What Is The Best Travel Trailer For The Money

What are the best travel trailers and brands? The travel trailer industry has hundreds of brands and thousands of different models and floor plans.

If you are looking to buy, which brands and which travel trailers do you need to consider? In this post, I list some of the top-rated, highest-quality travel trailer brands, and the models I think are deemed worthy of your consideration.

Here is our list of the Top 10 Best Pop up Campers if you would rather learn about those.

Let's get going with our list of the top 10 best travel trailer brands.

Airstream
Grand Design RV
Oliver
Winnebago Industries
Happier Camper
Starcraft
Lance
Shasta
Jayco
Forest River RV

How I Selected The Top RV Brands and Models

Choosing the best RV trailers isn't easy. There are hundreds of brands and thousands of models. However, I selected these brands and models based on my research. I looked at hundreds of user reviews looking for reputable manufacturers that produced good quality models with a good selection of standard features and options. These are some of the best campers to buy.

Brand	Founded	RV Types	Website
Airstream	1931	Travel Trailers, Class B	https://www.airstream.com/
Grand Design RV	2011	Travel Trailers, 5th Wheels Toy Haulers	https://www.granddesignrv.com/
Oliver Travel Trailers	2007	Travel Trailers	https://olivertraveltrailers.com/
Winnebago Industries	1958	Travel Trailer, 5th Wheels, Toy Haulers, Class A, B, C	https://www.winnebago.com/
Happier Camper	2009	Travel Trailers	https://happiercamper.com
Starcraft	1903	Travel Trailers, 5th Wheels	https://starcraftrv.com/
Lance Campers	1965	Travel Trailers, Truck Campers	https://www.lancecamper.com/
Shasta RV	1941	Travel Trailers, 5th Wheels, Toy Haulers	https://www.shastarving.com/
Jayco	1968	Travel Trailers, 5th Wheels, Toy Haulers, Class A, B, C	https://jayco.com
Forest River	1996	Travel Trailers, 5th Wheels, Truck Campers, Toy Haulers, Pop Up Campers, Class A, B, C, Destination Trailers, Park Models	https://www.forestriverinc.com/

#1. Airstream – Flying Cloud

View All Floorplans and Specifications: Airstream Cloud

When you think luxury camper, Airstream is one of the first brands that usually comes to mind. They produce some of the most recognizable RVs in the industry. They are priced at the high-end of the range, however, the amount of value you get is very well worth the price.

Their iconic models include the Classic, Globetrotter, Tony Bahama, Flying Cloud, and several others. Owned by Thor industries now, Airstream continues to lead the industry in a unique, iconic, and distinctive design.

Why the Airstream Flying Cloud is one of the best travel trailers?

The Airstream model I have a preference for is the Flying Cloud. With a starting price of $67,400, it is not for everyone. Here are some basic specs on the Flying Cloud:

Sleep Capacity: 4-8
Length: 19 feet to 30 feet
GVWR: 4,500 to 8,800
19 available floor plans

The Flying Cloud is loaded with features that exude quality. Here are just a few of the features I liked in this unit (some may be optional):

Quietstream Climate Control
Ultraleather seating
High-end kitchen appliances
Seating that converts to sleeping
Memory foam mattress
Handcrafted cabinetry
Retractable awning
Rear-view monitoring system
Roller blinds and blackout curtains
Moen faucets and much more…

Video Overview:

#2. Grand Design RV Imagine

View All Floorplans and Specifications: Grand Design Imagine

Grand Design RV is another one of the "best travel trailer brands" and has a very loyal and raving fan base that considers their travel trailers some better overall brands in the industry. I have come across many owner reviews of Grand Design campers who rave about the quality of these units and the outstanding customer service. For me, a list of best travel trailer brands would not be complete without Grand Design.

Grand Design is located in Middlebury, IN. All of their towables and fifth-wheels come with a 3-year limited structural warranty. Imagine XLS is one of my favorites due to its excellent styling, features, and amenities.

Grand Design as a company in the industry is not very old. They have only been around since 2001 as an independent company. They spun off from a larger company.

Grand Design allied with Winnebago and operates as an independent business within Winnebago Industries. When it comes to choosing a great travel trailer brand, Grand Design is definitely on our shortlist list.

Why I recommend the Grand Design Imagine

The Imagine travel trailer is my preferred trailer of choice from this RV manufacturer. There are several reasons I like the Imagine trailer. First off, it comes in 11 different floor plans, and they all come with a queen-sized bed.

There is simply no way I would want a travel trailer with anything smaller than a queen bed. Here are some basic specs on the Grand Design Imagine:

Choose from 11-floor plans
Length: 26 ft 9-inches to 36-feet 11-inches
UVW: 6,695 lbs to 7,495 lbs
Gel-coated fiberglass exterior
One-piece roof membrane with a 12-year warranty

The Imagine is also loaded with a ton of standard features. Here are just a few of the ones that stand out for me and for what I'm looking for:

Solid hardwood drawer fronts
Large panoramic windows
Upgraded residential furniture
Residential quality countertops
Stainless steel microwave
3-burner range with oven
Double door fridge

#3. Oliver Legacy Elite 2

View All Floorplans and Specifications: Oliver Legacy Elite 2

The Oliver brand makes high-quality luxury fiberglass trailers in their Hohenwald, TN manufacturing facility. The company which was started by twin brothers Jim and John Oliver was formed in 2008.

The Oliver campers are built using 4 fiberglass shells, two inner shells, and two outer shells. It's a unique process that ensures a very well-built camper.

Many things set Oliver apart from the industry. It starts with the wheels found on all Oliver models. The wheels are not cheap travel-trailer wheels but rather E-rated, 10 ply, light truck tires.

You won't find any wood or carpet on an Oliver, thus no more or milder either. The frame is aircraft-grade aluminum which provides durability and longevity.

The Oliver is well-suited for those who are interested in extreme temperature camping. The insulated double-shell keeps the cold out and all water lines, appliances, tanks are enclosed within the lower shell.

Due to its aerodynamic styling and light aluminum frame, it is easy to tow. All Oliver RVs go through a 4-stage inspection process. There is an Incoming Inspection Process, Production Inspection, Final Inspection and, the Shakedown.

The Shakedown is a free night of camping a few miles down from the manufacturing plant. This gives the buyer a real-world test of the Oliver brand.

Why I Like The Legacy Elite 2

The Oliver Legacy Elite 2 pictured above is my favorite model and probably one of their top-rated all fiberglass campers. I like the Elite 2 for several reasons. I like that it has a dry weight of just 4,600 pounds.

So it can be towed with a good truck or full-size SUV. (Keep in mind 4,600 pounds is just the dry weight. For towing you need to consider everything else you put in it for your trip.

The Legacy Elite 2 comes in two-floor plans. One with twin beds and the with a dinette to 75″ x 79″ bed conversion. This model is loaded with standard features. These are just a few of the ones that stood out for me:

Full Custom Molded Interior and Exterior Insulated Shells
Plumbing, Holding Tanks and Drain Pipes enclosed between shells with heat to diminish freezing
Quad Shocks on dual Dexter leaf spring axles with "Nev-R-Adjust" 10? electric brakes for exceptional control and braking
Nordicold 3 Way Refrigerator 4.5 cubic ft. (12V, 11OV, LP)
Molded vanity
15′ Dometic awning
22″ Flat screen LCD TV
Custom mounted speakers (4)

Video Overview:

#4. Winnebago Industries – Minnie Drop

View All Floorplans and Specifications: Winnebago Minnie Drop

Another of our selected best travel trailers is Winnebago. With a history spanning over 50 years, Winnebago is a well known and respected brand in the RV industry. Headquartered in Forest River, Iowa the company builds a huge selection of RVs including high-quality motor-homes, campers, fifth wheels, and toy haulers.

Winnebago makes 3 very popular models; the Minnie Plus, Minnie Drop, and Micro Minnie. Distinctly shaped it packs a lot of space in a small package. You can check out our review of the Minnie Drop here. Winnebago also uses Azdel composite panels in their manufacturing.

What I Like About the Minnie Drop

The Minnie Drop is very aerodynamic which makes it very easy to tow by 1/2 ton pickups and larger SUVs. The interior is very well designed and has 6 feet 5 inches of headroom. Some models also include a slideout that adds additional space. Inside you are going to find a bathroom with some models having a wet bath and others having our preferred dry bath.

It is available in several colors and includes great-looking exterior graphics. Here some additional specifications:

Available in 6-floor plans
Exterior length: 18′ 4″ to 20′ 4″
Interior height: 6′ 5″
GVWR: 3,500 lbs to 3,800 lbs
Dry weight: 2,760 lbs to 2,980 lbs

When it comes to standard features Winnebago packs this lightweight travel trailer with lots of them. Here are just a few included in the value package.

Aluminum Floor Structure with Plywood Decking
NXG Engineered Frame
Night Shades
Custom Bedspread
Carbon Monoxide/LP Detector
AV System with AM/FM/CD/DVD/USB/SD/Bluetooth
Full Extension Ball Bearing Drawer Guides
Power Bath Vent
Two-Burner Cook top
Refrigerator
Direct Vent Furnace

Video Overview:

#5. Happier Camper HC1

View All Floorplan and Specifications: Happier Camper

When it comes to one of the best travel trailers that are small and lightweight trailers Happier Camper is hard to beat. It is a top-rated brand that many people love. Happier Camper makes a unique retro-style all-fiberglass camper with a versatile modular interior.

Called the Adaptiv interior it lets you arrange the interior just about any way you desire. The honeycomb fiberglass floor allows you to set the cubes in any arrangements. The Adaptiv cubes include storage cubes, kitchen sink, and cabinets, table, cooler, and several more.

One thing to keep in mind with the Happier Camper is that it does not have a typical bathroom It has a dry toilet. So for some of you that might not be what you are looking for. That is the only drawback I see to this camper trailer.

It is small so don't expect a ton of room, but that is the way it's been designed. It's modern and it does make use of the small interior extremely well.

Why The Happier Camper?

A notable feature is the expansive rear-hatch that lets you easily load up a couple of bikes and even a kayak is needed.

Here is a partial list of specifications for this travel trailer:

100% Double-Hull Insulation Fiberglass
Length: 10 feet for the shell, 13 feet including hitch
Width: 6 feet 11 inches
Height: 7 feet 4 inches
Dry weight: 1,100 lbs
Adaptive modules are all 20″ x 20″ and of varying height

As far as standard features of the HC1 no need to worry that they are sparse. Happier Camper did not skimp on useful standard features. Here are just a few.

Custome engraved door hinges
Outdoor porch light
Precision hardware, locks, and components
Stylized panoramic windows
Adaptiv modular interior
Side door storage
Perimeter wall storage
Stainless steel floor drain
Heavy-duty D-ring tie-downs
Independent dimmable LED lighting
14″ dual airflow ceiling fan

Video Overview:

#6. Starcraft RV Mossy Oak

View All Floorplans and Specifications: Mossy Oak

Another of our picks with a long history, Starcraft started out making metal farm equipment back in 1903. In 1968 they began manufacturing units. They were purchased by Jayco who was subsequently purchased by Thor Industries.

They all come with a 3-year warranty, as well as including a Magnum Roof System. Their trademarked Tuffshell is a vacuum-bonded lamination used for their walls.

Why Consider The Mossy Oak?

Of all the models in their line-up, I like Starcraft Mossy Oak which is pictured above. This is the double-axle model as opposed to the single-axle Mossy Oak. The double axle allows for a higher gross vehicle weight rating and more towing stability.

This is a spacious camper available in 11-floor plans, including several that have a bunk bed. (In this article I wrote has other travel trailers with a bunk bed or bunkhouse.)

Specification on the Mossy Oak are as follows: (Partial list)

Floor plans: 11 layouts including some with bunk beds
Exterior Length: 23′ 4″ to 36′ 5″
Interior Height: 81″
Exterior Width: 96″
Dry weight: 4,185 lbs to 7,600 lbs
Sleeping Capacity: 4 to 10 people

This pull-behind travel trailer is another one on our list that is very well equipped at the standard level.

13,500 BTU A/C
Cable & Satellite Prep
Closeable A/C Vents
Double-Over-Double Bunk Bed With 600lb Capacity (Select Models)
Durable Residential Style Flooring – Designer Carefree Congoleum®
Foot Flush Toilet
LED Lighting
3-Burner Range with 17″ Oven
60/40 Split Kitchen Sink
Range hood
Residential-Style High Rise Faucet

Video Overview:

#7. Lance Camper 1685 Travel Trailer

View All Floorplans and Specifications: Lance Camper 1685

Lance Campers have a reputation for being very well-built and an owner base that loves the customer support offered by the company. Definitely one of the better RV brands in the industry. What we like a lot about Lance is the interior of their models. The designs are extremely practical and very well done using top-grade materials.

They make 9 truck camper models and 12 pull-behind travel trailer models.

Lance using Azdel composite panels which is an eco-friendly toxin-free composite panel superior to wood. You can read about the Azdel panels in my Azdel article.

If you search the internet you will find the majority of owners love their Lance so it's easy to see why Lance has won the prestigious Dealer Satisfaction Index for quality almost every year, and have been rated best in owner satisfaction. Definitely one of the best travel ones made. Lance offers a 2-year structural warranty on their models.

Overall I consider Lance one of the Top 5 best travel trailers brands in the industry.

What I Like About The Lance Camper 1685

Of the 12 models of travel trailers Lance manufacturers I like the 1685 model. There are several reasons one of them being that it is one of their lightest travel trailer models. The dry weight is just a little under 4,000 lbs which makes it towable by a decent.

A 1/2 ton pick up might cut it a little too close once you add your gear. The GVWR is 5,500 lbs and it is something you need to consider if using a 1/2 ton truck.

The interior is roomy and has lots of storage space available and the floor plan is intelligently design and laid out for maximum space efficiency. It includes a wet bath which I have stated before is one of my personal preferences in any RV we end up buying.

The specification of 1685 are as follows:

Floor Length 16'6"
Overall Length 21'0"
Exterior Width 96-3/8"
Exterior Height w/Optional 13.5M A/C 10'1"
Interior Height 78"
Gross Dry Weight 3980 Lbs.
Hitch Dry Weight 425 Lbs.
Axle Weight 3555 Lbs.
Cargo Carrying Capacity 1520 Lbs.
GVWR 5500 Lbs.

Standard features abound in this camper. Here is a partial list of the many features and options you'll find in this travel trailer.

Dlx Queen Innerspring Mattress w/Pillow Top & Bedspread
LED Reading Lights
Overhead Cabinet Bunk
Dinette W/Locking Pull-Out Storage Drawers
Euro Overhead Cabinetry Design W/Accent Lighting
Flush Mount SS 3-Burner Range w/Cover & BackSplash
Furnace Forced Air 25,000 BTU
Propane Tank 2 Each 5 Gallon – One w/Gauge
Refrigerator (7 Cu Ft) 2-Way Double Door

Video Overview:

#8. Shasta RV 18FQ

View All Floorplans and Specifications: Shasta RV 18FQ

A division of Forest River, Shasta has a history going back to the early 1940s. The Shasta name brand is very well respected in the industry and for those for have been around a long time the toaster-like look of the original Shaster brings back memories. Shasta has made huge improvements since the days of the "toaster-on-wheels".

Shasta campers made today have a well-designed sleek profile and amenities unheard of a generation ago. Shasta makes travel trailers, fifth wheels, and toy haulers. According to their website, they are the industry's longest producer of recreational vehicles.

Why You Should Consider the Shasta 18FQ

Over the years Shasta has trimmed their travel trailer line to just the Shasta model which is available as a typical pull-behind and a travel trailer tow hauler. The pull-behind is available in a whopping 17 different floor plans. Of all those plans my favorite is the 18FQ. Thee 18FQ is very well laid0out. It includes a 60″ x 74″ bed mattress with overhead storage space above. There is a clothes wardrobe on either side and in the kitchen, you'll find a nice-sized dinette.

The bathroom is a dry bath meaning a separate toilet and shower. The bathroom also includes a medicine cabinet and a linen closet.

Here is a partial list of the specification:

Hitch Weight:325 lb.
Dry Weight: 3254 lb.
Cargo Carrying Capacity: 1796 lb.
Exterior Length:22′ 5″
Exterior Height:10′ 6″

Features and options are plenty on the 18FQ. Here are just a few of the standard features you'll find on this camper.

Straight Axle with Electric Brakes
E-Z Lube Hubs
Radial tires
LED Interior Lights
Pocket-Bored and Screwed Cabinets
Full Extension Ball Bearing Drawer Guides
Blackout Shades in Bedroom
Over-Sized & Deep Residential Sink
High-Rise Kitchen Faucet
Range Hood with Exhaust Fan

Video Overview:

#9. Jayco Jay Flight SLX 7

View All Floorplans and Specifications: Jayco Jay Flight SLX 7

With over 50 years of industry experience, Jayco has been one of the better brands in the RV industry. They have a very loyal following and have always been very responsive to their customers.

In 2016 Jayco was purchased by Thor Industries which also owns Airstream among many other companies. The hope is that the quality, service, and customer responsiveness remain intact after the purchase by this huge industrial conglomerate.

Jayco not only manufactures pull-behinds they also build fifth-wheels, toy haulers, camping trailers, Class A, and Class C motorhomes as well. My favorite model in the Jayco lineup is the Jay Feather an ultra-light camper.

Why I Like The Jay Flight SLX 7

Of all the models travel trailer models Jayco manufacturers, there are 9, I have a preference for the Jay Flight SLX 7. First off it's not a huge camper and for its size very light. This makes the SLX 7 very manageable when it comes to towing. It is available in 6 floorplans. Several of the floorplans offer bunkhouses, hide-a-bed, and either a slide or no slide.

Some of the models feature a Simmons queen-size mattress which is very nice. Besides, I like that it has a dry bath which is always nice. The bunk beds included in some of the models have a 4-inch mattress and a weight capacity of 300-pounds. In the galley, there are standard features such as two-range burners, 3 cubic-foot fridge, a microwave, and solid-surface countertops. Chances are you are going to find a plan that you will like.

As for specifications, the Jay Flight SLX 7 has the following:

Unloaded Vehicle Weight (lbs): 2415 – 2890
Cargo Carrying Capacity (lbs): 615 – 860
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (lbs): 2995 – 3750
Dry Hitch Weight (lbs): 260 – 265
Exterior Length: 16′ 6″ – 21′ 8″
Exterior Height: 106″ – 107″
Exterior Height w/ A/C: 111 – 1/4″ – 111- 3/4″
Exterior Width: 85″
Interior Height (living area): 73″

Lots of quality standard equipment ins included in all models:

3-inch, cambered, steel box tube frame
Fully-integrated A-frame
Magnum Truss™ Roof System with seamless DiFlex II material
Seamless solid-surface look kitchen countertops
Large 50/50 acrylic kitchen sink
2-burner range
3-cubic-foot refrigerator with temperature controls
Microwave oven
Brushed nickel faucets
Wall-mounted 8,000-BTU A/C

Video Overview:

#10. Forest River Alpha Wolf

View All Floorplans and Specifications: Forest River Alpha Wolf

Forest River is one of the largest RV manufacturers in the United States. Forest River is now owned by Berkshire Hathaway and makes trailers, 5th wheels, motor-coaches, camping trailers, pontoons, park models, and toy haulers.

They have several manufacturing facilities throughout the US and one of the best owner forums in the industry called FROG (Forest River Owner's Group). In addition to the Forest River brand, they have other brands such as Coachmen, Dynamax, Prime Time, and Shasta among others.

Why the Alpha Wolf Camper?

Of all the units Forest River makes my favorite is a recent model that they have introduced. It's called the Alpha Wolf. It's a beautiful lightweight camper. It is roomy for a small design and it is very easy to tow with nothing more than a standard SUV.

A feature I like is the laminated construction. Laminated construction makes for a lighter pull-behind, is very well insulated, and creates a clean exterior look. The Alpha Wolf 26DBH-L was named "Best of Show by RV News in 2018.

You have 8 floorplans to choose from with this camper. Here is a partial list of the specifications:

Hitch Weight: 570 lbs to 1,026 lbs
Dry Weight: 5,795 lbs to 6,780 lbs
Cargo Carry Weight: 1,246 lbs to 1,805 lbs
Exterior Length: 31′ 6″ to 36′ 8″
Exterior Height: 11′ 0″
Exterior Width: 96″

Like all Forest River travel trailers the Alpha Wolf comes with many standard features, these include some of the following:

LED Interior Lighting Package
Super-Plush Evergreen Mattress
Deluxe Bedding Package
Individual Reading Lights at Bed
Full Under Bed Storage with Strut Lift Assist

The following features are available on some models only:

Blackout" Kitchen Appliance and Hardware Package
VIBRATIONSMART™ 12V, 10 Cubic Foot Residential Refrigerator with Travel Lock
Total Control" for Wireless Operation of Multiple Light Zones, Awning, Monitor Panel, and All Slides
Zebra Shades" (Light Filtering with Blackout Capability) In Main Living Area
Pleated Shades in Bedrooms, Hallways, and Bunk Rooms
Aluminum Rims
Commercial Grade Spring Spout Kitchen Faucet with Pull-out Sprayer
High Gloss Gel Coated Front Cap

Video Overview:

Best Travel Trailer Brands Summary

So there you have it, some of the best brands in the industry, in my opinion of course. The thing is no matter what brand you research they all have their loyal fans and their detractors as well.

The most important advice I can give you when selecting your RV is to do your independent research. Get out there and visit the dealership, go to the shows, get on forums, and talk to owners. Selecting the best brand for you takes time and research and will make for more enjoyable travel.

Research not just the brand but the dealership as well since they will be providing the after purchase service. Make the choice that is best for you, your family, and your budget.

FAQ

What brand of travel trailer is the best?

There are several iconic travel trailer brands considered the best by many owners. Airstream, Happier Camper, Jayco, Winnebago, Forest River.

What are the worst travel trailer brands?

All travel trailer brands have their detractors. We have found Keystone to have a huge number of consumer complaints. However, recently it seems more reviews have been more favorable to Keystone.

What is the most durable travel trailer?

Outdoors RV Manufacturing, Northwood Manufacturing, and Oliver Travel Trailers are just a few of the brands that make very durable camper.

What is the best-selling travel trailer?

Jayco Jayflight is one of the best selling travel trailers in the industry.