EACH YEAR, Ian and I have the unique opportunity to travel the country and explore literally hundreds of new RVs debuting at RV shows, manufacturer open houses, and dealerships—all to bring you the latest and most interesting developments from RV manufacturers. (Just check out the playlists.) In many cases, that means getting a first look at new models and brand updates before they’re ever released to the public. It’s safe to say, we see our fair share of what’s new long before most RVers do.
Every year, rumors of new models or brand updates start circulating in the spring and into the summer, as manufacturers race to be first out of the gate. Then the Hershey RV Show marks the first official release of new products—and brands are still introducing new surprises at early-season events, like the Tampa RV Show in January.
But right about now, the dust has mostly settled. So, for the 2026 model year, we’re taking this moment to choose our official favorite RVs of the year—based on everything we’ve seen to date, both before and after those public reveals. Ian and I are mostly aligned on the picks that follow, but we’ll be clear where our individual allegiances differ.
If you’d like to hear more from us, check out our weekly podcast, RV Unpacked, where, along with other topics, you’ll hear us battle out which of our favorite RVs deserve to be in the RV Hall of Fame.
Keystone Walkabout 26MAX
First up, the Walkabout 26MAX. Most of us have seen this one by now, but it deserves the attention! And as you can see the video above, Ian and I agree.
In a unique collab with Meateater founder Steven Rinella, Keystone introduced a somewhat niche hunting-and-fishing RV that appeals to a wide range of RVers. Maybe it’s the sleek, automotive black and orange exterior aluminum finish or the atrium glass-top slide-out—that’ll make anyone swoon. More likely, it’s the fact that they really followed through with a floor plan and features that provide real value.
Take the rugged off-road design, complete with chunky tires and a full spare mounted on the rear. The Curt Touring suspension and ABS for a smoother tow. The extra-large exterior pass through storage is complete with mounted tools and built-in carriers for fishing rods. Auto leveling on a travel trailer? All hits. The interior is just as practical, featuring bench storage beneath the extra-long sofa in the slide-out, a fold-up bottom bunk to access the rear cargo door, hooks for pots and pans, and an easily accessible mounted cutting board.
The Walkabout is available in the almost 31-foot 26MAX version, the family-friendly bunkhouse that’s first on my list—or a shorter 23MAX, which comes in at 26 feet, 7 inches and is great for couples with a rear kitchen setup. Keystone delivered on this one, and you should see one in person when you have the chance.
Dutchmen Eddie Bauer Expedition 345RL
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it now—the Dutchmen Eddie Bauer Expedition is far and above the best Eddie Bauer towable build I’ve seen yet in the RV space. It only makes sense that I’d include it in my best-of for 2026. The Eddie Bauer Expedition 345RL especially showcases the thought and intention put into these units. At a glance, you’re getting a borderline luxury RV experience at a premium price. Close up, you’re getting feature after feature that make these nice to live in and very nice to own.
Nice to own? Yes, Dutchmen included some things I haven’t seen before that make them easier to repair and diagnose. For instance, the magnetized removable panel behind the kitchen island gives you access to the faucet and other connections. The same goes for the cutting board storage in the bottom drawer, which gives you access to the electrical. Behind the removable faceplate, the slide mechanism. Better yet, Dutchmen has a program to send you replacement parts directly.
Did I mention that the whole rig is warrantied for full-time living? Indeed, 4-season capable and ready to tackle your family’s adventures.
And yet, I haven’t even gotten into the features of the coach itself, which include huge square-framed panoramic windows, 4K blade lighting, free-floating end tables underlit by LED, and a mini workstation at the front cap, complete with an automotive windshield to catch more views. I’m excited for what’s in store with Dutchmen’s new addition, and I think you should be, too.
Forest River Vibe 3400XL
If you’ve been on the lookout for a travel trailer that offers some serious size in 2026—capable of hosting all your friends but maybe not keeping them overnight—the Vibe 3400XL is it. This Vibe has the layout, slideouts, interior height, cargo capacity, and square footage to suit the couple who never want to feel cramped.
At just under 40 feet long, it really comes together in the rear kitchen and dining area, complete with a kitchen island with bar seats, a large L-shaped dinette with chairs, and European flat-front cabinets with backlighting for a modern, open look. The kitchen is the heart of this camper—skylights above, residential appliances, solid surface countertops—but right behind it is the living area. And the bedroom is a favorite, too… You see why this Vibe made my list.
But I’d be remiss to not include a final standout feature, which is in that bedroom, and that’s the second fireplace, located below the built-in dresser storage, so you stay extra comfortable on those colder nights. All-in-all, this is a really comfortable room with a lot of space, and I think it’s a real strength in the Vibe lineup. Check it out!
Keystone Coleman Legacy 3000LOFT
An affordable, feature-packed bunkhouse fifth wheel? Sign me up. I got to see the Coleman Legacy 3000LOFT early, back at the Keystone warehouse when it was fresh off the line, and I knew then that this was going to turn heads and make an impact. I stand by that claim today.
The loft bedroom is where it’s at. Though I hesitate to even call it that—because this really serves as a separate, contained rear bunk and entertainment room, complete with its own half bath. As someone with little ones, I know my kids will absolutely love this spot, and it’ll be easy on us parents, too. The shelf/projector combo is killer. Keystone mounts the project to the bottom of a shelf, and then there’s a hole so you can add your PlayStation or Blu-ray™ and wire them up with no trouble. Simple, easy, and painless.
General fit and finish is a step above—especially at this price point. Features inside include loads of cabinet storage with glass inserts, an abundance of oversized windows, solid surface countertops, and a front cap windshield for bedroom views (with LED lights on the exterior). Outside, you have fully finished and heated pass through storage, auto-levelling, and much more.
At just under 9,000 pounds unloaded and under 35 feet long, this is an approachable fifth wheel size that will still get you into a number of campsites that bigger fifth wheels might not even attempt.
Keystone Montana 3100RL
Would you just LOOK AT IT! I mean, many of us knew this was coming, a redesign of one of the most infamous fifth wheel lineups in the game. But now that it’s here—starting with the Montana 3100RL—I do think it was worth the wait. These will be some of the best 2026 RVs. I’ll explain.
For me, what matters is that the changes go beyond cosmetics, appliance upgrades, or flashy new floor plans. There’s nothing wrong with those, but I look for updates that show a manufacturer is truly listening to how customers’ needs have evolved. In Montana’s case, that meant an all-new wide-body frame, upgraded suspension shocks, and a smarter layout that unlocked more usable garage storage.
Then they went ahead and added all those luxury features. Just the hardwood alone is enough to sell you on this interior. From the framing around the doors to the decorative slide-out fascia to the windows and cabinetry. It’s got a really upgraded feel that I enjoyed seeing. On this camper in particular, I really like the hidden storage behind the television, the panoramic windows, the extendable dinette—and, lastly, that sleek, modern bathroom.
If I’m throwing any shade—and it’s not shade at all—just that you do need to be aware of the towing requirements for a big RV like this. Coming in at 15,000 pounds unloaded, you’ll want your towing ducks in a row before purchasing.
Forest River Flagstaff 404CRK
In my review of the Flagstaff 404CRK, I said it may be the cleanest fifth wheel floor plan of 2026. By that, I meant that they finally got the rear kitchen setup down right—along with the rest of the floor plan. With slide-outs in all the right places—and a massive sectional couch designating the mid living area—the kitchen and dining area offer an open yet secluded room of their own. Highlights here include a double-door refrigerator, a pull-out trash can with a drawer above for trash bags (genius), solid surface countertops, and soft-close drawers, among others. The kitchen works, and it’s just the start.
Similar to the rear kitchen’s dining space, the desk in the living room is located in a slide-out and offers a separate yet connected extra space that I think works really well in contrast to the sectional. By the way, that sectional is unique, too: unlike similar setups, it does not require break down or moving when you bring the slide in. More surprises in the bedroom, with washer/dryer hookups, accent lights, 80-inch ceilings, and a large wardrobe. All smart choices from Flagstaff.
Speaking of which, it should come as no surprise to you that Flagstaff is behind the design and intentionality of this fifth wheel. Along with these clever floor plan updates, the 404CRK still has Flagstaff’s trademark all-aluminum cage construction, with beds and furniture all framed in metal, as well as a painted fiberglass front cap. Plus, outside you’ll enjoy upgraded running gear, including 16-inch nitrogen-filled Goodyear Endurance tires, TPMS monitoring, ABS brakes, and more. I love Flagstaff/Rockwood construction, and it shines especially with the 404CRK.
For those interested in the Rockwood version, check out the 404SRK.
Jayco Pinnacle 38FBRK
If Ian is rolling with Flagstaff, god bless him—but the 404CRK isn’t the only fantastic rear kitchen floor plan with office space in this town. For 2026 RVs, I’m rolling with the Jayco Pinnacle 38FBRK. Some of the elements are similar—a middle living area with a large sectional and desk area, and that U-shaped counterspace in the kitchen—but Jayco deserves equal praise in the Pinnacle line, and maybe even a few extra points.
For one, I just don’t think you can beat the front bedroom suite. Sure, you get a king bed in the slide-out, a spot for the television, and a dresser with flip-top storage. But head past the sliding doors, and the primary bathroom is the real star of the show, with its long vanity countertop and an open-glass-door shower with teak seating. Beyond that, the front walk-in closet. For couples, it doesn’t get much better than this.
And you still get the rear kitchen setup? Win-win.
Outside, I’m a sucker for Pinnacle’s full-body paint options. And with Jayco, you get their new citrus-based NuvoH20 water filtration system for cleaner water throughout the RV.
Lost Pines Sequoia
Images by Forest River
Now we’re getting into the more unconventional 2026 RVs—and manufacturers did not disappoint. With all the lofted destinations and added patios and slideouts, I hope you didn’t miss this slideless destination trailer. Yes, that’s the Forest River Lost Pines Sequoia. Never have I been more pleased that a towable didn’t have a slide-out. The appeal here is part aesthetic, part functional. I love the openness of the uninterrupted tall ceilings, but they also make way for enormous windows, arched doorways, the highest shower I’ve ever seen, and tons of storage.
The layout itself is pretty simple: living room and entertainment, kitchen with an extended countertop, bathroom, and bedroom. But the flow between these spaces feels modern and appropriate, ideal for a couple who like their space. Just don’t miss seeing the bathroom. Accent lighting, a wide basin sink, that enormous shower head, a washer/dryer combo, and solid surface countertops. It’s a real dream.
What also separates the Lost Pines from the pack is the 3” hung wall construction. Three-inch walls! That’s proper insulation to make this the perfect abode on colder nights. Construction-wise, you’ll enjoy 102” wide body construction, dual pane windows, a wedge-style fiberglass roof, and a unique fully body paint job with a 4X clear coat layer.
In a segment that has exploded in the last few years with new concepts, it’s cool to see something simple work so well.
Thor Freedom Explorer PX10
Perhaps the newest on this list—and still unknown to many of you—is an RV that I think carries a lot of potential through this year and into the next. While the exterior design of the Freedom Explorer PX10 might not look like anything special beyond a Class B van, it’s the application that I think is most interesting. And I’m looking forward to seeing how owners use it.
With three rows of seats—two rows behind the cockpit—the PX10 is a people-mover, ideal for day trips, sports tournaments, family trips, or anytime you want step-above amenities but don’t need a place to sleep. Personally, I’m envious of whoever gets to enjoy those passenger seats, each complete with its own charging setup, diamond plush stitching, cupholder, telescoping headrest, and clear view of the 32” flatscreen television above the cockpit.
In back, passengers will enjoy a 120V refrigerator, solid surface countertops with a sink and sink cover, and a microwave oven for snacks and cooking. Bathroom-wise, you’re set up with a quaint yet helpful cassette toilet.
Built on a Ford Transit chassis, the PX10 comes in just under 23 feet, has an extended fuel tank, a 6,000-lb trailer hitch, and a spare OEM wheel and tire should you catch a flat.
East to West College Avenue 2201
A couple of months back, I got to tour and review an all-new Class C from East to West, the College Avenue 2201. Now, there are several things I really like about this motorhome—and the entire lineup—but what struck me most is its balance of compact size with premium qualities. It’s not every day you see a Class C as short as this (23’10”) that also has luxury features and superior construction. Plus, it’s still based on the E-450—a rarity with a camper of this size—with a 7,500-pound hitch rating.
Another example of this upgraded build is the partial paint on the exterior. Not only do I think it’s a slick look and something that’s going to hold up better over time, but the partial paint also means East to West had to upgrade the fiberglass, so you’re getting higher-quality material all around, too. In this case, that’s the Lamilux™ 4000 fiberglass (nerd alert), one of the best-quality fiberglass options you’ll find on a coach.
Then, of course, are all the smaller touches that prove this to be a more premium experience: solid surface countertops with an extension, soft-close cabinets and drawers, and a secondary sink. There’s a lot to like, and if the size is a factor for you, be sure to check out the rest of the College Avenue models over at East to West.
And with that, you’ve got some of our favorite picks from the 2026 model year. Of course, we continue to see and review RVs every month, and we’re always on the lookout for what pushes the boundaries of what’s possible for our customers. So check us out on the Camping World YouTube channel, and stay tuned for more in-depth written reviews here on the blog and for more 2026 RVs.
