10 Best Travel Trailer Brands You’ll Love

What are the best travel trailer brands for RVers? That’s a big question. The travel trailer industry has over one hundred brands and thousands of different models and floor plans. The answer also depends on finding the best truck for your camper.

Whether you are getting away for the weekend to a place like Lake Texoma, which we love, or living in your RV full-time, you can a camper that is reliable.

For this year, my picks remain unchanged. There have been a few new brands on the market, but they have not been around long enough to assess their quality properly.

If you want to buy an RV, first get a grasp on trailer towing basics. Then, research the best camper brands and travel trailers with great reviews. Start with this post! Below I list some of the top-rated, highest-quality travel trailer brands and the models worthy of your consideration.

our list of the top 10 best travel trailer brands

How I Selected The Top RV Brands and Models

Choosing the best RV trailers isn’t easy. There are hundreds of brands and thousands of models. However, I selected these brands and models based on my research. I looked at hundreds of user reviews for reputable manufacturers that produced good quality models with a good selection of standard features and options. These are some of the best campers to buy.

Brand	Founded	RV Types	Website
Airstream	1931	Travel Trailers, Class B	https://www.airstream.com/
Grand Design RV	2011	Travel Trailers, 5th Wheels Toy Haulers	https://www.granddesignrv.com/
Oliver Travel Trailers	2007	Travel Trailers	https://olivertraveltrailers.com/
Winnebago Industries	1958	Travel Trailer, 5th Wheels, Toy Haulers, Class A, B, C	https://www.winnebago.com/
Happier Camper	2009	Travel Trailers	https://happiercamper.com
Starcraft	1903	Travel Trailers, 5th Wheels	https://starcraftrv.com/
Lance Campers	1965	Travel Trailers, Truck Campers	https://www.lancecamper.com/
Shasta RV	1941	Travel Trailers, 5th Wheels, Toy Haulers	https://www.shastarving.com/
Jayco	1968	Travel Trailers, 5th Wheels, Toy Haulers, Class A, B, C	https://jayco.com
Forest River	1996	Travel Trailers, 5th Wheels, Truck Campers, Toy Haulers, Pop Up Campers, Class A, B, C, Destination Trailers, Park Models	https://www.forestriverinc.com/

#1. Airstream – Flying Cloud

When you think luxury camper, Airstream is one of the first brands that usually comes to mind. They produce some of the most recognizable RVs in the industry. They are priced in the high-end range; however, the value you get is very well worth the price.

Their iconic models include the Classic, Globetrotter, Tony Bahama, Flying Cloud, and others. Owned by Thor industries now, Airstream continues to lead the industry in a unique, iconic, and distinctive design.

Is the Airstream Flying Cloud one of the best travel trailers?

The Airstream model I have a preference for is the Flying Cloud. With a starting price of $67,400, it is not for everyone. Here are some basic specs on the Flying Cloud:

• Sleep Capacity: 4-8
• Length: 19 feet to 30 feet
• GVWR: 4,500 to 8,800
• 19 available floor plans

The Flying Cloud is loaded with features that exude quality. Here are just a few of the features I liked in this unit (some may be optional):

• Quietstream Climate Control
• Ultraleather seating
• High-end kitchen appliances
• Seating that converts to sleeping
• Memory foam mattress
• Handcrafted cabinetry
• Retractable awning
• Rear-view monitoring system
• Roller blinds and blackout curtains
• Moen faucets and much more…

Airstream Flying Cloud Floor Plans and Specs

#2. Grand Design RV Imagine

Grand Design RV is another one of the best travel trailer brands. They have a loyal and raving fan base that considers their travel trailers some better overall brands in the industry.

I have seen many owner reviews of Grand Design campers who rave about the quality of these units and the outstanding customer service. For me, a list of the best travel trailer brands would not be complete without Grand Design.

Grand Design is located in Middlebury, IN. All their towables and fifth wheels come with a 3-year limited structural warranty. Imagine XLS is one of my favorites due to its excellent styling, features, and amenities.

Grand Design is not very old as a company in the industry. They have only been around since 2001 as an independent company. They spun off from a larger company.

Grand Design is allied with Winnebago and operates as an independent business within Winnebago Industries. Grand Design is definitely on our short list when choosing a great travel trailer brand.

Why I recommend the Grand Design Imagine

The Imagine travel trailer is my preferred trailer from this RV manufacturer. There are several reasons I like the Imagine trailer. First off, it comes in 11 different floor plans, and they all come with a queen-sized bed.

There is no way I would want a travel trailer with anything smaller than a queen bed. Here are some basic specs on the Grand Design Imagine:

• Choose from 11-floor plans
• Length: 26 ft 9-inches to 36-feet 11-inches
• UVW: 6,695 lbs to 7,495 lbs
• Gel-coated fiberglass exterior
• One-piece roof membrane with a 12-year warranty

The Imagine is also loaded with a ton of standard features. Here are just a few of the ones that stand out for me and for what I’m looking for:

• Solid hardwood drawer fronts
• Large panoramic windows
• Upgraded residential furniture
• Residential quality countertops
• Stainless steel microwave
• 3-burner range with oven
• Double door fridge

Grand Design Imagine Floor Plans & Specs

#3. Oliver Legacy Elite 2

The Oliver brand makes high-quality luxury fiberglass trailers in their Hohenwald, TN manufacturing facility. The company, which was started by twin brothers Jim and John Oliver, was formed in 2008.

The Oliver campers are built using four fiberglass shells, two inner and two outer shells. It’s a unique process that ensures a very well-built camper.

Many things set Oliver apart from the industry. It starts with the wheels found on all Oliver models. The wheels are not cheap travel-trailer wheels but rather E-rated, 10-ply, light truck tires.

You won’t find any wood or carpet on an Oliver; thus, no more or mildew.  The frame is aircraft-grade aluminum which provides durability and longevity.

The Oliver is well-suited for those who are interested in extreme-temperature camping. The insulated double shell keeps the cold out, and all water lines, appliances, and tanks are enclosed within the lower shell.

Due to its aerodynamic styling and light aluminum frame, it is easy to tow. All Oliver RVs go through a 4-stage inspection process. There is an Incoming Inspection Process, Production Inspection, Final Inspection, and the Shakedown.

The Shakedown is a free night of camping a few miles down from the manufacturing plant. This gives the buyer a real-world test of the Oliver brand.

Why I Like The Oliver Legacy Elite 2

The Oliver Legacy Elite 2 pictured above is my favorite model and probably one of their top-rated all-fiberglass campers. I like the Elite 2 for several reasons. I like that it has a dry weight of just 4,600 pounds.

So it can be towed with a good truck or full-size SUV. (Keep in mind that 4,600 pounds is just the dry weight. For towing, you need to consider everything else you put in it for your trip.

The Legacy Elite 2 comes in two-floor plans. One with twin beds and the with a dinette to 75″ x 79″ bed conversion. This model is loaded with standard features. These are just a few of the ones that stood out for me:

• Full Custom Molded Interior and Exterior Insulated Shells
• Plumbing, Holding Tanks, and Drain Pipes are enclosed between shells with heat to diminish freezing
• Quad Shocks on dual Dexter leaf spring axles with “Nev-R-Adjust” 10? electric brakes for exceptional control and braking
• Nordicold 3-Way Refrigerator 4.5 cubic ft. (12V, 11OV, LP)
• Molded vanity
• 15′ Dometic awning
• 22″ Flat screen LCD TV
• Custom mounted speakers (4)

Oliver Legacy Elite 2 Floor Plans & Specs

#4. Winnebago Industries – Minnie Drop

Another of our selected best travel trailers is Winnebago. With a history spanning over 50 years, Winnebago is a well-known and respected brand in the RV industry. Headquartered in Forest River, Iowa, the company builds a huge selection of RVs, including high-quality motorhomes, campers, fifth wheels, and toy haulers.

Winnebago makes three very popular models; the Minnie Plus, Minnie Drop, and Micro Minnie. Distinctly shaped, it packs a lot of space in a small package. Winnebago also uses Azdel composite panels in its manufacturing.

What I Like About the Minnie Drop

The Minnie Drop is aerodynamic, making it easy to tow by 1/2 ton pickups and larger SUVs. The interior is well-designed and has 6 feet 5 inches of headroom. Some models also include a slideout that adds additional space. Inside you will find a bathroom with some models having a wet bath and others having our preferred dry bath.

It is available in several colors and includes great-looking exterior graphics. Here are some additional specifications:

• Available in 6-floor plans
• Exterior length: 18′ 4″ to 20′ 4″
• Interior height: 6′ 5″
• GVWR: 3,500 lbs to 3,800 lbs
• Dry weight: 2,760 lbs to 2,980 lbs

When it comes to standard features, Winnebago packs this lightweight travel trailer with lots of them. Here are just a few included in the value package.

• Aluminum Floor Structure with Plywood Decking
• NXG Engineered Frame
• Night Shades
• Custom Bedspread
• Carbon Monoxide/LP Detector
• AV System with AM/FM/CD/DVD/USB/SD/Bluetooth
• Full Extension Ball Bearing Drawer Guides
• Power Bath Vent
• Two-Burner Cooktop
• Refrigerator
• Direct Vent Furnace

Winnebago Minnie Drop Floor Plans & Specs

#5. Happier Camper HC1

When it comes to one of the best travel trailers is small and lightweight trailers; Happier Camper is hard to beat. It is a top-rated brand that many people love.  Happier Camper makes a unique retro-style all-fiberglass camper with a versatile modular interior.

The Adaptiv interior lets you arrange the interior in any way you desire. The honeycomb fiberglass floor allows you to set the cubes in any arrangement. The Adaptiv cubes include storage cubes, kitchen sink and cabinets, table, cooler, and several more.

One thing to keep in mind with the Happier Camper is that it does not have a typical bathroom It has a dry toilet. So for some of you, that might not be what you are looking for. That is the only drawback I see to this camper trailer.

It is small, so don’t expect much room, but that is how it’s been designed. It’s modern, and it does make use of the small interior extremely well.

Why The Happier Camper?

A notable feature is the expansive rear hatch that lets you easily load up a couple of bikes; even a kayak is needed. This is an awesome feature for such a small camper.

Here is a partial list of specifications for this travel trailer:

• 100% Double-Hull Insulation Fiberglass
• Length: 10 feet for the shell, 13 feet including hitch
• Width: 6 feet 11 inches
• Height: 7 feet 4 inches
• Dry weight: 1,100 lbs
• Adaptive modules are all 20″ x 20″ and of varying height

As far as standard features of the HC1 no need to worry that they are sparse. Happier Camper did not skimp on useful standard features. Here are just a few.

• Custom engraved door hinges
• Outdoor porch light
• Precision hardware, locks, and components
• Stylized panoramic windows
• Adaptiv modular interior
• Side door storage
• Perimeter wall storage
• Stainless steel floor drain
• Heavy-duty D-ring tie-downs
• Independent dimmable LED lighting
• 14″ dual airflow ceiling fan

Happier Camper Floor Plans & Specs

#6. Starcraft RV Mossy Oak

Another of our picks with a long history in the RV industry, Starcraft, started making metal farm equipment in 1903. In 1968 they began manufacturing units. They were purchased by Jayco, which Thor Industries subsequently purchased.

They all come with a 3-year warranty, as well as including a Magnum Roof System. Their trademarked Tuffshell is a vacuum-bonded lamination used for their walls.

Why Consider The Mossy Oak?

Of all the models in their line-up, I like Starcraft Mossy Oak pictured above. This is the double-axle model as opposed to the single-axle Mossy Oak. The double axle allows for a higher gross vehicle weight rating and more towing stability.

This is a spacious camper available in 11-floor plans, including several that have a bunk bed. (This article I wrote has other travel trailers with a bunk bed or bunkhouse.)

Specifications on the Mossy Oak are as follows: (Partial list)

• Floor plans: 11 layouts, including some with bunk beds
• Exterior Length: 23′ 4″ to 36′ 5″
• Interior Height: 81″
• Exterior Width: 96″
• Dry weight: 4,185 lbs to 7,600 lbs
• Sleeping Capacity: 4 to 10 people

This pull-behind travel trailer is another on our list that is very well equipped at the standard level.

• 13,500 BTU A/C
• Cable & Satellite Prep
• Closeable A/C Vents
• Double-Over-Double Bunk Bed With 600lb Capacity   (Select Models)
• Durable Residential Style Flooring – Designer Carefree Congoleum®
• Foot Flush Toilet
• LED Lighting
• 3-Burner Range with 17″ Oven
• 60/40 Split Kitchen Sink
• Range hood
• Residential-Style High Rise Faucet

Mossy Oak Floor Plans & Specs

#7. Lance Camper 1685 Travel Trailer

Lance Campers have a reputation for being very well-built and an owner base that loves the customer support offered by the company. Definitely one of the better RV brands in the industry. What we like a lot about Lance is the interior of their models. The designs are extremely practical and very well done using top-grade materials.

They make nine truck camper models and 12 pull-behind travel trailer models.

Lance uses Azdel composite panels, an eco-friendly, toxin-free composite panel superior to wood. You can read about the Azdel panels in my Azdel article.

If you search the internet, you will find that most owners love their Lance. Hence, it’s easy to see why Lance has won the prestigious Dealer Satisfaction Index for quality almost every year and has been rated best in owner satisfaction.

Definitely one of the best travel ones made. Lance offers a 2-year structural warranty on their models.

Overall I consider Lance one of the Top 5 best travel trailer brands in the industry.

What I Like About The Lance Camper 1685

Of the 12 models of travel trailers Lance manufacturers, I like the 1685 model. There are several reasons, one of them being that it is one of their lightest travel trailer models. The dry weight is just a little under 4,000 lbs which makes it towable by a decent.

A 1/2 ton pickup might cut it a little too close once you add your gear. The GVWR is 5,500 lbs, which you need to consider if using a 1/2 ton truck.

The interior is roomy and has lots of storage space available, and the floor plan is intelligently designed and laid out for maximum space efficiency. It includes a wet bath which I have stated before, is one of my personal preferences in any RV we buy.

The specification of 1685 are as follows:

• Floor Length 16’6”
• Overall Length 21’0”
• Exterior Width 96-3/8”
• Exterior Height w/Optional 13.5M A/C 10’1”
• Interior Height 78”
• Gross Dry Weight 3980 Lbs.
• Hitch Dry Weight 425 Lbs.
• Axle Weight 3555 Lbs.
• Cargo Carrying Capacity 1520 Lbs.
• GVWR 5500 Lbs.

Standard features abound in this camper. Here is a partial list of this travel trailer’s many features and options.

• Dlx Queen Innerspring Mattress w/Pillow Top & Bedspread
• LED Reading Lights
• Overhead Cabinet Bunk
• Dinette W/Locking Pull-Out Storage Drawers
• Euro Overhead Cabinetry Design W/Accent Lighting
• Flush Mount SS 3-Burner Range w/Cover & BackSplash
• Furnace Forced Air 25,000 BTU
• Propane Tank 2 Each 5 Gallon – One w/Gauge
• Refrigerator (7 Cu Ft) 2-Way Double Door

Lance Camper 1685 Floor Plans & Specs

#8. Shasta RV 18FQ

A division of Forest River, Shasta has a history from the early 1940s. The Shasta name brand is very well respected in the industry, and for those for having been around a long time, the toaster-like look of the original Shaster brings back memories.

Shasta has made huge improvements since the days of the “toaster-on-wheels.”

Shasta campers made today have a well-designed sleek profile and amenities unheard of a generation ago. Shasta makes travel trailers, fifth wheels, and toy haulers. According to their website, they are the industry’s longest producer of recreational vehicles.

Why You Should Consider the Shasta 18FQ

Over the years, Shasta has trimmed their travel trailer line to just the Shasta model, which is available as a typical pull-behind and a travel trailer tow hauler. The pull-behind is available in a whopping 17 different floor plans.

Of all those plans, my favorite is the 18FQ. The 18FQ is very well laid0out. It includes a 60″ x 74″ bed mattress with overhead storage space above. There is a clothes wardrobe on either side, and you’ll find a nice-sized dinette in the kitchen.

The bathroom is a dry bath meaning a separate toilet and shower. The bathroom also includes a medicine cabinet and a linen closet.

Here is a partial list of the specification:

• Hitch Weight:325 lb.
• Dry Weight: 3254 lb.
• Cargo Carrying Capacity: 1796 lb.
• Exterior Length:22′ 5″
• Exterior Height:10′ 6″

Features and options are plenty on the 18FQ. Here are a few of the standard features you’ll find on this camper.

• Straight Axle with Electric Brakes
• E-Z Lube Hubs
• Radial tires
• LED Interior Lights
• Pocket-Bored and Screwed Cabinets
• Full Extension Ball Bearing Drawer Guides
• Blackout Shades in Bedroom
• Over-Sized & Deep Residential Sink
• High-Rise Kitchen Faucet
• Range Hood with Exhaust Fan

Video Overview: 

Shasta RV 18FQ Floor Plans & Specs

#9. Jayco Jay Flight SLX 7

With over 50 years of industry experience, Jayco has been one of the better brands in the RV industry. They have a loyal following and have always been very responsive to their customers. In 2016 Jayco was purchased by Thor Industries, which owns Airstream, among many other companies.

The hope is that the quality, service, and customer responsiveness remain intact after the purchase by this huge industrial conglomerate.

Jayco not only manufactures pull-behinds, they also build fifth-wheels, toy haulers, camping trailers, and Class A and Class C motorhomes as well. My favorite model in the Jayco lineup is the Jay Feather, an ultra-light camper.

Why I Like The Jay Flight SLX 7

Of all the travel trailer models Jayco manufactures, there are 9, and I prefer the Jay Flight SLX 7. First off, it’s not a huge camper and for its size very light. This makes the SLX 7 very manageable when it comes to towing. It is available in 6 floorplans. Several floorplans offer bunkhouses, hide-a-bed, and either a slide or no slide.

Some of the models feature a Simmons queen-size mattress which is very nice. Besides, I like that it has a dry bath which is always nice. The bunk beds included in some models have a 4-inch mattress and a weight capacity of 300-pounds.

The galley has standard features such as two-range burners, a three cubic-foot fridge, a microwave, and solid-surface countertops. Chances are you are going to find a plan that you will like.

As for specifications, the Jay Flight SLX 7 has the following:

• Unloaded Vehicle Weight (lbs): 2415 – 2890
• Cargo Carrying Capacity (lbs): 615 – 860
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (lbs): 2995 – 3750
• Dry Hitch Weight (lbs): 260 – 265
• Exterior Length: 16′ 6″ – 21′ 8″
• Exterior Height: 106″ – 107″
• Exterior Height w/ A/C: 111 – 1/4″ – 111- 3/4″
• Exterior Width: 85″
• Interior Height (living area): 73″

Lots of quality standard equipment is included in all models:

• 3-inch, cambered, steel box tube frame
• Fully-integrated A-frame
• Magnum Truss™ Roof System with seamless DiFlex II material
• Seamless solid-surface look kitchen countertops
• Large 50/50 acrylic kitchen sink
• 2-burner range
• 3-cubic-foot refrigerator with temperature controls
• Microwave oven
• Brushed nickel faucets
• Wall-mounted 8,000-BTU A/C

Jayco Jay Flight SLX 7 Floor Plans & Specs

#10. Forest River Alpha Wolf

Forest River is one of the largest RV manufacturers in the United States. Forest River is now owned by Berkshire Hathaway and makes trailers, 5th wheels, motorcoaches, camping trailers, pontoons, park models, and toy haulers.

They have several manufacturing facilities throughout the US and one of the best owner forums in the industry, FROG (Forest River Owner’s Group). In addition to the Forest River brand, they have other brands such as Coachmen, Dynamax, Prime Time, and Shasta, among others.

Why the Alpha Wolf Camper?

Of all the units  Forest River makes, my favorite is a recent model they introduced. It’s called the Alpha Wolf. It’s a beautiful, lightweight camper. It is roomy for a small design, and it is very easy to tow with nothing more than a standard SUV.

A feature I like is the laminated construction. Laminated construction makes for a lighter pull-behind, well insulated, and creates a clean exterior look. The Alpha Wolf 26DBH-L was named “Best of Show by RV News in 2018.

You have eight floorplans to choose from with this camper. Here is a partial list of the specifications:

• Hitch Weight: 570 lbs to 1,026 lbs
• Dry Weight: 5,795 lbs to 6,780 lbs
• Cargo Carry Weight: 1,246 lbs to 1,805 lbs
• Exterior Length: 31′ 6″ to 36′ 8″
• Exterior Height: 11′ 0″
• Exterior Width: 96″

Like all Forest River travel trailers, the Alpha Wolf comes with many standard features; these include some of the following:

• LED Interior Lighting Package
• Super-Plush Evergreen Mattress
• Deluxe Bedding Package
• Individual Reading Lights at Bed
• Full Under Bed Storage with Strut Lift Assist

The following features are available on some models only:

• Blackout” Kitchen Appliance and Hardware Package
• VIBRATIONSMART™ 12V, 10 Cubic Foot Residential Refrigerator with Travel Lock
• Total Control” for Wireless Operation of Multiple Light Zones, Awning, Monitor Panel, and All Slides
• Zebra Shades” (Light Filtering with Blackout Capability) In Main Living Area
• Pleated Shades in Bedrooms, Hallways, and Bunk Rooms
• Aluminum Rims
• Commercial Grade Spring Spout Kitchen Faucet with Pull-out Sprayer
• High Gloss Gel Coated Front Cap

Forest River Alpha Wolf Floor Plans & Specs

What Makes the Best Travel Trailer Brands of 2022?

There are three main factors that most in the industry consider important if you are to name an Rv manufacturer as one of the best travel trailer brands. They are as follows:

Reliability

Most, if not all, travel trailers will have issues. That is why reliability is important when choosing the best travel trailer brand. Look for a brand that has very good reviews from actual owners.

Don’t be swayed by reviews from those who just do a walk-through; they are usually not owners. For reliability and ratings, visit a site like RVInsider.com or search on Google for RV forums and ask owners on those forums about your particular camper’s reliability.

Affordability

Another criterion we selected as important is affordability. Even though that is what we’d like, cheap is not always the best. Inexpensive campers are mass-produced, resulting in poor quality. The best brands of campers are more expensive than others.

Customer Service

No matter how great a camper is, if the customer service is missing, it doesn’t matter. A good travel trailer brand will have excellent customer service that starts at the manufacturer and trickles done to the dealer. Do all RV brands provide great customer service? No, they do not, and often neither are the dealers associated with the brand. Search Google reviews to see how good the dealer and the brand rank regarding customer service.

Best Travel Trailer Brands Summary

So there you have it, some of the best brands in the industry. No matter what brand you research, they all have loyal fans and detractors.

The most important piece of advice I can give you when selecting your RV is to do your independent research. Get out there and visit the dealership, go to the shows, get on forums, and talk to owners. Selecting the best brand for you takes time and research and will make for more enjoyable travel.

Research the brand and the dealership since they will provide the after-purchase service. Make the best choice for you, your family, and your budget.

As a side note: Buying a reliable RV is very important, but so is having reliable RV batteries in your camper. This is especially true if you are going to be dry camping. I created a buying guide for RV batteries that you might want to read.

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