12 Best Travel Trailer Brands

When it comes to purchasing a new – or first – travel trailer, it can be pretty overwhelming as there are so many brands and manufacturers operating in the market.

To make things harder, travel trailers are such a costly investment, so you want to make sure that you pick the best quality and most trustworthy manufacturer that you can. But, what are the best travel trailer brands?

In this guide, we’re going to take a close look at some of the most popular and reliable brands that are on the market today. We’ll look at why they stand out, what makes them the “best”, and even look at some of their most impressive models.

We hope we can help you get started on your journey to purchasing your new travel trailer.

The Best Travel Trailer Brands

When it comes to choosing the best trailers, it’s not an easy decision. There are hundreds of different brands, and thousands of different models available on the market, which is why it can be tough to find the right trailer for you.

To find the best brands, we looked at the most reputable manufacturers and looked at their reviews to find the companies that produced good models that offer a wide variety of features and options for every customer. We came up with the following list:

• Jayco
• Airstream
• Coachmen
• Forest River
• Flagstaff
• Winnebago Industries
• Starcraft
• KZ-RV
• Happier Camper
• Grand Design
• Palomino
• Avenger

To find out more about these brands, read on.

Jayco

Jayco is a pretty well-known trailer brand and is one of the best-quality brands on the market. Although they’ve been around for a long time, the company was purchased by Thor Industries back in 2016, which set new quality standards across their lines.

If you’re a big lover of camping and are frequently off on-road adventures, then Jayco might be the brand you are looking for. It’s one of the most popular and common RV brands, so it’s not hard to come across their logo when seeing RVs on the roads. They have a massive presence in the RV industry and have their very own distinct brand identity and reputation which has spanned over five decades.

Not only are they committed to producing quality travel trailers, but they are also actively working towards reducing their carbon footprint. Back in 2008, they launched their Jayco Eco-Advantage campaign, and are continuously working towards ways to save energy and cut waste. They’re also big into RV fuel efficiency, so if that’s something that you’re also passionate about, then Jayco is right for you.

Jayco certainly has a very diverse line, and each of their floor plans are designed in a family-friendly way.

Their trailers can be used in all weather conditions, since they use Climate Shields to prevent your trailer from heating and freezing. To help make them weatherproof, each trailer is constructed with a Magnum Truss Roof System which is able to hold up to 4,500 pounds. For durability, Jayco uses Sting Foundation frames, which means that their trailers are built to last.

Overall, Jayco is a reliable brand which you can count on for years to come. Most of their lines are also backed by a 3 year warranty, so if you do find any problems, you’ll be covered. If you’re considering buying a secondhand trailer, we highly recommend choosing Jayco. We also recommend renting your desired trailer first, so you can test out its abilities before committing to buying.

The Jayco Jay Feather Trailer

If you’re looking for somewhere to start when shopping around for a travel trailer, it’s worth checking out the Jayco Jay Feather. These have a luxurious feel to them and are kitted out with bathrooms, kitchenettes, dinettes and living areas.

There are a variety of trim levels and features to choose from, as well as three different decor options. These include things like extra sitting room, residential counters and fold-out murphy beds for a bigger sleep capacity.

The Jay Feather can range anywhere from 3,195 to 6,425 pounds, depending on your size preferences. There are LED light indicators on the rear, and the Feather line also accommodates solar power accessories.

Specs:

• Weight: 4,625 – 7,295 lbs
• Length: 24’2” – 36’11”
• Sleep Capacity: Up to 10 people

Pros:

• Jayco trailers can easily be towed, even by small SUVs.
• There are multiple options, lines, floorplans, and features, so you will be able to find the one that’s right for you.

Cons:

• Some customers have noted that their cabinets have not been professionally constructed.

Airstream

Airstream is an icon in the travel trailer industry and is probably the most popular of them all. When we think about luxurious trailers, we always think of Airstream, and they are responsible for some of the best travel trailers on the market. Generally, Airstream trailers come with a pretty hefty price tag, but the price is justified when you look at the quality and value.

Some of their most iconic models include Globe Trotter, Flying Cloud, The Classic, and the much-beloved Tony Bahama. Nowadays, Airstream is under Thor Industries control, just like Jayco. However, they haven’t compromised on their distinctive and unique design.

One of the many reasons why Airstream is so popular is their silver-bullet trailers, which are known for being incredibly durable and long-lasting. Even an Airstream trailer that’s a few decades old will still be in fine working condition today.

In 2019, Airstream updated their models. Some of the new upgrades include:

• Three-year warranty
• Three-year Coach-Net roadside assistance
• All bedroom fans have Fan shade
• All twin bed floor plans have hanging wardrobes

Base prices for Airstream models can be on the pricier side, but they have a total of nine different models to choose from – all of which are available in a variety of different floor plans, and are highly customizable.

Due to the price, we highly recommend renting an Airstream trailer first before splashing your cash.

The Airstream Flying Cloud

The Flying Cloud may be an expensive travel trailer, but with the features that you get, the price is worth it.

There are 16 different floor plans to choose from, and they include things like memory foam mattresses, ultraleather seating, handcrafted cabinetry, and Quietstream Climate Control. They also have a reputation for being easy to tow.

Specs:

• Weight: 4,500 – 8,800 lbs
• Length: 19’ – 30’
• Sleeping Capacity: 4 to 8 people

Pros:

• Airstream trailers are both durable and luxurious
• They’re a great option for large families or groups

Cons:

• Quite expensive, so not in everyone’s budgets

Coachmen

Coachmen is another iconic and reputable travel trailer brand, which is supported by the fact you can see tons of them out on the road. The brand has been around since 1964 and has cultivated a following of loyal customers and travel fans.

Their trailer line has built a reputation for blending comfort with style, with their focus being on “the enrichment of your life.” They work hard to follow this, and have twelve different models, which come with a vast number of floor plans.

Some of their most popular models include the Catalina Legacy Edition, the Apex Ultra-Light, and Northern Spirit. They offer both lightweight and bigger trailers, and try to accommodate a range of different lifestyles. One of their biggest aims is to get people to travel around and explore nature.

What attracts customers to Coachmen, is that they make it pretty easy to find exactly what you want. On their website you will see a finder tool that helps you easily locate the kind of trailer you’re looking for.

It’s worth noting that There have been a few manufacturing issues with Coachmen trailers. Some customers have complained about electrical issues or water damage. With that being said, the warranty tends to last long enough before an issue presents itself, so any problems should be covered.

Like other brands, make sure you do a lot of research before purchasing a trailer.

The Coachmen Apex

One of the most popular Coachmen models is the Apex. If you’re after a spacious trailer that has an elegant design, then the Apex will fit your needs. One of the standout aspects of this trailer is it’s compact design, but spacious bathroom. It’s also pretty easy to tow this model, even with a smaller SUV.

Specs:

• Hitch Weight: 446 – 832 lbs
• Length: 24’4” – 34’3”

Pros:

• Spacious and comfortable designs
• Perfect for small to medium families

Cons:

• Too compact for larger families or groups

Forest River

Forest River has an extensive line of travel trailers, RVs, and equipment. They are merged with some other RV manufacturers like Rockwood, Cherokee, Wildcat, Sonoma, and Prime Time. They also manufacture motorhomes, camper travel trailers, pontoons, and Fifth-wheel campers.

They have several manufacturing facilities all access the US, and you can also find their models at their partnered RV dealerships. As well as their vast range of products, they have a large range of travel trailers, which come with a variety of different floor plans.

At Forest River, they have a mission to help their customers experience all of the beauty that nature has to offer. Their vehicles are known for their dependability, and made with quality in mind.

As they manufacture a range of products, their website has a handy RV Finder tool, which will help you locate the product you’re looking for with ease.

It’s worth doing your research before buying a Forest River trailer. Try and rent a trailer before your purchase, so you can test whether it fits your needs or not.

The Forest River Alpha Wolf

The Alpha Wolf is an increasingly popular Forest River model. Back in 2018, the 26FBH-L model won the “Best in Show” award at RV News, and it’s not hard to see why.

At just over 31-feet long, the Alpha Wolf features plush sleeping accommodations as well as spacious bathrooms. Depending on the model, it’s also a pretty lightweight camper, which is known for being easy to tow.

Specs:

• Weight: 2,900 – 11,500 lbs
• Length: 27’6” – 33’4”

Pros:

• Dependable and spacious designs

Cons:

• Build quality suffers from design expansions

Flagstaff

Although Flagstaff is technically owned by Forest River, they still have their own unique brand identity. Part of that brand is their line of travel trailers, which come with their own floor plans and trim levels.

Flagstaff’s focus is on lightweight design. So, we highly recommend the brand if you’re looking for a trailer you can tow with a small to midsize SUV. Most Flagstaff trailers range somewhere in between 1,100 to 3,200 pounds. Due to their smaller size and lighter weight, these trailers are more fuel efficient.

As they’re part of the Forest River family, Flagstaff have the same desire to encourage people to explore the great outdoors, and want to help enrich this experience with their quality trailers.

Flagstaff also offer an off-road package for most of their trailers. These include radial tires, 15” Mud Rover, and a lift kit. These features are designed to improve off road handling and tracking.

Once again, we recommend renting a Flagstaff trailer before you commit to purchase.

The Flagstaff E-Pro

If you’ve just started to explore lightweight trailers, then the Flagstaff E-Pro is a great place to begin. The E-Pro offers more standards and options than any other brand in their class, including a media center which features a Bluetooth and AM/FM radio stereo, built-in DVD player, USB port, 12V TV, and a WiFi Ranger booster. The E-Pro also comes with a roof mount solar panel which includes a 1000 Watt converter.

Another popular feature in the E-Pro models is a Shower Miser Water Saver. Some additional options include a 13,500 BTU AC, and bike rack.

Specs:

• Hitch Weight: 258 – 641 lb
• Length: 12’3” – 21’8”
• Sleep Capacity: Up to 5 people

Pros:

• Super lightweight design makes it easy to tow

Cons:

• Some customers have reported electrical problems

Winnebago Industries

Winnebago is another popular and reliable travel trailer brand in the market. The brand first made its name from manufacturing quality motorhomes that were considered budget and family-friendly. Over time the brand included travel trailers into their product line, and they’re just as popular as their RVs.

Although they operate out of their headquarters in Iowa, you can find Winnebago trailers all over the US, and even in some parts of Canada. This makes it easier to shop around for different models and units, and you are able to rent out their trailers before you commit to purchase.

Winnebago is known most for three particularly popular models of travel trailers. These are the Minnie Plus, the Minne Drop, and the Micro MInnie. Another popular product that is favored amongst travelers is the Minnie Winnie, as it’s perfect for couples, small families, or small groups, as it can sleep up to four people comfortably.

As there are a range of features, trim levels, and designs, make sure you take your time exploring the options, and consider multiple units before making a purchase. It’s also worth noting that most of Winnebago’s travel trailers come with a three-year structural warranty. This covers both workmanship manufacturing, and assembly of structural parts.

The Minnie Drop

If you’re looking for something which can be towed with ease, we highly recommend the Minnie Drop. Thanks to its aerodynamic design, it can be towed by SUVs and half ton pickup trucks. The interior gives off a cosy yet elegant design, and has a max height of 6’5”.

Some of the stand out features include a slide-out which offers more space, a standard bathroom, and a wet bath. There are also a vast range of exterior colors and graphics you can choose from, so you can truly make this trailer your own.

All Minnie Drop models come with aluminium flooring, plywood decking, nightshades, NXG frames, and power bath vents.

Specs:

• Dry Weight: 2,760 – 2,980 lbs
• Length: 18’4” – 20’4”
• Sleep Capacity: Up to 5 people

Pros:

• Well-constructed and well-manufactured trailers
• Customizable

Cons:

• Not suitable for large families, or groups of more than five

Starcraft

If you’re looking for a trailer that is both comfortable and convenient, then take a look at Starcraft’s line of travel trailers. This is a trusted brand which currently has three different travel trailers to choose from, each with a variety of floorplans that can sleep up to 10 people.

Each Starcraft trailer is constructed using TuffShell vacuum-bonded lamination, which makes their trailers more durable. For the sidewalls, Starcraft uses welded aluminum, metal backers, and fiberglass. This also makes the trailers able to withstand any weather conditions when you’re out on the road.

Something else to mention about this brand is that they also include an insulated thermal underbelly. Each of their trailers also come with a three-year limited structural warranty, as well as a one-year limited manufacturer’s warranty. Despite Starcraft’s confidence in their design, they offer warranties to give their customers freedom from worry when hitting the open road.

The brand boasts that they have “the best RV roof,” which is constructed with reinforced crowned truss roof rafters. They have been strength tested up to 4,500 pounds, and are up to 50% stronger than standard trailer roofs.

Back in 1991, Jayco purchased the RV division of Starcraft, which means that the two share the same values and dedication to producing quality trailers. Like Jayco, Starcraft also cares about the environment, and in 2011, they launched their EcoAdvantage initiative, which is dedicated to sustainability.

The Starcraft Super Lite

Out of all of Starcraft’s trailers, we’re fans of the Super Lite. This is a double-Axel model which allows a greater GVW, and has an incredible towing stability. There are 9 different floor plans to choose from, which includes the option to add bunk beds for a greater sleeping capacity.

Some standout interior features include LED interior lighting, hardwood cabinets, residential vinyl flooring, 15,000 BTU A/C, a tri-fold sofa, and a dome-style TV antenna with Wi-Fi prep. In terms of exterior equipment, this trailer features magnetic door catches, self-adjusting electric brakes, and radial tires with aluminum trims. There is also an option to add a Wi-Fi router and an off-grid solar package.

Specs:

• Dry Weight: 4,825 – 6,935 lbs
• Length: 23’8” – 34’2”
• Sleep Capacity: Up to 10 people

Pros:

• As there are multiple floor plans for each models, you can easily find the best one for you

Cons:

• Some customers have noted problems with the shower and hot water tank

KZ-RV

KZ-RV is another brand under Thor Industries control, so you can be guaranteed quality if you purchase one of their trailers. They are a pioneer brand, and one of the best in the industry. KZ-RV are best known for creating long-time living spaces, so if you’re looking to live in a trailer for an extended period of time, they’re worth checking out.

With that being said, they also make quality short-term trailers too, so it really is the best of both worlds. Each of their trailers comes with a roomy interior space, which is often larger than most other RV brands. You will also find that their floor plans have diverse layouts, which include bathrooms, kitchens, living areas, dining areas, and bedrooms.

When it comes to kitchens, with KZ-RV you can customize to your needs. Choose full kitchens which come with the works, such as refrigerators, stoves, microwaves, and pantries. In addition, they also offer a range of bed options, all the way up to a queen-size. One of the standout interior features is a full entertainment system, which lets you make the most out of your camping experience.

When your trailer is parked up, there are some handy slide-outs which will give you some extra space options. There are also some additional storage areas both on the inside and outside of all of their travel trailers, so you don’t have to worry about running out of space.

Another reason as to why KZ-RV is a well-loved brand is that their travel trailers don’t require a special towing hitch, which saves their customers a lot of hassle. They also have a pretty low profile, which gives users more height clearance.

The KZ-RV Escape

The Escape is a great travel trailer if you’re after a lightweight model from a trusted and reliable brand. They’re built with a high-quality fiberglass, which is not only affordable, but elegant and practical too.

Because of its body structure, the Escape cna prevent any water leakage/damage from occurring. This makes the trailer durable, but it also maintains its strength whilst keeping it lightweight.

There are 10 different floor plans for the Escape, which can sleep between 6 to 8 people, making it perfect for large families, or group campers. Each KZ-RV trailer comes with a full bathroom, as well as an off-road and off-grid package. This means you can take your trailer anywhere, from campgrounds to mountain ranges.

Specs:

• Dry Weight: 2,760 – 3,320 lbs
• Length: 19’ – 27’2”
• Sleep Capacity: 6 to 8 people

Pros:

• Durable, lightweight trailer designs that can be towed with small SUVs, and don’t require special towing hitches
• A vast amount of storage, including interior and exterior compartments

Cons:

• Bathrooms might be too small for some people

Happier Camper

Although they are a relative newcomer to the industry, Happier Camper is a top-rated travel trailer brand. They generally produce quality fiberglass campers that have a unique, retro style, reminiscent of the old-school VW campervan. The interior is versatile, and they favor modular designs.

Also referred to as Adapativ interior, Happier Camper allows you to arrange the interior in whichever way you want. This includes kitchen sinks, cabinets, tables, coolers, and much more. Each of their trailers also features a rear-hatch that allows you to store things such as bikes and kayaks, so you can make the most of your outdoor adventure.

The bathroom uses a dry toilet, which is what sets it aside from the competition. However, this can be con for some users, so it’s worth bearing that in mind. It’s also worth noting that the Happier Camper is a little on the small side, so it’s not worth looking at if you have a big family.

The HCT

The HCT is Happier Camper’s largest design, which features both a toilet and a kitchen. You can use Happier Camper’s Adaptiv system to design your trailer to your preference.

It’s a pretty lightweight design that can be towed by most standard cars and SUVs. It’s fiberglass construction, insulation, and heater, means that it’s ready for all seasons, and the trailer is equipt for cross-country travel.

In addition, the HCT is solar-ready, which means that you can live off the grid, if you wanted to.

Specs:

• Dry Weight: 1,800 lbs
• Length: 14’
• Sleep Capacity: Up to 5 people

Pros:

• Retro design which can be personalized
• Lightweight design makes it easy to tow around

Cons:

• Dry toilet can be an issue for some people
• A little on the small side, so not ideal for large families or groups

Grand Design

Once again, we’re looking at another popular and high-quality travel trailer brand. With Grand Design, customers come before anything else. Their brand revolves around “doing the right thing,” and they really stand by it. They’re dedicated to providing customers with excellent products and always make sure that their satisfaction is their top priority. You can rest assured when shopping with Grand Design.

They’re also big on value for money, and want to give their customers some amazing features, so they feel like they’re getting enough bang with their buck. Like some other trailer brands, Grand Design offers a three-year warranty on all of their trailers, so if anything should go wrong, you’re covered.

Another great thing about this brand is that each trailer is inspected by a quality team before it is shipped to you, this is called Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI). After PDI has cleared the product, they will be sent out to you.

If you do encounter any problems, they’re pretty easy to contact. As they really value their customers, they tend to resolve issues quickly, and many customers can only praise the company. Although they do emphasise value for money, they are still a luxury brand, so their trailers often have very high-end detailing.

As a luxury brand, their trailers can be quite expensive, so they’re not in everyone’s budget. With that being said, it’s worth renting one of their trailers first, before you invest.

The Grand Design Imagine

One of the trailers we recommend the most from Grand Design is the Imagine model. This comes in 9 different floor plans, all of which include a queen-sized bed. Some interior features include residential-style countertops, three-burner ranges, two-way refrigerators, and microwaves.

The exterior is also made using a gel coated fibreglass, which is a lightweight material that is also able to withstand the harsh elements.

Specs:

• Hitch Weight: 505 – 844 lbs
• Length: 29’8” – 36’11”
• Sleep Capacity: 3 to 8 people

Pros:

• Each trailer comes will multiple floor plans so you can choose the one which suits you best
• Each trailer is made with comfort and luxury in mind, and will provide you with everything you need
• They really value their customers

Cons:

• Some customers have noted issues with bathroom sink leakages
• A little on the pricier side, so not in everyone’s budget

Palomino

Palomino has a reputation for manufacturing lightweight, and high-quality travel trailers. They have a diverse range of trailers, which includes the Revolve, the Puma, the Real-Lite Mini, and the Solaire.

They’ve been operating since 1968, and in that time they have built up a good reputation with RV enthusiasts all across the country. In 1998, Palomino was purchased by Forest River Inc, so they’re technically under their control. With that being said, they still have their own unique identity, which shows in their designs.

Palomino value innovation, and are always searching for ways to put itself ahead of the competition. They aim to manufacture trailers that are both functional and elegant. They combine high-quality craftsmanship and construction, with rich residential interior designs.

With that being said, they also want to give their customers value for money. With each Palomino trailer, there are roadside assistance programs, and warranty and service departments to help with any manufacturing issues.

The Palomino Puma Destination

If you’re looking for somewhere to start when it comes to Palomino models, we recommend the Puma Destination range. There are 8 different models, and the base model even offers two-bedroom options.

In the interior, Palomino uses residential interior designs for cabinets and carpeting. There are also queen-sized beds, and Murphy bed options for more room and sleeping capacity. They use high-density foam mattresses, and each model comes with a Bluetooth, CD, and Radio stereo system.

Specs:

• Hitch Weight: 1,780 lb – 1,413 lbs
• Length: 40’8” – 42’3”
• Sleeping Capacity: 6 to 8 people

Pros:

• Practical and luxurious interiors

Cons:

• Some customers have reported leakages

Avenger have worked hard over the years to create a line of travel trailers which are known for being high-quality and reliable. They have a wide line of trailers, which come with multiple floor plans and features.

Avenger

The majority of their models have an aluminum exterior, as their priority is on creating luxury interiors. Some of their most popular models feature cherry wood furnishing, high-quality flooring, and solid countertops.

However, these sturdy materials do contribute to their overall weight, so they’re a little on the heavy side. Most of their models range from 4,800 pounds, all the way up to 9,200 pounds.

The Avenger LT Range

If you’re just starting to look at Avenger, we recommend the LT range. These are a series of family-oriented trailers, which include queen-sized and bunk beds, which are perfect for all of the family.

They have a fresh water capacity of up to 48 gallons, and use a propane water heater. There are a number of upgrades also available in numerous custom packages, so you can make this trailer your own.

Specs:

• Hitch Weight: 343 lb – 495 lb
• Length: 20’7” – 26’1”
• Sleep Capacity: Up to 8 people

Pros:

• Luxury interiors
• Capable of accommodating large families and groups

Cons:

• Heavy, which can make them difficult to tow

Rent Before Buying

If you’re new to the RV world, we highly recommend you take your time shopping around before purchasing a travel trailer. As there are so many different brands, lines, and models, it can be overwhelming, but don’t worry as we’re here to help you get started.

Attending trade shows, or touring RV dealerships are a great way for you to become familiar with your options, and figure out which features are a necessity that need to be prioritized.

Some dealerships will allow you to rent out particular units, so you can test them out before committing to a purchase. This can be a great way to get a feel for an RV and determine whether it’s right for you and your needs.

However, it’s worth noting that these costs can add up. So, it might be worth looking at secondhand sellers/dealerships for renting purposes. A lot of the time you can rent a relatively new unit for half the cost of a dealership or rental company.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, a list of the 12 best travel trailer brands that we recommend. Of course, this list is just the tip of what the RV industry has to offer, but looking into the most popular and reputable brands is always a great starting point.

Frequently Asked Questions