Are Keystone RVs any Good, Go RV Rentals Review (2024)

Are Keystone RVs any good? This in-depth examination will peel back the layers, exploring their construction methods, materials used, quality control, warranty, customer support, durability, and performance in various travel conditions. We will also reveal the best and worst-rated Keystone models, cover the brand’s pros and cons, and list the main owner complaints.

In addition, we will share Keystone owners’ ratings, firsthand accounts, expert opinions, and recall data to uncover the brand’s standing in today’s competitive RV landscape.

Book a Keystone RV rental and try it out before buying. Testing several Keystone rentals will greatly increase your knowledge and confidence before you break the bank.

Introducing Keystone RV

Founded in 1996, Keystone RV is one of North America’s biggest manufacturers of towable recreational vehicles. Since its beginning, it has produced over 1 million campers. It’s headquartered in Goshen, Indiana, and has a workforce of over 5,000 members.

Who Owns Keystone RV? Keystone RV is owned by Thor Industries—the world’s largest manufacturer of RVs. Thor Industries acquired Keystone RV in 2001. The company also owns other well-known RV brands like Airstream, Heartland RV, Dutchmen, and Jayco.

Where are Keystone RVs Built? Keystone has two plants, the main one in Goshen, Indiana. The other is a dedicated Cougar RV model plant in Pendleton, Oregon.

What’s Keystone RV’s Product Line? Keystone builds entry-level, mid-tier, and luxury travel trailers, fifth wheels, toy haulers, and destination trailers. They also sell branded camping gear and accessories like folding chairs, backpacks, coolers, travel mugs, t-shirts, caps, and pet items.

What’s Keystone RV’s Mission? The vision is to build high-quality campers loaded with features that provide exceptional value to owners. In addition, they aim to surprise and delight Keystone RV owners at each and every touchpoint, providing them with the information, quality, and assurance they need.

What’s Keystone RV’s Unique Selling Point? Keystone excels at industry-leading product innovation. The brand has a dedicated research and development team that challenges norms and creates new standards for performance, comfort, and safety. According to its customers, Keystone RVs stand out because of their better-than-average quality, an astonishing variety of models, and reasonable prices.

Keystone RV Ratings

RV Insider is the best starting point for gauging the general quality of Keystone RV. It’s the most comprehensive online platform dedicated to providing RV enthusiasts with genuine and detailed reviews, ratings, and insights on all RV brands, models, and floor plans. Users can share their experiences and rate RVs based on reliability, comfort, functionality, ease of towing, and warranty.

Overall, the Keystone RV brand has an overall score of 3.5 out of 5 stars from 2,107 reviews. That’s not bad, but it isn’t impressive either, as the average RV brand has a similar score of 3.5 stars. Here’s how Keystone owners ranked the manufacturer in different categories:

Overall Quality – 3.0
Livability and Comfort – 3.8
Floor Plan Functionality – 4.3
Ease of Towing or Driving – 4.1
Factory Warranty – 2.5

Our Take on Keystone RV Quality

So, do Keystone RVs truly deliver the excellence they promise, or do they fall short under pressure? To be fair, Keystone’s build quality is slightly better than that of the average towable RV. Their construction is sturdy and their RVs have very few structural issues. What lets them down is the materials and supplied components.

Keystone’s customers consistently report issues with the durability and quality of the materials and components used. The brand should be held accountable for installing parts that are prone to failure. On the other hand, using high-quality components would likely put the price point out of many people’s financial reach.

However, it’s also worth noting that the brand makes dozens of models, from entry-level units to higher-end options. The premium lineups use better-quality and durable components and materials.

In the last few years (post-Covid), owners have been reporting a lot of fit and finish issues. This seems to be an industry-wide problem as manufacturers often rushed production to keep up with skyrocketing demand. This is no excuse for Keystone, as customers expect the brand to consistently strive to fulfill its mission of challenging industry norms and creating new standards for quality.

So, would I buy a Keystone RV? Yes, Keystone is a step up from many of the lower-end RVs out there. But no RV brand is perfect. Buyers need to inspect their pick thoroughly before paying. Further, expect several issues to pop up in the first year of ownership. But after fixing the initial kinks, your RV will be a more consistent performer.

All Keystone RV Models

Keystone RV has a total of 14 towable RV models. Some models have several editions within them. Here are all Keystone’s models:

Best Keystone RV Models With Ratings

This section will discuss Keystone RV models by quality. Later in the post, we will look at the Keystone models to avoid.

Best Keystone Travel Trailers

Overall, Keystone travel trailers have an average rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars from 911 owner reviews. Here are the best-rated Keystone TT models on RV Insider:

Keystone Raptor Rating – 3.7 out of 5 stars from 58 reviews.
Keystone Cougar Rating – 3.6 out of 5 stars from 193 reviews.
Keystone Premier Rating – 3.8 out of 5 stars from 9 reviews.
Keystone Outback Rating – 3.6 out of 5 stars from 104 reviews.
Keystone Sprinter Rating – 3.6 out of 5 stars from 57 reviews.
Keystone Springdale Rating – 3.5 out of 5 stars from 86 reviews.
Keystone Bullet Rating – 3.5 out of 5 stars from 70 reviews.

Best Keystone Fifth Wheels

Compared to the travel trailers, Keystone 5th wheels have a marginally better score of 3.6 out of 5 stars from 952 reviews. These are the best-rated Keystone RV fifth wheels based on RV Insider owner ratings:

Keystone Sprinter Wide Body Rating – 3.9 out of 5 stars from 10 reviews.
Keystone Alpine Rating – 3.7 out of 5 stars from 86 reviews.
Keystone Cougar Rating – 3.6 out of 5 stars from 193 reviews.
Keystone Sprinter Rating – 3.6 out of 5 stars from 57 reviews.
Keystone Montana Rating – 3.5 out of 5 stars from 226 reviews.
Keystone Avalanche Rating – 3.5 out of 5 stars from 36 reviews.
Keystone Montana High Country Rating – 3.4 out of 5 stars from 136 reviews.
Keystone Sprinter Limited 5th Wheel Rating – 3.4 out of 5 stars from 6 reviews.

Best Keystone Toy Haulers

Keystone RV toy haulers have an overall rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars from 57 reviews. The brand has great travel trailer and fifth wheel toy hauler floor plans known for their flexibility. Whether you need a garage to haul toys or to use as a second bedroom or office, here are the top-rated Keystone toy haulers.

Keystone Raptor Rating – 3.7 out of 5 stars from 58 reviews.
Keystone Fuzion Rating – 3.5 out of 5 stars from 69 reviews.

Keystone RVs to Avoid

Some Keystone RV models have a dismal rating due to issues like poor construction or fit and finish problems. Here are the Keystone RVs with the worst rating:

Keystone Hideout Travel Trailer Rating – 3.1 out of 5 stars from 88 reviews.
Keystone Passport Travel Trailer Rating – 3.1 out of 5 stars from 30 reviews.
Keystone Cougar Half-Ton 5th Wheel Rating – 3.2 out of 5 stars from 118 reviews.
Keystone Arcadia 5th Wheel Rating – 2.7 out of 5 stars from 13 reviews.
Keystone Impact Toy Hauler Rating – 2.7 out of 5 stars from 14 reviews.
Keystone Carbon Toy Hauler Rating – 3.1 out of 5 stars from 27 reviews.

Keystone RV Review: Exterior Construction

Keystone RV has two types of construction methods—a pinch-roll laminate exterior for mid and high-tier units, and aluminum panels for lower-end campers. Here’s an overview of Keystone’s construction techniques:

Keystone’s Chassis

Keystone RV has an in-house team of engineers that designs their own chassis and sends it to Lippert to be built. They design the chassis specific to each model of RV, allowing them to precisely match the floor plan requirements.

More importantly, the custom design beefs up the stress points, such as where the slide will sit. Expect a robust chassis that eliminates common failure points. Here are the main features of a Keystone 5th wheel chassis:

Rolled 10” or 12” one-piece I-beams to eliminate potential failure points from welding.
Steel Z-frame that comes all the way up to the front.
Full-width outriggers to provide complete support for sidewall weight.
Lightweight stamped steel cross-members to replace the traditional welded rod-and-angle construction.
Rotocast one-piece tanks that prevent the risk of failures from seams and glue.
Steel straps prevent tanks from expanding during transit and damaging the floor.
The patented MaxTurn™ bent-tube frame design enhances the turning radius without the need for welds.

Keystone Travel trailer chassis features:

The Chassis is also custom-engineered by Keystone and built by Lippert.
It’s powder-coated.
Has aluminum joists.
Comes with outriggers to support the wall’s weight.
Aluminum alloy wheels.
Receiver hitch.

Keystone’s Floor System

Keystone has also engineered a new-generation type of water-resistant, one-piece floor system they call the Hyperdeck. It’s made of 100% inorganic materials and is stronger, durable, and 25% lighter than traditional wood laminated flooring.

It features vinyl at the top, a high-density foam sandwiched between two fiberglass-reinforced polypropylene layers, and a protective film at the bottom to protect against road damage. This combination increases the floor’s strength, prevents soft spots, boosts insulation, dampens noise, and allows better screw retention to keep the build secure.

Other Features of Keystone RV’s Construction

These Keystone features are available in fifth wheels, travel trailers, and toy haulers.

Axles – Dexter axle leaf suspension system. Some mid-to-high-end models may also include road armor equalizer shock absorbers.
Underbelly – The underbelly is heated and enclosed with one-piece corrugated plastic and an aerofoil reflective insulation layer. Some entry-level options have exposed tanks.
Aluminum-Framed Laminate Walls – Mid-to luxury units have a fully and double-welded 2” aluminum framed wall system. Plus, pinch roll laminated walls, 2″ block foam insulation, luan, and a fiberglass phylon exterior.
Wood-Framed Walls – Lower-end models feature 2″ wood studs on 16″ centers, luan sheet, rolled fiberglass insulation, and 12″ aluminum pieces of paneling that are clicked together to shed water. The walls also have metal studs to screw things like cabinetry.
Slide-outs – The slide’s exterior is built with the same material as the exterior walls. Note that the slide’s side walls and roof are laminated in some models. All slides feature a flexible rubber seal on both the slide-out structure and the side wall.
Roof – Includes an aluminum bowed truss, OSB, fiberglass/foam insulation, and TPO. In mid-to-high-tier models, the roof is walkable and has a ladder. Some entry-level models have a wood truss structure.
Front Cap – Higher-end TT and fivers have a laminated fiberglass front cap while entry-level units feature an aluminum sheet. Most front caps also have a plastic rock guard. The rear wall can be laminated fiberglass or just aluminum panels.
Insulation – Block foam or fiberglass insulation. Some models, like the Montana have 4-season weather protection tested for 0 degrees use. However, there is no mention of the R-value.
Openings – Framed with aluminum or wood.
Other Features – Electric or hydraulic stabilizer jacks.

Notably, some Keystone models use a hybrid construction technique, which includes aluminum and wood on the walls and/or roof.

Keystone RV Review: Interior Features

Floor Plans – Keystone RV offer an outstanding variety of floor plans, catering to diverse preferences and needs of RV enthusiasts. Their extensive selection ensures that customers can find a layout that perfectly suits their lifestyle. Whether your priority is a spacious living area, multiple sleeping arrangements, or innovative storage solutions, there are literally over 100 floor plans to pick from.
Furniture – Like many other RV brands, Keystone RV furniture is of average quality. While the upper-tier models use solid wood, most of their TTs and fivers use particleboard. Further, expect synthetic fabrics like faux/vinyl for upholstery instead of real leather. There are even complaints about peeling sofas. The best thing is that the floor plan is engineered to allow furniture to fit through door, when the entire build is complete. This protects the pieces from damage during installation of other items. Also, owners can easily swap out the furniture without tearing things apart.
Joinery and Fastening – Keystone generally does a good job of putting together their sofas, dinettes, and tables. They use reinforced backers in anything that’s attached to the walls. However, there are plenty of issues regarding the shelves, cabinets, and hanging rods.
Cushioning and Mattress Comfort – Their dinette cushions range from 3-5 inches thick. Mattress are about 6” thick and less supportive, forcing many owners to replace them or use toppers.
Appliances and Electronics – Keystone uses components from various suppliers. Different model years may even have products from separate suppliers. Generally, supplied parts aren’t of the highest Keystone RV complaints. They often fail within the first few years. Expect brands like Dometic and Coleman.
Fit and Finish – Keystone RVs are frequently commended for their innovative designs and attractive interiors, which reflect a modern and user-friendly aesthetic. However, many customers have reported inconsistencies in the assembly quality, such as trim panels falling off and missing screws.
Bathroom – Expect plastic toilets in entry-level units and porcelain options in the luxury models. Their Dometic toilets have been a real problem for customers over the years with issues such as overflowing or not flushing.
Options – Impressively, Keystone offers many options, upgrades, or packages to choose from. If your budget allows, you can select an off-road, winter-ready, solar, WiFi, 4G LTE, outside TV, premium furniture, and high-performance climate-control upgrade.

Keystone RV Innovation

Keystone RV stands head and shoulders above its peers when it comes to innovation. It has a dedicated innovation lab with a skilled team of research and development engineers. They are responsible for pioneering cutting-edge features and design improvements that set new standards in the RV industry. Some of their best works include:

Custom-design chassis with beefed-up common problem areas.
100% composite Hyperdeck RV floor.
Multi-source signal controller that integrates over-the-air, satellite, and cable connections into a single access point.
iN-Command smart system that streamlines controls for lights, slides, water heater, HVAC, and awnings.
Advanced ducting that facilitates improved airflow throughout the camper and delivers 20% more cooling power.
Omni-Chill technology which allows 3 ACs to run simultaneously, creating 35% more cooling power.
Diffuser AC head that improves airflow by distributing cool air in a 360-degree pattern.
MaxTurn™ technology that gives your 5th wheel an additional 8″ of turning radius.
12V distribution center that organizes 12V wiring connections, including a disconnect option to prevent unwanted battery draw.
Tru-fit slide construction that’s more durable, resists leaks, and eliminates most motor structural stress.
Swing seats that get out of the way.
Hidden corner pantries.
Hitch Vision 5th wheel hook-up assist.
Patent-pending integrated weight sensing system that can measure the rig’s GVWR, CCC, and hitch percentage.
5-point weather-resistant windshield with spacious views.
Crawl space chassis that houses all mechanical systems in a dedicated and temperature-controlled cavity above the holding tanks.
Sleek front cap designed to conceal a TT’s LP tanks.

Keystone RV Quality Control

Does Keystone RV have a quality control process? According to them, they have a team of highly skilled QC personnel that oversee different models. They inspect plumbing, propane, electric, and mechanical systems, plus fit and finish.

In total, Keystone claims it performs over 50 quality checks, including daily destructive high-pressure tests to measure the strength of the sidewalls. Anything that isn’t up to standard is marked and corrected before moving to the next station. Notably, they have two pre-delivery inspection points before a unit is approved to leave the plant.

Some of their higher-end units are subjected to a high-tech system that pressurizes the interior to check for air leaks and identify other areas of concern. Before heading to the dealer, the units’ lug nuts are checked and torqued, and then the RV is weighed. The number on your sticker is exactly what the RV weighs.

But is Keystone RV’s quality control as great as the company says? Well, their quality control measures are better than many other manufacturers. However, there are still issues like misaligned components, poorly secured fixtures, incomplete sealing, and low-quality parts, especially in their entry-level campers. Moreover, their 2nd pre-delivery inspection only checks random units, not every camper.

Keystone RV Durability

Thanks to the decent build quality and sturdy super-structure, you can expect entry-level Keystone RVs to last at least 10 years. Their mid- and upper-tier models can last 15 to 25 years. Of course, preventative maintenance, indoor storage, proper winterization, and driving on good roads will help your camper have a longer service life.

Keystone RV Performance: Off-road, Winter, Full-time Living, and Boondocking

Keystone RVs are primarily designed for paved roads and well-developed RV parks. While they can handle occasional trips on gravel or dirt roads, it’s best to stick to well-maintained surfaces. Here’s how they perform in different settings:

Keystone RV Off-road Travel – Keystone offers very few models designed for off-road travel. Check out the Outback OBX. It has rugged independent suspensions, knobby mud tires, front rock guard, and front hitch bike rack.
Keystone RV Winter Camping – Keystone has models approved for zero-degree, 4-season living. Consider the Montana, Alpine, and Avalanche lineups. They have features like a heated and enclosed underbelly, a 35k BTU Furnace, 2 static attic vents, plus an Astro foil reflective layer on the roof, front, and rear walls. However, these units aren’t ideal for extremely cold temperatures and lack features like single-pane windows and insulation with a high R-value.
Keystone RVs Full Time Living – The Alpine and Montana High Country models have warranty coverage for full-time travelers. Owners appreciate the spacious layouts, high-quality appliances, residential-grade furnishings, ample storage, and advanced climate control. However, Keystone’s entry-and mid-level units are designed for occasional use, and lack the durability required for extended stays.
Keystone RV Boondocking – With a few upgrades, most Keystone campers can handle off-grid trips provided the access roads are in good condition. They have ample water and waste storage plus efficient power management systems. Select the company’s SolarFlex™solar system and battery upgrade to power your electronics. To run power-hungry items like the AC, furnace, and microwave, you’ll need a generator.

Keystone RV Warranty

Keystone offers a 1-year limited base warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship. Additionally, the brand has a 3-year limited structural warranty. The warranty is not transferable, so it’s only valid for the first retail owner. Some supplied components inside their RVs have longer warranties.

What makes Keystone stand out is their flexible warranty service. Apart from having repairs done at specific dealers, they can send you a part at no charge to install yourself or at another dealership. In addition, you can use other authorized Keystone service centers when traveling far from home. If there is no authorized dealer, they may allow you to work with other repair shops or mobile service companies.

But is Keystone RV warranty reliable? Yes, their coverage is generally considered reliable, but it can be frustrating at times. Approval and repair work sometimes takes too long, sometimes even months.

There are also frequent cases of denied claims. Overall, the company is reasonable if you push your case. They may even reimburse you monies spent on repairs under warranty. Just make sure you have detailed documentation, photos, and copies of receipts to increase your chances of approval.

Keystone RV Customer Service and Contacts

Unfortunately, Keystone RV’s Customer Support is inadequate. Many customers report delays in response times and challenges in getting timely assistance for their issues. Emails are more likely to go unanswered, so it’s better to call.

Surprisingly, some owners have attempted to contact Keystone, only to be informed that they do not deal directly with customers, but only through dealers. Worryingly, some of their dealers will often point back to Keystone, leaving customers stuck in a loop with no resolution.

To contact Keystone RV, you have a few options:

Phone: Reach Keystone RV customer service at +1 (866) 425-4369.
Online: Visit the official Keystone RV website and get in touch through their online form.

Keystone RV Expert Opinions

Here’s a glimpse of Keystone RV Quality based on reviews extracted from authoritative sites and resources. We’ve also included links to the sources.

It’s essential to recognize that dissatisfied consumers are often more motivated to leave feedback compared to satisfied ones. Their complaints can indeed dominate the majority of reviews, giving a skewed perception of the overall customer sentiment.

BBB Keystone RV Rating – On Better Business Bureau (BBB), a nonprofit organization that aims to promote trust and transparency between businesses and consumers, Keystone RV has a poor score of 1.2 out of 5 stars based on 115 customer reviews.
Pissed Consumer Keystone RV Rating – This is a website where consumers can post reviews and complaints about businesses, products, and services. Keystone has a rating of 1.7 stars from 720 customer reviews. Encouragingly, 50% of these unhappy owners say they are still likely to recommend Keystone RV to a friend.
Yelp Keystone RV Rating – On this review platform, Keystone has earned 2.0 out of 5 stars from 173 reviews.
Keystone RV Poll – According to this poll on Keystone Forums, 90.78% of 358 owners said they would buy from Keystone again. 9.22% said they wouldn’t.

NHTSA Keystone RV Recalls

Like other RV manufacturers, Keystone occasionally issues recalls to address specific safety and performance concerns. Keystone receives fewer recalls than brands like Forest River, Jayco, Winnebago, Grand Design, and Tiffin.

Still, their larger volume of RVs results in a proportionately higher number of recalls than smaller manufacturers. Recent Keystone recalls include issues like insufficient welding on the propane cylinder, a circuit board that overheats potentially causing a fire, and lack of an emergency exit window.

Keystone RV Reviews from Owners

Looking for Keystone RV opinions? Here are some positive and negative reviews with links to the forums.

Keystone RV Ownership Experience – Over one year in on our Keystone Bullet, currently on a two-week, 2000+-mile adventure and it’s perfect. I did have some problems when I first bought it (new) but everything was addressed within warranty. I looked at pretty much all manufacturers when buying and I didn’t see that much difference in quality, they’re all “not the best”.

Keystone Vs Forest River Review – We are very happy with our Springdale. Before buying a Keystone, we had a Forest River. After one year, we traded it in because there were so many problems with it. I believe the Spingdale is considered an entry-level, but it has some great features and we are much more comfortable with it than our Forest River.

Keystone RV Quality Review – We have owned it for just over two years and have pulled it around 25,000 miles. We have had some warranty work and some recall work done, none of which was done at our original dealer…I have done some work on the closet doors with assurances from a Keystone rep that I would be reimbursed; however, that person was never found again when I submitted my bill. All in all, however, our experience with Keystone has been positive. The trailer is well built, taking into consideration it has to be made as light as possible. If/when we replace this trailer, it most likely will be another Keystone product.

Keystone RV Review on Warranty Issues – I can say that our Laredo 294RK has been great. We had a few little warranty issues – nothing that stopped us from camping and like a previous poster said – your dealer is really important and we went with a mom & pop dealer instead of General RV or Camping World…We are about 60 miles from them but well worth the trip.

Keystone RV Denied Warranty – We purchased the 2020 Cougar 29RLKWE with the expectation of this being a higher-quality travel trailer. Much to our surprise, I was more than disappointed by its quality, livability, and specifically the warranty or lack thereof during Covid. We had ample communication with dealership with all documented, and still left to pay the repair bills. Recently, we had another issue with the floor, service manager where it was purchased told me they have seen this area fail many times. I spoke with Keystone and the dealership and mentioned what was said, denied, nothing they could do, out of warranty.

Keystone RV Quality Control – After being a proud owner of a 2003 Cougar 5th wheel for over 14 years with zero problems, we decided to purchase a new 2018 Cougar TT due to our past experience with Keystone. Wow, what a complete shock at the apparent total lack of pride, craftsmanship and quality control, not to mention customer service (which ended after the contract was signed). After the “maiden voyage” it went back to the dealer for almost two months, after waiting a month to get it in to be fixed. More than 10 discrepancies had to be corrected… The 2nd outing resulted in 15 more discrepancies, some of the more serious include, flooring coming up throughout the trailer and the A/C unit coming loose.

Keystone RV Craftmanship – We have a 2021 Montana High Country. The thing is so hastily put together. Week one the motor in the fireplace gave out, the sail switch for the furnace gave out after two months. Any and all paneling, trim, etc. was just shot with a brad nailer like the person doing it was drunk. The exterior porch lights literally melted right through the orange lens and had to be replaced with LED metal-housed units.

Keystone RV Dealerships – We are on our 4th Montana. All 4 have been relatively trouble-free. I have found the dealer makes the biggest difference in customer satisfaction. Have we had issues, yes. But when I do, I make an appointment at my dealer, pull in at 8:00 am, they have the parts and we pull out at the end of the day with everything fixed. On the few occasions it took longer, we stayed overnight at the dealer and they finished the next day.

Keystone RV Structural Issues – New unit. Hardly any miles on her and the walls are breaking, frame is breaking turns out the tires are not rated for the weight. Slide drags on floor. Dealership says faulty manufacturing. Keystone, who took weeks to return a call to us or the dealership says they did everything right and we must have gone off roading.

Keystone RV Built – Our Bullet Premier RP30I was our second Bullet purchase. Our first was a 2013 RB246 and we loved the unit, had great luck with it, and found the unit to be all that we expected and built to our satisfaction. We did not hesitate to move forward when we found a Premier that met our desires for a new larger floor plan! Looking forward to years of enjoyable camping in our new unit!

Keystone RV Pros and Cons

Like all RV manufacturers, Keystone RV has its pros and cons. Let’s check them out:

Keystone RV Pros

An improved chassis that’s engineered in-house and customized for each floor plan.
New custom composite water-resistant sub-floors that’s now standard in all models.
Mid to high-tier models have a solid aluminum superstructure instead of a wood frame.
Keystone RVs have very few structural issues.
Hundreds of brilliant floor plans that match the needs of all types of RVers.
Variety of price points.
Adoption or invention of newer, stronger, and lighter materials.
Keystone RV has a dedicated innovation lab with engineers who spearhead the creation of new equipment and technology.
A Dedicated 250,000 sq ft climate-controlled facility for building sidewalls.
Extensive customer support resources on their website and app, including RVing tips, DIY guides, and inspiring stories from the road.
Lots of convenient additions, like solar, battery, residential appliances, generator, and extra awnings.
Standard electric stabilizer jacks.
Keystone community and events.
The company welcomes factory tours.
They have a product advisor who can answer questions and help you find just the right Keystone RV for you and your family.

Keystone RV Cons

Use of low-quality components and materials.
Poor response to customers after the sale.
Warranty work takes too long, sometimes months.
Keystone RV often disputes warranty claims.
Reliance on dealer network for repairs, service, and communication with customers.
Entry-level models don’t have a solid construction. The assembly in these units seems rushed with little quality control.
Recent models have plenty of workmanship issues, like trim falling off, parts installed backwards, and plumbing leaks.
Some fifth wheel owners complain that their frame is flexing or the wall studs are broken.
Their campers have limited off-road capabilities.
Keystone RVs don’t hold their value well.

Common Keystone RV Issues and Complaints

Here are common Keystone RV problems often reported by owners. Many of them related to inferior components/equipment and poor assembly.

Roof leaking, delaminating, or caving in.
Crown molding, trim plate, backsplash panel, door handles, switches, and fan blades coming off.
Sidewall water damage.
Insufficient caulking causing leaks.
Toilet waste overflowing into the bowl.
Leaks in the gray tank, cargo door, under slide out, and under sink.
Thermostat failure.
Oven is difficult to start.
Doors not staying closed.
Dometic A/C unit failing and no heat from furnace.
Fridge quit or the control board died.
Water pump cycling on and off when on.
Showerhead cracked or its water controls came loose.
Cabinets falling off and missing or loose screws and bolts.
Circuit breakers and 12v fuses are mis-marked.
Slide out not working or not level.
Stabilizer jacks bending or not working.
Cracked ladder.
Black tank flush not working.
Running lights not working.
Gas regulator leaking propane.
Warranty claim ignored, then told my warranty ended.

Keystone RV Shopping Tips

Here are some helpful tips when buying a Keystone RV:

Finding a helpful dealer is more important than finding one with the lowest prices. Look for a dealer that will go the extra mile for you on warranty issues.
Take a detailed inspection checklist with you as you inspect the RV with the dealer. Note down what’s working and what’s not.
Don’t just take the dealership’s word for it. Insist on the full 120-minute RV inspection to ensure that all parts, equipment, and systems are in good working condition. And make sure they hook it up.
Look for cracks, leaks, and missing caulk/sealant on the roof, sidewalls, windows, and doors. Check for rust in the frame and plumbing connections.
Document the entire inspection process in case you have a warranty dispute.
After inspection, ensure every issue you found is fixed to your satisfaction before you sign on the dotted line. This will help you avoid dealing with manufacturer support later on, which is lacking.
Camp more often the first couple of months to increase your chances of finding new issues before the warranty expires.
Consider a factory tour to the Keystone facility that manufactures your preferred RV model to assess the construction process.
Only consider Keystone units with a laminate exterior and an aluminum wall frame.

Keystone RV FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about Keystone RV:

Does Keystone RV Offer Financing Options?

No, Keystone RV does not offer direct financing. However, many authorized dealers provide financing options through various lenders.

Where Can I Find Keystone RV Parts?

Keystone RV components can be purchased at any authorized dealer or service center. Amazon and some online RV parts stores can also supply you with parts.

Who are Keystone RV Competitors?

Keystone’s direct competitors are Forest River, Jayco, KZ, Coachmen, and Winnebago. For options that have better quality, check out Grand Design, Brinkley RV, Northwood, and Outdoors RV.

Final Verdict: Is Keystone RV a Good Brand?

With very few structural issues, Keystone’s RV is a reliable brand. Its advanced construction techniques, constant design improvements, and innovative features make it one of the better RV brands. However, like other RV builders, the company still falls short in several areas.

For instance, their entry-level models often do not utilize the best construction techniques and materials, resulting in lower durability and quality compared to their higher-end offerings. Keystone’s customer service also leaves a lot to be desired, with owners reporting difficulties in getting timely assistance.

All things considered, buying a mid-to-high-tier Keystone RV is a worthwhile investment.