A Guide to Mini Motorhomes

DO LARGE CLASS A BUSES come to mind when you think of motorhomes? Me, too. But what if we told you there was a world of mini motorhomes that don’t make you feel like you are the captain of a cruise ship every time you hit the highway? 

Mini, meet motorhomes. While pint-size varies depending on RV class, we’ll help you discover the best in petite motorhomes. Hop on into the driver’s CAB, and let’s take a ride through your Class C, A, and B mini motorhome options.

Key Takeaways

• Mini motorhomes defined: These compact RVs are shorter versions of Class A (under 27’), Class C (under 21’), and Class B (under 18’) models. They offer better maneuverability, fuel efficiency, and access to more campsites while still providing essential amenities.
• Highlighted models: Standouts include the Coleman 19EZF, Eddie Bauer 19EDF, and Freedom Elite 19HE (mini Class Cs), the Freedom Traveler A24 (mini Class A), and compact Class Bs like the Freedom Elite 17D, Eddie Bauer 18EB, Scope 18M, and Coleman 17D. Each balances compact design with practical layouts, from convertible sleeping areas to wet baths and storage solutions.
• Buying options: Used models and modern alternatives can be found at Camping World dealerships or RV marketplaces. Filters by length, type, and condition help you pinpoint the right mini motorhome. 

What Is a Mini Motorhome?

To call a motorhome “mini” depends on which type you’re talking about. Obviously, all Class B motorhomes are “mini” compared to Class A RVs. So, what can be considered mini for each class?

Miniature motorhomes offer the ideal combination of maneuverability and fuel efficiency, with floor plans that still provide ample space for your essentials for RV living. They let you navigate tighter roads, fit in more campsites, and open up last-minute travel options without the dreaded “Will I fit?” question hanging over your head. 

Mini Class C Motorhomes Under 21 Feet

C is for Cabover. Class C motorhomes are most recognizable by their signature bunk over the driving cab. If you’ve been to a national park recently, chances are you’ve seen several Class C motorhomes. They are the Goldilocks of RVs for most people. Not too big, not too small, just right! 

Coleman 19EZF & Eddie Bauer 19EDF

Eddie Bauer Interior

Specs

• Length: 20’5”
• GVWR: 11,500 pounds
• Engine: 7.3L V8
• Sleeping Capacity: Up to 3

Starting with two popular names in the camping world, Coleman and Eddie Bauer offer their variation on this mini Class C motorhome. But first, let’s kick things off with what these two RVs have in common–their floor plan.

The Coleman 19EZF and Eddie Bauer 19EDF feature a compact but well-designed interior layout. Each RV has a large U-shaped dinette where you can eat, relax, or convert it to an extra sleeping space. A few steps away, the kitchen is fully equipped with a 2-burner gas stove featuring a glass cover, a microwave/air fryer combo, and a flip-up countertop extension that increases your meal prep area. 

The wet bath features a foot-flush toilet that drains into a 16-gallon waste holding tank equipped with a black tank flush system. The shower features a large overhead skylight, allowing you to relax with endless hot water from the tankless water heater. 

This mini motorhome has a 13,500 BTU air conditioner, a 30-amp shoreline power cord, and a 50-state-compliant 4,000-watt dual-fuel generator to fuel on and off-grid adventures. Freedom Motorhomes might consider increasing the fresh and gray water storage capacity in future versions, as these tanks only hold up to 20 gallons of fresh water and 17 gallons of gray water. 

Key Differences

Essentially, it comes down to which suits your style better. The Eddie Bauer lineup features one option for exterior graphics, making you recognizable at any campground you visit. The interior features soft beige flooring, leather, and bedding with some warmer wood accents. The primary cabinet color is a gorgeous soft green with gold hardware. 

The Coleman lineup has two exterior design options: standard graphics and an upgrade to partial paint graphics. You’ll find cool gray flooring, furniture, cabinets, and bedding inside. If you want a monochromatic look that showcases your personality, this might be the RV for you. 

Personally, I’m going with the Eddie Bauer, but you let us know your favorite in the comments!

Freedom Elite 19HE

Specs

• Length: 20’5” (Ford) | 20’11” (Chevy)
• GVWR: 11,500 pounds (Ford) | 12,399 pounds (Chevy)
• Engine: 7.3L V8 (Ford) | 6.0L V8 (Chevy)
• Sleeping Capacity: Up to 3

If you like those Coleman and Eddie Bauer motorhomes, the Freedom Elite 19HE is virtually identical, but you’ll find wider availability on two different chassis: the Ford E-Series or a Chevy truck chassis. These mini Class C RVs boast gas engines, but the Chevy gives you more horsepower and torque. Even with that difference, both have an 8,000-pound towing capacity. Boat owners, rejoice! 

You’ve already seen the layout, so let’s list some additional features of this mini motorhome:

• Vacuum-bond laminated roof, walls, and floors with block foam insulation
• 11-foot powered awning with LED lighting
• 20.2-cubic-foot exterior storage compartment
• 32” Smart TV with manual swivel in cabover

A Mini Class A Motorhome Under 27 Feet

Class A RVs are the “classic” silhouette with a large bus shape, flat front, and wide panoramic windshield. They are built on heavy-duty commercial chassis and often feature large interior footprints. This mini Class A RV under 26 feet packs everything you need, letting you roll into the campground more easily than a 40-foot RV. 

Freedom Traveler A24

Specs

• Length: 25’8”
• GVWR: 12,500 pounds
• Engine: 7.3L V8
• Sleeping Capacity: Up to 4

Big motorhomes are not my preference, so I was excited to see the Freedom Traveler A24. At just under 26 feet, this is drivable for everyday folks without requiring a commercial vehicle license and a “wide right turns” warning sticker on your bumper.

Class A motorhomes are usually built on heavier chassis, but Freedom transformed a Ford E-Series chassis into a Class A build for this mini RV. This makes the RV more affordable while still being powerful. 

The rear bedroom features two twin beds that easily convert into a full-width king bed. The 27” x 27” shower features a skylight for extra headroom, and the bathroom doors provide ample privacy.

Despite being a mini motorhome, the Freedom Traveler A24 has a driver’s side slide with a 66” pull-out sofa bed. The removable pedestal table easily transforms the sofa into a dining space. 

The kitchen features a 2-burner range with a glass cover and a round sink. Counterspace is limited in this RV, but the sink cover and pop up countertop extension give campers more prep space. 

The 15,000-BTU air conditioner keeps you cool in the summer, while the 35,000-BTU furnace provides warmth for colder climates. And the 41-gallon fresh water tank will keep you going in and out of campsites for some time.

If I were in the market for a Class A motorhome, this mini version would be at the top of my list. 

Class B Mini Motorhomes Under 18 Feet

Class B RVs are already the smallest of the motorhome lineup. Most Class B motorhomes are built on a standard cargo van chassis or a cutaway chassis, making them the most similar to a standard vehicle. But even this class of already petite motorhomes has a mini category! The measure is just under 18 feet, and this is my favorite motorhome class because they are perfect for boondocking, urban camping, and navigating tight mountain roads. 

Freedom Elite 17D

Specs

• Length: 17’11”
• GVWR: 8,550 pounds
• Engine: 3.6L V6
• Sleeping Capacity: Up to 4 (with optional pop-top tent)

Ready to lock in on adventure in a micro-mini Class B? The Freedom Elite 17D might be perfect for you. This compact motorhome packs the essentials into a chassis that won’t have you re-routing due to vehicle length restrictions on roads.

Space-saving techniques and storage are a high priority in Class B motorhomes, so Freedom Motorhomes designed the 47” x 75” bed to flip up, revealing a MEGA-Storage^TM garage below. The dinette benches feature seatbelts for additional passengers and convert into a small bed for overnight guests. 

The kitchen has a single-door 12V refrigerator and a portable induction cooktop, making it easy to prepare meals on the go. If you need extra prep space, the removable lagun table system is easy to set up. 

New to the Freedom Elite 17D is the option to upgrade to a pop-top tent, allowing you to comfortably sleep four or utilize your MEGA-Storage^TM area for larger gear instead of a bedroom. 

My one qualm with this RV is that it only has a cassette toilet. A dedicated bathroom space is something that I will always want in an RV. If that’s not a dealbreaker for you, then give the Freedom Elite 17D a look!

Eddie Bauer 18EB & Scope 18M

Scope Interior

Specs

• Length: 17’11”
• GVWR: 9,050 pounds
• Engine: 3.6L V6
• Sleeping Capacity: Up to 2

Do you want a mini camper van with a full wet bath? The Eddie Bauer 18EB and Scope 18M deliver. This Class B RV is an excellent option for couples or solo travelers seeking a motorhome under 18 feet, yet with all the features of a larger Class B van. 

The rear wet bath features a pull-down sink with hot water, a medicine cabinet, a 5-gallon cassette toilet, and a shower. The space also doubles as a wardrobe, complete with a full closet featuring a hanging bar for shirts and jackets. 

The kitchen has a two-burner stove, microwave, stainless steel sink, and a 12-volt refrigerator with freezer space. If you need an extra working surface, just flip up the countertop extension. 

The pull-out sofa converts to a 72” x 47” bed, slightly smaller than a full-size bed. If you like to “starfish” in your sleep, this might not be the couple’s camper of your dreams. But for couples that don’t mind tight quarters, this is comfortable enough for two. 

Key Differences

The differences come down to styling. The Eddie Bauer model has signature finishes, including a soft beige interior and Green Cadiz Oak for the primary cabinetry color. 

The Scope has two interior options: Alpine White, a cool-toned gray styling, or Coastal Cream with soft beige finishes. I have a personal vendetta against cool-toned gray—story for another time—so Coastal Cream would be my choice.  

Find a camper van with solar panels from one of these two brands.

Coleman 17D

Specs

• Length: 17’11”
• GVWR: 8,550 pounds
• Engine: 3.6L V6
• Sleeping Capacity: Up to 2

As mentioned, the Coleman 17D has a floor plan identical to the Freedom Elite model above. The main difference is availability, but you might also prefer Coleman’s exterior graphics and interior decor over the look of the Freedom Elite. Like that model’s floor plan, the Coleman brand will offer this layout with an optional pop-top in 2026—ideal for van life families or anyone who needs extra sleeping space.

So, let’s cover some of the additional specs of the 17D:

• 16-gallon fresh water tank
• 11-gallon gray water tank
• Touchscreen dash radio
• “Wood Panel” inspired ceiling
• Mesh overhead lockers on L-track system for customizable storage
• Group 31 house batteries (x2) with 3,000-watt house inverter
• Rear shower  

Does Anyone Still Make a Toyota Mini Motorhome?

The iconic Toyota Dolphin was one of the earliest micro-mini Class C motorhomes to hit the market in the 1970s. It was originally manufactured on a Toyota “Strong Cab” chassis by National RV. Although production of the Dolphin stopped in the early 1990s, many RVs still draw inspiration from this pioneer of the RV industry. 

If you are overseas in Thailand, you’re in luck. The new Toyota Hilux Champ is a micro-mini RV built by Carryboy. Although unavailable in the US, I hope more manufacturers take inspiration from these overseas RV companies.

Another concept option was the Tacozilla, built by Complete Customs in McKinney, TX. This retro-inspired overlander is honestly the camper of my dreams. Hey, Toyota, I’m waiting for you to add this to your line-ups.

Unfortunately, if you want the convenience of a micro-mini RV like this, your best bet is a traditional pickup truck camper on the chassis of your choice. 

Where Can I Find Used Mini Motorhomes?

You can easily find used mini motorhomes at Camping World dealerships nationwide. If you want something different, like the Gulf Stream Vista Cruise or the iconic Toyota Dolphin, it’s best to use filters when browsing RV shopping sites. Narrow your search with desired length, condition, and motorhome type to find the perfect mini motorhome for your next adventure. 

If I were choosing from this list, I would select the Eddie Bauer 19EDF. Normally, I’m all for camper vans, but the 19EDF impressed me with its versatile layout in a compact frame.

If these seem a little too small, consider these other compact motorhome options:  

• Check out Class B+ campers if you want something between Classes B and C.
• These Class C campers aren’t quite micro, but are still under 25 feet.
• If you don’t need a motorhome, check out these small teardrop campers. 

Which mini motorhome would you choose?