The Worst RVs to Buy According to 200,000 RVers (And Which Ones You Should Buy)

Buying an RV can feel more like a gamble than a purchase. Stories of leaking roofs, rotting floors, and five-figure repairs are common enough to scare off even the most enthusiastic shoppers. But not every RV is a ticking time bomb, and some brands still earn real praise from the people using them week after week.

That’s why YouTuber Liz Amazing asked her audience of nearly 200,000 RVers one simple question: What would you do differently if you could go back and buy again? She gathered thousands of comments, pulled together patterns, and laid it all out in a video and later, a book.

I’ll walk you through Liz’s findings and add some of my own thoughts along the way. I’ve also embedded her original video below if you want to hear it straight from her.

RV Buying Is Stressful (And With Good Reason)

For many buyers, the excitement of RV ownership quickly turns into frustration. Liz has covered story after story of RVers facing issues with brand-new rigs: manufacturers that go quiet after the sale, expensive repairs on fresh-off-the-lot trailers, and systems that fail within the first trip. And these aren’t just budget models – some people have spent $80,000 or even $800,000 only to run into major problems.

Despite all that, there are people out there quietly enjoying trouble-free RVs. That kind of reliability isn’t random. According to Liz, it often comes down to knowing which brands, years, and models to avoid and which to consider. That’s what her research set out to highlight.

She pulled from a massive volume of community feedback, including over 2,000 comments per week, to find patterns in which RVs tend to break down and which ones hold up better over time.

Brand-by-Brand Breakdown

Before getting into the specifics, it’s worth pointing out that no RV brand is universally good or bad. Most complaints and praise come down to model year, construction changes, ownership shifts, and how the RV was built or maintained.

That’s why Liz focused her detailed analysis on a few of the most talked-about brands: Forest River, Tiffin, and Airstream. These names came up repeatedly in her comments, both from people with major issues and others who had no complaints at all.

What stood out were the clear patterns in quality based on specific years or corporate changes, which gave Liz enough data to offer practical buying advice. While her guide covers 177 brands in total, these three stood out as the ones RVers talk about the most.

Forest River

Forest River gets mentioned a lot, and not always in a good way. According to Liz, when she posts a video about this brand, the comments flood in. Many owners describe their units as falling apart within a few years. On the flip side, some owners say their Forest River RV has held up just fine.

So what’s the difference? Liz says the pattern is clear: 2018 and older models tend to be more reliable. After that, the build quality appears to have gone downhill. She owns a 2017 model herself and wouldn’t buy a newer one.

That said, not all Forest River sub-brands are equal. Some are problematic regardless of the year. Liz has compiled that detail in her book, but the general takeaway is this:

If you’re considering Forest River, stick to pre-2019 models and do your homework on the specific line.

My take: Forest River is huge, with dozens of sub-brands under its umbrella. That makes generalizations tricky. If you’re serious about buying one, inspect the specific model inside and out. Look for water damage, seal issues, and frame rust, even on newer ones (you’d be surprised).

Tiffin

Tiffin used to be one of the most respected names in the RV world. But Liz has seen the shift in reputation firsthand. Her comment sections are now a mix of glowing reviews and total regret.

One major change came in late 2020, when Thor Industries acquired Tiffin. Since then, complaints have increased. If you’re shopping for a Tiffin, Liz suggests sticking with pre-acquisition models to have the best shot at getting the quality Tiffin was once known for.

My take: Corporate buyouts don’t automatically mean trouble, but they often come with cost-cutting changes. If you’re shopping for a used Tiffin, that pre-2021 window might be worth narrowing in on.

Airstream

Airstream has a strong reputation, but it hasn’t been immune to problems. Liz points out two big issues: leaky windows and buckling walls, especially on models from certain years.

Based on the community feedback she reviewed, your safest bet is to look for units built in 2010 or earlier. A few models in the 2011–2012 range are also fine, but Airstream did make changes that affected insulation around that time. That means some newer units now require two air conditioners where one used to be enough.

Another warning: avoid models with full touchpad controls for lights, HVAC, and slide-outs. If the control panel goes bad, you might not be able to use any of those systems. Liz strongly advises against these all-in-one digital control setups.

My take: The nostalgia and style of Airstream are big selling points, but don’t let that distract you from practical issues. If the rig has proprietary electronics running everything, make sure replacement parts are still available and test every function before buying.

Lesser-Known RV Brands Worth Noting

Pleasure-Way

Pleasure-Way focuses on Class B and smaller Class C motorhomes. Liz pointed out that while the newer models are well-built and comfortable, older units had two major shortcomings: smaller holding tanks and weaker insulation. That can make a noticeable difference in both usability and comfort, especially if you camp in extreme temperatures or off-grid.

My take: Pleasure-Way has a good reputation overall, but if you’re buying used, make sure the tank sizes and insulation levels match your needs. It’s one of those brands where the newer models tend to offer more modern features without sacrificing reliability.

Escape Trailers

Escape builds fiberglass travel trailers, and Liz highlights them for two key reasons: fewer leaks and no slide-outs. That’s a big deal, especially if you’ve seen how often water intrusion leads to long-term damage in RVs.

However, earlier Escape models had low ground clearance, which can be a problem for uneven sites or boondocking. Liz recommends going with newer models that have improved clearance.

My take: Fiberglass shell trailers like Escape and Casita often hold up better over time compared to traditional stick-and-tin construction. If you’re the kind of camper who values simplicity and durability over floor space, Escape is worth looking at.

Oliver Travel Trailers

Another fiberglass option, Oliver trailers, also gets high marks in Liz’s research. She cautions that the early models had some window leak issues, but those seem to have been resolved in more recent years. Overall, the construction quality has remained high.

Liz even filmed a dedicated video on Oliver trailers, which speaks to how many positive comments she received.

My take: You’ll pay a premium for an Oliver, but you’re also getting a product that’s built more like a marine vessel than a conventional RV. If leaks are your biggest fear, and they should be high on your list, these are worth serious consideration.

American Coach (by Fleetwood)

American Coach is a higher-end motorhome brand that’s been around a while. Liz notes that many of her followers love their American Coach rigs, but warns that the brand’s history includes some ups and downs.

That’s largely because Fleetwood, the parent company, went through bankruptcy. RVs made during that period are best avoided.

Liz recommends shopping within Fleetwood’s “golden years,” from 1997 to 2007, when construction quality and consistency were reportedly better.

My take: If you’re buying an older motorhome, that 1997–2007 window might offer better value than many newer models. That said, get any used Class A thoroughly inspected, as repairs can get expensive fast.

Outdoors RV

Outdoors RV doesn’t have the name recognition of some larger brands, but according to Liz’s audience, it probably should. Owners rave about how well these trailers hold up.

There is one caveat: the first few years of production were overbuilt, meaning they were heavier than they needed to be. That can be a downside depending on your tow vehicle.

Liz recommends model years 2018 to present for a better balance of durability and weight.

My take: Outdoors RV seems to focus on function over flash, which is a plus in my book. Just be aware of weight ratings if you’re pairing it with a half-ton truck.

Smart Buying Advice That Can Save You Time and Money

Skip the Indiana-Built Mass-Production Models (Post-2018)

One of the broader takeaways from Liz’s research is to be cautious with RVs built in Indiana starting around 2018. That region is home to many large-scale RV manufacturers, and many of the post-2018 models seem to reflect a shift toward faster production and reduced quality.

Liz’s recommendation is simple: if you’re considering a model year 2019 or newer, be extra careful, especially if it’s from a big manufacturer with mass production lines. This doesn’t mean every rig is bad, but patterns show a higher volume of complaints with those units.

My take: Always prioritize an in-depth inspection. Ask questions about construction methods, and don’t assume a newer year equals better quality.

Avoid RVs With Full Touchpad Control Systems

Liz strongly advises steering clear of RVs that rely on digital touch panels for controlling major functions, like air conditioning, heat, lights, and slide-outs. When these systems fail, you could lose access to the core features of your rig.

Her warning applies to any brand using centralized control pads, not just Airstream.

My take: These systems can look sleek, but if something like a fuse or control module fails, you might temporarily lose access to key features like your slides or HVAC. Some RV techs may charge more, or be less familiar with these setups, especially if the system uses proprietary components. If you travel far from service centers, a simpler setup could be easier to manage on the road.

Independent RV Makers Are Worth a Look

Many newer, smaller RV manufacturers are now bypassing dealerships and selling direct to consumers. These rigs often don’t show up at major dealers like Camping World or Blue Compass.

One example Liz mentioned is Bruder X, a rugged off-road trailer that looks nothing like what you’d typically find on a lot. These brands may be more expensive new, but if you’re willing to shop used, you might find a good deal in the secondary market.

My take: It’s worth spending a little time researching these companies. You might discover a model that fits your needs better than anything you’ve seen at a dealership, and in many cases, they’re built with more attention to detail.

Don’t Trust the Mattress

Whether you’re buying used or brand new, Liz notes that RV mattresses are often thin, cheap, and uncomfortable, even in high-end models. She personally uses a mattress from Brooklyn Bedding and offered a discount in her video, but her main point is that you should factor in the cost of a replacement mattress from the start.

My take: RVs aren’t exactly known for luxury bedding. If you’re planning to live in one full-time or even just take longer trips, upgrading the mattress is one of the easiest ways to improve your comfort, and it often gets overlooked during the buying process.

Watch for Ground Clearance and Tank Sizes

Some older fiberglass trailers (like Escape and early Pleasure-Way models) had low ground clearance and smaller holding tanks, which can limit where and how long you can camp. Newer versions tend to improve on both, but it’s worth checking the specs carefully before making a decision.

My take: If you’re boondocking or driving rural roads, clearance matters more than you might expect. It’s one of those details that seems minor until your bumper hits a ditch.

Liz’s RV Brand Guide

To organize all the feedback she’s received, Liz created a detailed RV buying guide covering 177 brands, including some no longer in business. Each brand entry includes:

• Ownership (independent or corporate)
• Years in operation and location
• Types of RVs made
• Direct link to their website
• Standout features
• Audience-sourced notes on what to avoid, use caution with, or recommend

She also links to her related YouTube videos and highlights patterns by year and model.

You can buy the full guide at a discount or just a single brand if that’s all you need. Click here to check out her guides. I am not affiliated in any way with Liz and make zero dollars if you buy her book. I just appreciate the work she does.