Looking to buy an RV? Here, Josh the RV Nerd from Bish’s RV highlights what he says are the five most underrated RVs on the market.
Year after year, certain RV brands dominate the conversation, while others, equally deserving, get left in the dust. It’s easy to fall into the trap of only considering the most popular options, but that means potentially missing out on some real gems.
That’s why Josh is diving into the RV market to highlight five underrated RV brands that deserve your attention. These aren’t necessarily the flashiest or most popular, but they offer a unique blend of value, quality, and innovation. This list is subjective, based on Josh’s years of experience in the RV industry.
The five most underrated RVs
#1 Surveyor
Surveyor seems to be one of those brands that people who buy them end up loving. The brand has garnered a loyal following with RVers praising its build quality and well-thought-out features. Surveyor has earned a reputation for being reliable and long-lasting, with many happy customers.
Instead of focusing on flashy exteriors, Surveyor puts its resources into quality components that enhance the RVing experience. This focus results in a camper that stands the test of time and provides exceptional value.
Some of Surveyor’s key features include:
• Azdel construction
• Upgraded solar package
• Tank heaters
• Central vacuum system (uncommon in this class)
The Surveyor Legend, a travel trailer that comes in at under 30 feet, is an excellent example of what the brand offers. It has theater seating, a dedicated dining space (with an optional hide-a-bed or second theater seat), and a unique kitchen layout with ample counter space.
The “Pantry-tainment Center” is a creative way to maximize storage and entertainment. It also has carpetless and ventless flooring, a 6’9″ interior height, a well-sized bathroom with a rectangular shower, and a private bedroom with a queen bed and headboard power pockets. Plus, it boasts 50-amp service (with an optional second air conditioner), an enclosed and heated underbelly with tank heaters, Goodyear Tires with TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system), 400 watts of factory standard solar with inverter prep, and a mini camp kitchen.
Recent Surveyor reviews:
• 2025 Grand Surveyor 275FKBS—a double thumbs-up kitchen
• Grand Surveyor 302RDBS—beautifully different
• 2025 Forest River Surveyor Legend 260BHLE—upgraded
#2 Freedom Express
Freedom Express was once at the top of its game, leading the way in the lightweight trailer market. It was using Azdel before it was cool. It was one of the first brands to try to build a lighter weight RV by using things like more aluminum framing and lamination. It was shaping the lighter weight trailer market.
However, there was a period where the brand seemed to stagnate, losing ground to competitors. But for the 2025 season, Freedom Express is making a comeback, with updated designs and features that are turning heads.
Freedom Express has a history of innovation, including:
• Dual Azdel walls
• Lightweight construction using aluminum framing and lamination
• Early adoption of weight-saving materials
The 2025 Freedom Express boasts updated aesthetics and a range of desirable features. The model comes with dual Azdel walls, an inside and outside kitchen, direct viewing entertainment, great storage, a bathroom with extra headroom, and a true queen bedroom with easy-lift storage.
It also has wide-stance stability axles, tire pressure monitoring (TPMS), a heated and enclosed underbelly, and a big awning.
Recent Freedom Express reviews:
• 2025 Coachmen Freedom Express 252RBS—tall people welcome here
• 2025 Coachmen Freedom Express 274RKS – Better than a fifth wheel?
• 2024 Coachmen Freedom Express Ultra Lite 292BHDS has a surprising feature
#3 Rockwood and Flagstaff fifth wheels
Rockwood and Flagstaff are well-known in the travel trailer market. However, their fifth wheels are surprisingly underrated.
Here’s what makes Rockwood and Flagstaff fifth wheels stand out:
• Clean factory processes leading to minimal warranty work
• High-quality features and fit and finish
• Competitive pricing
• Warm, homey design aesthetic
The Rockwood Signature Series Fifth Wheel (and its Flagstaff Classic counterpart) offers an extended season weather package, holding tank heaters and an enclosed underbelly, a radiant barrier for efficiency, and stackable washer/dryer prep. It also boasts all composite walls, an all-aluminum skeleton (roof, floor, walls, bed structure), 5/8″ tongue-and-groove plywood floor decking, and an enhanced suspension package.
Plus, XL vent fans in the bathroom come standard, along with an 1800-watt inverter, water filters, and tire pressure monitoring.
Recent Rockwood and Flagstaff reviews:
• Rockwood Geo Pro 20BHS—small trailer with big heart
• Tour the 2024 Rockwood Geo Pro G15TB travel trailer—A mobile master suite
• 2025 Flagstaff Classic F301RKS: A big safety step up
• New 2025 Flagstaff Classic F282RK—A small 5er with a big glitch
#4 Vibe
Vibe has transformed into a unique and innovative brand. The brand’s commitment to doing things differently sets it apart from the crowd.
Vibe’s evolution includes:
• Generation 1: Super lightweight (but not really)
• Factory fire and chance to “start over”
• Generation 2: Improved designs and features
• 2025 Season: Complete reinvention and unique floor plans
The Vibe 2600RB is a great example of the brand’s new direction. The model is not a rear bath, despite what the model number suggests. Instead, it has a rear bar with overlook windows. It also has a huge kitchen with an overlook window, a bar-top diner with a picture window, and a sofa/pantry/kitchen combo slide.
The ceilings are taller, and there is good counter and prep space. However, it doesn’t have a propane oven, and the mattress is short.
It also has an enclosed and forced air heated underbelly, wide-stance axles for towing, an enclosed docking center, and good front pass-through storage.
Recent Vibe review:
• This Vibe 2400RB travel trailer is anything but traditional
#5 Bullet and Passport
Bullet and Passport are sister brands that were once dominant in the laminated trailer world. But there was a period where they slipped and lost relevance. They have made some serious improvements and are on the road to a comeback.
Some of their improvements and innovations include:
• Good people running the divisions
• Good floor plans
• Better warranty stats
• Better tires and torsion suspension package
• Keystone’s Factory Solar Solutions
• Use of composite materials
One of the most notable upgrades is the torsion suspension system, which provides better ride and handling. A Bullet model with the torsion suspension system is a popular couple’s camper with a well-equipped camp kitchen, complete with a sink, fridge, and outside cooker.
Recent Bullet reviews:
• Keystone Bullet two-fer—271KBS with porch and 265FKS without
• 2025 Keystone Bullet Crossfire 270RKS with a magic desk
• 2025 Keystone Bullet Crossfire 260RBS—nicely updated
Expanding your RV horizons
The goal here isn’t to push specific products, but to expand the number of RV brands that readers might consider. By adding these brands to your radar, you’ll be well-equipped to make an informed decision when it’s time to purchase your next RV.
If you have any underrated RV brand suggestions, share them in the comments below.
RVT1207
I have not been to an RV show in years , as the Dallas RV show has rows and rows of the same RV’s with a different color or fabric design. I am sorry I missed these new designs. Too many of the show salespeople know so little about what they are selling.
Thank you, Cheri, for sharing and summarizing Josh’s video! Have a great week and safe travels!
Thanks, this is great. Would love to see this for Class C’s.
As a former Passport owner (2 = 199ML and 3180RE) and a Rockwood (2906WS) owner, I know have a GD Reflection 337. The problem with the Passports at the time were 30 gallon tanks for everything. Not enough for more than a weekend. The Rockwood was great but had very little cargo carrying capacity and their fifth wheels were the same. The GD has poorer quality cabinets and Lippert furniture but also had 3000#s of cargo capacity and big tanks.