When it comes to finding the best motorhome brands, there are a lot of different factors to consider. Do you want something luxurious or more budget-friendly? What size do you need? How often will you be using it? And so on.
There are dozens of brands and manufacturers, and some have been around for decades, while others are relatively new to the market.
They all have different standards, prices, designs, and additional features, so how do you decide which ones are the best motorhome brands?
In this blog post, we'll take a look at what makes one brand stand out form the rest, and include a comparison overview of some of the leading name sin the industry.
Of course, we've included an FAQ section, so you should be fully equipped to understand which are some of the best motorhome brands on the market and help you decide which one is right for you.
How to Choose The Best Motorhome
Choosing a motorhome is a very personal decision. While blogs and reviews can influence your decision, it’s critical to evaluate each one based on your own needs and requirements. Here are a few criteria you may use when choosing a motorhome.
Overall Quality
Quality is key to being one of the best motorhome brands. While some companies may sacrifice workmanship to offer lower prices, they must provide durable and long-lasting RVs.
Affordability
Our choices are often influenced by what we can afford. For example, you might want a luxurious Class A RV, but your budget will determine which of the best motorhome brands has one in your price range. Remember that you’ll likely have to sacrifice some measure of quality and durability for a lower price.
Thor Motor Coach Axis RUV 24.3 (Source)
Innovative Features
Sometimes brands offer similar motorhomes and amenities. Climate control, smooth steering, wheelchair accessibility, stabilizing technology, and custom accessories might make one RV more appealing than another.
Usage
Are you looking for a full-time mobile home, a camper for occasional road trips, or the ultimate dry camping RV? Knowing how and how often you’re going to use your RV will help you decide which one suits you best.
Warranty
Warranties typically range between 1 – 5 years, with some RV brands offering additional perks and structural or supplier guarantees. It’s a good idea to consider the ones available and see which appeals to you.
Review of the Best Motorhome Brands
There are several excellent motorhome brands. However, some manufacturers provide better, higher quality, and better-performing products than their competition. Here are our top picks for the best motorhome brands.
One of the Best Motorhome Brands:
Forest River
Pros
Cons
Who is Forest River?
Forest River is relatively young in the RV industry and was founded in 1996. Today, the company is one of the largest manufacturers producing trailers, toy haulers, fifth wheels, and Class A and Class C motorhomes. The parent company also owns several other brands, including Coachmen, Palomino, Viking, Shasta, and more, claiming that they offer something for everyone.
Even though Forest River is known as one of the best motorhome brands, some newer fifth wheel models have experienced minor reliability issues. However, it remains one of the most well-known and widely preferred RV manufacturers in the country.
What Makes Forest River Products Stand Out from the Competition?
Forest River is definitely one of the best overall because it meets several criteria. The brand offers a wide range of products at relatively affordable prices, and although there's always room for improvement, overall quality, design, and construction are good.
A lot of Forest River’s success comes from the high-quality brands it owns. For example, Prime Time Manufacturing, one of its subsidiaries, has won over 20 DSI Quality Awards. While it’s one of the country’s best motorhome brands, its diverse range also makes it one of the largest manufacturers.
Another Leading Motorhome Brand:
Tiffin
Pros
Cons
Who is Tiffin?
Tiffin started as a family-owned supply shop in 1941, and in 1972 the family bought an RV business, giving birth to the top-rated and well-known motorhome brand we know today.
Its primary focus is on mid-sized to large luxury RVs. While there are several Class A models, the Class C selection is limited. Even so, you’ll be able to choose from several different layouts, décor, and add-on features to create the perfect motorhome.
The Tiffin family still owns the company, the driving force behind its dedication to top-notch craftsmanship and superior customer service.
What Makes Tiffin Products Stand Out from the Competition?
Tiffin is known as one of the best motorhome brands for several reasons. It guarantees quality components and fit and finish since most are designed and built by its master craftsmen.
There are also its Smart Slides system, multiplex wiring, and form-fitted roofs. These features ensure every unit’s durability and longevity, and the brand has consistently received the DSI Quality Circle Award.
Unlike other manufacturers, Tiffin invites prospective and existing owners to visit the plant and speak with technicians. It’s dedicated to exceptional customer service and will actively solicit feedback from owners.
If you’re looking for a comfortable RV that’s spacious and offers superior craftsmanship, Tiffin is an excellent choice.
Best for the Money:
Thor Motor Coach
Pros
Cons
Who is Thor Motor Coach?
Thor Industries, Inc. was founded in 1980 when two entrepreneurs bought Airstream. Over time, the company continued to acquire various brands, including Dutchmen, Jayco, Keystone RV, and others. In 2010, Thor consolidated Four Winds International and Damon Motor Coach, establishing the Thor Motor Coach RV brand.
Thor Motor Coach manufactures a wide range of motorhomes, including Class A, B, C, and 5th wheels. However, it also classifies some of its vehicles as RUVs, or recreational utility vehicles, that seems to fall in between Classes B and C.
Today, the brand is known for building more affordable, entry-level motorhomes for adventurers who want luxury on a budget.
What Makes Thor Motor Coach Products Stand Out from the Competition?
Thor Motor Coach isn’t known for making the best, most durable, and highest quality motorhomes. It’s not a bad brand, but the company focuses on making larger Class A and C RVs available to buyers on a budget. The trade-off is a lower price for reduced quality and longevity.
The Class B motorhomes are suitable for off-grid dry camping, while the Class C RVs have SmoothTECH™ Ride Enhancement for smoother driving and easier handling. If you’re a new prospective motorhome owner, consider starting with an affordable Thor.
Best Class A Motorhome Brands:
Newmar
Pros
Cons
Who is Newmar?
Newmar was established in 1968 in Nappanee, Indiana. Although neither owner had ever designed an RV according to their specifications, their goal was to become one of the best motorhome brands providing top-quality recreational vehicles. That journey started with the 1971 Kountry Aire fifth-wheel trailer.
The company was the first to use slide-outs in motorhomes and full-body paint jobs. In 2012, Newmar left the fifth-wheel industry to focus on creating high-end luxury Class A motorhomes.
Newmar is a brand dedicated to luxury, innovation, and comfort and was acquired by Winnebago in 2019.
What Makes Newmar Products Stand Out from the Competition?
Newmar is a brand name synonymous with RV luxury, class, innovation, and longevity. Some of its features like wheelchair accessibility and slide-outs, have redefined industry standards. The steering system has made it easier for owners to drive large rigs comfortably, while the STAR Foundation chassis ensures quality control.
The company offers a 1-year unlimited mile and a 5-year structural warranty. However, it’s only available to the original buyer, so it won’t be transferred to you if you purchase a second-hand motorhome.
When it comes to Class A RVs, few of the best motorhome brands can measure up to Newmar’s level of quality, comfort, and extravagance.
Best Class C Motorhome Brands:
Jayco
Pros
Cons
Who is Jayco?
Jayco started as a family business in 1968 in Middlebury, Indiana. It quickly grew in popularity and acquired Entegra Coach, Starcraft RV, and Highland Ridge between 1991 and 2014. The company manufactures Class A and C motorhomes, travel trailers, toy haulers, and many different fifth wheel lay outs, with the Jay Flight being one of their most popular models.
Although Thor Industries acquired Jayco in 2016, it still runs as a family-owned business dedicated to sustainability and top-quality craftsmanship. In 2013, the company’s recycling efforts saved 59,000 trees, a noble goal for a brand that caters to nature lovers.
What Makes Jayco Products Stand Out from the Competition?
Jayco is known for its high-quality interiors and durable RVs. It’s also an innovative and forward-thinking company with technologies such as Climate Shield extreme weather protection, Magnum Truss roof systems, and eco-friendly manufacturing processes and designs.
The company claims to offer one of the best warranties in the industry. There’s a 2-year limited and 3-year structural warranty included. However, it also consists of around 15 additional ones from its suppliers, such as Congoleum, Samsung, and Goodyear.
The only downside is that this manufacturer builds everything except Class B models. Regardless, if you’re looking for space, quality, durability, and luxury, Jayco is an excellent brand to consider.
Best Class B Motorhome Brands:
Winnebago
Pros
Cons
Who is Winnebago?
Winnebago Industries, Inc. was founded in 1958 in Winnebago County, Iowa. When the company first began to sell motorhomes, many of its models were extremely affordable compared to competitors, which quickly led to its popularity in the RV community.
Winnebago manufactures Class A, B, and C motorhomes, usually with flexible layouts, quality craftsmanship, and luxurious features. Over time, it bought other brands to supplement its product range, leading to Grand Design and Newmar’s acquisition.
Today, Winnebago has something for almost everyone. From tasteful and luxurious Class A rigs to comfortable Class B vans and spacious pop-tops.
What Makes Winnebago Products Stand Out from the Competition?
Winnebago has long been synonymous with RVs. The brand is known for manufacturing high-quality motorhomes with luxurious amenities and features, excellent layouts, and affordability. It’s still one of the most popular and well-known manufacturers today.
Winnebago itself has amazing and attentive customer service, and RV owners typically report good experiences. While the same doesn’t always apply to approved service centers, the brand’s service staff will usually try to solve any such issues quickly.
While many of Winnebago’s warranties are similar to competitors, it has a notable 10-year part and labor warranty on any fiberglass roofs. Overall, the brand is dedicated to quality, luxury, and good service.
Comparison Overview
What makes one brand better than another? Many RV companies offer many similar features, and it’s essential to know about the differences that can make one better suited to your needs than another.
Newmar vs Tiffin
Newmar and Tiffin have several similarities. Both brands offer high-end, top-quality luxury motorhomes with layout and décor customization options and the price tags to match. Since both offer remarkably similar features and models, deciding on one over the other comes down to their unique characteristics.
If you want the luxury of a Class A motorhome but struggle with steering, Newmar’s Comfort DriveTM steering system might appeal to you. If you prefer climate control and masterwork craftsmanship, Tiffin is a great choice.
Jayco vs Forest River
Jayco and Forest River both have a wide selection of recreational vehicles, ranging from motorhomes to toy haulers and fifth wheels. Forest River’s most significant advantages are its recognizable name and relatively cheap range of models. However, its strength lies in the affordable and sturdy Class C motorhomes.
While Jayco has a similar focus on Class C’s, the company is dedicated to high-quality craftsmanship, which comes with a slightly higher price tag. It also focuses on sustainable designs and initiatives and durable construction.
Winnebago vs Jayco
Winnebago is one of the oldest and most well-known motorhome brands. The company offers a wide range of RVs, quality manufacturing and workmanship, and excellent customer service. Jayco is similarly dedicated to high-quality craftsmanship, comfort, and durable construction.
Jayco Class C Motorhome Redhawk 26M
If you’re looking for a well-equipped and spacious Class B motorhome, Winnebago is one of your best options. If you’re looking for sustainable design and a comfortable, climate-controlled Class C, Jayco is the top choice.
Forest River vs Winnebago
Both brands have a wide variety of models in various classes. The biggest differences between Forest River and Winnebago are quality, durability, and price tags.
Forest River is certainly more affordable, offering large motorhomes at competitive prices. The company’s biggest strength is the recognizability of its name. On the other hand, Winnebago is well-known for crafting superior motorhomes, but that quality does come at a slightly higher cost.
People Also Ask - The Best Motorhome Brands FAQs
What Is Better, a Gas or Diesel Motorhome?
Diesel and gas both have their pros and cons, and the criteria for choosing one over the other will depend on your requirements. Diesel rigs are generally more expensive, but they have more torque and better mileage per gallon. They’re also costly to service but require less maintenance than a gas engine, have a longer lifespan, and perform better when used frequently.
Tiffin Class A Motorhome Allegro Red (Source)
What Is the Best Month to Buy a Motorhome?
From October to January, motorhome sales tend to drop drastically, leading to significant discounts. You can also get excellent prices if you buy a display vehicle at an RV show. Discounts can range into the high tens of thousands for larger rigs.
How Long Do Motorhome Engines Last?
Gas engine motorhomes typically last for 200,000 – 300,000 miles, while diesel versions may last longer. The average lifespan, depending on use, is generally around 20 years. However, if they’re cared for properly, a motorhome may last longer. The class of the rig may also affect its lifespan.
Who Makes Winnebago?
Winnebago Industries, Inc. is a manufacturer of the Winnebago, Newmar, and Grand Design RVs, and Chris-Craft motor boat brands. The company is based in Forest City, Iowa.
Who Owns Forest River RV?
Forest River is owned by Berkshire Hathaway, a multinational holding company based in Omaha, Nebraska. It wholly owns GEICO, Duracell, Long & Foster, Dairy Queen, and other well-known brands and is also a partial owner in several companies, including Coca-Cola and Apple.
Forest River Forester Classic 3051S (Source)
Who Owns Jayco?
Jayco is an award-winning, eco-friendly brand acquired by Thor Industries in 2016, joining other brands such as Airstream, Heartland RV, Livin Lite RV, and more as subsidiaries.
Who Owns Newmar RV?
Newmar was acquired by Winnebago Industries, Inc. in 2019. It’s now one of the company’s subsidiaries, alongside Grand Design and Chris-Craft. The goal of the acquisition was to strengthen Winnebago’s position in the Class A motorhome space.
Who Makes Thor Motorhomes?
Thor motorhomes are made by Thor Motor Coach, a subsidiary of Thor Industries. It’s one of several brands owned by the company, including Keystone, Jayco, Hymer, Dutchmen, and Heartland.
The Best Motorhome Brands
Determining the best motorhome brands is a divisive subject, and really there's no out-and-out answer, but certainly the above brands make some of the best vehicles in the RV industry.
They all make high-quality, luxury motorhomes and trailers of all different sizes, and they all can be trusted. Before you choose an RV, knowing about different brands and understanding their unique features can help you make the right decision.
Buying a motorhome is a significant investment, and it’s crucial to find a high-quality RV that suits your financial and traveling needs. And if you choose one of the above brands, you'll definitely be getting one of the best motorhomes on the market.