While no RV brand is perfect, some have consistent patterns of quality issues, recall frequency, and customer service concerns that warrant extra caution from buyers. Forest River and Thor Industries subsidiaries (including Keystone) have faced significant criticism for manufacturing defects, build quality problems, and poor warranty support. The key is thorough research, careful inspection, and considering alternatives like renting first to test models before committing to a purchase.
Look, we've all heard the horror stories—brand new RVs with leaky roofs, electrical failures, and warranty nightmares that turn dream adventures into repair shop marathons. The truth is, not all RV brands are created equal, and some have earned reputations that should give any buyer pause.
But here's the thing: we're not here to bash anyone. Every manufacturer builds both gems and lemons, and even the "brands to avoid" lists have happy customers who'd swear by their rigs. What we're after is helping you make smart decisions with your hard-earned dollars.
Whether you're a first-time buyer doing your homework or a seasoned RVer looking to upgrade, this guide will walk you through the brands that consistently show up in complaint forums, recall databases, and warranty headache stories—plus what to look for instead.
Based on current recalls, customer reviews, and industry data, Forest River and Thor Industries subsidiaries show the highest frequency of quality control problems, manufacturing defects, and customer service complaints among major RV manufacturers.
Recent data tells a concerning story. According to a 2025 Wall Street Journal investigation, Forest River issued more recalls than any U.S. automaker or RV manufacturer from 2015 to 2024—many due to human manufacturing errors rather than faulty parts.
Forest River averages 50 recalls per year, often for preventable issues like incorrect fuse installations, misaligned furnace vents, and workers puncturing microwaves with improperly sized screws. Their compensation structure prioritizes quantity over quality, incentivizing employees to focus on production volume rather than careful craftsmanship.
Customer complaints are consistent: poor attention to detail, lack of quality control, and difficult warranty experiences. Many owners report spending more time at repair shops than enjoying their RVs.
Thor's acquisition strategy has led to quality inconsistencies across their portfolio. Keystone, once a solid brand pre-2001, has particularly struggled since the Thor takeover. Common complaints include:
The most frequently reported issues include delamination of walls and roofing, electrical system failures, water intrusion from poor sealing, cabinetry that loosens or falls apart, and appliances that fail prematurely or arrive damaged from the factory.
Here's what keeps popping up in owner forums and service records:
The most frustrating part? Many of these issues appear within the first few months of ownership, suggesting they could have been caught with better quality control.
Yes—several manufacturers consistently earn higher marks for quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction, including Grand Design, Airstream, Tiffin, Newmar, and Winnebago, though they often come at higher price points reflecting better construction standards.
When you're ready to spend serious money on an RV, consider these alternatives:
Remember: even the best brands have occasional problems, and lower-tier brands sometimes produce excellent units. The key is understanding which manufacturers have systemic issues versus isolated incidents. Whatever brand you choose, proper maintenance is crucial—our RV maintenance guide helps you protect your investment regardless of manufacturer.
Conduct a thorough multi-point inspection focusing on structural integrity, electrical systems, plumbing, appliances, and fit/finish details—preferably with an experienced RVer or professional inspector to catch issues that salespeople might gloss over.
Here's your inspection game plan:
Don't let anyone rush you through this process. A reputable dealer will encourage thorough inspection, while pushback might be a red flag. For more detailed guidance, check out our comprehensive guide to buying used RVs, which covers additional inspection tips.
Absolutely—renting through platforms like Outdoorsy allows you to test specific models and brands in real-world conditions before making a major financial commitment, helping you understand both the RV lifestyle and individual brand characteristics.
This might be the smartest move you can make. Here's why renting first makes sense:
Outdoorsy offers the largest selection of peer-to-peer rentals with up to $1 million insurance coverage and delivery options.
What to Test During Rental
The cost of a week's rental is nothing compared to being stuck with the wrong RV for years. Plus, you'll have hands-on experience when talking to dealers—nobody can oversell you on features you've already tested. Our first-timer's guide to renting an RV covers everything from booking to insurance considerations.
Not every brand is perfect—before you commit, rent a similar model on Outdoorsy to see how it feels, then protect your short-list (or current rig) with a fast, personalized Roamly quote. We know the RV lifestyle because we live it too, and we'll help you find coverage that makes sense for how you actually use your rig.
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