Help me with Brand selection

[titleman]

I have owned several fifth wheels and a DP but never a travel trailer. I think I am about ready to try one and need some help. Can some of you guys or gals give me some suggestions on good quality brands I might consider. I know there are lots of them out there but am not up to speed on knowing what is considered good better and best. I fully realize that quality means different things to different folks but I need a place to start.

I am interested in something in the 25 to 28 foot range and as stated, quality is important. Any thoughts you have would be appreciated.
Thanks so much.

[stufarmer]

I believe it depends on your expectations. In the past, we've owned a Royals International, a Teton & Newmar 5th Wheels. Down sizing to a Travel Trailer came when owning a Dually was no longer practical. Under 30' became our objective. After a great deal of homework, the Arctic Fox Silver Fox remained the only Travel Trailer we agreed on. Although they don't have the most elegant of interiors, they do come standard with true 4 season insulation, heated holding tanks, solid surface counter tops, solid wood cabinets, larger refrigerator etc. For us, that made up for a lot of the lacking ginger bread. From Florida to Alaska and back, we've never regretted our decision.

[Doug33]

Many of the major manufacturers also have trailer forums of their own.

[titleman]

I certainly thank each of you for your ideas and suggestions. I will be looking at each of these to try determine which would be the best fit for me. Again, thanks and if others have something to add, please do so.

[bobndot]

I fully realize that quality means different things to different folks but I need a place to start.

Plus,as you already know, there is good and not so good in every line.
I would choose a floorplan that will work for your needs.
Then I would scroll through various Mfg's. that offer that floorplan. I would then read the owners forums to see which Mfg.'s step up to the plate to help those owners who have invested in their company when/if they need help with issues. That's the TT I would buy.
I have found that RV's at various quality levels can/do work well for the time I have owned them. They all depreciate quite fast so I would be careful of over spending.

[goducks10]

Airstream
Northwood MFG
Outdoor RV MFG
Lance
Livin Lite.

All other brands are cookie cutter types. Those listed above each offers something other brands don't.

[Dick_B]

As I did back in 2003 contact the RV Consumer Group for a summary of their ratings of the TT's out there. It's more objective than the posts on this Forum. Mine came in book form that I could peruse at my leisure. It rates the RV's in various categories.

[Alabama_Jim]

I visited the Riverside Mfg. plant in Lagrange, In. I watched each step of the process and was very impressed. I bought the Whitewater Retro 195. It is 24.5 feet. I am well pleased.

[TucsonJim]

I purchased a Grand Design FW a couple of years ago, and really like it. They are making two different TT products now. The Imagine and the Reflection. Both appear to be well built units. And the company is great to work with.

Grand Design Imagine Product Line

Grand Design Reflection Product Line

Jim

[PAAK]

Outdoors RV makes dependable trailers. I love mine, great quality. It all depends on what you like. I prefer 4 seasons cause it stays chilly here in AK.
Best of luck on your purchase.

http://outdoorsrvmfg.com/

[Big_Katuna]

I don't think there are any high quality tts. Airstream is the only one and no slides unless you buy used.

There are some really low quality brands. Look for Fiberglas end caps, solid wood cabinets including fronts.

I think Winnebago seemed a little better built than many. Interesting layout.

31' we like.

[Dennis_Smith]

Airstream, artic fox, and all the others out there. I have a Fun Finder, entry level and it's a great trailer. We just spent two months in it with zero problems. Find what you like and buy it and move on with life