7 Best Travel Trailers to Buy in 2023

Best for: a luxury travel trailer for couples to families that will last for decades and has the best resale value

Overall Length: 23’ to 30’ (depending on model)
GVWR: 6000 to 8800 lbs
MSRP: $94,400 to $124,500
Holding Tanks: 37 gal. fresh/37 grey/17 black (model 23FB)

Pros:

• best resale value of all trailer brands

• plenty of layouts to choose from for couples to families

• most aerodynamic and easy to tow for the size

• features for those who work remotely

• upgraded and modern appliances

Cons:

• expensive entry price

• no slides to give extra floor space

• lower clearance not ideal for off-roading

• smaller holding tanks than other brands on this list

Review:

There isn’t a more iconic travel trailer than the Airstream, and for good reason. No other trailer is going to hold its value, especially not over decades like the Airstream will.

Airstreams aren’t just a collector’s item either, they are actually built incredibly well from the aerodynamic “aircraft grade” aluminum alloy frame to the modern appliances and technology.

The “Flying Cloud” series has more floor plans than any other model and is perfect for couples to families alike. Yes, it is expensive, but no other travel trailer will hold its value like the Airstream. Even the second highest-rated travel trailer on this list (Lance) usually drops 30-50% in price after just 2 years, while Airstream takes 10+ years to drop that much in price.

While you can opt for the less expensive models of Airstream like the Bambi and Caravel, I think their features are lacking for the price and they are only suitable in size for couples. The Flying Cloud comes stock with the front rock guard, a walk-around queen-size bed, larger holding tanks, a tandem axle, a larger fridge, and more cargo-carrying capacity.

Overall Length: 20’ 2”
GVWR: 4300 lbs
MSRP: $46,000
Holding Tanks: 23 fresh/28 grey/21 black (gal.)

Pros:

• will hold its value for decades

• built incredibly well

• X model adds 3” of ground clearance

• Goodyear® All-Terrain Tires

• easy to tow

• optional tent that attaches to frame for expanded living space

Cons:

• small holding tanks for water

• not a true queen size bed (48”x78”)

Review:

If you want the quality and longevity of an Airstream, but tend to do more off-roading or dry camping, the Basecamp 20X is the perfect travel trailer for the outdoorsy couple or solo adventurer.

Unlike the traditional Twinkie shape, the Basecamp was designed for adventurists who want to pack in all their toys and still be lightweight enough to tow with their mid-size SUV.

With the X model of the Basecamp, you’ll get +3” of ground clearance, Goodyear A/T tires, and the stainless steel front rock guard.

The biggest difference between the 16X and 20X is that with the 20X model, you will have a separate dinette from your bed so you don’t have to worry about converting your bed every day.

Both models also offer a tent that easily attaches to one side of the trailer to expand your storage or living space to another 120 sq. ft.

While the new REI collaboration model will also give you the options like a built-in UV-LED water purification system, composting toilet, stain-resistant fabric, an additional 160 watts of solar panels, I honestly don’t think the added features are worth the additional $7000 price tag.

3. Lance Travel Trailers (all models)

Top Feature: The best quality built trailer for the money

Overall Length: 20’ to 30’
GVWR: 4500 lbs to 8900 lbs
MSRP: starting at $45,000 (smallest model)
Holding Tanks: 45 fresh/40 grey/40 black (gal.)

Pros:

• built incredibly well and for longevity

• can buy used for a much better price than Airstream

• larger holding tanks

• smaller sizes also have slide options

• great for winter camping

Cons:

• too heavy for most SUVs to tow these trailers

• not as many layout options for families

Review:

Lance has carried the legacy of making top-rated truck campers for decades and since 2009 they have expanded to making travel trailers with the same expert quality.

Lance really goes for the details like making the entire cabinet out of real wood so it doesn’t fall apart on your first road trip (if you know, you know).

While there are a few reasons Airstream stays away from slides on a trailer, Lance is actually one of the few brands that reinforce the slides with quality construction so they don’t leak or jam on you after a year or two of consistent use.

Lance Travel Trailers also come standard with an All-Weather Package for 4 season camping, Goodyear radial tires, tinted Thermopane windows, and a front opening window for stargazing. You can also add the solar package with 190-watt panels, a 1500W inverter, and lithium batteries.

The entry price for most models is going to be less than Airstream, but you won’t find the same resale value as you will with an Airstream. With that said, that also means you can find used 2017-2020 models in great condition for around $25,000-$30,000.

4. Grand Design Reflection Series

Best for: a high-end and spacious travel trailer for full-time living

Overall Length: 33’10” to 37’11”
GVWR: 9,995 lb to 11,295 lb
MSRP: starting at $50,000
Holding Tanks: 54 fresh/86 grey/43 black (gal.)

Pros:

• incredible quality and design for the price

• large 16.4 cubic ft residential fridge

• washer/dryer prepped

• slides are in perfect location to feel extra roomy

• roof-mounted solar panels are standard on select models

Cons:

• rig is fairly large to be towing more than once a month

• bunk models only offer a queen size master bed

• small holding tanks for families that also plan to dry camp

Review:

Grand Design is one of the higher-end RV brands and they somehow can make luxury still affordable.

Their travel trailers, fifth wheels, and toy haulers offer the perfect layout for couples and families alike. Grand Design keeps its interior design modern yet classic with a quality-built frame, cabinets, and furniture.

The Reflection series is nice for those who plan to stay in place for longer periods of time given their large bodies, numerous slides, and residential features like the large electric-only fridge.

The Reflection 312BHTS model seems to be the perfect layout for either a family or remote working couple as the bunkhouse can be converted to your needs.

It offers a fridge that is the same size you’d find in most homes, a washer/dryer option, and 3 slides that open up the living space significantly. Additionally, there is a full entertainment system with a 40” TV, fireplace, and theater seating.

5. Northwood Artic Fox – Travel Trailers

Top Feature: best built trailer for cold winters

Overall Length: 23’10” to 34’4″
GVWR: 7500 lb to 11,000 lb
MSRP: starting at $52,000
Holding Tanks: 50 fresh/42 grey/35 black (22G model)

Pros:

• best built trailer for full-time living in all seasons

• large holding tanks for dispersed camping

• Aerodynamic One Piece Front Cap

Cons:

• layouts aren’t good for families

• some interior models look a little rustic

Review:

If there is one thing Northwood Mfg is most proud of, it’s their superior construction of travel trailers.

They are one of the very few “true” 4-season travel trailers to withstand RVing in the cold winters and the build there trailers with quality in mind first vs looks.

The aerodynamic, aluminum frame makes a significance difference in lessening trailer sway and drag when you’re towing this large of a trailer.

Additionally, because Northwood prides themselves on quality, you’ll find luxury upgrades throughout like a real porcelain toilet, heated holding tanks in fully enclosed underbelly, Goodyear tires, extremely nice cabinets made with residential frame construction and real wood cabinet/drawer fronts.

A small solar panels comes stock, but we’d recommend the upgrading to add 400 watts of solar panels or the generator if you plan on going off-grid in your trailer.

6. Opus OP 15

Best for: Families who enjoy serious off-road adventures with top-end features

Overall Length: 23’
GVWR: 6393 lbs
MSRP: $59,900
Holding Tanks: 60 fresh/17 grey/10 black (gal.)

Pros:

• best off-road capabilities and upgrades

• huge freshwater tank

• 300 watts roof-mounted solar panels

• king size master bed and twin bunk beds

Cons:

• kitchen is outside

• only walls for separation are for the bathroom

• longer setup time

Review:

This travel trailer was specifically designed to be the best off-road trailer for a family of four.

Between the king-size bed, twin bunk beds, full bathroom, and complete kitchen setup you aren’t going to be missing out on much.

When towing off-road, you cannot beat having the OP15’s galvanized and welded stainless steel chassis, a trailing arm suspension with dual shock absorbers, stone guard, and two spare full-size tires.

Knowing families will be going off-road and therefore off-grid, the OP 15 comes stock with 300 watts of solar mounted on the roof and 3x 100ah AGM batteries or you can upgrade to Lithium batteries (which we highly recommend).

While an outdoor kitchen isn’t as ideal this one at least comes fully loaded with a slide-out 4-burner stove, sink, prep deck, a lockable pantry, and a 12v (75gal) Fridge/Freezer combo.

This trailer does offer many bonus amenities and an expanding footprint that most off-road trailers don’t, but it does mean the setup and breakdown are going to take longer. Personally, I do think it’s worth the added time and effort.

The OP15 seems to be the best of both worlds giving you incredible off-road capabilities without sacrificing any amenities.

7. Outdoors RV Trail Series 27TRX

Best for: those wanting to haul toys and need a durable trailer for off-road adventures

Overall Length: 33’2”
GVWR: 13,995 lb
MSRP: $75,000
Holding Tanks: 100 fresh/65 grey/40 black (gal.)
Fuel Tank: 40 gallons

Pros:

• extremely durable and built for the off-road

• a “true” 4-season weather package

• roof-mounted 170 watt solar panel comes standard

• 8’x11’ storage space for side by side or motorcycles

Cons:

• smaller company that cannot produce as many

• semi-outdated interior design

• no slides to give a larger living space

Review:

Outdoors RV is a fairly new Oregon-based company that started in 2009, but they have quickly made a name for itself as being built incredibly well.

They specifically set out to create the best travel trailers that are designed for the rugged mountain states and western Canada. Meaning they have a true 4-season weather package to withstand harsh winters and come standard with high-end 16″ G range GoodYear tires, an off-road x4 MorRyde suspension, and 6800lb axles to give you peace of mind when going off the beaten path.

When it comes to fun, you can easily load up your toys on the non-slip ramp and you’ll be all set with the onboard Cummins Onan 4K Generator and 40 gallon fuel station.

Once you’re at camp, turn the ramp into a fully surrounded patio with its own entry step and rear awning.

And if you are worried about having to close up the patio every time you leave the trailer behind, no need, as this model is built with a sliding rear patio door with a tint and lock.

Travel Trailer Brands to Avoid

If you’re in the market for a new RV, you will do best by avoiding travel trailers made by Palomino and the RV giant known as Forest River.

Keep in mind Forest River also owns and makes 45+ additional trailer brands like Cherokee, Rockwood, Wolf Pup, and R-pod which I would also stay away from. It goes without saying quantity far surpasses quality for the Forest River brand.

I know the affordable price tag for most of their travel trailers can be attractive, but these are the travel trailers I see people regret buying as they tend to break down after a year and don’t hold their value after two years.

I’d also recommend staying away from travel trailer models with terms like “ultra-lite” or “half-ton” as usually these are made with more plywood than wood and lower quality flooring, insulation, and paneling to make them lighter while still being larger.