The 7 Best RVs and Their Brands Compared

At Harvest Hosts, we want our Members—and future Members—to have some of the best information available to them. One of the biggest investments we can make as RVers is the rig itself. So let’s take a look at some of the best—and still affordable—RVs on the market today. We will list top models in each category to help you make an informed decision that will keep you on the road for years to come. We do want to note there are a lot of luxury RVs that won’t be listed here just because of their price tags. While we believe they are absolutely amazing, the ability for the average person to afford these creates a barrier to making our top lists. Our list is made up of a mix of quality—the fewer reported issues the better—price, weight, and accessibility to campgrounds. Along with those, we will only include RVs that are truly self-contained and able to visit any of our 7,000+ Harvest Hosts locations across North America. Along with the top in each category, we’ll give you some pros and cons for each style and brand. So let’s get started!

Best Adventure Trailer: Airstream Basecamp

(Photo courtesy of airstream.com)

The Airstream Basecamp is made for those with a deep desire for adventure. They are smaller travel trailers designed to get into the backcountry and stay off-grid for an extended period of time. These units have a bathroom and a kitchen, plus a lounge area that turns into a bed. And while it sounds like there’s a lot to pack into a 16 to 20 foot camper, you’ll be amazed at how spacious it actually feels. Airstream has maximized your ability to go off grid and play with the Basecamp. Your approach and departure angles have been maximized—allowing you to go further off grid before you pull the kayak, canoe, or mountain bikes out of the back door for your adventures. The Airstream Basecamp can come with solar panels, upgraded batteries, and everything else needed to enjoy the outdoors off grid. But when you’re done and have had your adrenaline rush for the day, the Basecamp has everything you’d want inside too. With a hot water heater, air conditioning, and heat, you’ll always be comfortable. The Airstream Basecamp is priced under $50,000 and can be towed by a vehicle with a 3,500 pound towing capacity. This compact unit will allow you to get a little wild when boondocking.

Pros:

• Compact size with numerous amenities
• Airstream quality
• Easy to maintain exterior
• Great customer service
• Great resale value
• Can be towed by different vehicles

Cons:

• Higher price tag

Who is the Airstream Basecamp for?

This unit is for the person who wants to go out a little further into the wilderness before they park. With its thoughtful approach and departure angles, you are able to go beyond where most others can go in their rigs. This will give you a little more solitude for your morning cup of coffee or evening brew. If backcountry adventures are calling, then you might want to have a look at the Airstream Basecamp.****

Best Travel Trailers: Airstream

(Photo courtesy of airstream.com) 

What can we say? Airstream makes a high-quality product! From the shiny, retro exterior—that requires virtually no maintenance—to the interior design, Airstream products have stood the test of time, and they will do that for you too. The only issue with Airstreams is they do not offer any slide-outs, and they tend to be on the higher end of prices for travel trailers. But they do have something for anyone.

Airstream Flying Cloud

This—23 to 30 foot—model is a great family camper. It sleeps up to 8 and has several different layouts, depending on the length you choose. Because the length maxes out at 30 feet, you should be able to take this unit into most parks—including national park campgrounds.

Airstream Classic

If you are looking for a top of the line model in the Airstream lineup, you’ll need to check this one out. The Airstream Classic stretches up to 33 feet long and has every comfort of home you could want. These units are ideal for the person or couple who wants to hit the road for an extended period of time, but still wants to have room in the bed of their truck for other things.

Pros:

• Top resale value
• Tons of different floor plans
• Amazing customer service
• Longevity
• Easy to maintain
• Has a built-in Airstream community—a “cult following,” if you would

Cons:

• High price tag—these are a little more expensive than other units
• No slide-outs on Airstreams—which is actually a plus for some people

Who is the Airstream Travel Trailer for?

The Airstream Travel Trailer is perfect for someone who is willing to spend a little more money on the front end because they know it will all be worth it. Not everyone is able to afford that luxury. But if you can, these are great campers! It is also for someone who appreciates a unique design and standing out in the campground. You’ll be referred to as “the person in the Airstream,” and you’ll need to be ok with that. 

Best Fifth Wheel: Heartland RVs

(Photo courtesy of heartlandrvs.com) 

Heartland RVs make some of the best fifth wheels on the market today. Heartland RVs was started by a seasoned RVer in 2003 with a focus on quality and affordability. From 2003 until 2010, they were an independent company and grew significantly. They offered travel trailers a little over 20 feet in length up to nearly 45 feet. Their lineup caught the attention of a rival, and were purchased in 2010 by Thor Industries. 

The current belief is Thor Industries makes the Heartland RVs—and there isn’t any difference between the two. But this might not be true. Heartland RVs is owned by Thor Industries, but they operate separately, and even have their own president. With this information, it is safe to say the desire to balance quality control and affordability—along with great customer service—is still intact.

BigHorn Traveler 37DB

If you are looking for a family-friendly unit, this might be it. It has a rear bunk room with three beds, a bath and a half, a spacious master bedroom with a king bed, and an island in the kitchen.

Landmark Newport

If you aren’t worried about taking kids with you, look at this unit. It has three slides—with two opposite one another for maximum space—and a huge master suite. Inside, you’ll have a walk-in closet, washer and dryer hookups, a king size bed, and a bath and a half.

BigHorn Traveler 38FL

This layout will make you feel right at home on the road. With six slides—3 opposing slides—this unit feels huge! The front living room has two sofas and a loveseat—which is more than a lot of homes. The kitchen is quite spacious and includes a dinette. In the back you’ll find an RV king-sized bed with ample storage. And you’ll have two exits, plus an outdoor kitchen.

Pros:

• You’ll get a quality product from a large dealer
• Lots of layouts
• Several tiers to help meet your budget
• One of the most reliable brands on the market
• Able to be used with a short-bed truck

Cons:

• High quality means high cost
• Their most popular models are quite large

Who is the Heartland RV for?

These RVs are for those who are looking to live in style from the road. The buyers of these are typically looking to set up their rig and stay a while. If you’re wanting to travel with family or live on the road, this RV is probably for you. With a Heartland, you are buying a higher-quality travel trailer from a well-known company.

Best Toy Hauler: Keystone Rapt

(Photo courtesy of keystonerv.com)

The Keystone Raptor 429 is a 3-axle fifth wheel with a side patio model. It’s the complete package! It has a 13-foot garage to accommodate UTV’s, dirt bikes, kayaks, paddleboards, and so much more. This same space has beds that drop from the ceiling and a half bath too. The best part about this unit is that it has two decks.  

This fifth wheel toy hauler can keep you off grid for a couple of weeks. With 94 gallons of fresh water plus 82-gallon gray and black water tanks, you’ll have plenty of space to store before needing to leave. In addition, you’ll have 60 lbs of propane on board, and this unit can be upgraded to have a top tier solar package.

Pros:

• A true off-grid unit
• Tons of space to hang out or store toys
• Triple axle allows you to carry heavier toys in the garage space
• Outdoor TV
• Two decks for those places that don’t have flat outdoor space
• Awnings all over

Cons:

• It is expensive, but you get what you pay for here
• Quite heavy

Who is the Keystone Raptor 429 best suited for?

This unit is best suited for the person who wants it all, and to be off grid. It can store large OHV toys, camping gear, and more in the garage space. With multiple bathrooms, party decks, and beds, you can comfortably accommodate six people. And if you already have a large truck, why not go for it?

Best C-Class Motorhome: Winnebago View 24D

(Photo courtesy of winnebago.com)

We chose this unit because of the open feeling, slender exterior, and the trusted Mercedes engine. This unit has sleeping quarters above the front seats with a rear bath. It also has a transitional dinette and a murphy bed too. 

Because most people who purchase Class-C motorhomes are looking to travel—more than staying put in one location—we decided this Winnebago View 24D was the right choice. This slender motorhome doesn’t have the big box on the back, and feels more like driving a larger van. 

It is equipped with a 3,600-watt Onan MicroQuiet LP generator onboard. And it comes standard with a five-year powertrain warranty, and a fuel-sipping diesel engine.

Pros:

• Winnebago is an established brand
• Fully-equipped to travel the country and stay off grid for a week at a time
• Fuel efficient for an RV
• Multiple sleeping options
• 10-year roof warranty

Cons:

• Mid-tier model
• No separate bedroom

Who is the Winnebago 24D for?

The Winnebago 24D is for a person or couple who wants to see the country and plans to chase the good weather. Its compact size—25.5 feet long, 7.52 feet wide, and only 11 feet tall—is quite manageable in parking lots, RV parks, and of course your favorite Harvest Hosts locations. It offers reasonable freshwater, gray water, and black water tanks sizes for extended travel between fill ups. Plus, the onboard generator can keep you powered for days. 

Best B-Class Motorhome: Airstream Interstate 24X

(Photo courtesy of airstream.com)

This luxury Class B Coach is designed for life on the road. It is a fully-loaded adventure brand with the quality you come to expect from Airstream. This coach—more than other Airstream coaches—has evolved into an aggressive and capable off-road RV. It can even be paired with the previously-mentioned Basecamp—because of its 5,000 pound towing capacity—to accommodate a group traveling together. 

The 24X is a rugged coach with six all-terrain tires, 4x4 capabilities, and body protection to go with it. It has a powerful off-grid power system, and is fully-equipped inside too.

Pros:

• Rugged and capable
• Airstream quality
• Fuel-efficient diesel engine
• Flexible space
• Fully-equipped for Harvest Hosts stays

Cons:

• Overall costs can go above $250,000
• Might be more rugged than some would like

Who is the Airstream 24X best suited for?

This is suited for the adventurer who wants a B-Class coach instead of—or perhaps in addition to—the Airstream Basecamp. It offers ground clearance to get you out into the wilderness, but comforts when you come down off the mountain. With the back area being able to transition, there is ample storage for things like mountain bikes to be stowed inside while traveling. If you are wanting a little something with a rugged feel, this is for you.

Best A-Class Motorhome: American Coach American Dream

(Photo courtesy of americancoach.com) 

We aren’t going to pretend that there is anything affordable about an A-Class diesel pusher motorhome, but they are the classic image of the American road trip. With that being said, is there a better model than the American Coach American Dream? The name alone sells it. 

This coach is made for luxury everywhere you go. The coach has a variety of floor plans, but they are all fantastic in their own right. If you are going to go all out, why not snag an American Dream 45D layout and treat yourself?

This layout offers a bath and a half with a rear master suite that is big enough to fit another RV inside of it. With up to 605 horsepower and 1,950 lb. of torque, even the Rocky Mountains won’t stop you from crossing the country over and over.

Pros:

• Luxurious throughout
• Bath and a half
• Powerful motor
• Smooth ride
• 10kW quiet generator

Cons:

• Very high price tag
• Too big to fit into smaller RV parks

Who is the American Dream Coach for?

This is for the person who wants to experience luxury everywhere they go. If you have the finances available for an RV like this, you won’t be disappointed in the experience you get while traveling coast to coast in this top-of-the-line A-Class diesel pusher.

A Complete List of the 7 Best RV Brands

• Best Adventure Trailer: Airstream Basecamp
• Best Travel Trailer: Airstream
• Best Fifth Wheel: Heartland RVs
• Best Toy Hauler: Keystone Raptor
• Best C-Class: Winnebago View
• Best B-Class: Airstream Interstate 24X
• Best A-Class: American Coach American Dream

Purchasing an RV is always a huge investment, but one you’ll love with every new experience it contributes to your memory bank. Figuring out what you want to do with your lifestyle is the most important first step you can make. When choosing to have all the amenities inside your rig, you may sacrifice on mobility and access to some locations. On the flip side, sacrificing on the interior comforts might make life a little more adventurous. The RV life has a lot of give and takes, but the one thing everyone seems to agree on is that it’s totally worth it! We look forward to seeing you at your next Harvest Hosts location in whatever self-contained RV you choose.