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Roeboat79's avatar
Roeboat79
Explorer
Jul 11, 2017

Best brands for family in Wisconsin

Our family is selling our 2014 KZ Sportsman Classic and will soon be in the market for a new to us (aka used) camper. We have a Ram 3500 so weight is not an issue and we are considering 5th wheel models. Our KZ seems to be constricted of materials that are one step above cardboard so we are looking for advice on what brands are better built and more durable. We mostly camp at camp grounds but do some dry camping. Our kids are 10 and 8 plus we have one little dog.
Since the hubby works nights we want something with a separate bedroom area, a separate entrance for the bathroom, an outside shower or hose, and an outside kitchen. Basically, we want daddy to be able to sleep while still allowing the kids access to things.
Advice is greatly appreciated. This will be our 2nd camper and we want to get a good one so we are not upgrading again so fast.
  • MWJones is correct, and since most TTs are built to a price point. Higher end units come at a higher price. They are also less available on the used market.
  • Roeboat79,
    Welcome to the forum. Don't be offended if some jerk scolds you for asking a question that has been asked many times (and they know who they are). Since you just joined, the question is NEW to you as well as the answers.
    To state which is "best" really is impossible. One would have total knowledge of ALL of them.
    Also its like asking which automobile is best. Or which campground is the best in the US.
    Read a lot, magazines, Forms,etc.
    Shop,shop,shop all you can at dealers and RV shows- BE CAREFUL ABOUT BELIEVING WHAT THE SALES PEOPLE TELL YOU.
    Yes,too many of them will say whatever it takes to sell you their unit.
    One "rule of thumb" is the more expensive (higherend units) generaly
    are the "best" built ones.

    Enjoy shopping. And enjoy camping!!!
  • If you're looking for a great 4 Season TT, then I can't say enough good stuff about Lance. Check out their website and look at the "Factory Tour" video on there, you'll be impressed! I'd suggest the 2185 model due to the 3 bunks in back!
  • Welcome to the Forum. Who is best is not an easy question to answer since so many of the manufacturers use the same components. It's probably more important to find a good dealer and to read the forums to see which manufacturers stand behind their products.
    Some prefer to buy used so that in theory other people have found and fixed the problems. Others prefer to buy new and cross their fingers they didn't get a lemon.
    Some manufacturers will try to make trailer as light as possible by skimping on the frame. They are trying to sell trailers to people with 1/2 ton trucks. Personally I would avoid anything in the "lightweight" category. They also tend to skimp on axle and tire size, making them barely adequate for the weight to be carried.
    To try and answer your question I would say that Arctic Fox and Outdoors RV have good reputations, but they are on the west coast. Jayco still has a lot of fans. Grand Design has a reputation for standing behind their product. Some of these have been bought by larger companies and so people are waiting to see if the quality drops. I'm sure there are others. Again, any company may turn out a lemon, but will they stand their product?
    No matter what you buy inspect the life out of it before signing off on it. Happy hunting!
  • You are right, 2 oldman! Wife should be working while I'm on camping trips.