Great West Vans reviews

As I'm reading reviews while searching for our next RV, I decided it would be worthwhile to share our experience with our current camper. New to the camping world, we purchased our first trailer in 2021- a brand new Alta 2600KRB. We did extensive research on these and this floorplan with the giant rear bathroom was scarce to say the least. We took a chance on a covid model and apparently got an absolute gem compared to some of the others we've heard stories about. Our only experience utilizing the factory warranty was when the solar panel controller fried our battery, which we were later told was wired incorrectly from the factory. One of the LED nosecap lights was dead when we bought it, but we used it so infrequently that we chose to ignore that until the battery issue necessitated involving the manufacturer. East to West gave us no problems getting the battery replaced and wiring corrected, as well as replacing the nose cap light. Our refrigerator also failed, but it was after the 1 year warranty expired. Home Depot makes a residential that looks identical and fits in the exact footprint of the original, for about 1/4 the cost. Its been in there working flawlessly for the last 3 years now. We also replaced the china bomb tires with Goodyear Endurances the first chance we got. They just looked and felt cheap, but we were lucky enough to experience no blowouts in the 1200ish miles we had them before we could replace. In the nearly 4 years of ownership and 6500+ miles we have towed this trailer, these are the only issues we have experienced. Owning an RV requires a general understanding of the hurricane-like violence that the unit goes through everytime you drag it down the highyway and expecting to need to tack trim pieces back on every once in a while, or tighten a fitting here and there. We made this purchase expecting to see some quality issues based on the other reviews of covid-made units, but have been more than pleasantly surprised. We are now looking to upgrade to a 5th wheel for the extra space needed for longer/farther trips, and based on our experience with our Alta, we are looking at East to West 5th wheel options first. Show less

I have owned three different travel trailers over the years. Each by a different manufacturer. This trailer is the best built, most comfortable, free from problems, easy to set up and use, trailer I have owned. It tows so easily with an F150 or similar vehocle. It is in mint condition, and it comes with an anti-sway, load-bearing hitch, as well as everything else needed for your trip. Show less

This trailer hits the sweet spot in terms of space and functionality. The queen-sized bed is comfortable, with ample storage around it, and the large windows provide great natural light. The living area is spacious enough for lounging and eating, with a convertible couch and dinette. The TV is perfectly placed for viewing from both, and the air conditioning and heating system kept me comfortable year-round. The kitchen offers enough counter space for cooking, and the appliances (fridge, stove, oven, microwave) are well-suited for preparing meals. The bathroom is compact but functional, with a decent-sized shower and storage for toiletries. The 26KRB proved to be a reliable home on wheels. The trailer tows easily, even in windy conditions, and the construction feels solid. The axles and suspension have held up well, and the exterior still looks great. The electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems performed flawlessly. The air conditioning is efficient, the furnace keeps me warm in winter, and the hot water heater works without a hitch. Towing it with a half-ton truck was no problem; it tracked well on the road. The brakes, tires, and bearings have all been reliable. After using the trailer for roughly 6-8 months, I can confidently recommend the 2020 Silver Lake 26KRB to anyone looking for a comfortable, reliable, and practical travel trailer. It's a well-built unit that balances comfort and functionality without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a solo traveler or a couple, the layout is perfect for long stays. It’s not the most luxurious RV out there, but it offers everything you need to live comfortably on the road. The reliability and low maintenance make it a great option for full-time RVers or anyone planning extended stays. Show less

The RV is like brand new and smells brand new. We have used it appx 40 days within in the 2 yrs that we have owned it. Very spacious and comfortable for large single family with children. The children have a private room and lots of space to play games and sleep. Perfect to welcome guest to sleep over and have their own private area as well as a Master KING size bed and private room. Comes equipped with 2 A/C units and all perks included such as 4 Color tv WALL hung and surround sound stereo system. Show less

We bought the fifth wheel from Camping World in Tampa. It was a three-hour drive to the park. The kitchen slider would not extend. The nut for the rod was off. After opening by hand I was ready to go. Hooked to water up and every fitting was leaking. Camping World said make an appointment to make repairs. They would send a Tech. but I would have to pay for the Tech to come out. I made the repairs myself. I would think twice before dealing with either company. Show less

Size and drive ability is superior. Floorplan and storage is superb. Workmanship, quality and durability of the unit and its components is the worst. Bought it brand new from dealer. During the 10 months I owned it, it was in the shop more than I had it out on the road for the following failures: Heater would not turn off due to staple in the wire during manufacture causing a short. End caps of the awning fell off on the road. Awning out of alignment due to lack of set screw at one end. Undercabinet dinette light did not work. Exterior storage compartment locks did not lock. Exterior rubber seal around bedroom slideout was tearing off. Backup and sideview cameras failed after 8 months. Front end alignment was out from day one. Passenger seat airbag sensor wiring was not connected or functioning. Cracked valve stem extensions on rear wheels causing tires to go flat frequently. Customer service at East to West was very difficult to work with and kept passing the alignment issue back to Ford. In the end it was East to West responsibility to recheck the front end alignment after the rv build. This unit was a horrible experience overall and I would never recommend East to West or Forest River products to anyone. Show less

After four years of ownership and 50,000 miles of travel, I cannot say enough positive things about this van. The Mercedes platform and engine is just wonderful. It is super comfortable to drive for long distances and has very predictable handling, even in high cross wind situations. The 6-cylinder turbo diesel has ample power for highway speeds and hill climbing. The interior build quality is top grade as Leisure Travel Vans uses excellent components and thoughtfully and skillfully installs the cabinetry, plumbing and wiring. Some of the many design features that I really appreciate is there are no overhead cabinets above the driver and passenger seats, making it much easier to move from the driver’s area to the back of the van. I also appreciate how the integrated gray/black water dump tubing that tucks away hidden behind the driver’s side ground effects body skirt. When it is time to dump the tanks, the tubing just pulls out of the integrated container tube and stretches to the RV dump facility fitting. What may be a messy process with other RVs could not be cleaner or easier with the Free Spirit. Show less

I purchased this RV (brand new) in April 2024. I tried to use it for the first time on July 9, 2024. (1) the converter was defective (replaced by dealer); (2) microwave was dead (dealer claims to have back ordered a new one); (3) hot water heater was not working - Ca error. After fiddling with both propane tanks, and several days, it finally started working. However, it occasionally stops working. (4) the device indicating the battery/solar status continually gives an E01 error code indicating no charging; (5) the awning motor extends the awning, but fails to retract. I have replaced the motor but it still has difficulty retracting. I have to manually retract about 50% of the way and then the motor will slowly retract the awning. (6) The dealer was initially responsive. Now no calls are returned. I do not know if these problems are due to shoddy construction or lack of quality control before shipping. It is ridiculous that I have a brand new unit that I was taking out on my first trip and was confronted with numerous things that were broken or did not work. I liked the layout of the unit and imagine that if things worked as they were supposed to, it would be well worth it. However, I cannot recommend this unit to anyone. Show less

We just purchased our 2025 Blackthorn 26RD despite negative reviews on other East to West RV's. We chose this model because it was the only model with a king bed and low pin weight out of all the manufacturers. After picking it up from the dealer we spent 2 nights in a FHU campground. We tested all functions except the freshwater pump. We towed it home and put it in storage for a few months due to my upcoming surgery. The only problem we found was a drawer below the refrigerator wouldn't stay closed during towing. A simple fix. I gave 4 stars on Livability because the cabinets over the head of the bed could be a little higher, so I don't hit my head. I gave 4 stars on Floor Plan because I can't access the bathroom, bedroom or heater/AC controls with the slide in. I rated Factory Warranty/Support 5 stars, however we haven't needed any Warranty Support. If support needed any Forest River Service Center can provide support. Show less

To whom it may concern, I would not recommend this camper to any person the east west Tundra We've had nothing but problems with it from the day we bought it The 1st year Are Galley tank tank Overflowed, Then they told us that the air conditioner bedroom worked so we didn't working it right What do I know I'm just an ownerowner! So that year we took it they had it all winter we should take your time fix the galley tank underneath overflowing outside we want it all fixed the right way check our air conditioner And They had it all winner Until April. Should we go pick our camper up It's not fixed Nothing is fixed I had it all winter so it's your fault you didn't have the parts Couldn't get the parts from The manufacturer. We get our camper back they used our brand new camper for parts for other campers Now we get it back again and the scene breaks And floods the whole kitchen It takes off Compressed board Around the island so now it's all full of water And then I forgot the most important thing too we get our camper and there's a pc of the floor missing we bought it from the lot So the people that seem the camper liked it but they like the color of the floor and cut the pice of the floor out of our camper wasn't that nice of them. Well I'm really not afraid to leave you my name my name is Vivian ELAND. I really do not like your camper at all I would not recommend it to anyone our next step is to our lawyer so sorry to say Hopefully we can get something done for an $80,000 camper PS never buy this product Show less