Opinions on 2014-2018 Travel Trailers

For structural integrity, a trailer built with 2-piece marine-style fiberglass "clamshell" construction is hard to beat.

Basically, they only have one seam - and it's not located on the roof - so water leaks are a lot less of a concern.

They don't use a rubber roof membrane, so there's not much roof upkeep required.

They also tend to use fiberglass rather than wood for framing and furniture.

Finally, they avoid slideouts and toy-hauler configurations, both which add a lot of trouble-prone components.

Brands to look for include Bigfoot, Escape, Casita and Scamp.

Oliver is another recent entry, but AFAIK, they weren't around in 2014-2018.

All TT build quality/assembly is poor. When shopping used, the largest influence on "quality" is how the previous owner maintained it. If you are a DIYer, then just look out for any evidence of water intrusion, soft spots on the floor, warped anything, stains, etc. Anything else is relatively minor to repair/replace later. If you are not a DIYer, buy new with a 5yr low deductible bumper to bumper warranty. :)

Previous trailers were a Pioneer ('04), Jayco ('10). Now own a '16 Outdoors. Quality wise, I would rate them ORV, Pioneer, and Jayco 3rd. It didn't have any major problems, was just mediocre construction and finish.

What I have seen with ORV in the last few years is a lowering of quality, based on reviews and complaints from new owners. Seems to me it started about the '19 or early '20 models. Maybe minimal impact stuff, the main construction is the same, but quality control and finishing has suffered.

If we were looking for a newer trailer, I would probably look at other brands, and really check them out. If I was looking for my first trailer, I would look for a good used one 4-6 yrs old. Any minor stuff would be taken care of (or should have), and you would see major stuff starting to show. A well taken care of and maintained one that age will show!!!

mikeleblanc413 wrote:
Thoughts and opinions on the best manufacturers for the 2014-2018. All insights are appreciated. Thanks.

Northwood (Arctic Fox and Nash) and Outdoors RV are good brands to consider.

Besides, how they were buildt you need to look at how they were maintained. Best bet is to find something you like and take a ride to see it in person.

My 2015 Winnebago is great.

I could throw out any number of manufacturers, including Airstream if that is your cup of tea, but they are all built as fast as humanly possible and it boils down to manufacturer's response to warranty issues and the dealer's inclination to actually address them in a timely manner.

We recently were shopping for our next RV and for towables Grand Design and Highland Ridge/Open Range were on our shortlist. There were a few others, all were their higher end brands, main reason for the couple I mentioned were their quick response to warranty issues as stated by owners.

Good luck on your search, with the years you are interested in most of the glaring manufacturing issues should have been addressed by now. Don't get stuck on brand names, look at as many units as you can to get familiarity with how certain manufacturers build their rigs.

First place: Airstream . . . Second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth places....anybody's guess. They all seem to go rapidly downhill from there.

Just my personal opinion.

We like our Dart. Has been relatively trouble free.