Build Quality

I always tell people new to RV to buy their first one used. First, make sure your tow vehicle can handle the load, including vehicle passengers and all of the other "necessities". Start SMALL !
Second, buy from a private seller. Third, look for something in the 3-6 year old range.

After a year or two, then go shopping for a newer, larger RV.

RV sales the past couple of years are very high. This means that the companies are building them as fast as they can. Quality usually suffers when workers are pushed.

With your parameters, (Tahoe tow rig, sleep 6, $20K Budget, quality build, first trailer), it's somewhat akin to "Unicorn hunting". :B

Seems most folks buy a trailer, then decide they like something better soon after, or have to upgrade the tow vehicle, lots of wasted time and money. Often times, it's smarter to buy used, try it out, and hit the market again after a few seasons of working things out to your liking. For me, the industry only has a few brands that have decent quality and yes, they are way out of your price range (and mine).

So here's a curve ball that some might disagree with, but hear me out. One of my favorite brands for build quality, doesn't exist anymore, (well, they got bought out by Winnebago...), Sunnybrook RV. Small, independent company, quality reputation, loyal customer following. They built Sunnybrook brands for Eastern markets, and identical trailers under the Mobile Scout brand for Southwest markets.

If you could find one, well maintained, stored under cover, it might be worth buying, and updating interiors, and graphics to suit your tastes. (Repair and upgrade parts from a place like PPLMotorhomes is a good start).

The frame and wall structures were top of the line in their day, Aluminum wall and ceiling studs, electronics and fixtures often well above average. Often a little heavier than the competition. Here's one example in your area, that on first glance and at the price and age, you'd probably overlook, but look closer. Sleeps 6, old model, but look at the exterior condition, appears original graphics still look good. "Grandma's House" interior could use some updating, but at that price, you could afford to do that, and maybe even get a new roof installed, if needed. Solid wood cabinetry, with residential hinges, and construction, porcelain toilet, well insulated, ducted heat/air conditioning, etc.
1998 Mobile Scout

It looks like it might be a 24FB from this brochure:
Mobile Scout brochure

When you get down to it, the travel trailer brand is really the frame and shell. The interior fixtures, appliances, are similar across the board. Find a well built frame and shell, and you have a good starting point. If a trailer like this is still in good condition, you might save enough to even buy a dedicated tow rig to pull it or your future trailer. I'd rather have a well built heavier trailer with some age, than a fancy new lightweight, that will shake itself apart after a few gravel road trips.

In newer trailers, with standard industry build quality, Riverside RV seems to do pretty well for the price, and customers that have them seem to like them.

So good luck, and welcome to the forum.

SoonerWing03 wrote:
I’m trying to stay around 6000 to 6250 when I combine dry weight plus 1500 (additional features plus what we might possible pack on a trip). I am staying away from trailers where the dry weight and GVWR are only separated by ~ 1000 pounds simply because that doesn’t make much sense to me. Why would you even manufacture that trailer?

I feared there was probably a correlation between weight and build quality but unfortunately with three kids, smashing them in the back of a truck on these trips isn’t much of an option any longer. I considered getting rid of the kids and the wife and I getting a real nice 18 footer but she shot that idea down. Looks like I am going to have to be a gambling man and learn how to caulk and seal.

With all of the issues mentioned, I would assume that covered storage would be a must.

I've had mine for 3 years and the only thing I've had to reseal as a seem across the front that was an issue TOWING in the rain. Honestly I think they just did a poor job sealing it from the factory. Roof has been great.

I do check the roof seems a couple times a year and make sure to keep the little gutters clear so the water doesn't back up on the edges of the roof. And I give the camper a walk around every time we pack up to camp.

Unless you get a lemon, you shouldn't have to constantly fix it, you just have to keep on top of it to catch problems before they start. It's not so bad.

SoonerWing03 wrote:
Completely new to the Travel Trailer game and am wondering if there are any brands that generally produce better quality trailers than others. I know that you can find gems and lemons from any brand but wondering if I can increase my chances of getting a gem and limiting them of getting a lemon with one brand over another. With a budget of ~$20 K obviously Airstream isn’t an option. With all of the brands seamingly making roughly the same floor plans, which brands should I consider... or does it really matterThe floor plan we like is one like the Apex Ultra Lite 245BHS.

We purchased a 2017 Apex 24LE last year and so far are very pleased with the build quality and trailer overall. No issues so far in 3 trips and 10 nights.

I’m trying to stay around 6000 to 6250 when I combine dry weight plus 1500 (additional features plus what we might possible pack on a trip). I am staying away from trailers where the dry weight and GVWR are only separated by ~ 1000 pounds simply because that doesn’t make much sense to me. Why would you even manufacture that trailer?

I feared there was probably a correlation between weight and build quality but unfortunately with three kids, smashing them in the back of a truck on these trips isn’t much of an option any longer. I considered getting rid of the kids and the wife and I getting a real nice 18 footer but she shot that idea down. Looks like I am going to have to be a gambling man and learn how to caulk and seal.

With all of the issues mentioned, I would assume that covered storage would be a must.

In his prior post OP had , along with the $20k price range listed a 6000lb max gvwr. All the AF, ORV etc brands get killed there. The Tahoe as the tow vehicle is too restrictive, combined with the other requirements I think it becomes very tough.
Thats why he is going to have a few harsh tradeoffs to plan around.

I think his Apex is likely a good tradeoff in this combination. 7.5 feet wide, light enough, and not a cheapest we can build model.
Good Luck.

At that price range (the same one I was in when we bought our new camper), build quality is mostly the same depending on the size you are looking at. Most of the fittings and appliances all come from the same couple manufacturers.

Not a deal breaker though, just look at it in person to make sure you are happy with the fit, finish and floorplan. Then just maintain it.

As everyone said, water is the camper killer, even on more expensive quality units. Keep on top of your seals and seams and you should get plenty of life out of it.

DutchmenSport wrote:
A little higher than $20,000, but Keystone Outback is pretty good. But they average (MSRP) around $35,000. Outback (at least use to) use real wood cabinets, not composite or saw dust glued sides and doors covered with self-sticking shelf paper. Construction is all aluminum with foam board between for insulation. All the appliance are standard RV appliances though. But, for longevity, my Outback has been the best so far. They have walkable roofs, porcelain toilets, standard sink faucets, not the plastic RV types. I think Outback is one step above the rest of the Keystone brands. But, they are more than $20,000 too.

As with any brand, diligent maintenance and upkeep are key to keeping any of them in great shape! If you just use it and forget it, any RV will be junk in 6 months.




RV ownership is a lot like having a new baby. They take constant attention and money as long as you own them. Otherwise, like kids left unattended, they become derelicts very fast. That's why RV ownership is called "a lifestyle". An RV dominates your entire world (that is if you want to keep them in great shape for longevity).

x2
rv maintenance is a hobby in itself. makes rv life much more enjoyable when you learn how to maintain, inspect, and service them yourself. rv forums like this one, google, and youtube are a lifesaver

downtheroad wrote:
SoundGuy has summed it up nicely..
For what you are looking for with your budget you are going to be taking your chances....



When owning any RV, it really helps to be handy with tools.

Or have deep pockets.

Brands like Arctic Fox, Nash and Outdoors RV give you a better chance.