When you think about how your RV is built, what comes to mind? The amazing craftsmanship and how well it’s been put together? Or do you think about all the leaks and loose screws?
For some RVers, their rig is a testament to solid construction and attention to detail. They appreciate the quality materials, sturdy cabinetry, and seamless seals that keep the elements out. A well-built RV can make traveling feel effortless, providing a reliable home on wheels for years to come.
Others, however, have had a different experience. Stories of misaligned doors, plumbing issues, and flimsy fixtures are all too common.
Some owners feel like they spend more time tightening screws and sealing leaks than actually enjoying the road. Poor construction can turn what should be a relaxing getaway into a constant source of frustration.
Of course, not all RVs are created equal. Some manufacturers prioritize quality, while others seem to cut corners to save costs.
After you vote in the poll, please leave a comment and share why you answered the way you did. Thank you!
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RVDT2836
I have a Outdoors RV which is Built good, but the workmanship and parts used are terrible. Which surprised me. I have notice many others complaining about the workmanship and problems.
We own a 2006 Monaco 42 Foot Dynasty which is VERY well built. Had a 2002 Monaco 40 Foot Windsor for 18+ years prior to the Dynasty. Those two Monaco coaches are far better built than most Class A’s sold after 2008/9.
I think how anyone answers will be influenced by expectations. I hear people complain that they don’t build them like they used to. That’s true. We never used to have slides, double pane windows, tile floors, automatic steps, dishwashers, washer/dryers, residential refrigerators, etc. The more comforts and conveniences you add, the more things that can go wrong.
We have purchased 4 new RVs during 1997-2018 and the quality and workmanship definitely declined over that time period. We enjoy going to Hershey each year but nothing in the current marketplace is worthwhile to us, the quality is not available at a price we are willing to pay.
Our first RV, a 2003 Winnebago Ultimate Advantage, was extremely well built. I often discovered things that surprised me with how they were looking ahead to things I had not thought of. We traded the Advantage off in 2023 for a Coachmen class C. I would say the build on it is so so, with a few really dumb things included.
I chose well built. We bought a used 2015 Jayco Motorhome. The cabinets are solid. We haven’t had any issues with the house part of the motorhome, except one AC needed to be replaced. Not bad for a 2015.
Being a 1995 vintage, I have only one complaint. The White Plastic laminate on the cabinets is de-laminating and cracking on some of the doors. This being a cosmetic issue on a 31 year old coach, I am not going to fix it before I quit camping in the next 5-10 years. The Cummins 12 valve is purring like a kitten, the Allison MD3060 shifts better than any Automatic I ever owned since I started driving in 65. The only repair I have waiting is to install a new fan motor on the rear A/C when I take the coach out of the barn in May.
They should be asking if you see any increase in quality. With the models owned by the conglomerates the answer is always no. If shoppers would simply cut those out of the mix, they would do themselves a great big favor.
We have a 2002 Kountry Star 36ft diesel pusher. Very well built solid coach. Much better than some of the newer campers I have seen.
Our Winnebago is extremely well built. all cabinets and enclosures are sturdy, electrical is supported and color coded correctly and plumbing is stout. Critical bolted parts are painted to show any movement has taken place. I have no complaints about our motor home!
We have a 2011 CampLite 13 foot camper with a queen bed and wet bath. We bought it new and have towed it about 40,000 miles. It is all aluminum without any wood or “wood-like” material. It is an extremely well built camper. It’s too bad the company was bought out by THOR and shut down.
2006 Country Coach Inspire, solid as well as very very well built.
I’m the 2nd owner of a 2004 40′ Newmar MADP. Previous owners were fulltimers, as we are. Most of the glaring problems were corrected in the first 5 years, but some still remained after we bought it in 2017. Many of the issues that I’ve had to address were there when they bought it and we inherited them. The worst is the front cap, not confined to Newmar but other brands as well. Too little support for the windshield so it pops loose. Last I checked, it’s a ~$20k or greater fix.
We bought it without knowing that problem, replaced windshields twice. Progressive did cover it though they didn’t want to. Over all we like this bus.
We bought our Coachmen Mirada 29DS in 2012, new. They (returned to factory, then back to dealer) had to make a repair to the main (kitchen/living) slide before we took delivery. There have been a few tiny things over the years, but it’s been a good unit for us.
2000 Tropical class A. Had for 14 years and been full timing 11 in it. 119,000 miles and built like a tank. If anything ever happens to it can’t imagine getting another!
2010 Nash ~ doing well but we do take good care of it too
We have a 2023 Renegade Vienna on the Mercedes sprinter. Quality material and build. Only minor issues in 3 years of use. Some are related to manufacturer’s components, who stepped up and rectified the issue.
2024 3100rd grand design.. So far we haven’t had any issues..
Our custom built 2025 Hoosier Custom Cruiser is extremely well built. No printed vinyl, all cabinets are Maple, either solid wood (cabinet doors and drawer fronts) or Maple plywood. No osd or other nasty materials. Top of the line appliances.
We’ve had two popup campers, and a 19-20′ Retro travel trailer. None were wonderfully made, but they did actually stand up better than one might expect by common comments. One thing we remember is that many pieces/parts are not made by the manufacturer. Our new TT is being built, an Escape 19F1, so a fiberglass one. It will be far better built than our previous ones, and the ones I shopped locally recently. We receive photos as they construct it, so we see how they’re making it.
I have a 2022 Lance 1685. Of all the trailers that I have had (including newer Airstreams) it is built the best. I actually sold my 23 ft Airstream when I bought the Lance. It is smaller, but with the dinette slide on the Lance, I swear you could square dance in it!
We have a Newmar Dutch Star, 2015 vintage, and I would say it is very well built. However, many of the components have failed, most recently a problem with the Oasis hydronic heating system and a Dometic awning. It is fair to say that after 11 years things would naturally start to wear out, however this is our tenth motorhome and third Dutch Star, all have been used, all have been eight to ten years old when we bought them, and we have had more, more serious problems with components in this motorhome than any previous motorhome or automobile. So, newer isn’t better.
As Roy pointed out, this has far more amenities and features than the others, but some of those just add needless complexity.
We spent three years going to shows and looking at hard side trailers when we left behind our beloved Jayco pop ups. We went with Lance. Solid reputation as a truck camper builder and it transferred to the travel trailers. Cabinetry doesn’t go “sproing” when opening, well constructed all around. We’ve had it 8 years now with several long trips and are just as happy with it as the day we bought it.
Ours is built pretty well. But I think that is because it is a 2000 Nash and they are not making them as good anymore. It is one of the reasons we haven’t bought a new one.
Nothing is perfect, roof’s leak, cold air seeps in around windows, Two A/C’s need two thermostats, and the best service for Airstreams is at the Mothership in Ohio,
We have a 2018 Arctic Fox 27-5L that was purchased in 2021 from an individual who meticulously maintained it. As we are nearing 45,000 towing miles and the 5 year mark as full-timers, I’m continually impressed with how well this unit holds up. Sure, I have to tighten up some screws now and then, but overall, Northwood has held up its claim as a producer of quality coaches. Oh, by the way, our decision to buy an Arctic Fox was made after 1 1/2 years of investigation into all the major brands of fifth wheels. Are there ‘better’ ones? Probably….but in my opinion, we got the best ‘bang for our buck’ from Northwood.
We’ve had our 2006 Coachman class C since 2007. We’ve had no major problems with it, other than some delamination. We would like to downsize to a tow-behind, but after researching the build quality of products currently being released, the poor factory support, and not to mention the pricing!!!….we’re going to keep what we have until we know we can make the right decision for us.
Our 2010 Dutchman Coleman has lasted 16 years. Everything still works and nothing has broken.🤞
Sure it looks outdated, but it’s held up well.
We plan to downsize soon and aren’t optimistic our next trailer will last 16 years.
But then neither may we!