Are you ready to buy an RV so you can spend retirement exploring the open road? While some retirees swear by the luxuries of a Class A motorhome, others love the versatility of towing a travel trailer or fifth wheel. Narrowing your options by RV type is a great place to start your search for the best RV for retired couples.
To make that easier, we’ve selected a top pick from the five major RV categories below (along with several alternates). Plus, learn the top questions to ask yourself in the buying guide below.
Key Takeaways
- Top RV Picks by Type: Highlights the best RVs for retired couples across five categories—fifth wheel (Keystone Cougar 316RLS), travel trailer (Rockwood Signature 8263MBR), Class C motorhome (Forester Classic 3011DSF), Class B van (Winnebago Travato 59K), and Class A motorhome (Georgetown 5 Series 34M)—with comparisons for each.
- Buying Guide Essentials: This guide offers guidance on choosing between motorhomes and towables based on lifestyle, driving comfort, frequency of use, and camping style (e.g., full-time, part-time, boondocking, or resort camping).
- Budget & Ownership Considerations: Covers cost expectations, pros and cons of new vs used RVs, and financial planning for retirement RVing, especially for those on fixed incomes.
What’s The Best RV for Retired Couples?
The best RV for a retired couple is the one you’re most comfortable buying, operating, living in, and driving or towing. The buying guide below will help you refine your search, but here are a few top candidates:
Fifth Wheel: Keystone Cougar 316RLS
Specs
- Length: 35’8”
- Dry Weight: 11,050 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 1,850 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 6
The Cougar 316RLS is an ideal 5th wheel for retired couples who want a comfortable RV for full-time living or extended stays. The rear living floor plan is a perennial all-star because it offers the most living space compared to other layouts. That’s largely thanks to dual opposing slides in the kitchen and living areas.
A central kitchen island is fancier than in some homes, and comes complete with a residential stainless sink and a pull-out drawer for easy trash disposal. The oversized 12-volt refrigerator keeps perishables cold in transit. The large pantry beside it offers plenty of storage for your dried goods and kitchen essentials.
Your primary bedroom features a queen bed in a slide, a full-height wardrobe, and a closet with prep for a stackable washer/dryer. The bathroom features dual vanities, so there’s no taking shifts to get ready for bed. A tri-fold sleeper sofa in the living room easily converts into a sleeping space for hosting grandkids or other guests.
Comparisons
Travel Trailer: Rockwood Signature 8263MBR
Images by Camping World
Specs
- Length: 29’11”
- Dry Weight: 7,809 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 2,056 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 2
Looking at its specs, one of the primary benefits of the Rockwood Signature 8263MBR is that it stays under the 30-foot threshold allowed in many national park campgrounds. But don’t be fooled by a smaller footprint. Slide-outs in the living area and bedroom make this floor plan feel expansive once you’re in camp.
The bedroom boasts a 72” x 80” king bed, and the private rear bathroom has dual vanities. With ample wardrobe, dresser, and overhead storage in the bedroom, you’ll have no problem packing for longer trips. Compared to a larger fifth wheel, you’re only missing a closet with washer-dryer prep.
However, couples will love the culinary flexibility of this front kitchen floor plan. The U-shaped kitchen countertops offer abundant prep space and a bar top with two stools for dining. The mounted TV sits on the wall directly across from a 67” theater seat when you want to relax and throw on a movie.
Comparisons
Class C Motorhome: Forest River Forester Classic 3011DSF
Specs
- Length: 32’3”
- GVWR: 14,500 pounds
- Engine: V8 Gas
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 8
The Forester Classic 3011DSF is arguably the best motorhome for retired couples looking for a Class C RV. It’s built on the reliable Ford truck chassis with a powerful V8 engine. That engine gives you a 7,500-pound towing capacity for pulling a secondary vehicle behind you.
The floor plan is excellent for couples but also has convertible guest sleeping spaces. The cabover bunk measures 60” x 80” and provides exceptional storage for traveling couples. However, Forest River has an optional Trekker Cap with a built-in entertainment center option, making this space even more useful for traveling retirees.
The camp kitchen boasts a single, extended countertop, so there are no odd spaces like you’ll find in some motorhomes with L-shaped or wedge-style kitchens. In the rear bedroom, a second slide-out expands the bed access, and dual wardrobes provide abundant storage for personal belongings.
Comparisons
Class B RV: Winnebago Travato 59K
Images by Camping World
Specs
- Length: 21’
- GVWR: 9,350 pounds
- Engine: V6 Gas
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 2
Camper vans are among the best small RVs for retired couples who desire long road trips and easy driving. Although the Travato 59K doesn’t offer the in-camp living space you’ll get with other RV types, it’s arguably the easiest RV on this list to drive and maneuver into campsites.
Plus, the maneuverability of a Class B RV means you can comfortably explore free camping in national forests or on BLM land. This floor plan also offers unique versatility compared to other van campers, starting with the lounging/sleeping area. Thanks to the Flex Bed System, you can choose from two layouts: twin beds (28” x 74” and 28” x 80”) that also double as day lounges, or a 74” x 76” bed that spans the RV’s full width.
An adjustable and removable table converts either day lounge into a usable workspace. The passenger seat has another table mount for a separate workstation conversion. With a built-in 2,800-watt gas generator, a solar package, and deep-cycle AGM batteries, off-grid power is no issue with this compact camper van.
Comparisons
Class A Motorhome: Forest River Georgetown 5 Series 34M
Images by Forest River
Specs
- Length: 37’11”
- GVWR: 22,000 pounds
- Engine: V8 Gas
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 6
Retiring in a motorhome and living on the road full-time requires some luxury amenities. That’s precisely what you’ll find in the Georgetown 5 Series 34M. It’s our pick for the best Class A RV for a retired couple because it offers supreme living space and a lavish rear bedroom that expands thanks to dual opposing slides.
That makes room for the king-sized bed, a closet with washer-dryer prep, three spacious wardrobes, a dresser with a TV mounted overhead, and a central rear desk that can double as a workstation or a vanity table. With the workstation at the passenger seat in the cockpit, a retired couple still dabbling with online work has separate desks if needed.
A drop-down bed over the cab and the convertible dinette provide guest sleeping space. Theater seating across from the TV and an electric fireplace will be your go-to lounge space. Other heightened amenities include automatic hydraulic leveling jacks, rear and side view observation cameras, and a Bluetooth-compatible command system.
Comparisons
How To Choose the Best RV for a Retired Couple
When selecting the best retirement camper, consider factors like frequency of use, preferred destinations, budget, and RV type.
Motorhome or Towable?
The motorhome vs towable camper debate has staunch supporters on each side. Motorhomes, which combine living space and drivetrain in a single camper, tend to cost significantly more because you’re buying both a home and a vehicle. They come in three main classes: Class A (the largest and most bus-like), Class B (van-style), and Class C (mid-sized with a distinct cabover design).
Towable campers, on the other hand, are generally more budget-friendly. Since they rely on a separate tow vehicle, they offer more flexibility and can be unhitched once parked.
Among retirees, the two most popular towables are travel trailers, which are lightweight and versatile, and fifth wheels, which, thanks to their gooseneck hitch design, provide spacious interiors and greater stability on the road.
Travel Trailer or Fifth Wheel
Fifth wheels require a truck for safe towing. While larger travel trailers also need a vehicle with a higher towing capacity, smaller models can be towed by an SUV or minivan. Travel trailers connect to a hitch ball mounted to the vehicle’s rear bumper or a frame-mounted hitch receiver. Fifth wheels are attached to a 5th wheel hitch mounted in the bed of a truck. Their sizes range from about 13 feet to 41 feet.
Below are three main advantages to choosing a towable RV:
- Trailers and fifth wheels are less expensive than motorhomes. A very well-equipped towable will cost between $50,000 and $70,000. Only the most luxurious are over $100,000. Many lightweight travel trailers under 3,000 pounds start at around $20,000.
- Towables have more room. Many have slides, more than one bedroom, fireplaces, large holding tanks, plush interiors, and big kitchens. Toy haulers have a “garage” in the back that lets you bring things like ATVs, kayaks, motorcycles, etc.
- Towables stay in camp, and you can run errands using the tow vehicle. Driving a truck to the restaurant, museum, or shopping mall is much easier than driving a motorhome.
And, as with everything, there are some disadvantages to a towable RV:
- Buying a truck or tow vehicle can be very expensive. New half-ton or ¾-ton heavy-duty trucks cost between $70,000 and $100,000. Even ¼-ton pickups, which can tow some of the ultra-light trailers, cost close to that. If you buy both used, the price comes down, of course.
- Towables are hard to back up. Practice helps a lot, naturally. But backing up a trailer is never a piece of cake—at least for me and everyone I know who is honest about this. Thank goodness pull-through campsites are widely available.
- Towables can be challenging to hook up and unhook. With a motorhome, you drive in, level your camper, and you’re set. When it’s time to leave, you pack up and drive off. Attaching the trailer or fifth wheel always involves a bit of tension. Again, it gets easier with repetition, but never as easy as with a motorhome—until you dive into the world of towing a vehicle behind an RV.
Class C Motorhome
A Class C motorhome generally costs $90,000 to $400,000. Most are 22 to 35 feet long, but there is a sub-category called Super C RVs that rival Class A campers in length. These RVs are known for their cabover bunk areas, allowing most to accommodate a minimum of 4-6 people. Most have slides, and gas, diesel, and 4×4 Class C models are available.
Class B Motorhome
Also known as camper vans, Class B motorhomes average 19-24 feet and are generally built on a van chassis without a slide. Some manufacturers refer to a slightly larger motorhome with slides as a B-Plus camper. A Class B Plus RV is generally built on an extended van chassis or a compact truck chassis, compared to the smaller van chassis used for most van campers.
Class B RVs typically have a bathroom, a shower, a galley, and a convertible bed (i.e., sleeper sofa, twin-to-king bed conversion, power-lift bed platform, etc.). Depending on options and luxury, they cost around $79,000 to $350,000. Class B vans are the most maneuverable motorhomes.
Class A Motorhome
Many believe that Class A RVs are the best motorhomes for retired couples. They start at just under $100,000 and go up to over $2 million. Most Class A motorhomes measure between 27 and 45 feet long, stand about 12 to 13 feet tall, and span up to 9 feet wide. They come with slides that add several more feet of interior living space when extended.
You can get a gas Class A (less expensive) or a diesel coach for more torque and pulling power, which is good in the mountains. With a Class A, you will surely want a towed vehicle behind your RV, commonly known as a dinghy or toad. This allows you to avoid breaking camp and driving a Class A coach to run errands, go out to dinner, or explore.
How Often Will You Use the RV?
How you use your RV determines the best type for you. Here are some typical scenarios and the implications to consider when searching for the best retirement camper:
- Will you be full-time RVers? If so, you’ll want enough room and features to make it your home on wheels. That means slides for extra elbow room, higher-end residential appliances, and a closet with a stackable washer and dryer (or at least prep for one!). An RV over 30 feet is a comfortable size here.
- Will you be frequent but not full-time RVers? If so, you can get by with something a bit smaller. Since you presumably still have a home to return to, the RV doesn’t have to be fully equipped. You will travel enough that slides and space are still important, but an RV under 30 feet should be sufficient.
- Will you travel mainly on holidays and weekends? In this scenario, the RV will be used to get to a destination, stay a short time, and then get back home. You can go for mid-grade and mid-size. You’ll likely want something that strikes a balance of being comfortable, lightweight, and maneuverable—most likely in the 19-25 foot range.
Where Will You Stay?
While certain RVs are better for full-time vs part-time use, your intended destinations should also factor into your decision. Consider these common types of RV camping and how they’ll impact your RV choice.
- Campgrounds, state parks, and RV resorts? If so, you’ll almost always be plugged into shore power. That means you can bypass expensive lithium batteries and a roof full of solar panels.
- Boondocking? Conversely, boondocking and off-grid camping are all about exploring less developed locations. Solar panels, lithium batteries, and a portable generator will be critical to power lights and RV systems when you aren’t plugged in.
- Moochdocking? Moochdocking is sometimes called driveway camping, meaning you’re staying on the property of friends and relatives. Solar and lithium are still important, but not as much as they are for off-the-grid campers.
What Can You Afford?
Your retirement camper has to fit your budget, whether you’re paying cash up front or financing and setting a monthly payment schedule. Ask these questions to ensure you don’t overspend on your dream RV for retirement.
- Are you on Social Security and have a limited fixed income? If so, what can you afford? Create a budget for RV living, including food, campground fees, fuel, health and medicine expenses, insurance, and repairs and maintenance. Even if the payment seems to work now, financing a new RV can be risky for those on a fixed income. There will be financial emergencies—count on it.
- Should you buy new or used? New RVs generally cost more and suffer higher depreciation in the first year of ownership. However, they’re also under manufacturer warranty for the first year, which can make repairs easier for those unfamiliar with RV maintenance. Used RVs can be more affordable, but they can also be in rough shape depending on the lifestyle and maintenance habits of the previous owner. If you don’t buy a reconditioned RV from a reputable dealership, you might have considerable work before your RV is ready for its first road trip.
Compare our top picks above to these collections of RVs with features that are perfect for retirement campers:
What are you looking for in an RV once you’ve retired? Tell us in the comments below!
I’m convinced a type A used low miles is what I want low price
Hey Richard!
Here’s a link where you can explore our Class A inventory: https://rv.campingworld.com/rvclass/class-a-rvs
Hope that helps!
Wish someone would make a rv road guide. Did a cross country trip this summer and goggle took us down some terrible roads (ie: rt 54 thru OK and TX). Would like a google rv.
Hi Anne!
I’d like to invite you to check out our library of content with tips on Road Navigation and trip planning:
https://blog.campingworld.com/tag/road-navigation/
We have several articles in there with recommendations for apps you can use to plan RV-friendly road trips!
We went from a class C to a 5th wheel eventually ending up with a Palomino slide-in camper which has a slide-out. This has been the best move we have made since we only stay short term at any location we travel to. It is the easiest to get around and since it is mounted on a 2022 F350 -driving is effortless.
We bought an 18′ tow behind to pull with our SUV. We like to try state parks in and around Indiana. Has a queen and a futon with one slide. Big enough for us and a couple of our 21 grandchildren.
Good information. Will use it.
Your total avoidance of discussing handicapped- and wheelchair-accessible RV’s is breath taking. Although Camping World has been ignoring mobility challenged customers for years. Break a hip Mike and find out how difficult buying an accessible RV really is!
Hi, David. This article focused on the best RVs for retired couples and the typical lifestyle retirees on the road are living these days. There’s an article coming up later this year with a focus on wheelchair-accessible motorhomes and RVs. In the meantime, check out Winnebago’s line of accessibility-enhanced RVs. The road is open to everyone!