Forum Discussion

bbaley's avatar
bbaley
Explorer
May 17, 2016

Is there a QUALITY Travel Trailer still built?

I have new Keystone Cougar TT and I am sick of it.
There is nothing about it that doesn't scream "I am going to break or fall apart in a few more miles"

I previously had an R-Vision which was built 300% better than this,
and previous to that a Fleetwood Tent Trailer - also built really really well.

Sadly, even though made in my home state, this thing just stinks.
Everything is flimsy, half completed junk work done by some guy who didn't care late on Friday afternoon, and components chosen to save pennies.

Is there anything in the functional world of travel trailers (e.g. not Airstream) that isn't complete JUNK ?

I am ready to trade.

108 Replies

  • Mikesr wrote:
    Warranty, customer service and dealer service are the keys to a happy experience when buying a travel trailer. The manufacturer assembly and the components used can vary dramatically from one to another. When you pick a floor plan and size TT you like check all manufacturers and you'll find the layouts very similar. To me quality in cabinets, flooring and furniture can tell you a lot about the durability of the unit. And utmost the old adage of you get what you pay for holds true with travel trailers. RV shows are a great way to compare quality.


    Totally understood.
    However, when you look at something new, it can "appear" well built with regard to certain materials but the workmanship be junk.

    Take for instance the actual wood cabinet doors in my trailer. three of them have had joints fail. why ? no glue. someone skimped.

    I build cabinets - I can fix them. but I am tired of fixing $30k of new.

    So - you look at that and think hey, solid wood cabinet doors ! wow !

    Tired of driving it in and dropping it off - great customer service from my dealer yes... still a huge pain when you are paying primo new $$$ per month.

    " the old adage of you get what you pay for holds true with travel trailers" - really? I don't know. I guess that's why I was asking whos isn't junk. there is so much competition between manufacturers that prices are not that far apart. so I don't know that get what you pay for holds true - at least within a 15% price difference. (again not Airstream prices)
  • Warranty, customer service and dealer service are the keys to a happy experience when buying a travel trailer. The manufacturer assembly and the components used can vary dramatically from one to another. When you pick a floor plan and size TT you like check all manufacturers and you'll find the layouts very similar. To me quality in cabinets, flooring and furniture can tell you a lot about the durability of the unit. And utmost the old adage of you get what you pay for holds true with travel trailers. RV shows are a great way to compare quality.
  • B-n-B's avatar
    B-n-B
    Explorer III
    Quack! ;)

    I meant it more as you echoing the frustration so many on here have done over the years on their purchase. You have every right to be dissatisfied and pi$$ed at a (new) product you obviously are completely fed up with.
  • B-n-B wrote:
    Unfortunately, I've read this rant from owners of just about every make and model.


    I do not mean to make it sound like a rant. But it if it walks like a duck...

    I truly am just wanting to find SOMETHING that is built somewhat close to decent, or even that comes semi-close to models of 5-10 years ago.

    I understand price. I get that we can't go to Home Depot and get the cheapest part for $0.15 and get knowledgeable people to work for $12 an hour.

    I am willing to pay - the Airstream thing while apparently built well, is... not functional.
  • B-n-B's avatar
    B-n-B
    Explorer III
    Unfortunately, I've read this rant from owners of just about every make and model.
  • There are varying levels of what's considered "acceptable" quality. I have been to the Hershey show and spent countless hours looking at everything there is to look at on the market. I find I too have trouble seeing much quality anywhere I look. The open ranges look better, and I think Airstream is the trailer that stands out as what I would like to see industry-wide. Keep in mind, though, that level of quality will come with a price tag. And likey be much heavier than folks want to tow. There is a trade off in all things, but I agree the standard of quality of most of the trailers out there is sad.
  • Have a look at the Northwood products, or Outdoor RV. Both built in your home state as well. I agree with you when i was looking at new trailers about 80% of it is just cheap garbage that satisfies the masses i guess.