What Is the Best Small RV?

Contributor

Shannon Murray

Favorite Trip

Banff, Alberta, Canada. It’s one of those places that actually lives up to the hype it receives!

Home Base

Wherever the road takes us!

Favorite RV

The one we live in – a Grand Design Transcend Xplor!

About Contributor

Shannon and her husband Bobby have been traveling fulltime since 2021 in their Grand Design travel trailer, all while working remotely. You’ll find them on hikes and paddles from Florida to Alaska! They love sharing outdoor adventures and RV living tips on Instagram and YouTube @snorkelsandsnowpants, and their blog www.snorkelsandsnowpants.com.

If you’re thinking about purchasing an RV this year, small campers are worth serious consideration. They offer easier navigation, lower price tags, and some can be towed by SUVs and smaller trucks. Small RV campers also provide access to a wider variety of campgrounds and are typically easier to store when not in use.

The specific benefits and amenities of a small RV vary, making it essential to prioritize what matters most to you. In this guide, we’ll break down the top-rated and most affordable small RVs across travel trailers, toy haulers, fifth wheels, destination trailers, and Class A, C, and B motorhomes.

Best Small Travel Trailer

Small travel trailers pack a lot into small spaces, meaning you have some amenities while easily navigating the roads and fitting into smaller campsites. Since travel trailers are bumper pull campers, there isn’t much of a learning curve to hooking up or dropping the RV. We’ve noted our picks below, but there are quite a few options for the best lightweight trailers

Keystone Coleman 13B

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Specs

  • Length: 15’11’’
  • Dry Weight: 2460 pounds
  • Sleeping Capacity: Up to 4

The Keystone Coleman 13B is a three-season travel trailer. At under 16 feet and less than 2,500 pounds, it is incredibly versatile. You can tow the camper with most SUVs or trucks and easily fit it into any campground. If that’s not enough, the price is unbelievable!

Even with its small size, it still sleeps four with two bunks and a queen mattress. The kitchen has an induction cooktop, as this is an all-electric RV camper trailer—no propane. Without a portable RV generator, this will limit boondocking but save you the hassle of propane refills. It is also prepped for several additions, including an inverter, solar panels, and a rear ladder. 

Overall, the Keystone Coleman 13B is an excellent camper for families looking to escape!

Next Best

Best Small Toy Hauler

A small toy hauler might be your ideal RV if you bring your UTV, golf cart, or motorcycle but are still space-conscious. With a small toy hauler, you can still enjoy the toys and still easily fit into most campgrounds with easier navigation.

Forest River Nightfall Ultra 21N

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Specs

  • Length: 27’3″
  • Dry Weight: 7,013 pounds
  • Sleeping Capacity: Up to 6

The Forest River Nightfall Ultra 21N offers an impressive layout, featuring a 14-foot garage while still including a full kitchen, bathroom, and a private main bedroom. Once your gear is unloaded, the garage transforms into a versatile space with a dinette, two sleeper beds, and an overhead Euro bed—perfect for accommodating both your toys and your guests. The patio extension further enhances the camper by adding a relaxing outdoor lounge.

The bathroom is conveniently accessible with dual entries, one from the living space and another from the main bedroom. The bedroom itself boasts a queen bed in a slide-out and ample storage, including a dresser.

This compact toy hauler is an excellent choice for a full-time couple or a family seeking a short-term adventure!

Next Best

Best Small Fifth Wheel

Small fifth wheel campers provide an excellent alternative to larger luxury 5th wheels, delivering many of the same great amenities without excessive weight. In fact, some smaller 5th wheels can even be towed by a half-ton truck. Additionally, their design offers a significantly better turn radius compared to larger fifth wheels or even traditional travel trailers. 

Keystone Cougar 24RDS

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Specs

  • Length: 28’10’’
  • Dry Weight: 7,612 pounds
  • Sleeping Capacity: Up to 6

The Keystone Cougar 24RDS measures just under 30 feet but feels surprisingly spacious—ideal for full-time 5th wheel living. It features a large U-shaped dinette, an optional theater-style sofa, a generously sized shower, and a main bedroom with ample storage.

This fifth wheel is also equipped with a tow hitch rated for up to 3,000 pounds, making it perfect for towing a small trailer or carrying bicycles and kayaks on accessory racks. The Cougar 24RDS is a great choice for couples seeking adventure without sacrificing the comforts of home.

Next Best

Best Small Destination Trailer

A destination trailer is similar to a tiny house and is often used for seasonal living in one location. The advantage of a smaller destination trailer is its lighter weight, making it comparable to a travel trailer. Destination trailers with loft floor plans offer additional sleeping or storage space without taking up valuable square footage. 

Campsite Reserve 16SW

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Specs

  • Length: 27’9″
  • Dry Weight: 7,994 pounds
  • Sleeping Capacity: Up to 5

The Campsite Reserve 16SW is thoughtfully designed to accommodate the entire family, making it an excellent choice for long-term stays. This camper features two lofts, ensuring sleep space for everyone, with a primary loft complete with a cozy fireplace. The loft setup maximizes living space while creating a homey, multi-level environment.

In addition to its spacious design, the Reserve 16SW includes several residential-style amenities that make extended stays even more convenient. The package includes a washer and dryer, a dishwasher, and an ice maker.

One of the standout features is the rear entrance, located on a back porch that offers a relaxing spot to hang out and enjoy the outdoors. The entry itself is a glass sliding door, which not only adds a modern touch but also allows plenty of natural light to flood the interior, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere.

Next Best

Best Small Class A

Class A campers are known for their luxury, but their size can intimidate first-time drivers. A Class A RV under 30 feet offers a more manageable driving experience without sacrificing comfort. These compact motorhomes are ideal for one or two people but can still accommodate guests with pull-out sofas and other convertible furniture.

Jayco Alante 27A

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Specs

  • Length: 29’11”
  • GVWR: 18,000 pounds
  • Sleeping Capacity: Up to 5

The spacious Jayco Alante 27A makes the most of its two slide-outs, creating a roomy and inviting living area. With a jackknife sofa, a dinette, and swiveling captain’s chairs, there’s plenty of seating for you and your guests.

The sofa and dinette convert into beds, and there’s even an option to add a drop-down overhead bunk at the front, providing additional sleeping space. In the rear, the main bedroom features a king-sized mattress and ample wardrobe storage, ensuring comfort and convenience for extended stays.

Outside, the Alante 27A takes luxury outdoors with a mini kitchen and an entertainment center, letting you enjoy the comforts of home while relaxing under the open sky.

Next Best

Best Small Class C

Class C RVs offer easier maneuverability and greater access to a wider variety of campgrounds. Compared to van campers, they provide additional headroom and square footage, all while maintaining a compact size. Despite their footprint, many small Class C RVs are packed with impressive features, making them an excellent choice for small families, couples, and solo travelers.

Thor Freedom Elite 19HE

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Specs

  • Length: 20’5″
  • GVWR: 11,500 pounds
  • Sleeping Capacity: Up to 4

This Freedom Elite RV is one of the most budget-friendly options on the market, yet it still includes amenities that make life on the road comfortable. It features an air conditioner and a furnace for climate control, as well as a two-burner stovetop and a convection microwave oven for convenient cooking.

The RV also comes equipped with a wet bath, saving you from relying on campground facilities. Despite being a wet bath, it includes a shower curtain for convenience.

While it doesn’t have a permanent bed, it offers an over-cab bunk and a rear dinette that converts into a bed, providing flexible sleeping arrangements. Overall, this small motorhome is a fantastic choice for those seeking an affordable and compact camper.

Next Best

Best Small Class B

A small Class B camper offers incredible versatility, especially for those who enjoy boondocking. With their compact size—usually no larger than a passenger van—they are easy to drive and maneuver, even on narrow roads or crowded areas. Plus, there’s no need for a separate tow vehicle, as a Class B RV can easily fit into most places you’d drive your everyday car. 

Eddie Bauer 19EB

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Specs

  • Length: 19’8’’
  • GVWR: 9,050 pounds
  • Sleeping Capacity: Up to 2

For those seeking off-road adventures, the Eddie Bauer 19EB might be the perfect small RV. With all-wheel drive, off-road tires, and a roof-mounted spotlight, finding a secluded campsite—whether on BLM land or in remote backcountry—is a breeze. This Eddie Bauer RV is also built to haul your gear, featuring a 5,000-pound hitch and tie-downs to secure your adventure equipment.

The wet bath is a major perk, equipped with a cassette toilet. The kitchen is functional and space-saving, offering a stainless steel single-bowl sink, a microwave oven, a single-burner induction cooktop that can be stowed away, and a 12V refrigerator to keep your essentials fresh.

Built on the reliable Mercedes Sprinter chassis, this RV combines rugged capability with premium features to elevate your camping experience—all while being ready to tackle off-road terrain.

Next Best

Best Micro Camper

These small but mighty micro camper trailers are perfect for weekend getaways, particularly for those with limited storage space at home. Their lightweight and compact build also makes them ideal for exploring off-the-beaten-path, a niche specifically targeted by many manufacturers. While some micro campers offer features like outdoor showers, others may forego them altogether. Most include essentials like a cassette toilet for added convenience.

2025 Aliner

Specs

  • Length: 13-18’
  • Dry Weight: 1190-2400 pounds
  • Sleeping Capacity: 2-4

Aliner Campers are the original A-frame campers, known for their innovative pop up design. These campers come in various sizes and weights, but all share a key feature: they can be set up by one person in just 30 seconds—no tools required. Despite their pop up nature, A-Liners are hard-sided, offering enhanced safety in bear country or adverse weather conditions.

Check out these cool pop up campers.

Thanks to their collapsible design, many A-Liners can fit conveniently in a standard garage. Their interiors are thoughtfully designed to feel bright and airy, making the compact space more inviting.

For those who prefer a different style, A-Liner also offers two teardrop micro trailers, expanding their lineup to suit other camping preferences.

Next Best

What Is the Easiest Small RV to Drive?

When we first started RVing, we were nervous about driving—and we know many new RVers feel the same. That’s why the easiest small RV to drive is undoubtedly a Class B camper van. Barely larger than a standard vehicle, it has virtually no learning curve. For those already comfortable towing, a small fifth wheel or travel trailer can also be great, with fifth wheels offering the added benefit of a sharper turn radius.

What Is the Best Size RV for 2 People?

The ideal RV size for two people depends on your lifestyle—whether you’re traveling full-time or part-time—and how much you need to bring along. My husband and I are a full-time couple living in a 35-foot camper, but we’ve met couples thriving in RVs over 50 feet long and others perfectly content in a compact camper van. It all comes down to your personal preferences and priorities.

Can You Live In A Small RV Full-Time?

Absolutely! A small RV can be a fantastic option for full-time living. Small fifth wheels and the smallest Class A motorhomes are ideal due to their extra storage space and residential-style amenities. However, the right RV is ultimately the one you’re most comfortable with. If you’re new to RVing and considering full-time living, take the time to explore different types of RVs. Renting one for a trip can also help you make a more informed decision before committing to a final choice.


A small RV is easier to maneuver, opens up access to many more campgrounds, and is likely to cost less than a larger camper. It’s also easier to store if you aren’t full-timing. Explore these resources to compare more small campers: 

Which small RV would you choose? Drop a comment below!

Author

  • Shannon Murray Headshot

    Shannon and her husband Bobby have been traveling fulltime since 2021 in their Grand Design travel trailer, all while working remotely. You’ll find them on hikes and paddles from Florida to Alaska! They love sharing outdoor adventures and RV living tips on Instagram and YouTube @snorkelsandsnowpants, and their blog www.snorkelsandsnowpants.com.

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  • Comment (3)
  • MrLynn says:

    Better look at the molded fiberglass trailers, which blow those you listed out of the water: no leaks, long life, high resale, cool design. E.g. Scamp, Casita, Escape, Bigfoot, Oliver. . .

  • 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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