Help me find a quality TT

rbpru wrote:
DutchmenSport hit the nail on the head.

Every brand out there will tell you how well they are built and each brand has their fans and nay sayers.

The majority are standard construction boxes either laminated fiberglass or aluminum sided.

A few like Scamp and Casita are molded half shells joined in the middle and of course Air Streams.

Once you decide what type you prefer there are plenty of folks to help you.

Still all require a level of maintenance usually not anticipated by the new buyer.

Have to agree with both of you and your last sentence says it all.Still all require a level of maintenance not anticipated by a new buyer.


I would like to know if you were a new buyer did the dealer go over maintaining the new rig? Not just winterizing or the tanks but what is required for upkeep of the new rig.

I think a lot of new owners expect a new RV to be like a new car and be trouble free, and as experienced owners know that is just not the case.

We like our Arctic Fox 25R. Found it in California flew down to Washington bought a pickup,drove to California got the trailer draged everything home to Alaska. Great trailer, well built and solid.

DutchmenSport hit the nail on the head.

Every brand out there will tell you how well they are built and each brand has their fans and nay sayers.

The majority are standard construction boxes either laminated fiberglass or aluminum sided.

A few like Scamp and Casita are molded half shells joined in the middle and of course Air Streams.

Once you decide what type you prefer there are plenty of folks to help you.

Still all require a level of maintenance usually not anticipated by the new buyer.

RVcrazy wrote:
Northwood & Outdoors RV were both started by Ron Nash and are good quality, sturdy units. To my knowledge, they are the only manufacturers of TTs NOT using Lippert frames. Take a look at their websites. They are both manufactured close together with several dealers in close proximity. It might be worth a trip!

Ditto... We love our Arctic Fox. If warranty service is a concern, contact Northwood and ask if they have designated repair shops in your area. Prior to our AF, we had a Forest River product that we travelled across the country to pick up (saved us a bundle). The few warranty items (that I wasn't willing to repair myself with the parts provided by FR) were taken care of by a dealer I didn't purchase from, and the repairs were done promptly and without issue. I assume Northwood has a similar arrangement.

I agree with RCcrazy. In the past I owned 2 5th wheel trailers mfg by Northwood. In both cases during the PDI I only found 1 or 2 minor items to be fixed.

Their frames are heavier than most TT's but that's because they manufacture their own frames. In addition their production people are paid a bonus or NOT based upon warranty claims on a unit.

Also their customer service is outstanding.

Northwood & Outdoors RV were both started by Ron Nash and are good quality, sturdy units. To my knowledge, they are the only manufacturers of TTs NOT using Lippert frames. Take a look at their websites. They are both manufactured close together with several dealers in close proximity. It might be worth a trip!

I read on another forum from a guy that said he bought a new trailer kit. When he got it home he finished building it. I thought that summed up the RV industry.
I've also read that you either need to rich or handy to own one. That has proven to be true as well.

5er's and TTs aren't built like autos with 3yr 36,000 mile bumper to bumper warranties. They're put together in a hurry buy commission paid workers who probably care more about how fast they can get it built to get their quota so they can go home early, than they are about building the perfect trailer. When you get paid by the piece you don't stop to correct something. That's left for the next person inline, which could be the MFG, dealer or the buyer.

DutchmenSport wrote:
Depends upon what your interpretation of "quality" is? If you are looking for a 100% trouble free, ready-to-go, will last 10 years and never have to do anything to maintain a camper, camper, you will *never* find it! They don't exit. No matter what make, model, or brand you get, you'll have to maintain it. It starts with the very first day you get it and it doesn't end until you die! (or get out of the RV business completely .... which ever comes first!)

Another thing, you can purchase a well made trailer that has a reputation for minimal manufacturer defects and is able to sustain some longevity, but they are going to cost you. (look at Airstream) And you'll still have to aggressively maintain it from day 1.

I really am not going to recommend a specific model or brand for you. Look at my profile (on the left) and you'll see my history. All have been good campers, but all have required diligent upkeep, and I've never had a breakdown on the road or while camping because of the attention to detail when NOT camping.

If you look at the signature blocks of the various forum members where they have posted on various threads, those are the brands that work! But I promise you, they all have done their due diligence on their campers to keep them nice!

X's 2 - 100% .... Dutchmen Sport saved me a lot of typing!

Highly recommend what we have-- a Keystone Bullet rear living TT. I have a 2014 285 RLS .. They don't make same model as in 2014, but make a 269 RLS, 2 ft shorter. Have had it 1 year with ZERO issues in year one which is impressive! It tows great and only weighs 6000 with 600 TW even though the body is 30 ft long! I have seen only positive posts on this forum from Bullet owners. They are ultralights but loaded with deluxe features! you can get 30% off MSRP if you find a new 2015 that is left over and make a hard deal and you will get WD hitch, brake controller and power tongue jack. Check out the Bullet line!

We had several issues with our brand new TT, just as most folks here have.

These aren't built on an assembly line by robots like automobiles are.

Expect at least some minor repairs that were missed by the factory and retailer.