What Is the Best Small RV?

Contributor

Brad Cowan

Favorite Trip

Emerald Isle

Home Base

Greenville, NC

Favorite RV

Airstream Caravel

About Contributor

Brad Cowan is a Lifestyle Content Writer. When he’s not behind the screen, he’s chasing pavement to the nearest coast with his wife, two kids, and golden retriever in tow.

Smaller RVs are becoming increasingly popular among RV enthusiasts as tiny living continues to trend upwards. Whether you’re in the market for your first RV or want to downsize from your current one, there are several RVs that marry the RV lifestyle and tiny living — good things really do come in smaller packages.

What is a Small RV?

What is considered “small” differs between RV classes. Below we’ll cover small RVs of all types. These RVs are all under 30 feet, with some as short as 13 feet in length:

  • Small Motorhomes
  • Small Towable RVs
  • Budget RVs
  • Very Small Micro RVs

Length

There are both drivable and towable RVs that fall into the under-30-feet small RV category, so you have plenty of options. Just because they’re small, doesn’t mean they lack amenities. In fact, many of the features like bathrooms, sleeping spaces, and kitchens can still be found inside a smaller RV.

Weight

You also might be judging an RV’s size by its weight. The RVs we cover here range in weight, but if you have a specific weight limit in mind you can search Camping World RVs for just the right size for your tow vehicle. If you’re not sure yet how much your vehicle can tow, use our instant tow calculator to find out. Here are some RV weight ranges to get you started.

Demetrius and Family New York Camping RV
Demetrius and family outside a Coleman RV, camping in the Finger Lakes.

Small Class A RVs

Starting with the largest of the small, Class A RVs often dominate when it comes to size. However, if you want to go smaller without changing to a Class C or B, check out these small Class A motorhomes.

Coachmen Pursuit 27XPS

Coachmen Pursuit 27XPS
Coachmen Pursuit 27XPS (Image: Coachmen)

Packed with all the features expected from larger RVs, the Pursuit 27XPS is the perfect RV if you’re looking to downsize a little, but not all at once.

Pursuit 27XPS Specifications

  • Length: 29’
  • Height: 12’
  • GVWR: 16,000 lbs.

Shop for the Coachmen Pursuit 27XPS.

Thor Axis 24.1

Built on a Ford chassis, the Axis 24.1 has a sleeping capacity of five and 63.5 cubic feet of exterior storage.

Axis 24.1 Specifications

  • Length: 25’8”
  • Height: 11’
  • Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): 12,500 lbs.

Shop for the Thor Axis 24.1.

Jayco Alante 27A

Jayco Alante 27A
Jayco Alante 27A (Image: Jayco)

As the shortest Class A motorhome from Jayco, the Alante 27A still manages to be big on both fun and comfort.

Alante 27A Specifications

  • Length: 29’11”
  • Height: 12’5”
  • GVWR: 18,000 lbs.

Shop for the Jayco Alante 27A or explore Jayco’s entire RV lineup.

Small Class B RVs

If you’re really diving into the RV lifestyle and tiny living, exploring a Class B is worth your time. Combining the best of both worlds, small Class B RVs are seeing a huge increase in popularity.

Thor Scope 18M

Thor Scope 18M floorplan is a small class B RV
Thor Scope 18M (Image: Thor)

Built on the RAM ProMaster chassis, the Scope 18M features a rear wet bath and a pull-out bed perfect for two.

Scope 18M Specifications

  • Length: 17’11”
  • Height: 9’5”
  • GVWR: 8,550 lbs.

Shop for the Thor Scope 18M.

Winnebago Solis

A smaller Class B Winnebago Solis with mountains in the background.
Winnebago Solis (Image: Winnebago)

Designed for family adventures, the Winnebago Solis has a classic rooftop extension that allows you to pack in as much as possible, despite its smaller stature.

Solis (59P / 59PX) Specifications

  • Length: 19’9” / 21’
  • Height: 9’ / 9’5”
  • GVWR: 8,900lbs. / 9,350 lbs.

Shop for the Winnebago Solis.

 Jayco Terrain 19Y

 Jayco Terrain 19Y
Jayco Terrain 19Y (Image: Jayco)

Built for off-road convenience without sacrificing style, the Terrain 19Y has upgraded power systems that deliver the comforts of home in the most remote destinations.

Terrain 19Y Specifications

  • Length: 19’7”
  • Height: 6’1”
  • GVWR: 9,050 lbs.

Shop for the Jayco Terrain 19Y.

Small Class C RVs

If classic is your thing, nothing beats RVing in a Class C. Class Cs are one of the most timeless types of RVs to travel in, thanks to the iconic cab-over bunk design. Check out the small Class C RVs below.

Thor Freedom Elite 22FEF

With a queen bed in the rear slide and a sleeping area in the cab-over bunk, the Freedom Elite 22FEF sleeps four comfortably. A full bath, kitchen, and dinette help to define the phrase “home away from home”.

Freedom Elite 22FEF Specifications

  • Length: 24’7”
  • Height: 11’
  • GVWR: 12,300 lbs.

Shop for the Thor Freedom Elite 22FEF.

Winnebago EKKO 22A

Winnebago EKKO - a smaller Class C RV
Winnebago EKKO (Image: Winnebago)

Combining the added capacity of a Class C coach, the efficiency of a camper van, and the enhanced capability of all-wheel-drive, the Winnebago EKKO sets itself apart as one of the best.

EKKO 22A Specifications

  • Length: 23’
  • Height: 10’6”
  • GVWR: 11,000 lbs.

Shop for the Winnebago EKKO 22A.

Jayco Redhawk SE 22A

A small RV floorplan. Jayco Redhawk SE 22A
Jayco Redhawk SE 22A (Image: Jayco)

Featuring a 16-foot awning, the Redhawk SE 22A encourages you to spend just as much time outside as you do inside, transforming tiny living into living large.

Redhawk SE 22A Specifications

  • Length: 25’2”
  • Height: 11”6”
  • GVWR: 14,200 lbs.

Shop for the Jayco Redhawk SE 22A.

Small Towable RVs

When it comes to towable RVs, many focus on the benefits of unhitching your RV at the campsite and exploring your surroundings in your tow vehicle. But the advantages of a towable extend far beyond that, especially if you’re looking to invest in a smaller towable RV.

Airstream Flying Cloud 23FB

Airstream Flying Cloud 23FB
Airstream Flying Cloud 23FB (Image: Airstream)

Versatile, flexible, and family-friendly, the Flying Cloud 23FB from Airstream is an ultra-practical option for families looking for a smaller travel trailer with style.

Flying Cloud 23FB Specifications

  • Length: 23’9”
  • Height: 9’9”
  • GVWR: 6,000 lbs.

Shop for the Airstream Flying Cloud 23FB.

Lance 2185 Travel Trailer

With plenty of space for your friends and family, as well as your bikes and ATVs, the Lance 2185 features a triple bunk bed space that is easily reconfigured to become a garage for your outdoor toys.

Lance 2185 Specifications

  • Length: 26’1”
  • Height: 10’5”
  • GVWR: 7,900 lbs.

Shop for the Lance 2185 travel trailer.

Keystone Cougar 22MLS

The floorplan of a small travel trailer, the Keystone Cougar 22MLS
Keystone Cougar 22MLS (Image: Keystone)

Featuring a king-sized bed, the Cougar 22MLS is full of big upgrades like Driftwood décor and upholstered window valances in a small enough package to take you wherever you want to explore.

Cougar 22MLS Specifications

  • Length: 26’10”
  • Height: 11’5”
  • GVWR: 5,7394 lbs.

Shop for the Keystone Cougar 22MLS.

Small Budget-Friendly RVs

Let’s face it, sometimes the budget simply isn’t as large as you’d like it to be. But that’s okay! There are amazing RVs in every price range. If you’re looking for a small budget-friendly RV, check out the options below.

Coleman Lantern LT 17B

Currently the most affordable bunkhouse travel trailer on the market, the Coleman Lantern LT 17B has a sleeping capacity of five. It’s a lightweight, single-axle trailer with a beautiful fireplace.

Coleman Lantern LT 17B Specifications

  • Length: 21’5”
  • Height: 9’7”
  • Dry Weight: 3,078 lbs.

Shop for the Coleman Lantern LT 17B.

Keystone Bullet 250BHS

Perfect for couples looking to get away from it all for a weekend or longer, the Bullet 250BHS has all the features you would expect to find in a luxury hotel on a romantic vacation.

Bullet 250BHS Specifications

  • Length: 29’5”
  • Height: 10’8”
  • Dry Weight: 5,607 lbs.

Shop for the Keystone Bullet 250 BHS.

Micro RVs

Micro RVs are great for solo travelers or rugged campers looking to travel minimally. Types of micro RVs include pop-ups, A-frames, teardrops, and fiberglass RVs.

Consider the Happier Camper, a super lightweight fiberglass towable that features a modular interior design. Customize the seating or sleeping to accommodate your needs. This lightweight camper can be towed by almost any vehicle.

Happier Camper HC1 Specifications

  • Length: 13′
  • Dry Weight: 1,200 lbs.

When it comes to finding the right camper for you and your family, think big. There’s no need to sacrifice the features you love simply because the package is smaller. Shop and browse small RVs right now.

Not ready to make a purchase yet? No worries. Try renting an RV to find the best fit before making a commitment.

What do you love about a small RV? Tell us in the comments below!

  • Comment (1)
  • Andrea says:

    We have a 17′ ’15 Retro 177. Good size for two, or for solo trips. Fits in our driveway, fits many of the same campsites we used with tents and small popups.
    My ideal TT would be 21′ or so (we have 21’4″ to work with), dual axle, and a floor plan that does not block airflow to any corner. I don’t want slides or fancy stuff, practical works for us’

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