Once you determine what your tow vehicle can handle and your core needs, reflect on how you intend to use your RV.
How much time will you spend in your camper?
Are you full timing? Driving cross country every summer for a 2 week haul? Perhaps you are only spending a few weekends out. All are acceptable answers, however, this can make a huge difference in selecting the right RV for you and your family as manufacturers make different sub brands for the level of user.
- For the weekend warrior, an entry level brand such as a Keystone Bullet, Forest River Wolf Pup, or Dutchman Coleman may be for you. These provide plenty of features at an affordable price. I like to think of these as the “way better than a tent” camper. It does the job but may not come with the higher end craftmanship and goodies.
- The middle of the road would be the folks who not only hit the road on weekends, but take their rigs across the US at least once a year. The Keystone Cougar or Rockwood by Forest River come to mind. They are a step up in construction and features but will not break the bank. Often times these rigs will come with upgraded axels and tires for better towing.
- Upper end would be the Airstream, Lance, and Grand Designs. Most of the full timers we have encountered chose these brands and had little negative to say. They are built solid, loaded with features, and can legitimately be lived in.
Where will you take your camper?
In addition to the amount of time you will spend in your RV, think about where you will take your RV and the needs associated with the terrain. Most travel trailers are poor in off road conditions, however, some short wheelbase – high ground clearance options exist such as the Forest River NOBO. These tend to do a bit better in the rougher sites you may encounter when camping in national forests.
As for climate, if you intend to camp in the extreme heat and cold make sure your rig is truly meant for 4 season camping such as the Artic Wolf by Forest River or Keystone Montana. You will also find artic / 4 season packages in the higher end units such as Grand Design.