Every RVer has heard some version of it at the campground, and here at RVtravel.com, we hear your comments every. single. week.: “They just don’t build ’em like they used to.” Sometimes that’s nostalgia talking, but most often it’s a very real reaction to how RV design has changed—especially over the last 20+ years.
The truth is, “older vs. newer” isn’t a simple quality contest. It’s more like a trade: older rigs often did simplicity, serviceability, and repairability better, while newer rigs tend to win on space, convenience features, and some materials that resist water damage better than the old standards.
Here are the biggest areas where many older RVs genuinely had the edge, based on how RV construction and systems have evolved.
1) Simpler systems meant fewer “single-point failures”
Older RVs typically relied on straightforward switches, basic wiring runs, and fewer computerized control modules. Newer RVs often bundle many functions, such as lights, slides, pumps, tank heaters, and awnings, into centralized control systems.
Those systems can reduce wiring and weight, but they also change how repairs work. When one control module fails, multiple systems may be affected at once, and diagnosing the issue often requires specialized parts or technical knowledge.
Why this matters:
A basic switch or relay is often easy to replace or bypass. A failed control module can mean waiting on parts or waiting for a technician familiar with that specific system.
2) Fewer slide-outs meant fewer seals, motors, and alignment issues
Slide-outs transformed RV living spaces and are now almost expected in many models. But they also add complexity.
Every slide introduces:
• Additional wall and roof openings
• Multiple seals that require regular inspection
• Motors, tracks, or gears that must stay aligned
• Higher risk of water intrusion if maintenance slips
Some slide mechanisms have even experienced higher-than-normal failure rates during certain production periods, leading to inoperable slides that can sideline an RV until repairs are made.
Older RV advantage:
Many older rigs had no slide-outs—or fewer and smaller ones—which meant fewer high-maintenance systems and fewer expensive repairs over time.
We hear from many RVers who are starting to look for RVs without slideouts to avoid the additional costly repairs.
3) Corrugated aluminum siding was easier to live with and repair
Many older travel trailers and fifth wheels used wood framing with corrugated aluminum siding, often called “stick-and-tin” construction. It wasn’t flashy, but it was forgiving.
Dents were obvious instead of hidden. Small leaks were often easier to spot and address. Repairs could be made panel by panel, without worrying about large-scale delamination.
Modern laminated fiberglass walls look sleek and tow efficiently, but when water gets inside, damage can remain hidden for a long time—and repairs can be far more extensive.
Older RV advantage:
Exterior damage was often simpler, more visible, and easier to patch, replace, or seal.
4) Older appliances and systems were more mechanical and DIY-friendly
In older RVs, many systems relied on mechanical controls instead of electronic boards and sensors. Today’s RV appliances frequently depend on circuit boards and digital controls, as we mentioned above.
That brings convenience and features, but it also means that when something fails, replacement parts often need to match exactly. Troubleshooting may involve swapping boards rather than repairing individual components.
Older RV advantage:
Fewer electronic layers meant fewer mystery failures and more opportunities for hands-on fixes without specialized tools or parts.
5) Some older materials held up well simply because they were basic and thick
Not all older RVs were built the same, but many used traditional wood-based materials that were heavier, thicker, and sometimes more forgiving when it came to fasteners and repairs.
In recent years, manufacturers have experimented with lighter materials and alternative wall substrates to reduce weight and improve moisture resistance. These newer materials can be excellent when installed and sealed correctly, but quality varies widely by brand and model.
So who wins here?
Older RVs sometimes benefited from sturdier-feeling materials that held screws well and were familiar to repair.
Newer RVs may benefit from moisture-resistant composites that help prevent rot—if the build quality and sealing are good.
6) Older roof systems have a long, proven track record
Rubber roofing has been used on RVs for decades and remains common today. While newer roofing materials exist, many older roof systems are well understood, widely serviceable, and supported by decades of maintenance knowledge.
Older RV advantage:
Not necessarily better materials—but familiarity. Many owners and technicians know exactly how to inspect, clean, seal, and repair these roofs.
The big takeaway:
Older RVs favored “fixable,” while newer RVs favor “feature-rich.”
Older RVs often did these things better:
• Easier troubleshooting
• Fewer complex systems
• More forgiving exterior construction
• More DIY-friendly repairs
Newer RVs often do these things better:
• Larger, more open living spaces
• Modern layouts and conveniences
• Lighter designs in many categories
• Improved moisture resistance in some materials
What do you think?
Are you one of those people saying, “They just don’t build ’em like they used to”? Or do you prefer the more modern RVs with modern features? Tell us in the poll below, and please leave a comment, too.
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RVT1248
We have a 2006 National MH and have been wanting to update to a newer rig. So we go out and look and come back shaking our heads. The new units are so poorly made that I would be afraid to drive off the lot with one. It’s all bling and not even designed for people to use. I agree there is too much electronics to go bad and cause headaches. When we were in business building our motto was KISS and it served us well.
I like the technology built into my rig. Unlike mechanical switches, digital switches don’t corrode, heat up or wear out. Having the ability to control my coach from my phone just like I can control my home is awesome.
With LifePo4 house batteries, I don’t have to worry about explosive gasses venting and acid corrosion. Pex plumbing is a breeze over copper or PVC so even that’s nice. Don’t get me started on how empowering solar integration truly is.
Yes, conveniences and amenities bring a different type of exposure to potential failures but they also bring a different level of RV’ing so for me, I’m more wired to go newer than older.
I couldn’t answer the poll. If I could find a simple trailer built with decent quality using newer materials, simple systems, and good quality, but at an affordable price, I would be tempted.
If the older designs were truly better they’d still be used. This reminds how older people used to talk about new cars when I was young. They would complain about plastics and engine complexity and complain about how power windows might fail (40 years of owning power windows and not one failure yet!). While one can easily observe the benefits of simpler and accessible engines for working on and lots and lots of metal, they need to be honest about the lousy fuel economy, vapor lock, poor starting in cold weather, poor safety features (if any) etc. No rational person would drive an old car as a daily driver over a current car. Nostalgia is powerful but makes for lousy science.
You raise several valid points, but the fact is that in new RVs there’s a lot of “tech for tech’s sake”. It really doesn’t improve the experience on the road, but it looks impressive on the showroom floor. Frankly, I have no interest in controlling items in my rig from my phone, when it’s easier and faster to simply turn a knob or flip a switch. While it’s handy to be able to monitor some systems that way, I don’t want to be dependent on it in order to control everything. I can fix most mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, but non-serviceable electronics just don’t make sense to me in the harsh environment of an RV. I prefer to pick and choose the new tech in our rig.
Newer, with factory-installed standards/options like Li batteries, inverter, multiple solar panels, solar controller, name-brand tires, non-leaf-spring suspensions, macerator pump, tankless water heater, and decent mattress. Yes, these can be added to an older RV, but I prefer having them warranteed for at least a year. But flexible (not glass) shower doors, dual-pane acrylic windows, large holding tanks, azdel wall panels, tough fiberglass roofing, and better insulation cannot be added. So, I may DIY a lot of mods, like replacing my failed 120vac AC with a 12v TurboKool “swamp cooler”, but I prefer starting from Day 1 with a boondocking-capable RV!
Old or new isn’t as important as how well it was built in the first place. We have a custom B van that has all the modern features and everything works perfectly. I’ve seen the same features on more expensive commercial vans that are falling apart or were never installed correctly. Small builders depend on their reputation. Each build is checked and rechecked and also built for easy access for repairs. Nice!
I agree. The main issue is that manufacturers who can’t build a quality product to begin with are cramming their poorly-built rigs with electronics they can’t install or service properly. That just compounds the problems for owners.
The older manual awnings, while they require more labor to use and store, are able to be used in ways the newer push button electric units cannot. They also seemed to handle higher (but not necessarily very high) winds without damage.
I agree. The manual awnings would take a beating. And were more stable in wind and rain.They didn’t start to sag when a sudden shower came through.
You never saw one flip onto the roof when a wind gust caught them.
Many feel the “Golden Age” of motor homes was 1995 – 2008. After the crash of 2008 prices soared, quality plummeted, and attitudes soured. Newer devices/methods are great, unless you’re far from town, and don’t mind weeks/months waiting on special parts/diagnostic procedures.
Many of the reasons listed are exactly why we are hanging onto our 2010 RV. That and it has an absorption refer which is superior for boondocking.
Our rig is a 2010 as well, with simple serviceable systems and no DEF on the diesel engine. Love it!
Older is better to a point. The new technology seems promising until it craps out and you are spending money to replace control panels, control boards and oh by the way it is obsolete so now the entire system has to be replaced.
And then there are the “non-serviceable” A/C.units. My 1975 Airstream had a Baybreeze unit. It was built using off the shelf parts. It was heavy and noisy, however I was able to still repair it some.30 years later.
When we purchased our latest RV we actually stepped back a couple of model years to avoid the failing touch screens. Basic switches can be replaced.
We recently sold our 22 year old class A and bought a much newer unit. Besides downsizing, we sold because of the various odd little parts constantly wearing out/breaking and the difficulty we’ve had finding replacement parts. $300 for a used windshield wiper (driver’s side) that disintegrated in a rainstorm. We can already tell our newer coach is not as solidly built but it doesn’t need to last 20 years at our life stage.
Let’s talk about paint colors. Newer units tend towards dark and flashy colors and styling. AC units blast out cool air all day long and many people opt for three units to keep comfy. Older units were more practical, whites, grays, and beige. Lighter colors don’t soak up the heat like dark colors.
Interiors stay cooler and electrical costs are lower.
We have a 2014 Entegra Anthem, and she is perfect for us!
When we attended the RV show in Tampa and saw the new Anthem, my wife and I said, “Nope, ours is much better.”
The new coaches are made with such low-quality products and processes that make the whole coach look and feel cheap (even though the asking price was $800,000).
1988 Winnebago, P-30 Chassis, same rig UPS puts millions of miles on, still cruising swell!
Getting ready for our next adventure.
I am able to do the mechanical work with tools I’ve used for years.