Best and Worst RV Brands Ranked According to Online Reviews

Considering a new motorhome or camper? Be aware of RV brands to avoid. When you move toward buying an RV, your first step will be to slow down and see what others have said. Even the worst RV brands make pretty campers that only show their true nature once they are bought and paid for. 

Customers share their experiences in their RV reviews, often highlighting the best RV brands and the ones you’ll want to stay away from. We’ve used customer reviews to create the following list of RV brands ranked.

Key Insights

• RVs depreciate up to 20% immediately after purchase and lose up to 38% of their value after five years. 
• Many RV reviews center on repairs, warranty issues, and concerns about which companies have the best and worst customer service.
• Customer reviews reveal that even the top RV brands have maintenance and repairs required due to the nature of RVs.

Common RV Problems

Though quite a few owners of campers have issues with RV brands, it can be tricky to get trusted information about how to choose the right one. It’s good to know about common problems with the worst RV brands. Oftentimes, users like to discuss the best campers, which can be gold dust if you’re searching for an RV.

So, here are the most common RV problems customers are addressing in their feedback.

1. Tire issues

Many users experience issues with tires, such as wear and tear or flat tires. Even the best RV brands can’t avoid every flat tire, but they can advise you to check your tires properly. 

2. Design defaults

Some customers report the worst RV brands to have shoddy interiors with rotting wood or mold. RV reviews describing issues with faulty designs, such as faulty frames and finishes, are also numerous. 

3. Toilet trouble

There is evidence that customers complain the most stressful motorhome issues have been over broken toilets. RV complaints highlight that this is a real problem if it can’t be fixed straight away.

4. Vehicle safety

A few camper reviews comment on vehicle safety problems, poor quality, or fire risks.

Being savvy about how to choose RVs is one way you can get ahead. Researching what previous customers say on review sites supports a smart purchase. PissedConsumer.com customers regularly discuss these top 5 motorhome companies and dealers.

5. Roof and window issues

Some customers may experience roof and window problems with RVs. In RV reviews, customer issues describe structural damage, leaks, and ventilation problems. 

5 Most Discussed RV Manufacturers Based on Customer Reviews 

If you’re beginning your RV journey, researching is a must. What is the best RV brand? What RV manufacturer has the most complaints? 

Here are the five most discussed brands of RV manufacturers based on online reviews left on PissedConsumer. The rankings are from the worst RV manufacturers to the best, according to real customers.

5. Thor Motor Coach: “Quality control was never done”

Thor Motor Coach Reviews - 405

Thor Motor Coachrating* - 1.5⭐

Claimed losses - $9.9M

Successful calls – 11%

Topping our list of the worst motorhome brands, Thor Motor Coach has 405 reviews on PissedConsumer. The manufacturer of drivable recreational vehicles has a total rating of 1.5 out of 5 possible stars. Only 14% of reviewers would recommend Thor Motor Coach to other buyers, making them one of the least reliable RV brands on this list. 

Many customers dislike Thor Motor Coach customer service, and they are also frustrated by poor quality control and issues with their new RVs. Customers do note some positives, like good floor plans and solid layout designs with Thor products. In some cases, customers note that what starts with issues with quality are resolved by Thor Motor Coach customer service.

One customer gives a long list of issues with a brand-new motor home in their online review and claims:

…The quality control was never done on this units and the installation was very poor. I'm total disappointed and when all these issues get completed and because it's been taken so long to get something done…

After the reviewer posted again with an update that the company had not acted on the complaints, the customer service reached out to them and resolved the issue.

4. Forest River: “Poor assembly”

Forest River reviews - 2K

Forest River rating* - 1.6⭐⭐

Claimed losses - $10.7M

Successful calls – 2%

Consumer insights left in online reviews gave Forest River a rating of 1.6 stars out of a possible five on PissedConsumer.com, and only 27% of users are likely to recommend the company to a friend or family member. More than 3,000 customers have called Forest River customer service through PissedConsumer, but only 2% of those issues have been resolved. 

Some Forest River reviews are positive, particularly around the layout of the camper. A few customers commented on ‘great layout’ and ‘I like the layout’ of their Forest River RVs.

Forest River reviews also discuss issues with poor workmanship and problems with customer service. In one of the video reviews, a customer described their issues with poor warranty service, subpar workmanship, and unprofessional behavior.

Other customers complain about RV problems and issues with quality, warranties, and service. In review #6568769, a new Forest River RV owner complained that in the first rainstorm “the slide leaked a lot” and the refrigerator stopped working correctly. The customer notes that they:

...had hoped to be one of the lucky ones and not have any issues. I guess it is not to be.

Forest River is certainly not alone in RV brands with customer complaints. Other manufacturers and dealers also have customers reporting many problems when choosing between the best and worst RV brands for their needs. 

3. Keystone RV: “Is junk falling apart”

Keystone RV reviews - 1.4K

Keystone RV rating* - 1.7⭐⭐

Claimed losses - $7M

Successful calls – 9%

Keystone RV is a well-known manufacturer of affordable and quality campers. With a range of camping products across many sizes and prices, Keystone is a popular camping brand, but it’s not free of issues. According to more than 1,400 Keystone RV reviews, the company has a rating of 1.7 out of a possible 5 stars. Only 33% of Keystone owners would recommend the company to others. 

Customers praise the floor plans and layouts provided by Keystone, but they are frustrated with customer service and poor quality control. Some reviewes also shared their positive experience with customer service.

However, Keystone RV reviews reveal that not everyone is this satisfied. In a different review, a customer complained that their new camper had many issues, including roof leaks, mold, an awning that blows fuses, and bowed slides. The customer claims the camper “is junk falling apart” and “Would not recommend anyone buy keystone.” 

Unfortunately, there are many complaints like this left online that have not yet been resolved by Keystone customer service.

2. Heartland RVs: “I’ve since had nothing but trouble with it”

Heartland RVs reviews - 616

Heartland RVs rating* - 1.7⭐⭐

Claimed losses - $4.1M

Successful calls – 12%

Heartland RVs reviews indicate some customers are positive and others are more critical. 

In online reviews left on PissedConsumer, customers have given Heartland RVs a 1.7 star rating out of a possible five. It’s notable that Heartland RVs customer service has resolved 12% of customer issues, making it the most responsive customer service on this list. This is reflected in some reviews. 

Reviews about Heartland RVs were positive about customer service, as they resolved issues and helped get warranty work completed. One customer in review #1990031 reported they had “lost keys” and Heartland RVs “assisted me straight away.” 

Customers also enjoyed the floor plans of the campers, but not every Heartland customer is happy. Many customers complained about issues with the warranty for their Heartland camper, and there were many negative customer service interactions as well.

For example, one customer explains the number of issues they have had with a new camper:

The roof leaks, the pop out leaked and things are burnt up, the hot water heater is not working on power only on gas but not without scary stuff going on. The oven that I've never used doesn't work, I can go on.

1. Jayco: “Looks beautiful, but that’s as far as it goes”

Jayco reviews - 580

Jayco rating* - 1.8⭐⭐

Claimed losses - $3.6M

Successful calls – 4%

Jayco builds RVs, travel trailers, toy haulers, and fifth wheels. But what are Jayco’s ratings from their customers? Reviews on PissedConsumer.com give Jayco a 1.8-star rating, and only 29% of customers would recommend Jayco to a friend. When calling Jayco customer service, 4% of issues have been resolved so far.

While Jayco customers do praise the design aspects of the campers, including the floor layouts, they have many more complaints about customer service and poor quality control. While one reviewer thanked Jayco for making a ‘NO slide camper that is liveable for us,’ others report defective products, complain about the quality of materials and workmanship, and poor customer service. 

For example, one customer complained that “had nothing but problems” with their new camper and that “there has always been something wrong with it!” While the customers did use the manufacturer’s warranty to resolve some issues, they discovered that the warranty “doesn’t cover poor quality craftsmanship.” 

Ultimately, the reviewer notes that their camper “looks beautiful, but that’s as far as it goes.” 

Best Tips For Choosing an RV Manufacturer for Your Needs

Quite a few exceptional, reputable, and reliable camper manufacturers and dealers are available. Finding answers to questions such as ‘What are the best and worst RV brands?' and' What RV brands to avoid?' requires a little study. 

Always monitor potential problems and look for precise information when choosing an RV. Ask about details and be attentive to the company representatives' responses.