Best constructed travel trailer

[Steve_911]

I know I'm opening a can of worms here, but, I'm in the market for a new trailer about 20 to 24 feet in length and am having trouble determining who makes the best constructed TT's. I want something solid with a roof that won't collapse when I walk on it or fall apart when I want to occasionally take it off road boon docking. I like the idea of a roof ladder so I can access the roof when needed, but many TT's don't have them. Which leaves me to wonder perhaps the roof is not strong enough to walk on or?
Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance
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[WoodGlue]

The other thing I always wonder on a thread like this is why the owners aren't supporting the brand that they own. I understand the reputation of Arctic Fox and Airstream precede them, so non owners mention them from viewing the TT at an RV show or some kind of past experience or personal research.

However on a thread like this it's usually an answer like "I like my trailer because it's paid for" or "I got it on sale" Then I look in their signature and wonder why they're not more enthusiastic about the brand that they chose. Buyers regret? Trouble with their RV? Plain old uneducated about what they bought and why?

I realize that you don't have to be a "Homer" like I am, but c'mon people, a little owner pride maybe?

I guess my questions are all rhetorical 🙂

WoodGlue

[WoodGlue]

Other than Lance, I've been impressed by EvergreenRV (iGo, Ascend, etc) and also some of the Koala units (Walkabout, etc). If you want a super heavy, wood laden trailer - then you probably could get a Arctic Fox or Nash.

The reasons why I chose Lance:

1) Ultra Lightweight - towable by almost any small SUV.
2) The use of Azdel & LitePly and other construction techniques/materials.
3) The Lance reputation is great. They've been making RV's since 1965.
4) 2 year warranty.
5) Fit and finish is outstanding.
6) Of course, they cost more than the average TT. You get what you pay for with Lance.

A Lance TT was my choice after 2 solid years of research, in which I considered many of the brands mentioned on this thread.

Whichever TT you choose, remember they're not all created equal. Just look at the trailer ratings posted by skipnchar on this thread. There are some painfully unhappy owners of substandard RV's.

WoodGlue

[Tvov]

I have always heard that Artic Fox is excellent, and Jayco is very good.

Airstream is in its own category. Besides cost (a lot!), the biggest "issue" I see with Airstream is that they are so small and tight for their length. Having said that, if I could afford them I would probably strongly consider getting an Airstream

If and when I want a new TT, I am going to try to get one with a curved roof.

[mwebber78]

Dtaylor wrote:

Ivylog wrote:
Airstream. No ladder needed as they do not leak.

If you can handle the looks, Airstream is the best built of all of them. I may be wrong about the numbers but seems I heard that 80% of all they have ever built are still on the road. I do not know of any other company that can make that claim

They are able to make that claim because there is an extensive group of owners and enthusiasts who dedicated themselves to Airstream restorations. The ones I looked at (new at RV show) had numerous fit and finish issues so claiming that are the best built is hard to swallow.

[mwebber78]

Arctic Fox/Nash have fabricated frames engineered and built in house that are designed for rugged use. When you start comparing weights, you'll notice the Arctic Fox/Nash products are hundreds of pounds heavier because of the focus on structure and robust running gear.

[Dtaylor]

Ivylog wrote:
Airstream. No ladder needed as they do not leak.

If you can handle the looks, Airstream is the best built of all of them. I may be wrong about the numbers but seems I heard that 80% of all they have ever built are still on the road. I do not know of any other company that can make that claim

[Bucky_Badger]

WoodGlue wrote:
Lance TT!

WoodGlue

"shocking"

[skipnchar]

http://www.rv-coach.com/RV/manufacturers/survey/rate_your_rv_results.html The link is to a web site where owners of many brands of RVs rank them based on a standard list of criteria. You may get some help in determining how well they hold up from this list.
Good luck / Skip

[Ivylog]

Airstream. No ladder needed as they do not leak.

[byways]

outdoors RV

[Bumpyroad]

the best one is one without a rubber roof.
bumpy

[westend]

Bigfoot

Livinlite

[Taz_23]

WoodGlue wrote:
Lance TT!

WoodGlue

That took 12 min. WoodGlue is slowing down :B

To the OP's question: most travel trailers have fully walkable roofs. Some come with ladders, and some as an option. I have owned two travel trailers, a Forest river Puma and a Keystone Outback. Neither one came with a ladder, but were braced for a ladder as a standard build option at the factory and a ladder was added by the dealer at my request.
as for the best TT many folks will say "mine is the best". Its really a matter of personal opinion. Most manufacturers offer various levels of models, for example Jayco has the Swift, Jayflight, and Eagle lines with very similar floorplans. They all have the same basics (bathroom, shower, bed, stove, ETC) but on the lower priced units some items like a oven may be an option, and the cupboard and storage drawers may be more basic as compared to the upscale models. Some are constructed from sticks and aluminum and others are aluminum and fiberglass. in the end its the buyers preferance.

[old_guy]

I think you hsould find after you look at some you like go to U tube and watch the videos on how they are made and see if they put good wood on the roof and other construction practices. My can of worms is the Keystone line. But in saying that I will caution you that building a RV is not rocket science so which ever one you think is the best is thrown together just like the other brands are. they rush the workers so much that you will find loose screws, saw dust, and other things in the unit at no extra charge. a good dealer will do a pre delivery inspection and repair what ever he finds. but they will miss somethings you can bet on that.

[Steve_911]

Thanks all for your input. I kinda like the artic fox, however they don't seem to make a unit in the size I'm looking for. I did look at Nash TT's. I believe they are made by the same company.
I'm still looking ...
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