1. Summary
This article provides guidance on selecting a reliable RV, particularly for families with special needs. It addresses common concerns like dependability and customization for accessibility.
If you are looking to buy an RV, finding the most reliable RV on the market is essential. You’ll want something that meets your needs, size requirements, space, and affordability—moreover, ensuring you get good value for your money.
Former camping expert, David Sweet, offers RV buyer’s advice and camping tips to help you make informed decisions.
Question
Who, in your opinion, is the most reliable RV maker?
We are focusing on travel trailers and have a child in a wheelchair, so we are interested in trailers with slideouts for more room. We want to focus on models that are dependable and mostly trouble-free, but we’re hoping you have some insights on the top brands and the ones to avoid.
Additionally, we may need to modify the doorway for a ramp for the wheelchair. Does the manufacturer accommodate that? I’m assuming some do; we’re finding it challenging to locate any used trailers with a slideout. Any advice or opinions would be appreciated!
Answer
That’s indeed a tricky question. Reliability is a value that we each measure differently, and answering your question is quite challenging for several reasons:
To recommend a particular manufacturer, I would have had to own one of their campers to formulate an opinion. My experience is limited as I have only ever owned a Coleman popup, so my owner knowledge is restricted.
Similar to automobiles, new makes and models of RVs emerge every year. There are both “lemons” and “cherries” that could come off the same assembly line. Trying to find the “best” model from a specific manufacturer may not depend solely on the price. A more affordable model could perform excellently, while their premium models may lack the same quality.
Moreover, service and repairs will vary based not only on the manufacturer but also on the RV dealer you have for maintenance. A well-made RV requiring minor repairs could become a nightmare if serviced by a dealer who doesn’t provide excellent service.
Now, just because I can’t recommend any particular models doesn’t mean I can’t offer assistance.
Tips for Your RV Purchase
When my wife and I searched for our popup, we visited an RV show. We explored various makes and models, many of which were set up by dealers. RV shows present a fantastic opportunity to meet potential sellers and ask questions while trying out their RVs.
By “trying out,” I mean getting inside, opening and closing everything—laying down on beds, opening doors, and testing windows. Bringing your daughter’s wheelchair along to see if there’s room to move around is advisable. Jump up and down and shake them to get a sense of sturdiness.
I am an information enthusiast, and I enjoy reading as much material as possible. We consulted other experts who reviewed popular RVs, including options like the Airstream Travel Trailer and the Four Wheel Pop-up camper.
I wish I could confidently say that model X or model Y is the best value and will fit your needs, but unfortunately, I cannot. However, I trust the information available online along with your visit to the RV show will guide you in making an informed choice about what make and model best suits your needs.
Updated and Edited by Camping Expert Monica Prelle.
