Exploring first Travel Trailer RV purchase

[theleeb]

Hi folks, we are looking to start shopping for an travel trailer RV in late spring 2026. For various reasons, we are looking for something between 16 and 18 feet.

Reliability and durability are priority attributes. I know that Consumer Reports reviews and tests many types of products but apparently RVs are not in their scope.

Does anyone know if there is an independent organization that reports on functionality and reliability for this industry?

If not, I would be interested in feedback around this topic if anyone has some insights. We do not currently have a way to cover an RV for protection but will consider building some type of overhang next to our garage. The trailer would be used by two people. We were hoping to find something for less than $30k. We were also hoping a 16-18 foot trailer would be adequate to sustain us for up to a week. But you folks would know better than me!

Thanks

 

[RobertE]

We were looking for a couples trailer that could be pulled by a 1/2 ton truck.

After a year of research and going to an RV show, we settled on Grand Design as the brand we wanted to go with.

Our choices came down to the MLE and MKE models. After a lot of consideration we decided the shorter MKE was our best choice. We’ve used it 4 times and are 100% satisfied we made the right choice for us.

The Murphy bed is great for us and a huge space saver. The lack of a dining is if no consequence as we eat outside ans if we can’t the table attached to the recliners easily converts, we turn it and sit in chairs.

By far the #1 selling point was the huge amount of counter space. Again, an important feature for us ans our lifestyle.

Hope this helps. This isn’t ans advert for GD or the MKE, just to let you know what worked for us,