RV/Travel Trailer Purchase

quote:

---

From what research I've done...Forest River, Jayco, and Keystone seem to be the next top brands.

---

As nationwide brands but Arctic Fox from Northwood Manufacturing is a much better product but you will pay. They have other brands but I'm not familiar with them. They are all built in Oregon.

Also, stay away from Jayco. I've owned one and I quickly got rid of that pos. Luckily I didn't lose my arse on it because of everyone purchasing during the beginning of covid.

quote:

---

Grand Design

---

That's the right answer.

I've owned 4 and I bought a Grand Design 5th wheel about 3 months ago.

I just picked up a Forest River Flagstaff EPro 20BHS.

Very happy with it so far. Really high quality rig for a reasonable price.

The other brand I was high on was the Venture Sonics.

quote:

---

Based on what i have read, avoid anything made during the pandemic.

---

Can you define that? Because we are technically still in a pandemic per the global powers. So avoid anything made from 03/2020 - present day?

I'd say 20-22 and maybe early 23 models that have been released.

Sales seems to have tapered off so the pressure to build them fast is no longer there.

We have a big Jayco 5th wheel from Steve's RV Mandeville/Covington area just off the interstate. They have all sizes, no pressure at all , just tell you to go look and come ask questions. Customer service is fantastic after the sale also.

could not recommend higher

Buying your first camper is exciting but can also be a bit overwhelming. I’ve owned a Keystone Passport for a few years now, and it’s been a good choice, lightweight, well-built, and easy to tow. Grand Design and Winnebago are also great options if you want solid construction and good resale value. One thing I’d really emphasize is checking the quality of factory tires and making sure the layout works for your needs before committing.

If you’re considering saving money beyond just the purchase price, registering the RV in Montana can be a good way to cut down on taxes and fees. You can register here if you're looking into that option.

I'm currently shopping for an RV/travel trailer myself. The best advice I have received is to rent different styles/brands before purchasing. I'm leaning towards an Airstream (probably used) as they have very high reliabilty ratings compared to other manufacturers. I drive a Chevy Trailboss so I am limited when it comes to size and weight, for now. The limitations of Airstreams are cost and no slideouts as well (smaller physical footprint) and limited storage onboard. Two friends recently purchased different Forest River models- one bought new, the other used. The used was two years old when purchased (24' Grey Wolf 18RR) and he has reported no major issues and uses is primarily for camping and his elks hunts. The new was purchased at Camping World locally and the couple claims they got the hard sell every step of the way and it was a miserable experience, yet they still bought. There are numerous vids on YouTube shedding a negative light on Camping World and encouraging buyers to go to an independent RV dealer, if possible. They have since had some fairly significant issues and their RV has been in and out of service.

I've watched tons of YouTube videos on purchasing an RV and RV life, which have been very helpful. Many say if buying used pay a professional to inspect before you buy to flush out any serious issues. Water leakage seems to be the biggest issue. Lots of info out there and I found this YouTube page to be a valuable resource to use once I do purchase. He covers everything from maintenence, repairs, troubleshooting and RV modifications/accessories as well as setting up the RV, towing and winterizing. He covers tons of topics I found useful.

RV Tips & Travel