Are you thinking about buying a travel trailer? With so many options on the market, it can be tough to know which brand to choose.
It’s worth knowing which RV brands have the most customer complaints. While every RV can have issues, some manufacturers have built a reputation for poor quality, frustrating repairs, and bad customer service.
Come with us as we dissect the list of the 10 worst travel trailer brands according to the Camping Loop. Let’s take a look!
The Worst Travel Trailer Brands
This list is based on a video by The Camping Loop, which researched complaints from actual RV owners to highlight the most problematic brands.
The creator notes, “I didn’t make this list, and there are even some brands on here that I don’t agree with, but these are the ones that keep coming up when you look at customer feedback.”
HOT TIP
If you have the itch for some travel days, be sure to check out the 6 Worst National Park Campgrounds before making any reservations!
1. Forest River
Forest River is one of the biggest names in RV manufacturing, but it also tops the list of most complained-about brands.
Many owners report problems with slide-outs getting stuck and requiring a manual crank to operate. Faulty wiring is another common issue, with poorly installed electrical components making diagnosing problems a nightmare.
Additionally, some owners report mysterious problems with their hot water systems, though details remain vague. The Camping Loop remarks, “If you own one of these units, just be prepared to channel your inner MacGyver.”
2. Jayco
Jayco is a well-known name in the RV industry, but its reputation for quality has taken a hit. Over 60% of owners report leaks in the kitchen and bathroom, making water damage a significant concern.
Interior materials also seem to deteriorate quickly, with mattresses ripping at the seams and bed frames breaking too easily. While Jayco offers competitive pricing, its durability and reliability leave much to be desired.
3. Coleman
Many owners claim Coleman travel trailers aren’t worth the investment, reporting frequent issues with refrigerators and freezers breaking shortly after purchase, leaving travelers stranded with spoiled food.
Air conditioning units also seem to fail frequently, making summer trips unbearable. The creator admits, “I might be a little biased here because I’ve had a Coleman for years with almost no issues, but according to customer complaints, that’s not the case for everyone.”
4. Coachmen
Once a respected brand, Coachmen’s quality has reportedly taken a nosedive in recent years. Leaky roofs are one of the most common complaints, especially in the front and back corners where the roof meets the walls.
Owners frequently report faucet leaks under the kitchen and bathroom sinks, leading to water damage.
Sticky drawers and faulty cabinet doors are also persistent frustrations, turning simple storage into a daily annoyance.
5. Keystone
Keystone was once a top-tier manufacturer, but customer complaints have been piling up.
Many owners struggle with false readings on control panels, leading to inaccurate tank, propane, and battery level indicators. Even more concerning, some travelers report cabinets falling off the ceiling while driving down the road—a major safety and quality issue.
6. Gulf Stream
This brand was once a solid choice, but recent models have been plagued by quality control issues. Persistent roof leaks are a frequent problem, with many owners battling water damage from faulty seals.
Battery failures also seem to be a recurring issue, though it’s unclear whether this is a manufacturer defect or a battery issue.
Locking problems have also been reported, with some doors failing to lock—or worse, trapping owners inside their RVs.
7. Heartland
Heartland started strong in the early 2000s, but since being acquired by Thor Industries, quality has reportedly declined.
One of the biggest complaints from owners is structural frame damage, with cracks developing along the walls and roof. Roof damage is another common issue, with leaks and structural failures occurring even in newer models.
8. Fleetwood
Fleetwood is known for budget-friendly pricing, but that affordability comes with major risks.
The most alarming issue? Some Fleetwood refrigerators have reportedly caught fire due to faulty control panels, raising serious safety concerns.
On top of that, the interior materials are often flimsy and don’t hold up well over time, making the overall build quality questionable at best. “Anybody think maybe a recall is in order?” the video creator asks. We couldn’t agree more.
9. Winnebago
Even the legendary Winnebago isn’t free from criticism. The most frequent complaint is poor customer service, with many owners claiming their warranty issues are ignored.
Additionally, interior walls tend to shift after travel, causing doors to misalign and stop closing properly. Given the premium price tag of Winnebago RVs, these kinds of problems should not be happening.
10. Shasta
Shasta’s biggest problem? They don’t seem to care about customers after the sale. Many owners feel abandoned once they drive off the lot, as Shasta reportedly does not offer extended warranties.
Another major complaint is widespread wiring issues, with electrical problems hidden inside the walls, making troubleshooting a nightmare.
Watch Out For Red Flags
No matter which RV brand you choose, every manufacturer has some red flags to watch out for.
Cheap materials, poor design, and bad customer service can plague even well-known brands. Some owners swear by their rigs, while others regret their purchase.
If You Want the Latest Travel News, Join Our Mailing List
Don’t rely on biased RV industry news sources to keep you informed. Stick with Nomadic News. We publish articles and breaking stories that matter to you every weekday.
