9 Best RV Brands for Full-Time Living

The best RV brands for full-time living offer a blend of durability, functional floor plans, and high-quality amenities to ensure a home-like experience. In this post, we have rounded up the best full-time RV manufacturers for each class of campers. We’ve based our picks on the company’s commitment to quality, owner satisfaction scores, and industry ratings.

For each brand, we’ve highlighted the RV Insider ratings, their best model, warranty length, and standout features. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a family, these top RV builders provide a range of campers equipped with the essentials as well as luxuries needed for extended stays.

Outdoors RV: Best Travel Trailer Brand for Full-Time Living

RV Insider Rating: 4.3 Stars from 98 Reviews
Best Model: Back Country
Warranty: 1-year hitch-to-bumper coverage, 2-year limited structural fiberglass wall warranty, and a 3-year limited custom-built chassis.
Price Range: $40k to 90k
Standout Features: Reinforced custom off-road chassis, oversized & heavy-duty axles, and true 4-season insulation
Other Excellent Brands: Airstream and Nash

Based in the mountains of Eastern Oregon, Outdoors RV (ORV) is a top-rated brand that builds rugged travel trailers, 5th wheels, and toy haulers capable of camping in the harshest weather or terrain. Thanks to the tough exterior and interior build, every unit they build can handle the stresses of full-time travel. Here are some exciting ORV features that make it one of the best RV brands for full-time living.

Solid tongue-and-groove plywood floors
Walkable roof
100-gallon freshwater tanks
Superior and proactive quality control, including testing raw materials and components
Full-extension 100-pound metal drawer guides vs the 70-pound industry standard
Ultra-leather furniture and dinette seats
Floor plans with bunk beds
Energy-saving lights
Easy clean floors
Solar-ready
20+ floor plans

Brinkley RV: Best Fifth Wheel RV for Full-Time Living

RV Insider Rating: 5.0 Stars from 1 Review
Best Model: Model Z
Warranty: 1-year limited base warranty, a 3-year limited structural warranty, and 20-year roof membrane cover
Price Range: $100k to $125k
Standout Features: A custom chassis beefed up around the common problem areas, residential furnishings, and 101+ intelligent features.
Other Excellent Brands: New Horizons and Grand Design

Established in 2022, Brinkley RV is a newcomer to the recreational vehicle space. Yet, it’s already making waves with its robust construction and meticulous craftsmanship. Their RVs are specifically designed and warrantied for full-timing, and are based on insights collected from customers. Expect an interior featuring residential-quality cabinets, solid surface countertops, dual-purpose furniture, and an entertainment system with a fireplace. Here are more highlights of their fifth-wheel RVs:

An automotive-grade exterior that doesn’t have to be sealed for a lifetime
Heavy-duty axles with leaf springs
Tremendous interior and exterior storage space
Massive holding tanks (up to 150 gal fresh) with extra support
Kitchen island with drawers that have a wooden paper towel holder, trash cans, sink, cutting board, and pet bowl
Sliding desk/dining table with free-standing chairs
Floor plan with a spare room that can double as office space
Private bunk room layouts
2 or 3 smart TVs for entertainment
9″ memory foam mattress
Dual AC system plus a 35k BTU high-capacity furnace
Dual motion sensing bed lights
Reinforced walkable roof

Northwood Manufacturing: Best Toy Hauler Brand for Full-Time Living

RV Insider Rating: 4.0 Stars from 168 Reviews
Best Model: Desert Fox
Warranty: Basic warranty of 12 months and a structure warranty for 12 months
Price Range: 60K to 80k
Standout Features: Rugged custom chassis, fully welded aluminum superstructure, 4-season insulation with high-density block foam, and solid wood cabinetry.
Other Excellent Brands: Dutchmen Voltage, Luxe, and Black Series RV

Based in La Grande, Oregon, Northwood is another excellent brand for full-time RV living. It belongs to the same family that owns ORV and boasts a similar construction. All their units are rugged enough for full-time dwelling and extended adventures in hostile environments. Here’s what makes Northwood the perfect RV for year-round adventure:

Heavy-duty, structural steel, off-road chassis that’s built in-house
Fully enclosed and insulated tanks for cold-weather camping
Front queen bed plus electric garage bed with top bunk, optional lower bunk, and ladder
Reversible rear lounge or opposing garage sofas that double as beds
Stainless steel appliances
Custom one-piece countertops and tables
13.5k BTU AC, 30K BTU furnace, and multiple fan vents
Rubber cargo area decking
Storage space for helmets and smaller gear
Thermal pane windows
40-gallon fuel station
Onboard air compressor and pressure washer
16″ aluminum wheels and a chassis-mounted spare
Shocks on all wheels
Reinforced ramp door
Optional patio kit with screen and cables for ramp door

Newmar: Best Class A for Full-Time Living

RV Insider Rating: 4.3 Stars from 375 Reviews
Best Model: Dutch Star
Warranty: 1-year, unlimited-mile limited warranty and a 5-year limited structural warranty
Price Range: $150k to $1.2M
Standout Features: Luxury appointments, acres of living space, and an aluminum frame
Other Excellent Brands: Tiffin, Entegra Coach, and Prevost

if you prefer drivable recreational vehicles, Newmar is hands down the best Class A motorhome for year-round RVing. Founded in 1968, the company builds gas and diesel coaches with thoughtfulness and precision, ensuring they feel and function like a home. Expect high-quality construction and finishes, customer-centric design, and ground-breaking innovation. For instance, Newmar introduced the industry’s first full-wall motorhome slide-out. Here’s what makes Newmar Class A RVs one of the best RV brands for full-time living:

Powerful Freightliner or optional Spartan chassis
Newmar coaches handle and drive better than even the best class Cs
Driving assist technologies like adaptive steering, passive steering, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, collision mitigation, and navigation system
Rearview and side cameras, tire-pressure monitoring, and electronic stability control
Cathedral ceilings for extra height
Cockpit seats have six-way power, power lumber, recliner, and footrest
Fiberglass roof, side walls, front cap, and rear wall with full body paint
High-quality wood cabinetry with concealed hinges
Thick walls and insulation with intelligent climate control, including ducted AC
Solid-surface countertops
Ultra-fabric sofas and seats
Plush pillow top mattress
Porcelain tile floors throughout
Bunkhouse models
Residential shower and two-bathroom options
High-end, modern entertainment systems, including exterior TVs and WiFi setup
Great customer service with on-time access to highly trained Newmar specialists
Details like a wine cooler, pull-out pantries, electric fireplace, heated floors
Huge interior and exterior storage to bring all the extra stuff
Accessible designs with wheelchair lifts

Pleasure-Way: Best Class B Brand for Full-Time Travel

RV Insider Rating: 4.3 Stars from 77 Reviews
Best Model: Plateau
Warranty: 5-year or 60,000 miles limited warranty, plus 5-year or 75K-mile Mercedes-Benz basic chassis warranty
Price Range: $170K to $220K
Standout Features: Long warranty, hand-crafted construction, and lots of comfort features.
Other Excellent Brands: Winnebago and Thor Motor Coach

Founded in 1986, Pleasure-Way is one of the best RV manufacturers specializing in Class B motorhomes. The founder, Merv Rumpel, was an RV dealer who had grown frustrated with the constant repairs needed in new campervans. So, he decided to build quality RVs using premium materials and advanced construction techniques. Decades later, Pleasure-Way is still praised for its meticulous craftsmanship. Here’s what makes their small RVs a perfect choice for full-timers:

Driver-assist tech, such as assistance for attention, braking, distance, lane keeping, crosswind, hill start, traffic sign, and more
Cab seats with power adjustments, 4-way lumbar support, swivel, and heating controls
Hand-crafted and custom-fit interiors
Multiple sleeping options
Models with separate living areas
Nimble, mid-size, and wide-body campervan models
Modern full galley with stainless steel appliances
Private enclosed wet bath with shower, plus exterior shower with a handheld wand
Ultra-leather upholstery
Corian countertops
100 to 500W solar panels, 600 amp hours of lithium battery, and 3000W inverter
10-inch touchscreen control panel on all models for climate control, battery monitoring, auto generator start, and more
Quieter, more efficient Truma Aventa Eco 13.5K BTU rooftop AC and 11.5k furnace
Economical power train
Over 4k lbs towing capacity

Leisure Travel Vans: Best Class B+ Brand for Full-Time Living

RV Insider Rating: 4.8 Stars from 27 Reviews
Best Model: Unity
Warranty: Basic limited 3 years/36,000 miles; a limited 5 years/100,000 miles warranty for Mercedes Chassis; and 5 years/60,000 miles for Ford.
Price Range: $180K to $210K
Standout Features: Curved fiberglass body, high-quality components, and premium interior finishes.
Other Excellent Brands: Winnebago Ekko and Airstream Atlas

If you like the compact convenience of camper vans and the added space and amenities often found in Class C motorhomes, consider the Canadian-made Leisure Travel Vans (LTV) Class B+. This unique RV class is built on a van chassis but features a wider body and a slightly longer length than regular campervans. LTV builds the best RVs in this category, solid enough to withstand full-time RVing. Expect features like:

Vacuum bonded walls and floors
Handcrafted interiors
Corian solid surface countertops
Diverse sleeping arrangements for couples and small families
Floor plans with a mix of wet, split baths, and dry baths
Reimagined layouts with panoramic windows, lounging areas, adjustable shelving, and hanging wardrobes
Interior and exterior entertainment systems
Advanced driver-assist features
13.5K BTU AC
3-season insulation
Standard lithium batteries

Coach House: Best Class C RV Brand for Full-Timing

RV Insider Rating: 4.9 Stars from 14 Reviews
Best Model: Platinum
Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles for body and chassis. Appliances and fixtures are covered by their respective manufacturers for varying terms.
Price Range: $170K to $270
Standout Features: One-piece, hand-laid fiberglass body that’s reinforced with carbon-fiber and owner-centric design.
Other Excellent Brands: Lazy Daze and Winnebago Navion

If you want to RV full-time in a Class C, there are very few quality units. That’s because most Class Cs are entry-level units designed for part-time use. One rare brand that produces quality Class C RVs that can absorb the rigors of year-round RV travel is Coach House. The company is small but has a great reputation thanks to the custom fiberglass body, high-quality materials, and functional layouts. Here’s what makes Coach House one of the best RV brands for full-time living :

One-piece fiberglass shell construction for a seamless, leakproof design
Aluminum floor frame and premium flooring
No particleboard in cabinet construction. They use light-ply plywood to decrease weight
Solid-surface countertops
Slide out layouts
15K BTU ducted roof AC with heat pump and 30K BTU auto LP gas furnace
Heavy-duty insulation and heated holding tanks
Interior separate stand-up shower plus exterior hot and cold shower
Exterior storage compartments
Heavy-duty trailer hitch
Great customer service and a relentless quest to provide the best motor homes possible

Dynamax: Best Super C RV Brand for Full-Time Living

RV Insider Rating: 4.0 Stars from 80 Reviews
Best Model: DX3
Warranty: 1-year limited warranty and a 2-year structural warranty
Price Range: $300K to $470
Standout Features: Powerful chassis and engine, plus handcrafted interiors.
Other Excellent Brands: Renegade, Entegra, and Newmar Super Star

Want a unique blend of power, space, and luxury without going for a mammoth Class A or standard Class C? Then choose Dynamax’s Super C. Founded in 1997, Dynamax quickly gained a reputation for building heavy-duty Class Cs. Expect a Freightliner chassis, powerful diesel engines, and high-end amenities. Here’s what makes Dynamax the best option for a permanent nomadic lifestyle:

Freightliner M2 106B chassis with a Cummins® B 6.7 turbo diesel engine
Lots of power to tow a jeep, boat, or utility trailer
Steel-reinforced aluminum cab
Aluminum-framed, laminated sidewalls, floors, and roof
Composite exterior fiberglass (no wood)
High-density block foam insulation
Dual-pane frameless windows
Premium vinyl flooring
Solid surface countertops
Large bunk over cab
Full bathroom with double sinks
Hardwood cabinetry
Residential-style kitchens with double-door fridge
Full-extension, soft-closing drawer guides with hidden hinges
Residential-style sofas and dinette seats
100-gallon fuel capacity

Forest River Flagstaff: Best Affordable Full-Time RV Brand

RV Insider Rating: 3.8 Stars from 25 Reviews
Best Model: Super Lite lineup
Warranty: One-year limited warranty
Price Range: $18K to $70k
Standout Features: Vacuum laminated 1-piece roof and walls plus insulation factors R-7 side wall, R-12 floor, and R-14 ceiling.
Other Excellent Brands: Geo Pro and Keystone

While Forest River isn’t known for building the highest-quality campers, it has a few well-built models. The Flagstaff lineup is one of their best travel trailers if you want an affordable option. It features a vacuum laminated fiberglass exterior, a 6-sided aluminum frame, block foam insulation, and a beautiful, curved front windshield to maximize campsite views. Here are other factors that make it one of the best RV brands for full-time living:

Spacious flush floor slides with insulated floors
Enclosed, insulated, and heated underbelly
Aluminum cage dinette and bed base
Comfortable stylish sofas
Extra wide dinettes
Screwed and glued, solid wood cabinet doors & drawers with hidden hinges and residential hardware
Solid surface kitchen countertops
Marine-grade carpet in slides
Smart TVs and multi-zone sound bar
Light enough to tow with a half-ton vehicle
Outside griddle with LP hook up
Large, foldable grab handles on all entrance doors and fold-out entry steps
2″ accessory hitch
200W roof solar panel with 1800W inverter
35K BTU Furnace and 15K BTU ducted AC
Outside spray port

Other Best RV Manufacturers for Full Time Living and Travel

Here’s a list of more RV brands for permanent living.

Best Luxury Camper Brand for Full-Time RVing – DRV Mobile Suites.
Best RV Brand for Full-Time Overlanding – Obi Dweller.
Best Truck Camper Brand for Full Timing – Lance Camper.
Best Fiberglass Camper for Full-Time RVing – Bigfoot 2500 Series.
Best Small Camper for Solo Full-Time Travel – Happier Camper HC1.
Best Motorhome Brand for Full Time Off-road Adventures – Sportsmobile Classic.

What Makes an RV Good for Full-Time Living?

A solid construction is the first and most important feature of a full-time RV. Ideally, an RV for year-round travel or dwelling should have a tough chassis, sturdy aluminum exoskeleton, and solid handcrafted interiors.

Of course, there are other features to look for when shopping for a full-time RV, including the following:

Efficient layout with ample living
Superior year-round insulation
Powerful heating and air conditioning systems to maintain a comfortable temperature year-round
Large fresh, gray, and black water tanks
Dedicated sleeping arrangements for everyone
Sufficient indoor and outdoor storage options to accommodate all your belongings
A bathroom with a separate shower and toilet
Full kitchen
High-quality appliances and fixtures to enhance the living experience
Backup systems like solar, large batteries, and a generator
Solid wood cabinetry and solid surface countertops
An RV that offers enough interior space for daily activities while remaining manageable on the road
Good customer service and a strong warranty
Multiple safety features

And before you head to the dealership, think of how you intend to use the RV first. Picture your needs and find a category/class of RV that matches those requirements. Ask yourself the following questions:

How many people will accompany you?
Will you mostly camp in well-developed RV parks, campgrounds, or resorts?
Or do you like off-grid camping, dispersed camping, and boondocking?
Do you plan to go off-road or to tour national parks and state parks with narrow roads?
How much stuff do you plan on taking with you?
How often do you plan to move? Or will you be sitting still a lot?
Will you be working from the RV?

These questions will help you narrow down to an RV that’s the right size and capable of handling your living and travel demands.

Best RV Brands for Full-time Living FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about full-time RVs:

Which RV Brands Last the Longest?

Airstreams and fiberglass trailers like Oliver, Happier Camper, Scamp, Bigfoot, Escape, and Casita are known to easily last over 30 years with proper care. Motorhomes that are known to last many years include Lazy Daze, Coach House, and Newmar.

What’s the Best Small RV to Live in Year Round?

Coach House, Pleasure-Way, Leisure Travel Vans, Lazy Daze, Phoenix Cruiser, and Chinook are the best brands if you need a smaller RV that can handle year-round wear and tear. They build Class B, B+, and compact Class C motorhomes. For small towables, consider fiberglass options like Oliver travel trailer or Scamp 19 5th wheel.

Which RV Class is Best for Full-Timing?

Class A motorhomes and fifth wheels are the best RVs for full timing thanks to their spacious living areas, higher-end amenities, and ease of driving/towing compared to class Cs and travel trailers. Class Bs are great for couples, while travel trailers and Class Cs are most often built for part-time living.

Rent and Test Different Brands and Models Before Buying

The RV brands above are known for their superior craftsmanship and reliable performance, making them ideal options for permanent living. However, every family has different needs and features. The best way to decide what full-time RV to buy is to rent several brands/models and spend at least a week in each.

This hands-on approach lets you experience each RV’s different layouts, amenities, and driving/towing characteristics. A trial period also helps identify any potential build-quality issues or deal-breakers. Additionally, renting provides insights into the practical aspects of full-time RVing, such as storage capacity, ease of setup/breakdown, maintenance requirements, and overall comfort, ensuring you make an informed decision before spending the big bucks.

Happy hunting!

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Author Profile

Cynthia Measom

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Cynthia Measom is the founder and main content creator of RV Top Tips. Not just a writer, she’s a dedicated RV owner and enthusiast, alongside her husband, Joe, who is an experienced RV tech. With their joint knowledge, the two are up on the latest trends and technologies in the RV industry, as well as practical camping and lifestyle tips.

The couple own a 2020 Coachmen Chaparral fifth-wheel that they absolutely love. Their secret to being so satisfied? They purchased the model after a solid year of researching different fifth-wheel campers in person and online to find the perfect fit for their family of three.