IF THERE’S ONE RV FEATURE that’s clearly having a moment in 2026, it’s the side patio. What was once a niche upgrade found mostly on toy haulers is now reshaping the design of fifth wheels and travel trailers. From luxury full-timers to weekend-friendly layouts, side patios are redefining outdoor living by making it easier, more usable, and more connected to the heart of the RV. As manufacturers continue to prioritize how people actually camp, side patios are quickly becoming more than a trend—they’re setting a new standard for indoor-outdoor living.
Key Takeaways
- Mainstream Evolution: Once a niche feature reserved for toy haulers, side patios have become a standard for 2026, appearing across various fifth wheels and travel trailers to meet high buyer demand for integrated indoor-outdoor living.
- Design and Tech Synergy: Advances in lightweight, durable bi-fold and electric patio systems now allow manufacturers to add these decks without sacrificing structural integrity or increasing the RV’s total length.
- Enhanced Livability: Unlike rear patios, side patios connect directly to the main kitchen or living areas, creating a seamless flow for entertaining and daily use while leaving the rear garage (in toy haulers) fully functional.
Why Are We Seeing More RVs with Side Patios?
If you’ve attended an RV show in late 2025, you’ve likely noticed one feature popping up again and again: side patios. Once reserved almost exclusively for toy haulers, this outdoor living upgrade is now showing up in fifth wheels and even select travel trailers for the 2026 model year.
The shift makes sense. Side patios expand usable living space without increasing an RV’s length, creating a true indoor/outdoor flow that feels intentional rather than add-on. When paired with large, sliding glass doors, these designs seamlessly connect the kitchen or main living area to the outdoors, making it easier to cook, relax, and entertain while remaining connected to nature—or your campground neighbors.
Advances in patio component technology have also made this feature more practical for manufacturers to incorporate. Today’s electric and bi-fold patio systems are lighter, more durable, and more compact than earlier versions, allowing builders to engineer them into traditional fifth wheel floor plans without sacrificing structural integrity.
Just as important, buyer demand is driving the trend. RV families are prioritizing outdoor living more than ever, and manufacturers, such as Forest River, are responding by collaborating directly with real RVing families and influencers to design models that cater to how people actually camp. Features like electric side patios are no longer niche—they’re becoming must-haves!
With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at our favorite fifth wheel RVs with a side patio, and how each one puts this outdoor living concept to work.
Our Favorite 5th Wheel RVs with a Side Patio
From compact, couple-friendly layouts to family-focused floor plans and full-time luxury rigs, today’s patio-equipped fifth wheels offer very different takes on indoor-outdoor living. We’ve ranked our favorite 5th wheels with side patios, highlighting what makes each one stand out—and why it might be the right fit depending on how you camp.
Forest River Sabre 37RVMILES
Specs
- Length: 43’
- Dry Weight: 13,613 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 2,757 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 8
If we had to crown a model that checks the most boxes, the Sabre 37RVMILES would be tough to beat. Compared to smaller patio-equipped fifth wheels, this Sabre delivers a bigger, more flexible layout that’s especially well-suited for families or RVers who travel with guests. Its side patio with a covered, retractable awning feels like a true outdoor living room—one that flows naturally from the interior rather than feeling like an afterthought.
Inside, the Sabre leans hard into smart, everyday usability. The kitchen stands out with abundant storage, including a dedicated K-Cup station, space for a full-size trash can, and cleverly hidden storage throughout—details that frequent RVers will appreciate more than flashy finishes.
The living area features a large sectional that converts into extra sleeping space, paired with a fireplace and an oversized 70” TV, making it one of the most entertainment-friendly layouts in this roundup. Add in the rear bonus room, built-in projectors in both the bedroom and rear bonus space, and thoughtful touches like upgraded climate protection for safer extended-season camping, and it’s easy to see why the 37RVMILES rises to the top for versatility.
Alliance Paradigm 388SP
Specs
- Length: 40’11”
- Dry Weight: 15,528 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 3,472 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 4
The Paradigm 388SP lands squarely in the sweet spot between luxury, livability, and outdoor connection. Compared to larger, heavier fifth wheels, it feels more approachable, while still offering a thoughtfully designed side patio that truly complements the interior layout rather than competing with it.
Inside, the bright kitchen, with its generous counterspace and pantry storage, flows naturally into a warm, inviting living area that remains visually connected to the patio just outside. The private bedroom features well-organized wardrobe storage and a dedicated washer and dryer closet—facilities that make longer trips feel easier and more comfortable.
With its strong cargo capacity and an overall layout that feels intentional from end to end, the 388SP is an excellent choice for RVers seeking a refined indoor-outdoor experience without compromising on size or complexity.
Grand Design Solitude 414LJMJ
Images by Grand Design
Specs
- Length: 42’10”
- Dry Weight: 19,000 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 4,500 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 6
The Solitude 414LJMJ is built for RVers who don’t just camp—they live on the road. Compared to lighter, weekend-focused models, this Solitude emphasizes residential comfort, cargo capacity, and long-term usability. Its expansive side patio adds a relaxing outdoor extension that feels especially valuable during extended stays.
Inside, multiple slide-outs create a wide-open living area with plush seating and a kitchen designed for serious use, featuring ample counterspace and pantry storage. Sleeping up to six, the layout works well for families, visiting guests, or full-timers who want dedicated space to spread out. With one of the highest cargo capacities in this lineup, the 414LJMJ is ideal for RVers who pack heavy and stay put longer—without sacrificing outdoor living.
Keystone Sprinter 3950SSP
Specs
- Length: 43’4”
- Dry Weight: 13,770 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 2,230 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 8
The Sprinter 3950SSP is an exciting new fifth wheel that introduces a side patio with a bonus room and a loft to the 2026 Sprinter lineup, providing campers with a flexible outdoor living space directly off the main cabin. It’s a great choice for families or groups who want room to spread out—both inside and out.
Its robust construction features a 100” wide-body frame with full-width outriggers and MaxTurn™ technology for improved towing stability. Inside, you’ll find residential finishes with deep kitchen drawers, a single-basin sink, and plenty of counterspace to make camp cooking easy and comfortable. The living area features an L-shaped sofa, a cozy electric fireplace, and a 65” TV to relax in front of after a day of outdoor adventure.
A bonus loft space adds versatility for storage or additional sleeping capacity, while a dedicated outdoor convenience center and optional outdoor TV hookup help make the patio a true extension of your living space. With thoughtful touches throughout and a layout geared toward comfort and flexibility, this Sprinter 5th wheel stands out as a compelling patio-equipped fifth wheel for 2026.
Forest River Sabre 33RLP
Images by Camping World
Specs
- Length: 39’5”
- Dry Weight: 11,948 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 2,747 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 4
If the 37RVMILES is about maximizing space, the Sabre 33RLP is all about efficiency. Shorter and lighter than many other RVs on this list, it proves you don’t need a massive fifth wheel to enjoy side-patio living. Its retractable patio deck connects directly to the rear living area, making the outdoor space feel intentional and easy to use—perfect for couples who prioritize relaxation over extra sleeping capacity.
Inside, the rear living layout creates a cozy, residential feel with an L-shaped sectional, fireplace, and well-placed entertainment center. The kitchen punches above its weight with a residential-style oven, air fryer microwave, and large 12V refrigerator, while the front bedroom keeps things simple and comfortable with a camper king bed and washer/dryer prep.
Compared to larger patio models, the 33RLP trades guest space for maneuverability and simplicity, making it a standout choice for couples who want premium features in a more manageable size.
Keystone Montana 3532SP
Specs
- Length: 39’2”
- Dry Weight: 14,405 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 2,095 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 4
The Montana 3532SP will feel instantly familiar to long-time luxury fifth wheel fans—and that’s a good thing. Compared to more experimental layouts, this Montana model adheres to a classic rear living design while incorporating a powered side patio that enhances the experience without altering it. The result is a fifth wheel that feels refined, comfortable, and easy to settle into.
Inside, the rear living room offers a mix of hide-a-bed seating and powered theater chairs, making it ideal for couples who occasionally host guests. The mid-kitchen includes a standout pantry with sliding glass doors and a residential refrigerator with a built-in ice maker standard—details that reinforce Montana’s reputation for upscale living.
While it doesn’t sleep as many people as some of the more family-oriented models on this list, the 3532SP shines for RVers who want premium indoor comfort paired with an outdoor patio they’ll actually use.
Keystone Coleman Legacy 2800SUNDECK
Specs
- Length: 32’11”
- Dry Weight: 9,195 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 2,405 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 2
The Coleman Legacy 2800SUNDECK is one of the most compelling value-driven fifth wheel RVs we’ve seen with a true fold-out side patio. Designed primarily for couples, this half-ton–friendly layout offers a smart blend of indoor comfort, outdoor living, and everyday usability—without straying into luxury price territory.
Along the rear wall, Keystone combined the sink and pantry areas with a desk area to meet your remote work needs. The single slide-out on the off-camp wall boasts a three-burner cooktop, an air fryer, a 16-cubic-foot 12-volt refrigerator, and cozy theater seating.
We also love the bar top seating as the primary dining space in this side patio 5th wheel. The electric fireplace is positioned at the end of the bar top to keep your feet warm while cuddling on the theater seats. Plus, there’s a large TV in the entertainment center above it. Other stand-out features include a dedicated coffee nook, a living area pantry with washer/dryer prep, and a 16-foot exterior awning that provides shade from the entry door over the entire fold-out side patio.
Is There a Travel Trailer with a Side Patio Deck?
A growing number of travel trailers are adopting side patios in creative ways—ranging from destination-style layouts for extended stays to more compact, adventure-ready designs. These side patio trailers prove that you don’t need a massive rig to enjoy patio-style camping. You just need the right floor plan.
Forest River Timberwolf 27MDK
Specs
- Length: 32’11”
- Dry Weight: 9,980 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 1,510 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 6
The Timberwolf 27MDK features not one, but two RV side patios, transforming your campsite into a true outdoor living space with prime sunset views. As a destination trailer, the Timberwolf feels almost like a tiny vacation home on wheels, complete with an RV king bed in the rear private suite and a queen-loft overhead for extra sleeping space.
Its roomy floor plan centers around an L-shaped sofa and fireplace, providing a cozy gathering spot that’s ideally paired with those patio doors for optimal indoor-outdoor living. Unlike some smaller travel trailers that treat patios as add-ons, the 27MDK embraces outdoor space as a feature, not an afterthought—making it a great fit for seasonal stays or extended getaways where hanging outside matters just as much as what’s inside.
The chef in your crew will appreciate the middle kitchen and spacious pantry, while thoughtful touches like washer/dryer prep and on-demand tankless water heating help make longer stays more comfortable. If you’re looking for a travel trailer that feels less like “camping” and more like “home base,” the Timberwolf 27MDK delivers side patio appeal and practical living space in a destination-ready package.
Outdoors RV Backcountry 27SPS
Images by Outdoors RV
Specs
- Length: 33’2”
- Dry Weight: 9,100 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 3,895 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 3
If the Timberwolf feels like a destination escape, the Backcountry 27SPS takes that outdoor-living vibe and makes it nimble. This travel trailer’s side patio layout is perfect for RV couples or solo travelers seeking spacious outdoor living without a massive footprint. Striking a great balance between towability and usable space, its generous cargo capacity makes it easy to bring all the gear you need for weekend trips or off-grid adventures.
Inside, the floor plan is thoughtfully laid out to maximize every square inch, featuring a convertible dinette for guest sleeping and a well-appointed kitchen that makes meal prep simple yet capable. The cozy living space pairs nicely with the patio just beyond, making it easy to extend your lounging area into nature without feeling cramped.
If you love the idea of easy setup, strong outdoor vibes, and a travel trailer that’s just as happy on the road as it is parked, the 27SPS delivers a compact yet spirited take on patio-style living.
Living Vehicle Travel Trailers
HD24 Specs
- Length: 25’
- Dry Weight: 11,500-12,250 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 3,000-5,000 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 6
HD30 Specs
- Length: 30’
- Dry Weight: 13,000-16,000 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 3,000-4,000 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 6
If you’re looking for travel trailer designs that rethink livability in a small space, these Living Vehicle travel trailers are in a class of their own—and not just because they include side patio-ready living zones. These RV trailers are built around a philosophy of no-compromise comfort, whether you choose the more compact HD24 or the slightly larger HD30. Both models bring a sense of refinement and thoughtful design that feels more like a luxury micro-home than a traditional camper.
Where many travel trailers treat outdoor space as an afterthought, Living Vehicle integrates it into a holistic layout. The HD24’s smaller footprint packs a surprising amount of functionality for couples or small families, with clever use of space that balances sleeping, cooking, and lounging without ever feeling cramped. Step up to the HD30, and you get even more living area, extra storage, and expanded indoor-outdoor flow—all while keeping the same intentional design that defines the brand.
What truly sets these trailers apart is how they make every inch count. Thoughtful touches like ample natural light, well-placed storage, and flexible space help transform what could be tight quarters into a camper that feels open and purposeful. Unlike larger destination-style travel trailers that lean on square footage, the HD24 and HD30 earn their livability through smart design and premium finishes.
If your idea of outdoor living includes seamless transitions between cozy interiors and patio-focused outdoor zones—without towing a giant rig—these Living Vehicle models are a compelling choice.
Is a Side Patio Better Than a Rear Patio on an RV?
Both side patios and rear patios offer great ways to expand your RV’s outdoor living space, but they’re designed with different camping styles in mind. The “better” option really comes down to how you camp, how you use your RV on a day-to-day basis, and what kind of campsite experience you want.
Here’s a closer look at the advantages and drawbacks of each.
Side Patios
Pros
- Direct connection to the main living area. Side patios often open right off the kitchen or living room, making it easier to move between indoor and outdoor spaces.
- More usable, day-to-day outdoor space. Side patios tend to feel more like an extension of your living room rather than a separate deck.
- Better for entertaining. Side patios work well for cooking, dining, and socializing, especially when paired with large sliding glass doors or pass through kitchen windows.
- Less impact on garage space. On toy haulers, side patios allow the garage to remain fully functional, unlike rear patios that convert from the ramp door.
Cons
- Can be campsite-dependent. Tight campsites, trees, or utility hookups on the patio side may limit how often you can fully use the space.
- Less common on smaller RVs. Side patios are still more prevalent on larger fifth wheels and select travel trailers, so shoppers with strict size or tow limits may have fewer options to choose from.
- Limited privacy in busy campgrounds. Since side patios often face neighboring sites, they may feel less secluded in crowded parks.
Rear Patios
Pros
- Often feel more private. Rear patios typically face away from the road or neighboring RVs, creating a quieter, more secluded outdoor area.
- Common on toy haulers. Rear ramp patios are widely available and familiar, especially for riders and campers who already use toy haulers.
- Great views at back-in sites. When positioned correctly, rear patios can offer scenic views overlooking water, woods, or open space.
Cons
- Less convenient access. Rear patios are usually separated from the main living space and require walking through the garage to reach.
- Shared functionality on toy haulers. The ramp door is dual-purpose, but you wouldn’t be able to load your toys into the garage while the rear patio is in use.
- Feels more like a destination space. Rear patios are fantastic for relaxing, but they may not feel as integrated into daily living as a side patio.
So, is 2026 the year of the RV with a side patio? All signs point to yes. But here are a few resources to help you compare other RVs with patios or transform the outdoor space for your existing camper:
- Explore Top Travel Trailers with Patios
- Elevate Camping Experience with Charming RV Patio Lighting Ideas
- Hone in on Toy Haulers with Side Patios
- Check Out Side Ramp Toy Hauler Options
- Discover The Biggest Toy Haulers
Do you prefer a side patio or rear patio RV? Let us know in the comments below.
