Massive RV owner survey reveals best brands and years

We hear it from readers all the time: Buying an RV can become a nightmare. Poor build quality, inadequate quality control inspections, and poor customer service can really sour what should be a great adventure. But not all brands are the same—nor all model years from the same brand. Would you like to know the best RV brands by year?

Prominent RV YouTuber Liz Amazing recently posted the results of a survey of 200,000 RVers that boils down to the answer to the question—what’s a good brand, and which years are reliable.

Liz opens her survey results in video format (see video below) with a direct admission: Many RV shoppers today aren’t just overwhelmed—they’re downright scared. And with the number of RV “nightmare” stories out there, it’s easy to see why.

Reports of ripped roofs, broken frames, rotting floors, endless leaks, and unresponsive manufacturers have left many buyers wondering if they should even take the risk. Still, there are quality RVs on the market, and for every horror story, there’s an owner happily traveling with no major issues. That’s not just luck—it’s about knowing which RVs to buy and which to avoid.

Best RV brands by year

Liz’s survey of RV owners brought responses that were brutally honest and revealed some clear patterns. One of the most-talked-about brands was Forest River. Many owners complained about poor build quality in recent years, but others said their RVs were dependable.

The key seems to be age: Forest River models from 2018 and earlier are generally better built. Liz owns a 2017 Forest River herself and would avoid newer ones because of reduced quality. Still, some specific Forest River models have always had problems, regardless of year.

Another brand with mixed reviews is Tiffin. Once considered top-tier, the company was bought by Thor at the end of 2020. Liz recommends looking for pre-2021 models to get the best Tiffin quality. After the Thor acquisition, complaints increased.

Airstream also has a mixed track record. Certain years had leaky windows and even buckling walls. The safest bet is to buy 2010 or older. Some 2011–2012 models are also fine, but avoid those with reduced insulation, which makes them less efficient in hot climates. Steer clear of any Airstream—or any brand—with a central touch keypad that controls major systems like heat, air, lights, or slide-outs. If that system fails, you could be stuck without essential functions.

What about mass production RVs?

When deciding between new and used RVs, Liz advises avoiding most mass-produced models built in Indiana from 2018 onward. That translates: Model years 2019 and newer are an issue. Quality among these has generally declined.

Many of the best new RVs come from smaller, independent manufacturers that sell directly to consumers, not through big dealers like Camping World or Blue Compass. These builders may have higher prices when new, but buying used from an individual owner can be a smart move.

One example is Bruder X, which makes rugged, small travel trailers ideal for boondocking and off-road use. Another is Pleasure-Way, which produces Class B RVs. For Pleasure-Way, avoid older models with poor insulation and small holding tanks—newer models have improved in both areas.

Fiberglass travel trailers are worth a look because they’re less prone to leaks. Escape Trailers, built in Canada, are solid choices, though older units had low ground clearance. It’s best to look for later models with higher clearance. Oliver Travel Trailers is another well-built fiberglass option, but avoid its early years, which had some window leak issues.

Other good but lesser-known brands

American Coach motorhomes are well-liked, but quality varied depending on the financial state of their parent company, Fleetwood. Avoid the years during Fleetwood’s bankruptcy, but look for the “golden years” between 1997 and 2007, which are considered some of the brand’s best.

Outdoors RV trailers earn high marks for durability, though they can be heavy. Avoid the first few production years, when frames were overbuilt and too heavy. Models from 2018 to the present are generally the best balance of strength and usability.

The video wraps up with a reminder that small details matter—like replacing poor-quality RV mattresses, which are often uncomfortable even in high-end rigs. The big takeaway is that careful brand and year selection can help buyers avoid expensive mistakes and find an RV that will last for years of adventures.

Can’t put them all in one video

Liz Amazing’s video covers what we’ve written about above. But there are a lot more brands out there that can’t be covered in one video. That led Liz to write a book on the topic, Liz Amazing’s RV Buyer’s Guide. The guide covers 177 RV brands, including companies no longer in business like Alpha, Beaver, and Bluebird (maker of the Wander Lodge).

Each brand entry follows the same format: ownership (independent or corporate), years in business, location, product types, and a clickable website link. There’s a “What Makes Them Unique” section. You’ll find audience feedback, her own reviews, and clear advice on what’s recommended, what to be cautious about, and what to avoid.

The book is nearly 400 pages and available now as an instant digital download. The e-book is offered on Liz’s YouTube video posted above. At present, the book can be downloaded for $47. It’s said readers can buy the complete guide or, if you’re only researching one brand—say Brinkley or Airstream—you can purchase just that entry.

RELATED

• RV tech’s RV buying advice—10 steps to follow
• Finding the ‘perfect’ RV requires a shift in perspective
• Letter to the Editor: How RV salesmen will charge you double the price for an RV
• Don’t sign an RV contract until you see this
• Beware of private seller RV scams
• The most common travel trailer buyer mistakes

RVT1222