[Bmcox86]

Just dropped ours off at the rv park.  Moving out of the house on Tuesday and will be living in it until our house is finished in Colorado.   I'm excited for the trip from California to Colorado.

Let me know how it is to tow though the mountains of Colorado and or Utah. I'm doing it this summer and am interested to know if I my truck will struggle at 10k

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[CAMPMEAT]

Buy an extended warranty on any one you buy. You'll be glad you did.