My Top 3 Recommended Travel Trailer Brands and Models

[@jordancook1668]

It’s also worthy of note that these three actually are different brands from totally different parent companies. Many people may not realize that the overwhelming majority of RV “brands” are really just subsidiaries of Thor and Forest River. That’s not to say they’re the same within those parent companies, but in terms of customer service and build quality, the similarities are apparent. The three mentioned have an obvious thing in common, and it’s that they are decidedly not Thor or Forest River. Derive from that whatever you wish, but smaller manufacturers can have their benefits. Grand Design is a subsidiary of Winnebago, Lance a subsidiary of the Rev Group, and Northwood is a truly small company, who is a subsidiary of absolutely nothing. They are of course closely associated with Outdoors RV. It used to be there were many small RV manufacturers. I remember when Thor was a fledgling Ontario, CA based company making oddball RVs, and now they dominate the market. Forest River came around and made legitimate junk early on at an affordable price, and now they are controlled by Berkshire Hathaway and also dominate the market, for better or worse is for someone else to decide. But the post-2008 RV landscape has seen an unfortunate trend in that competition is no longer holding large manufacturers accountable. This is a sad reality of monopolies. I would do whatever possible to avoid large manufacturers, but the reality is they make compelling products that can be tempting. All of these three have downsides. Lance trailers have enormous step-ups in the slide and very little kitchen counter space, for example. Many people aren’t fond of Northwood’s dark interiors. I personally despise the Imagine’s hideous cabinetry, but the Reflections are very large and heavy. So you will have to compromise to buy one of these. Still, if quality is your primary focus, you’d be well served to at least consider.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Hi Jordan. I agree that the RV industry is in a consolidation phase now. And as you say, most RV manufacturers are owned by just a few companies. So far though, it appears that the parent companies are allowing the manufacturers to run their operation mostly as they have in the past, even keeping the same people in charge. But that may change at some point and if it does, I'll be sure to call out the manufacturers that are slipping in quality. You are also right that there is no RV made that will tick every box for everyone. Buying an RV is an exercise in compromise in many cases. My objective is to encourage RV buyers to not make quality one of the major compromises in the buying process. Thanks for sharing a thoughtful comment here!

[@Ron-x7j]

I think together Thor and Forest River make 85% of the RVs. When we bought our grand design, we specifically looked only at companies not associated with these three. I’m not saying that some of the things built by them Aren’t decent, but I just preferred the offerings from the others. We were very torn between our Grand design and Outdoors RV. At the end of the day, the dealer network is what one us over because we have a local Grand design dealer that is very good.

[@BradWilson1969]

For me as a newbie to RV'ing, another draw of a travel trailer is having a vehicle to drive around when I get to the campsite. Whether that's to explore off road, or to go shopping, or whatever, it seems like a nice thing to have.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

That's a big consideration for a lot of folks Brad. Of course, if you have a motorhome, you can most likely tow another smaller vehicle behind it. But then you have two vehicles to care for and maintain. Thanks for watching the video and sharing your thoughts on the subject!

[@karlabird309]

We’ve had our 2017 Arctic Fox (Northwood) 25Y in the Wyoming mountains, the Oregon Coast, the Alaska Highway through Canada for berry picking and salmon fishing in Alaska; oh, and three trips out to western New York during Covid to see our kids. Probably close to 90,000 miles. It has had several problems: front door and refrigerator doors needed replacing, all the screws come out so we screw them back with better screws, tire/wheel bearing burn up, broken leaf spring and shock. But we still love it. We use it probably 6 months of the year, from spring through fall. I believe we’ve got our money out of it. We had a Forest River Vibe (2016) that was an abysmal failure immediately: leaks, slides froze, axle incorrectly installed, another Arctic Fox (2011) before that (axle shackle broke, rear kitchen was a disaster on the Alaska Highway. And a little Layton prior to that. Find a good RV repair facility that you can trust and build a relationship so they will be honest with you. Offer 80% of sticker and see what they say back. Have a reliable roadside service set up. Enjoy the lifestyle!

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Thanks for sharing your experiences with us. Have safe and happy travels!

[@lindaszymkiewicz5109]

Thank you for the video. We have a 2017 Lance 2285. NO issues what so ever. Love it. Easy towing because its low to the ground. Made very well. Solid!

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

So glad to hear this real world experience Linda. Thanks for sharing your Lance review with us!

[@lightyearsfromhome1165]

Just got a 260kvs outdoors blackstone. By far better than my former Autumn ridge and Forrest River.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

I hear you. There's a big difference between an Outdoors RV and most Forest River and Starcraft products. Enjoy your Blackstone!

[@ronwest4522]

I'm a Holiday Rambler guy, Alum frame with rivited alum siding and roof. Don't leak, easy to repair and last forever.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

It sounds like you have found the RV that fits you perfectly Ron. Thanks for watching!

[@robinsyverson967]

I have a 2021 Lance model 1995. Love it. I travel 90 percent alone with my dog. Travel 5 months at a time

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Sounds great Robin. Thanks for sharing your positive experience with Lance trailers!

[@fasteddie51]

I had a 2000 Northwood Arctic fox 22H for 18 years and never took it back to the dealer for any repairs. I sold it to my neighbor. What a magnificent piece of equipment it was. In looking for the perfect replacement RV I bought and sold in short order a barely used 2013 (pre REV take over) Lance 850 Cab over camper the only reason I sold it was Lance said it was made for a 3/4 ton pick up. That may be true empty but not loaded to go on a 2 week trip. Next was a 2019 (Post REV take over) Lance 1985 trailer. Spent 36 nights in it and it was in the dealers repair shop way more than that. The dealer was great. Lance’s customer service, not so much. A huge issue was that after water an batteries it had 123 pounds of useable cargo capacity left. Lance (I believe) has gone away from independent Suspension. Long story short, I bought for me the perfect RV in a 2021 Northwood Nash 22H of grid model. I bought it sight unseen and had it shipped 1,048 miles to me. There was only item on my punch list. The electric side of the water heater did not work. Northwood’s customer service told me where the hidden switch was that somebody forgot to turn on and my problem was solved. I have lived and traveled full time in the Nash for 2 years had it in temperatures from 115 degrees Fahrenheit to 5 Degrees Fahrenheit and it has performed brilliantly.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Sorry about your troubles with Lance Edward, but so glad to hear about your experience with Northwood RVs. They have a lot of fans out there. They are just not as easy to find as some other brands. Thanks for watching and sharing your experiences!

[@johnmann8253]

I have a 2021 Rockwood 2608. For the price point, very good quality, easily towable lots of amenities.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Hi John. I don't usually recommend most Forest River products for various reasons. But I will say that Rockwood is one of the brands that is worth considering. I'm glad that you are happy with yours.

[@marksullivan8200]

Ironically I just got done reviewing a lance 2075 a few minutes before watching this video & it was very exceptional

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Thanks for sharing your experience Mark. Have safe and happy RV travels!

[@retiredandroaming]

I was sure that you'd mention Outdoors RV. Sister company to Northwood, they make nicer looking rigs with much nicer interior decor than the Northwood stuff but with similar construction and great insulation and big tanks. They are currently my favorite TT brand.we plan to buy the awesome little R19MKS for our summer travels where we offgrid travel for 5 months each summer up North.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Hi Barry. As I said in the video there are other brands that I recommend other than the ones mentioned here. And Outdoors RV is one of those brands. Both Northwood and Outdoors RV build a fine travel trailer. I'm sure that you will enjoy your OR rig for a long time.

[@nature10879]

Never owned an Rv and considering one in the near future. I always hear Airstreams are the best and oliver is up there even though oliver is small. Am surprised airstream dint make the list. Its good to listen to Rv people who understand these things. Thank you

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Airstream is a great choice too. I just didn't include it in this video. But it is on my recommended travel trailer brands list. Thanks for watching!

[@coreymickanuik8199]

Personally i would take Rockwood over Grand Design anyday. I think Rockwoods build and interiors are sharper. I have been hearing alot of reviews lately about people having alot of issues with faulty Grand Design products. You ofcourse will get that because Grand Design is a very popular brand. Everyone has there preferences mine used to be Jayco but like I said Rockwood just an appeal for me. Travel Trailers are getting nicer and nicer every year.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us on this subject Corey. Rockwood is certainly the best choice out of the Forest River lineup.

[@khollen219]

Flagstaff and Rockwood are the same trailer built in the same factory so I would add Flagstaff to that list. Yes I own a Microlite and love it.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

@@khollen219 Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us about Flagstaff travel trailers Kurt.

[@ReluctantPost]

I wouldn’t take either. A lot of cheesy materials in both.

[@Jeffbob442]

yes, we have had 5 trailers now..and the Rockwood/Flagstaff was impressive on Quality, and yes interior was way nicer than Imagine by GD...also like the torsion axles they used, quality goodyear tires, big axles and frame etc!

[@brianmann986]

Great video, thanks. We've been motorhoming for 27 years, just sold our 2nd motorhome and downsizing empty nesters to our 1st travel trailer. 1st spot for me to look is the better quality builders (I know none are perfect), and weeding out the awful builders. With 37 brands it's tough! I appreciate your summary and the comments below. We plan to buy this fall or next spring, not sure if new or used. Thanks again.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Hi Brian. I'm glad this video was helpful. Here is another video I made about choosing between new and used - kzbin.info/www/bejne/iH6ono19bMeFfac Thanks for watching and leaving a positive comment!

[@brianmann986]

@@RVInspectionAndCare Thanks, Duane. I've been RV'ing for 27 years, and have a pretty good handle on pros and cons of new versus used, including all the automotive vehicles I've owned. Your video was a nice refresher, and no doubt very useful for newcomers. I am already working on a next RV, and appreciated your Travel Trailer recent brand recommendations. Do you have similar recent brand recommendations for small Class C Motorhomes? Also, you mentioned having a Certified RV Inspector inspect new RV's to get issues fixed before you take delivery. Do you know any Inspectors in my area you could recommend? We live on the north side of the Twin Cities, Minnesota.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

@@brianmann986 Hi Brian. I made a video about smaller Class C brands that may be helpful for you. You can view it here - kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJK9imx-ir18i7c And the best way to hire a certified RV inspector is to just visit nrvia.org and select "Find An Inspector". Then you can view all of the local inspectors close to your area on the map and contact them about their availability. Any certified NRVIA inspector has the necessary training to provide a top quality RV inspection for you. I usually recommend choosing the one that you feel most comfortable with.

[@jasonguillory3374]

I am a full timer. I have learned that you want plywood. You will get a leak one day. Whether plumbing or door, window or roof. Plywood handles water if you correct the leak. Osb at minimum is never the same. If grand design used plywood I would own one. But first shower, toilet any kind of leak that makes it to the osb it’s never the same

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this subject Jason. It's always good to hear from the experience of a full-time RVer.

[@commonsenseguy8189]

Curious why Jayco did not make your list... I think its the only brand with safety turn lights like no other... and the theater seats have tables on them... very nice floorplans as well...

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Well, I only had room for three brands in this video and that means that not all of the manufacturers that I recommend can be included. Soon I will have my guidebook for buying travel trailers finished and it will have a complete listing of recommended brands. But as far as Jayco is concerned, I feel that they strike a nice balance between high production and quality. So I usually recommend them as a solid brand to consider.

[@cristyrobertson9165]

We have a 2007 Nash now, we love it. At some point we will go full time and Grand Design, Northwoods, and Alliance are on our radar for the purchase of a 5th wheel. We just toured the Northwoods plant on our last trip out.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Hi Cristy. Those are all good quality brands of fifth wheels. Northwoods and Outdoors RV both make very good RVs and are owned by the same people.

[@warriorlink8612]

We are wanting a 30' travel trailer to simply park at our hunting lease for 6 months out of the year in north Florida. Thanks for the tips!

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

I'm glad it was helpful. Thanks for watching!

[@BeverlyGagner]

I bought a Lance the first year it came out and I love it 😀

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

That's awesome Beverly. Thanks for sharing your experience with us!

[@rodneyknorr6489]

Thanks for the recommendations, we Love our 2016 Lance 1995! It pulls behind a 1500 Silverado beautifully and allows us to access locations bigger rigs can't go. We live full-time in our Lance. Built quality is exceptional!

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

It sounds like you have the perfect rig for your needs Rodney. Thanks for giving us your take on Lance RVs. I agree with your review!

[@mandasity]

How do you feel about it 10 months later?

[@rodneyknorr6489]

@@mandasitywe love our 2016 Lance, going on 2 years now living in it. The build quality is amazing.

[@mandasity]

@@rodneyknorr6489 awesome thank you!

[@MichelLinschoten]

​@@rodneyknorr6489 I am about to buy a 2023 jayco bungalow loft .. and sell my house. Stop being a wage slave

[@AKBRONCOSFAN007]

Hello just came across your channel. My wife and I are in the midst of purchasing our very first travel trailer. We were going to get a Nash 23D but opted for the larger Nash 29S. We will fly down in early April to do the PDI with the dealer before we have it shipped to Anchorage. We live in Interior Alaska so our options are limited. We found a dealer in Tacoma, WA that a friend of ours had great experience with. They’ve had many Arctic Foxes and Nash TTs over the years and going out with them and seeing the build quality first hand is what sold us on NW products. Eventually we’d like to get an Airstream but for now the Nash 29S will suit our needs just fine. Definitely looking forward to summer. Cheers from North Pole, Alaska! 🎅🏻☃️🎄🇺🇸

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Northwood makes a great product and I think you'll be happy with your choice. Thanks for sharing your buying decision process with us. All the best to you in the upcoming Alaska summer!

[@maryselstead7554]

What dealer in Tacoma? We will be looking soon in that area. Thanks.

[@AKBRONCOSFAN007]

@@maryselstead7554 We used Sumner RV Center in Sumner, Washington which is essentially in Tacoma. Their prices were fair and they took great care of my wife and I. Showed us everything with the travel trailer when we flew down in late March for the PDI. They allowed us to keep the travel trailer at the dealership without charging us extra for it after we purchased. My wife and I drove down from Alaska in late May to pick up the travel trailer and had an amazing trip back home. We’re extremely happy with the Nash 29S and look forward to using it more come this summer. Reach out to Sumner RV and ask to speak with Andy Williams. He’ll treat you right. Good luck!

[@angus6032]

We bought our first travel trailer in Jan 2022. It is a 2021 Lance 2075. It was 6 months old and barely used. We have camped in it for about 5 weeks so far. It is very comfortable overall except for Kitchen area - no counter top. We have had several issues so far. Tiny leak in the roof when snow was on it, Kitchen drawer came unstapled, Window frame came right out and was barely screwed in, Fender over tires is coming off, exterior locks that are frozen and need to be replaced. Is this typical for a travel trailer? It was originally purchased at John's RV in SC and for additional $2500 came with a 5 year warranty. When I contacted them re above issues, they said that they could get me in to fix it - needed about 4 days - and NONE of it would be covered under the warranty. For our first travel trailer, no impressed. It wasn't cheap and I thought I was buying good quality.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

So sorry to hear about the issues you have had so far with your Lance trailer. This is why it is so important to get an RV inspection before you buy any RV these days as I mentioned in the video. If you had, no doubt at least some of the issues could have been fixed before you took delivery of the RV. The issues that you are dealing with are mainly due to the workforce related problems manufacturers are having now. There is so much demand for their products, they are hiring less skilled workers to meet the demand. And at the same time, lowering quality control procedures. So it results in products with problems leaving the factory. But do not overlook the fact, that the dealer should have caught many of those issues with their pre-delivery inspection, if indeed they did one at all. Hence the need for a third party RV inspection before you take ownership of the RV. Since it is used, the one year warranty from the manufacturer may not still be in force since the warranty often does not transfer to the second owner. But I recommend that you call Lance about it and talk to them directly. Let them know how disappointed you are and see how they respond. As far as the extended warranty is concerned, I usually do not recommend that anyone buy an extended warranty from an RV dealer. I don't know what your warranty covers, but very often it has poor overall coverage. It's often just another way to wring more money out of their customers. But hopefully, when you get these issues resolved, you will finally have the RV that you were hoping for.

[@fasteddie51]

January 12, 2018 04:15 PM Eastern Standard Time MILWAUKEE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--REV Group (NYSE: REVG), a $2.3 billion manufacturer of industry-leading specialty vehicle brands and leading provider of parts and services, today announced the acquisition of Lance Camper Manufacturing Corporation (“Lance Camper” or the “Company”).

[@svroundabout]

Our 2022 Lance had many problems as well. So far, in the dealer service 8 out of 12 months. Taken on 3 trips total. =(

[@seanvan6377]

@@RVInspectionAndCare so take Lance off the list I guess

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

⁠Sorry but they will remain on my recommended list at this point. The vast majority of Lance owners are very happy with their RV. And most of the unhappy owners did not follow my advice for buying an RV the right way, so it's not surprising that they have issues.

[@SteveFelt67]

I watched a video by another inspection guy who said GD plumbing was atrocious

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Sorry but I don't agree. Grand Design builds a very good RV. And I believe that the plumbing issue is blown way out of proportion like so many other subjects about RVs, just to create drama and get more KZbin viewers.

[@b.c.3311]

Disagree. Using incorrect fittings and clamps is not hype. Very basic plumbing: PEX fittings and PEX crimp clamps go with PEX tubing. Flex 'hose' requires barbed fittings and hose clamps for proper sealing. Intermixing will result in leaks and is why it does not meet bldg codes in homes. May hold for a bit, but not long term.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

@@b.c.3311 Actually I showed your comment to the Grand Design team at the Hershey RV Show today and they said that they have already implemented the changes on the production line that are needed to resolve any plumbing issues. It's not a good idea to bet against a responsive company like Grand Design.

[@b.c.3311]

@RVInspectionAndCare that is great news...I will 100% be watching. The cost differential is very very minimal and, for cust. retention & warranty headaches, probably come out ahead by just doing it right...hope others will follow GD in making changes! Thanks for passing it on to them.

[@Jpeterson7]

Northwood seems to combine quality, durability, and value better than the others. A bit old fashioned inside, but I like it.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

I like Northwood a lot myself. It would be a great place to start when looking for travel trailers.

[@jerrytalley802]

A friend has a Lance, never had any problems, so this is a winner.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Just because you have one friend who had an RV from a brand that was good does not mean that the brand always turns out quality, even though in this case it is from a generally solid brand. And neither does the fact that someone has problems with one RV from another brand indicate that they always build an inferior product. I encourage you to learn more about how RVs are made and what you can reasonably expect before offering advice about what brands are good or bad.

[@bwhit707]

You pay for what you get.

[@vickirhodes3204]

Thanks for the recommendation we bought a Grand Design Imagine in June Good to see you recommend first we ever saw one

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

We are very happy with our Grand Design 5th wheel And we hope you enjoy your GD RV as much as we have enjoyed ours!

[@vickirhodes3204]

We went from a 5th wheel to the pull trailer. But it was a change but so far we like the Imagine Grand Design

[@Stanf954]

The Grand Design Imagine series are very impressive. We looked at a few.m but didnt decide on one yet.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

I agree. I like the Imagine series a lot. I love the floor plans that Grand Design offers too. We have been looking at a few recently and may actually wind up buying one soon. Safe and happy RV travels to you!

[@jamesdavidsmith4033]

The best travel trailer ever made is Citation with the polar package. It's no longer manufactured. Made here in BC Canada.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Sorry but I've never heard of that one James.

[@johnminichielli8957]

Lance uses Azdel, Northwood and Grand Design don't. I've seen too much delamination in trailers without Azdel. I have an older Lance and the only thing that goes wrong is the inside screws fall out because they don't hold well in the material Lance uses for the cabinet construction. I've eliminated that problem with plastic inserts and bolts with nuts when I can access the rear. What I'd really like to see is metal roofs again instead of these jokes of a roof they call rubber. Would you put a rubber roof on a house? Then why do they them on a unit that constantly goes the road at 70MPH? It's the cheap way out----that and hardly anyone goes up to look at the roof when they buy one.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Hi John. I get what you are saying, but there is one major reason that travel trailer manufacturers use wood and rubber in the construction process. It's cheap. And therefore they can build a travel trailer that fits the budget of the many RV buyers who can't afford higher prices. So yes, Azdel wall construction is better. But it usually makes the cost go up as well. I personally believe that wood construction in an RV is not deal breaker. There have been many fine RVs over the years that have been built with wood construction. The key to buying an RV that is built that way is to be fanatical about maintaining the joints and seams around the RV. Check them regularly and reseal any areas that show cracking or peeling right away. And be liberal with sealant when you apply it. The problem is that few people who buy in that price range seem inclined to do the maintenance that is required to keep those RVs in good shape. I have seen that over and over. And that applies to roof maintenance as well. So it's not really the fault of the manufacturers when they do their best to build a product that will meet the budget of the vast majority of travel trailer buyers. As long as you maintain that product like you should as an RV owner, it will last just fine. And there are plenty of Northwood and Grand Design owners who clearly are very happy with the product they bought even if it doesn't have Azdel in the walls. Lance builds a great product too and I'm glad that you are happy with it.

[@johnminichielli8957]

@@RVInspectionAndCare Thanks for the reply. I agree, if all owners were fastidious in their maintenance about keeping water out, wood units are OK [ the old ones with metal roofs seemed to last forever]. I have a friend who has owned an rv repair business for 35 years and he is constantly telling me how bad the new units are assembled, no matter what materials they use. He is the one who steered me into Lance. I'm needing a larger unit and a better floorplan than what Lance offers and I'm very gunshy to move to another unit. I like Outdoors RV, but again, no Azdel and rubber roof. Just wondering if you have any opinion on Sporttrek? They tick all the boxes for materials but it's hard to find any good in-depth reviews on them.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

@@johnminichielli8957 Sorry John but I haven't had much experience with Venture RV who makes SportTrek. I don't usually recommend Forest River products, but you might want to at least take a look at their Rockwood Geo and No Boundaries products. I understand that they are both made with Azdel wall construction and they seem to have better reviews than most of Forest River's other brands. It's a thought anyway .... Let me now what you think. I would be interested to hear your thoughts on them.

[@johnminichielli8957]

@@RVInspectionAndCare My friend in the RV repair business says there are only two types of RVs-----those that leak and those that are going to leak. He hates what has happened to the RV builders. Being taken over by the big companies like Forest River and Thor as devestated build quality as their main focus is return for shareholders. He likes fiberglass 'Egg" stye units like Escape [ made in BC, Canada ] and those made with Azdel. He says because all RVs will leak at some point, he would not buy any unit that was not molded fiberglass or Azdel sided. I blame the buyer for poor quality and he agrees. Most purchase decisions here are not made by men with constuction knowledge. It's wives who fall in love with floorplans, colors and counter space who mostly make the purchase decision today. Builders know that, and it allows them to put the empasis on those areas at the expense of the areas where quality constuction is needed. A few years ago I purchased a Caravan from England and sent it to New Zealand to use for our winter months. The dealer in New Zealand told me Europen caravans last 50 years while thiers only last about 40. I told him we are lucky if ours last 15. The Europeans are light years ahead of us here because the customers know what quality is and demand it. Check out the "Hobby" caravan from Germany---that will be my next one for New Zealand. FYI, I'm 72 and have been RVing all over the world for over 50 years. I'm still learning.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

@@johnminichielli8957 Well, I also like fiberglass trailers like Oliver and Casita too. And its true that they cut down on the possibility of leaks considerably which is a good thing. But you can only build a fiberglass trailer so big. And that would not be acceptable to many RV buyers. Most fiberglass trailers are only made for two people at most and even then they can get kind of close after a while. As I said earlier, wood construction does not bother me. If it is maintained like it should be, it will last a very long time.

[@jayayers2511]

Northwood also makes Outdoor RV! Very nice.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Yes, they are owned by the same people. And both are built very well. Thanks for watching!

[@gregglasner7662]

Hi my wife and I like the lay out and design of the gulf stream, Vista cruiser ERD 19 . What do you think about the Brand. I like your honesty and tips. Thanks Greg

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Hi Gregg. Unfortunately, Gulf Stream is not on my recommended list. My advice is to be careful not to fall in love with the appearance of an RV over all else. It's a mistake that a lot of RV buyers make.

[@gb9243]

Great Video! Were just starting to look at trailers and were surprised that Airstream was not on your list. Where would you place them?

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Actually Airstream is at the top of my list of travel trailer brands. But they are more expensive than most travel trailers, so I tried to list brands in this video that are more affordable for most RV buyers. But I explained my thoughts on Airstream here in this video - kzbin.info/www/bejne/ppaQlJJ-esR-hqM I hope that helps.

[@reproverebukeexhortevangel2131]

Has Grand Design improved their plumbing? It seems there have been some units using flex and the wrong fittings causing spewing water under cabinets and underbelly when they pop off. I love their fit and finish work and want to buy one, but we have been hesitant for that reason. Plumbing is a big issue for us.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

The biggest plumbing complaint that I know about with Grand Design is the use of flexible tubing with what some consider to be improper fittings in some areas of the RV. But to be fair, this is an issue not only with GD but quite a few RV builders. The truth is that it doesn't seem to be the major issue that some make it out to be as there aren't many thousands of GD RVs with constant water leaks. But there are enough that it can be considered problematic. I personally would not eliminate a whole brand on that issue alone, but everyone has to decide what they feel is reasonable to do. If it's something that you consider a deal breaker just choose another quality RV builder that does not seem to have those problems.

[@maryevans7406]

Thanks for your help. It means a lot to a new RV shopper!

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Happy to help Mary. I'm glad you enjoyed the video!

[@kenbell5841]

Surprised to hear nothing about Intech trailers. I'm interested in the Sol Horizon and Acuta Magnolia.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Hi Ken. Intech is a great RV builder. I just couldn't list all of the manufacturers on my recommended list in this video.

[@ronmcdaniel1583]

Thank you Duane for the great insight regarding towable units. Hindsight being 20/20 I wish that I didn't sell our F-350 and our Holliday Rambler pull trailer! O-well, live and learn. LOL SAFE TRAVELS

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

I hear you Ron. If you have a great towable combination, it's worth holding onto. But I'm sure you'll find what you're looking for as a happy replacement. :-)

[@fit4ya1975]

If RV companies were REALLY about quality, then they would have a REAL warranty that covers EVERYTHING. There are some great brands, but the prices of them today are absolutely ridiculous. The fact there isn't any regulation on them should be a huge red flag for consumers.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

I agree that RV warranties should be longer and that some regulation on the industry would be a positive step in the right direction. But there are many lower priced RVs available that are worthy of consideration. You just have to know where to look.

[@loulentz3107]

Hello Dwayne, I just now have come across your channel, and I really find it informative! My question is regarding Outdoors RV brand of travel trailers; are they part of the Northwood family of RV's? They seem to be of good quality and workmanship. As some others have mentioned, I wish that Artic Fox and Nash had facilities in the Midwest; I think they would do very well in sales of units! Thank you for all the information that you provide! ~Lou

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Hi Lou. Yes, Northwood and Outdoors RV are both owned by the same people and they both make great RVs. I'm not really sure that either company wants to be much bigger as high production RV builders often find it hard to still turn out an above average quality product. So if you find an RV from either of these builders and it fits your needs, you probably should jump on it. And thanks for the positive feedback. It's much appreciated!

[@JeffinTD]

Great video. Lance makes some great stuff, but some of the models I’ve looked at had surprisingly low carrying capacity. Arctic Fox/Desert Fox makes some very nice stuff.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Thanks for watching the video and sharing your findings with us Jeff.

[@JeffinTD]

@@RVInspectionAndCare Thank you for doing these videos. I put a lot of faith in your knowledge and expert opinions.

[@largemouthbassman5628]

Looking into buying the first camper for family get aways. Trying to get best one for 13-15000

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

I hope the brands I mentioned in this video were helpful for you. Thanks for watching!

[@keithgreen70]

I know that this video is 1 year old, but lately I'm seeing lots of KZbin families with Grand Design fifth wheels with broken frames.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Hi Keith. Yes, there are KZbin influencers who seem to like to bash Grand Design these days. But I feel there is a real disconnect here since the vast majority of actual GD owners are very happy with their RV. So my opinion on why this could be happening is summed up in a video I made on the subject a few weeks ago which can be viewed here - kzbin.info/www/bejne/g3Wmo2x9nKhkhZo

[@faithfarmforever4795]

The frame issue - is on the "solitude" line only and that is on the bigger rigs 39 feet to be specific. Is that good? no but overall (having owned 5 different campers/brands) Grand Design does overall do an excellent job and backs ups their product with amazing service..

[@lisamcclurg8284]

Thank you so much for you willingness to share your knowledge! I am a single grandma with a dog and have been doing a LOT of research on what type of tow vehicle to purchase. I am wondering if the guide you mentioned is out yet, and if so, where might I obtain it?

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Hi Lisa. Sorry but I don't have my tow vehicle guide ready yet. But stay tuned! Thanks for watching!

[@OliveEwe2]

If towing on your own, there are benefits to a double axel in terms of stability in the event of a flat tire.

[@bookbakery]

I wish you would review Oliver Travel Trailers.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Thanks for the suggestion. I'll see what I can do.

[@dougc78]

Good video thanks for sharing. I’ve always been a fan of GD, even more so after visiting their plants in Red Bay & Belmont. Question: I’ve heard of dealers selling you on a specific unit then switching it to a different one (same model) upon delivery. Do these things have a VIN? If so where is it located?

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Yes, all RVs have a VIN number Doug. It is usually found in multiple places on the RV. Often inside the door jam, by the drivers seat in the cab area or on the weight limit sticker on the side of the RV. I highly recommend that you take a picture of the VIN on the RV that you have been looking at on the lot to make sure it matches the one on the sales contract.

[@davebewshey1549]

Grand designs roofs and slides all osb, you can type up videos on KZbin, they look kind of fancy on the inside but the materials are very cheap I wasn't as impressed as most although I will say the high high end models are a little better.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

@@davebewshey1549 As I said in the video Dave, none of the travel trailer manufacturers are perfect and there are things that could be improved with every brand out there. But Grand Design has a ton of happy customers and vocal owners who love their rig. That doesn't happen by accident. And the bottom line with TTs is the more you spend, the better quality you get in general.

[@janetpagendarm9075]

North wood artic fox is great our first one was. 9years old

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Oh yeah ... Northwood makes a great RV. Thanks for sharing your experience with us here Janet!

[@marybourgeois5235]

Question: What's a guesstimate on an Inspector? I think that's a GREAT SAFE GUARD. I'm a kind sweet gal, BUT, if I get messed over on a NEW TRAILER....the Choctaw in me will show, therefore, INSPECTOR will be utilized. Better safe than sorry...... THK U!!!!

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

That's a great question Mary. I am making a video that will be released next week that will cover how much an RV inspector should cost. Hopefully that will make the Choctaw in you happy. :-) Just subscribe to the channel and you can view it when it come out. Thanks for watching!

[@narrowjay0]

What do you think about Jayco Jay Feathers? I'm looking at buying the 22bh model. Just wondering your thoughts.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Yes, Jayco is on my list of recommended travel trailer brands.

[@bookbakery]

What do you think of Oliver Travel Trailers in Holenwold Tennessee. Legacy Elite and Legacy Elite II

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Oliver is an excellent brand known for both quality construction and customer support. They make a product that can actually last a lifetime if cared for properly.

[@burtoncarlisle4810]

Been looking at fiberglass travel trailers, what’s your opinion on Oliver and Escape trailers???

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Hi Burton. Those are both great fiberglass brands and I would recommend either of them. This video does not include fiberglass travel trailers as they only go up to about 25 feet in length. Otherwise Oliver would be on the short list for sure.

[@robinsyverson967]

Yes to Lance.🎉

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Thanks for your contribution Robin.

[@kona6451]

Outdoors RV should be on this list

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Thanks for sharing your opinion.

[@davidgertz07]

Would you say Lance has the same 4 season quality of Northwood? Im looking to full time it and I live in the upper Midwest

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Northwood has been building true 4 season RVs for a long time, so even though Lance makes a good one I would give Northwood the nod for 4 season camping. Thanks for watching!

[@rogerjohnson7667]

Is there an RV company that properly has the PEX plumbing installed?

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Hi Roger. I personally feel that this plumbing issue has been way overblown by some online influencers. Yes, it would be best if all the plumbing connections were PEX. But these influencers seem to be trying to convince RV buyers that plumbing is failing in mass numbers by RV manufacturers who do not use PEX throughout the RV. And that simply isn't so. I certainly wouldn't use that one criteria to dismiss RV brands that have an excellent reputation for overall quality build otherwise.

[@rstspecos]

Don't tell Travels with Delaney about quality of lance. they have had some bad luck with theirs.. But probably the case with any manufacturer

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Hi Ricky. That's exactly what I said in my video. You can get a lemon in any RV brand these days. And because they are made by hand there can a wide variation in quality depending on who worked on a specific unit and what kind of shape they were in at the time. But overall, Lance has a fine reputation in the industry.

[@kathyzehner9660]

I’m really really really surprised that inTech travel trailers didn’t make the list.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Actually you make a good point. This video is about RVs that the average person is familiar with. But InTech has been growing considerably in the past few years and no doubt they will be on my recommended list soon. They do build a very good product from everything I have seen so far. Thanks for making the suggestion.

[@kathyzehner9660]

@@RVInspectionAndCare good to know. I just happened to stumble upon the brand from an Airstream facebook group. After checking them out, there was no question we’d drop more $ getting an Airstream or settling for mediocre-quality brands. It’s good to highlight them, so people like us, hear about a quality brand that they never have heard about. 🙂

[@shermrg3446]

Question for you… would you recommend Keystone Hideout travel trailer bshwe? I was looking at getting one. Let me know. Thanks

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Keystone is a high production RV builder. They tend to do much better on the higher end products that they build. The Montana, Alpine and Cougar fifth wheels are well known for being pretty good rigs overall. But as you go down the product lineup in price things get a lot more sketchy. Now that doesn't mean that you can't get a good lower priced travel trailer from Keystone. It just means that consistency gets more dicey on their lower end. So if you choose to buy a Hideout be sure to get it thoroughly inspected first and look for signs that it was built with attention to detail at the factory. Here is a video I made that can be helpful on doing that - kzbin.info/www/bejne/bZDPnmqapbZ0ppo

[@shermrg3446]

@@RVInspectionAndCare Hey thanks.. I’m in the market for a travel trailer, so I am doing my research diligently. Thanks for your response and insight. Really appreciate it.

[@shermrg3446]

@@RVInspectionAndCare One other question for you…. What are your thoughts on a Jayco Jay flight trailer. Researching those particular travel trailers, they seem pretty well built with quality. What don’t think of them for purchase?

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

@@shermrg3446 Jayco is on my recommended list for travel trailer manufacturers. Of course, they are also a high production RV builder, but they seem to strike a good balance between production and quality better than most of their competitors in my opinion. They are well worth a look.

[@MikeAhern-y6f]

What is your opinion about brinkley trailers

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

I made a video about Brinkley fifth wheels a few weeks ago that you can view here - kzbin.info/www/bejne/qHvJY5KipbB3ibM and my opinion on their travel trailers would be very similar.

[@TheBirdandEagle]

Thank you. Great information and advice.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching!

[@garystinson6091]

on the inspection, the dealer fixes the problems, doe the inspector come back to check to make they are done, otherwise, how would know the items are fixed

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Hi Gary. They can come back and review the repairs made if you wish. But of course, they will charge for the extra work. The good news is that it will usually not take them much time to verify the quality of the repair and whether it is acceptable or not.

[@rogerjohnson7667]

Are Nu Camp trailers well built?

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Yes, in my opinion they are pretty good. But as always, verify that any RV you buy does not have hidden problems by using a certified RV inspector before the purchase.

[@PhilForder]

I agree with Lance, &Northwood, but Grand Design I have to disagree with, both build quality & customer service! Brinkley should be your number one, hands down, no question!

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

First of all, the brands I listed are not in any particular order. Secondly, I don't pay attention to the Grand Design haters out there who don't really know what they're talking about since GD has won more consumer owner awards than almost any other RV brand. And Brinkley is a newcomer to the RV industry who just started making travel trailers. We'll see how they hold up after a few years.

[@troywailly7847]

What are your thought on 2022 Gulf Stream ameri lite models?

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Hi Troy. Gulf Stream is not on my list of recommended brands. Thanks for watching!

[@craigmarshall40]

I am looking at a 2022 heartland 221rb Sundance is the build quality ok on these trailers any good or is it not recommended that’s for letting me know

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Hi Craig. Heartland is not on the list of my recommended brands for the past few years. Older Heartland models yes, not so much recently. There are other brands that are producing a better quality product and whose customer service after the sale is better as well. I have just recently created a guidebook for buying travel trailers. It is designed for use with used travel trailers, but the brands and models recommended in it are still pretty much the same after the upheaval of the past few Covid pandemic years. You can download the guidebook here if you like - payhip.com/b/HFc4P

[@craigmarshall40]

@@RVInspectionAndCare thank you for your response 😊

[@mikethomsen5096]

can you look at ember travel trailers please

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Thanks for the suggestion Mike. Ember has only been around since 2021 and I like to make sure what direction the company is going with their quality levels before recommending them too highly. But so far, Ember has been impressive.

[@amyclaire29]

What do you think about the 2023 heartland mallards and keystone cougars

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Hi Leslie. Neither Heartland nor Keystone are outstanding on the travel trailer side of towables. But they aren't known for terrible products either. If I had to make a recommendation for quality and customer service, I would choose the Cougar over the Mallard. I hope that helps.

[@amyclaire29]

@RV Inspection And Care I went looking today and saw a grand design image. I rhink that is one you did recommend?

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

@@amyclaire29 Yes, a Grand Design Imagine travel trailer is a better overall choice in my opinion Leslie.

[@austingipsysite]

Great advice, thank you!

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Glad it was helpful. Thanks for watching!

[@knucklesandwich8786]

I never hear anything about Venture brand. Also, from doing research, it appears all rvs look good on the outside but when you pull back the roof and walls, obviously NO quality assurance. And they leak like a sieve. Thanks for any feedback on the venture

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Hi Scott. I have not had any experience thus far with Venture RVs. I'll keep an eye for them in the future though. Thanks for bringing that up. As far as quality is concerned, there are some very good RVs being made. You just have to know which brands to choose. A lot of RV buyers exaggerate the issues they have though. And that can give the impression that all RVs are junk. But that is simply not true. Leaks only happen rarely on new RVs. But if the seals are not cared for properly, it is just a matter of time before leaks take place. From my experience very few RV owners do the maintenance that they really should on their RV. And the factory can't be blamed for that.

[@Bronco2Cj]

@@RVInspectionAndCare Your opinion on Rockwood/Flagstaff and No Boundaries?

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

@@Bronco2Cj I'm not a huge fan of Forest River products in general and both of these brands are under their umbrella. They have had their issues with customer service in recent years. But although there are many sub-par brands under Forest River, Rockwood and No Boundaries is among the better Forest River products to be had.

[@Bronco2Cj]

@@RVInspectionAndCare Understood.

[@Kingskruisin]

You obviously haven't checked rockwood/flagstaff. They are alot better then grand design. Walk in a rockwood the floors are solid. The cabinets are solid. Thru hold their value. There are trailers put there over 15 years old and still in hood shape. You missed it here.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Well, I actually said in the video that there are other brands that I can also recommend other than the ones I mentioned in the video. As it happens, I don't usually recommend Forest River products, but Rockwood is one of the few bright spots in their line. And I agree that Rockwood RVs are generally built very well. But Forest River has a very poor record of customer service in recent years. You must have obviously missed checking that out, right? It's fine to disagree with my recommendations as I know that not everyone is going to see things my way. But good manners would dictate that you ask me why I didn't include Rockwood before leaving a sarcastic and negative comment.

[@HomeschoolStudyHub]

Great video. What do you think about older 2006 Northwind 20nd by Northwood

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

In my opinion, Northwood has always built a fine RV. But if you are considering one that is 17 years old, make sure that it has been maintained well by a caring owner(s) and get an RV inspection before you buy it to make sure that it doesn't have any major hidden problems. Thanks for watching Michele!

[@gregmoessner3104]

I’m about to pull the pin on a 31 ft Arctic Fox bumper pull. Full inspectered w 10$,000 in shop dealer work done. But it don’t take long to get a 10,000$ bill at 175:00 per hour. At least I didn’t pay for it. It will be used for Canadian winter living.🤞. Many people do live there them but a little extra profit against Mother Nature is required.

[@Rbl7132]

THANK YOU SIR!!!!!!!

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@Rbl7132]

@@RVInspectionAndCare I recommend you add a "$Thanks" tab to your videos. How do you rate a 2022 Minnie Winnie Travel Trailer (new)? (1-10]?

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

@@Rbl7132 Thanks for the suggestion. I'll look into it. And Winnebago is on my recommended brands list for travel trailers. But 2022 is a Covid-built year so be sure to have it inspected thoroughly before buying. Hopefully, the former owner has fixed any factory problems and issues already.

[@Rbl7132]

@RVInspectionAndCare Thank you for the insightful answer!! Get ready for big "cha chings" When you add the "$Thanks " feature!

[@ih7america]

Is this ForestRiver a good brand?

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Forest River as a whole is not on my recommended list. But some of their brands like Flagstaff, NOBO and Rockwood are worth considering.

[@ih7america]

​@@RVInspectionAndCareI appreciate it, sir your videos are so useful for whoever is looking for the RV life.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

@@ih7america Thanks for the positive feedback. It's appreciated. Have safe and happy travels!

[@missdebbie6791]

Interesting. We have owned one of all three suggested here. Arctic Fox, Lance and Imagine. True, none perfect! Currently we are without trailer. Not sure of future plans, but looking at a nice Rockwood that seems very well made.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

I don't usually recommend any Forest River products for various reasons. However, Rockwood is one of the better brands in their line and I agree that it is worthy of consideration Debbie.

[@missdebbie6791]

@@RVInspectionAndCare Thank you for your response. We don't really know any specifics about that brand. Might you have any videos you could point me to?

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

@@missdebbie6791 I haven't made any videos about it myself Debbie. But I'm sure there are several available on KZbin. Just put Rockwood in the search field and it should bring up several videos to choose from.

[@diana5aug]

Any info on reliability for Winnebago Voyage trailers??

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Yes, Winnebago is definitely worth consideration in the travel trailer segment of the RV industry. Personally, I feel that they build better motorhomes than towables. But they are still worth a good look.

[@Hatch1182]

thanks for your videos

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

So glad you like them. Thanks for the positive feedback and have safe and happy travels!

[@ReluctantPost]

I agree except Grand Design. As someone else commented, a leak in that trailer will do a lot of damage you won’t always see at first and it has to be torn up to fix.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Everybody has their opinions about these kind of lists. But I still stand by the brands I listed in this video. Thanks for watching!

[@BriBreNic]

I only want to hear about brands with the build quality and craftsmanship of Brinkley or better at this point.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

If that's the case, you will have very few brands that you can choose from and you will be spending premium dollars. This video was not made for narrow interests like yours. It was made for those who are in the market for a reasonably well-built travel trailer across various price ranges.

[@BriBreNic]

@@RVInspectionAndCare Unfortunately I’ve owned a Jayco with some of the worst quality control I’ve ever seen and currently own a Forest River with soft floor syndrome. I don’t think it’s narrow minded to want a quality product reflective of price. If you subtract the cost of materials being used in your “reasonably well-built” brands, we are paying an awful lot for labor so the craftsmanship should be better. Especially when you factor in the record setting quality a lot of these brands are now producing. I’m not familiar with your channel but perhaps edit the title of this video to reflect that you are excluding well-built models and only focusing on “reasonably well-built”.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

@@BriBreNic It's clear from your response that you aren't familiar with my channel. As I have often said, the RV industry needs to up their game in all aspects of the industry. And some brands are better than others, travel trailers being the lowest overall quality of the RV industry. Hence, the mention of "reasonably well-built" RVs. But if you follow the guidelines I provide on this channel, it will help make sure that you can have the best RV buying experience possible. I hope that makes sense to you, but I am not interested in arguing with anyone whose mind is already set and can't be educated. So if you don't like what you have seen on my channel, feel free to choose other content providers instead.

[@longsnapper5381]

Big help, thank you!

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Glad it helped. Thanks for watching!

[@nellnorwood1156]

excellent video

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Glad you liked it. Thanks for watching!

[@sharonrose4145]

I don’t get the Grand Design comment, they are owned by Winnebago

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Winnebago also owns Newmar and other manufacturers. And Thor owns Tiffin, Jayco and others. But there is no evidence that the ownership of these RV builders has been negatively impacted by their parent companies. They have been allowed to continue running day-to-day operations pretty much as they always have.

[@janetpagendarm9075]

Is that a Northwood rv you are in ?

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

No, it's actually a Grand Design Solitude.

[@andycrawford7428]

How do I find and RV inspector. I am in Houston Tx Thank you

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Hi Andy. Just visit nrvia.org and select "Find An Inspector". Then you can view all of the local inspectors on the map there and contact them about their availability. Any certified NRVIA inspector has the necessary training to provide a top quality RV inspection for you. I usually recommend choosing the one that you feel most comfortable with.

[@andycrawford7428]

@@RVInspectionAndCare thanks. I am looking to purchase a new travel trailer and this is very helpful. I also enjoy your videos on trailering care and tips

[@123JumpingJacks]

Didn't include airstream...

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

That's for two reasons - 1) Airstream is almost in a category of its own. That's why I'm making a video about only Airstream travel trailers in just a couple of weeks. 2) They cost quite a bit more than most travel trailers and therefore are not as affordable as the ones I mentioned n this video. These brands are within the price range of most RV buyers. Anyway, if you are a fan of Airstream, stay tuned. My video on that brand is coming soon.

[@123JumpingJacks]

@@RVInspectionAndCare I would love to see your take on airstream. Have you posted this already?

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

@@123JumpingJacks Not yet. I have recorded it already though and it will go live in about two weeks. I would love to hear your feedback on it.

[@jenandkurt]

We are going full time in an RV & started the process of all the steps needed before doing it. I'm considering 3 RV's to live in that we've looked at. 30 foot Airstream, 32 foot Artic fox 5th wheel, and 30 foot sporttrek touring T.Trailer by venture RV. I'm worried that not many people mention the sporttrek touring as a good RV on KZbin. It's not much talked about. What are your thoughts? I'm not looking for a huge RV at all. At the same time, I don't want regrets in 3 years... Thanks, - Jen in MN

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Hi Jennifer. I haven't had much experience one way or the other with SportTrek TTs, so I can't comment on them. But both Airstream and Northwood (Arctic Fox) build a really good product. Airstream is well known for quality TTs. And Northwood builds their products as true four season RVs and that automatically makes for a better quality build than most of their competitors on the market. Take your time and look at as many as you can to get a feel for what will fit your needs best. I hope you find the perfect RV for your needs.

[@jenandkurt]

@@RVInspectionAndCare Thank you so much for your time & your good advice, much appreciated! I look forward for your next video.

[@ReluctantPost]

Sporttrek is a “lightweight” which serves as a warning label because they are using the least amount of materials and the thinnest materials possible to save weight. Sporttrek might be okay for winters in the south but it is not equipped for real cold. No RV brand including Airstream or Arctic Fox is going to be livable in Minnesota through a normal winter. Companies that need portable office or bunking space in Alaska or Canada or North Dakota in the winter use custom modifiers like Nord Euro Mobile that will equip cargo type trailers to not only function but be comfortable at -40 or -50F. Arctic Fox does okay in most of the central or coastal US as long as you don’t mind using a lot of energy but “4-season” packaged units still have to be plugged in for bad weather with plenty of propane available in the tanks and the thermostat kept at about 70 or higher with lower cabinet doors open for airflow if temperatures are near zero or below. There will also be condensation issues on walls, in cabinets, and on windows unless a dehumidifier is used to keep the humidity low and that can be hard on skin.

[@deetles98]

Northwoods are not easy to come by in the mid west….I wish that would change!!!

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Yes, the only issue with Northwood is their availability. But I would rather have them take the time to build a good RV than rush it like some other brands who clearly have quality issues. Thanks for watching!

[@bettywhitfield983]

Thank you for your info women rvs Betty

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

I'm glad you enjoyed it Betty. Thanks for watching!

[@marshabrockman7443]

Has Airstream taken a dive?

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

I knew someone was going to ask this question and it's a good one. I love Airstreams. I think they are built with a high level of quality and their customer service and resale value is great too. But Airstream honestly seems to be in a category of its own. They are very unique travel trailers. And they are at the top of the cost spectrum for travel trailers as well. So since I'm only listing the top 3 recommended brands in this video I decided to use those 3 spots by recommending brands that are affordable for the vast majority of people and that fit what most people have in mind when they think of travel trailers. It was a judgement call, but was not meant to be a slight for Airstream in any way. They are definitely going to be at the top of my full list of recommended brands when I release my guidebook on buying TTs.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

@@ReflectedMiles I guess you are really going to hate my next video about Airstreams. I am a big fan of Airstreams as an RV inspector and there are lots of satisfied users of the brand that agree with me. Their customer satisfaction index is off the charts and almost every Airstream owner I have ever met loves the product and is happy to loudly proclaim their loyalty to the brand. That is also what keeps their resale value exceptionally high among travel trailer brands. Your point about the delicacy of the aluminum skin is a good one and I included it in my upcoming video. But overall, Airstream is more popular now than they ever have been and they can scarcely keep up with the demand. They must be doing something right!

[@ReluctantPost]

I can’t see Reflected’s comment here but I think Airstreams are good quality, just not compared to their price.

[@JayZoop]

Is it just me, or are travel trailers very low in price now days. One that is 1 year old doesn't cost much more than one that is 10 years old.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Interesting observation. Thanks for watching!

[@entreri76x]

Honestly , to me . Get the floor plan you want . They are all pretty much made the same with the exact same parts and frames . Yes , what you said is extremely important .. they’re made by hand . Depending what team built it , no matter if it’s forest river or grand design , is the most important part . That sets the pace for everything that happens afterwards . If shortcuts were made . It will have problems . We looked at the grand design 30hb , the deal breaker for us was the tv sitting on the kitchen counter and no pantry . We went with the forest river 310BHI for the walk in pantry and much better tv placement . I am a master hvac tech so I was able to fix the few horrible workmanship areas I found on it . I inspected it top to bottom . Everything else has been pretty solid . Also a huge fan of the pvc roof . Lifetime warranty . I was expecting even more bad construction but was pleasantly surprised . I had a huge punch list before I took delivery . The dealer of course addressed those issues half a** so I had to go behind them and fix those issues *properly* myself . Unfortunately, in todays time , if you want something fixed correctly , you have to do it your self . Lucky for me , I’m extremely mechanically included . I could see this being a huge issue for the rest of the general public though , which is sad .

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

The travel trailer segment of the RV industry is the most popular and has the lowest entry level pricing. So its understandable that we shouldn't expect the same level of quality of more expensive RVs. But as you say, it is pretty surprising what is allowed to leave the factory these days, especially in travel trailers. Thanks for sharing your experience with us!

[@entreri76x]

@@RVInspectionAndCare and the price. You would think a Salem hemisphere would a lot cheaper than the equivalent grand design , as far as apples to apples . Nope . Msrp for both was upper 70s, the real price of both , no one pays near Msrp was only about a 5k difference in price . Out the door . For this kind of money , I should not have to pull the whole under belly off to check, tank leaks , water leaks , etc .. did not find any issues , but was not taking any chances , especially after watching all of your videos . It’s like kids who don’t care build these things now . But it’s no different in the new home market now as well . Cheaply built , with 0 quality control . Just thrown together with no pride at all . Hopefully one day in the future RV manufacturers will go to more robotic construction and that will eliminate 80% off these issues . Just like cars . But we loved this floor plan and no matter what, I would make it work being my own warranty station. Would never trust the dealer or manufacture to correctly address issues anyway.

[@CustomWeldingandFab]

There is no excuse for poor quality when prices continue to rise year over year. Absolutely no excuse. They continue to profit on the backs of its customers getting problems.

[@idahoman966]

inspecters dont really care. look at my house many expensive repairs needed. including every window in my downstairs. wiring messed up. but atleast he did see the broken 3 dollar window handle in the bathroom

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

I don't think we're talking about the same kind of inspectors here. Home inspectors and RV inspectors are not the same. I'm sorry that you had a bad experience with a home inspector. But the vast majority of people I know about who had an RV inspected, are very glad that they did.

[@stalehunter]

do your due diligence about grand design before you buy.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

In spite of the many Grand Design detractors on social media, there is still an overwhelmingly large community of happy GD owners that are very pleased with both their RV and the company's support. As long as that is the case, I will continue recommending them.

[@davidmccartney7577]

Alliance

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Yes, Alliance is on my full recommended list of RV brands.

[@jerrytalley802]

Please help me understand how you can be promoting grand design, when they’re plastered all over KZbin with constant frame failures? Horrible customer service?

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Hi Jerry. You shouldn't believe everything you read and hear online about RVs. People in the industry who actually know about how RVs are built know that Grand Design is definitely one of the better RV manufacturers. If you choose to listen to the spreaders of drama and negativity, of which there is an abundance on social media, you will be misinformed. I just made a personal inspection of dozens of new GD RVs recently and it confirmed that they are still building a high quality RV overall. If you don't believe me, you have plenty of other YT channels who will be happy to tell you otherwise. But it doesn't mean that they will be telling you the truth.

[@robzehler2346]

Grand design, huh? They have been plauged with "frame flex," aka broken frames here lately. Which have not been covered under the manufacturers warranty. A simple youtube search will yield many frame issues. Grand design will not be on our "buy" list.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

I don't agree with your assessment of Grand Design or the spreaders of negativity and drama that have made this issue into way more than it should have been. I explained my feelings about the whole "frame flex" issue in this video - kzbin.info/www/bejne/gaKVpp5qatVgmdU and the information that I reference is a lot more reliable and comprehensive than all the innuendo that is thrown around with little to no facts about the actual cause of the problem. Whether you agree or not is entirely up to you.

[@StarbaseTx]

Seems like the best advice would be to not buy an RV. Majority of people end up regretting the decision for one reason or another. Probably best to just stay away.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Actually the vast majority of people I know love RVing and are happy with their rig once they get the issues and bugs worked out. But they can avoid most of the frustration with the buying process if they just get an RV inspection before they buy and then get everything the inspector finds fixed before they take ownership.

[@StarbaseTx]

@@RVInspectionAndCare I'll take your word for that. Just keep in mind that your sample is of people who have committed to RVs and not a sample of people who have left the lifestyle behind and gotten out or sold their RV. In your sample, there is no doubt a considerable number of people succumbing to the sunk cost fallacy, and irrationality in their purchase. Probably best to advise people to do substantial homework and research prior to dipping their toe in these treacherous waters! Just my opinion, and no disrespect.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

@@StarbaseTx You are making an assumption that is not true when you say that my "sample" is from only people who are committed to RVing. I have spoken with several others who have left the lifestyle as well. And they don't just leave because of RV issues. There are many reasons why people leave the lifestyle. And dissatisfaction with their RV is rarely the driving force behind the decision. Also, you clearly aren't a regular follower of my channel as you aren't aware that I constantly advise my listeners to do their homework and research before beginning their RV adventure.

[@StarbaseTx]

@@RVInspectionAndCare You are right, algorithm sent me to your channel, so this is my first impression only. Guess I'm wary since so many who have channels falsely lead folks into bad, regrettable decisions. This lifestyle certainly seems to be dicey at best.

[@stephen5147]

I toured the Grand Design factory in Oct 2022. I would never buy a Grand Design product. I have toured many RV factories. Grand Design is the only place I've ever seen that had their workers RUNNING from station to station. I watched one guy running carrying a shower panel - he threw it into place then ran back. I want my RV built by folks who are being careful & deliberate… that is not Grand Design. I agree about the Lance products. By far the best quality I've seen in a travel trailer. I wish they made a model with a stacked washer/dryer.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Everyone is entitled to their opinion Stephen. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the subject.

[@scottdowning799]

Thanks for a great video! What do you think of Rockwood travel trailers?? Scott Downing cross country truck driver off bakersfierd California

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Hi Scott. I don't usually recommend a lot of Forest River brands. But Rockwood is one of the best brands that FR makes. It's certainly worthy of consideration. I hope that helps!