Opinions are like RVs: If you look hard enough, you can find one that fits you. (And sometimes you can trade them in for new ones.) That’s why with over 11 million families now RVing, it’s hard to keep track of the current opinions on what’s hot, what’s popular, and what really matters in the RV world. Fortunately, the RV reviews from owners on RVInsider keep us up-to-date.
Here are five recurring themes that owners on RVInsider are calling out (for better and worse) in their RV reviews.
Top 5 Features RV Reviewers Love
1. Spacious and Functional Floor Plans
More space is better — this is a fundamental truth about RVing. Maybe more than any other feature, users love spacious floor plans, so RVs with well-designed layouts that maximize space and offer functional living areas are more popular than ever. These days, RVers appreciate layouts that include separate bedrooms, ample storage, and open living spaces.
As one reviewer put it: “The floorplan is perfect and once the two slides are out you are in a roomy accommodation! You can pull a curtain and have a separate bedroom with a TV while another person can be in the living room area with another TV. So perfect!”
2. High-Quality Build and Materials
One of the easy-to-spot discrepancies between high and low RV price points is the durability and quality of materials. This pops up all the time as key positives in RV review after review: “The quality of the materials used throughout is excellent. The cabinetry is solid, and the overall build feels like it’s made to last.”
Owners appreciate when manufacturers use sturdy materials that can withstand the rigors of travel and long-term use, and we’ve caught on that just because a plastic looks pretty on the show floor doesn’t mean it’s going to look pretty for long on the road.
3. Comfortable Sleeping Arrangements
Comfort is crucial. So naturally, beds and sleeping areas appear on RV reviews for many owners — especially those using RVs for extended trips. Memory foam mattresses, easy-to-convert beds, and spacious bedrooms receive high marks. Because where you lay your head might not matter, but what you lay it on sure does – which is why many RV reviews mention adding a mattress topper or swapping out the mattress entirely.
An RVInsider.com user had this to say about a toy hauler: “The quality of the convertible couches in the garage is nice. They are comfortable to sit on and convert easily to a queen-size bed; and can be stored vertically on the wall or, when it is converted to a bed, can be raised to the ceiling.”
4. Efficient Climate Control
Effective heating and cooling systems are highly valued, especially by RVers who travel across different climates. Many reviewers highlight the importance of an insulated RV without leaky walls – an RV that maintains a comfortable interior temperature year-round. Gone are the days of humans tolerating the temperatures of the great outdoors. And if we were going to tolerate outdoor temps, we would just be regular campers.
One of the RV reviews stated, “The dual AC units and the furnace keep the temperature just right, whether we’re in the heat of summer or the cold of winter.”
5. Advanced Technology and Features
RVs equipped with modern technology, like advanced entertainment systems, smart controls, and solar power setups, are hot commodities. These features enhance the convenience and enjoyment of RV living. Which begs the question: When are we going to see the first AI-enabled RV? Manufacturers: We’ll take 10% of the profit just for giving you the idea!
A satisfied owner shared on RVInsider, “The built-in solar setup and the smart control panel make managing the RV’s systems a breeze, even when we’re off the grid.”
And Some Issues That RV Reviews Call Out …
Just like there are positive themes, there are also some constants that pop up in negative RV reviews, too. Here are the top three things to keep an eye out for when evaluating a new RV.
1. Frequent Mechanical or Electrical Failures
The garage queen can be a real drag on your checkbook, but also on your travel schedule. It’s hard to get out on the road when you’re always fixing something. Owners often complain about frequent breakdowns of mechanical components such as slide-outs, awnings, and leveling systems. Electrical problems, including faulty wiring, malfunctioning appliances, and issues with the RV’s battery and power systems, are also common.
One reviewer wrote, “We’ve had constant issues with the slide-outs getting stuck and the electrical system shorting out, leading to multiple trips to the repair shop.”
2. Inadequate Customer Service and Warranty Support
No matter what quality your RV is, something will eventually go wrong. That’s why great customer service is key to a great RV experience. Complaints include long wait times for repairs, difficulty getting warranty claims approved, and a lack of responsiveness from customer service reps. What makes this problem worse is that you probably already have one problem, otherwise you wouldn’t be calling.
A reviewer shared, “The customer service has been terrible. It took weeks to get a response, and when we finally did, they were unwilling to cover the repairs under warranty.”
3. Interior Design and Functionality Issues
While some RV owners praise the spaciousness of their RVs, others find fault with the interior design and functionality. Complaints include poorly designed storage spaces, uncomfortable seating, and inconveniently placed fixtures and appliances. These design flaws can make daily living in the RV less enjoyable and more challenging.
A review pointed out, “The layout looks good on paper, but in practice, it’s a nightmare. The storage is awkwardly placed, and the seating is uncomfortable for long trips.”
Continue Your Research with RV Reviews
Really, there’s no substitute for doing your own research. Searching for exact models on RV Insider is a great place to start to get insights from owners, but it’s also great to read independent RV reviews from experts. Whatever works best for you, really. If that means RV window shopping to see what’s out there, so be it. If it means heading to an RV show or dealership to walk through an actual model, that’s going to serve you well. Just equip yourself to make an informed decision. That way, when you become an RV owner yourself, your review will be filled with less regret and more joy.
