By Cheri Sicard
In the video below, certified RV inspector Duane from the RV Inspection and Care YouTube channel addresses a frequently asked question: What travel trailer brands hold their resale value?
Keep in mind, this is but one man’s opinion—there may be other brands which would qualify. In fact, at the end of the video, Duane acknowledges this short list is just a starting point and there are, in fact, other travel trailer brands that hold their resale value well.
Right off the bat, I would add any popular fiberglass trailer brands such as Bigfoot, Escape, Casita, and more to the list.
Case in point, RVtravel.com writer Randall Brink downsized to a Casita last year, decided it was too small for him, and was able to recoup his entire investment upon the resale.
That said, Duane has lots of experience, so his opinions on which travel trailer brands best hold their resale value are also valid.
Duane says that travel trailers are, by far, the best-selling type of RV. He talks about some of the reasons for this in the video. On the downside, he also says that travel trailers rack up more consumer complaints than other types of RVs.
Duane’s best brand picks for travel trailer resale value
#1 Airstream
I would put this iconic brand at the top of my list, too. Even old, nearly trashed Airstreams have resale value. That’s because in addition to a traditional market, there is a collectible and restoration market for Airstreams.
It also has to do with the quality and longevity of the Airstream trailers themselves. There are still Airstreams from the 1930s on the road today.
Duane says there are many instances, and you can find online documentation, of Airstream owners selling their trailers for more than they bought them for! If you are interested in Airstreams, watch the video as Duane covers some decent, somewhat lower-priced options for getting into an Airstream.
#2 Grand Design
I love Duane, but I am not sure I agree with this pick as they have SO MANY RECALLS. However, in the video Duane addresses that this brand does, in fact, have a whole lot of detractors out there. Nonetheless, he says there is simply no denying that Grand Design does well in keeping its value on the used market.
OK. Duane’s the expert! Again, if you are interested in buying a Grand Design travel trailer, Duane gives a concise summary of the models available.
#3 Northwoods and Outdoors RV
Duane is covering these two travel brands together because they are sister companies owned by the same parent. Duane says these travel trailer brands are both known for high quality and four-season capabilities. And in the case of Northwoods and Outdoors RV, we are talking TRUE four-season capability.
Duane makes the excellent point that when you have true four-season capability built into an RV, you are automatically starting with a higher-quality rig.
#4 Keystone
According to Duane, Keystone has won lots of awards, from both consumers and the RV industry, for the products they put out. If you are looking for a Keystone travel trailer, you’ll find a wide variety of models to choose from that Duane outlines in the video.
##RVDT2310
Casitas have lower ceilings than most fiberglass trailers. Perhaps if Duane had downsized to a Bigfoot, Escape, or Oliver, all of which sell trailers over 20 feet long in comparison to Casita’s longest (17’) and without claustrophobic low ceilings, Duane might still be in a fiberglass trailer not worrying about leaks (almost no leaks ever) and knowing the resale value is often 100% or more than the original price.
It was not Duane who downsized and he did get 100% of his resale price back.
Bigfoot , Escape and Oliver are the most comparable to the trailers above. Casitas and Scamps are more comparable to “Studio Apartments” or “Efficiencies” as they were called at one time.
The ceilings are low but unless you’re very tall you can stand up in them. “Everything you need and nothing you don’t” is a good description and “Self Contained”.
Price point and build quality compared to some of those “Stickies” out there is very favorable . Small yes , but to owners they are Gems
There’s a “No Host Fiberglass Trailer Rally” at Quartzsite Az. Dome Rock next week 06-10FEB. It’s still recovering from Covid but should be at least a 100.
I read a lot of complaints about Grand Design since Winnebago took over. I did like the 2020 Grand Design TT with the rear dinette, but they wanted too much money for a used one. I had a 2017 Keystone Outback 240 URS and it was falling apart. Luckily I was handy and fixed it.
Many Grand Design brand trailers we have looked at new already had parts falling off on the dealer lot! My view is they are living off their reputation from years ago.
Exactly my experience.
Again, if you read the article or watch the video we addressed that. This article is NOT about the best RVs it is about the RVs that hold RESALE VALUE. And despite their problems, Grand Design does tend to do that. So the fact that they have lots of recalls and problems for whatever reason does not seem to affect RESALE VALUE.
Purchased Our 1998 Artic Fox/ Nash 22H 9/2019. It’s all original in excellent condition, I love it! It’s not a 4 season as the Grey & black tanks are exposed underneath, although I’ve installed heating pads on both. Haven’t had anything go wrong, everything works great!!
This is the 1st travel trailer and or rv we ever owned, I guess we lucked out!
Things learned: tires; its not the good tread, it’s the age, propane tanks need to be “certified” after 10 years. Weight distribution system with sway bars are extremely helpful, wheel bearings, need to be maintained yearly, roof; re covered every 3 years, Last; many,Private R V parks will not allow any rig older than 10 years of age.
Thank you, Cheri! This is extremely helpful. I would add that using an RV inspector before actually buying a used version of one these will lessen the chance that one gets a “below-average” one of these.
I do not agree with the Grand Design analogy…I owned one in 2017 and never had so many problems. Currently own an Outdoor RV product and highly recommend their products… especially for off grid and cold weather camping.
I address just this in the article and Duane does in the video if you read or watched it. Problems or not, Grand Designs still tend to keep their resale value, and that is what this article is about RESALE VALUE, nothing else.
My new 2020 Keystone Cougar purchased in January 2023 is a piece of junk. Nothing but repairs, and last August I was told I need a new roof ($12K) that Keystone isn’t covering under warranty. Take Keystone off your list.
i bought a 2008 Jayco 19bh and its been great. ive had to put a bit of money into it but for stuff i wanted and needed, not stuff i had to. it was a good price and i just had to make it sound and reliable. plus! judging by how many people stop by to ask me if its for sale when i dont have a sale sign on it, i would guess i have a pretty popular vehicle
I bought the used Airstream and the Good Sam extended warranty.
This article is useless and inaccurate.