© Airstream
RVs for Great American Adventures
Americans have been leaving home bound for adventure in recreational vehicles for more than 100 years, and the love affair with the RV and its inherent feeling of freedom continues to this day. Whether it’s a luxurious mobile mansion such as a Class A motorhome or a more minimalistic teardrop travel trailer, an RV is a welcome antidote to all types of cabin fever. For those interested in taking to the open road in a recreational vehicle, what follows are models that run the RV gamut – a guide to the wide variety of recreational vehicles available in the U.S., with entry-level and high-end examples in each RV class. Read on to discover the RV that sparks your next great American adventure.
© Tiffin
Class A Motorhome
Price Range: $130,000 – $2,000,000+
For those seeking an ultimate home away from home, the Class A motorhome resides at the peak of the RV pyramid. The largest and among the most luxurious RVs available, Class A motorhomes are similar in size to a large buses or motorcoaches, ranging in length from 25 to 45 feet. Large models often feature dual rear axles for better weight distribution and handling, and these are most commonly equipped with a powerful diesel engine that provides smooth, quiet power as well as impressive towing capability. With the living space raised the Class A also features a vast amount of storage.
© American Coach
Luxuries of Home
Inside, a Class A motorhome offers all the amenities of a residential home – and in some cases Class A models feel more like a resort than a typical house. Available with multiple powered slideout sections to increase floor space while camping, Class A models feature plenty of space to accommodate king-size beds, multiple bathrooms, large screen TVs, fully equipped kitchens, granite countertops, leather-trimmed seats and even clothes washers and dryers. For campers looking to get away from it all while taking it all along, the Class A motorhome can be the ticket to luxurious freedom.
© Entegra
Pros:
All the comforts of home
Ideal for the full-time RVer
Spacious interior and storage
Cons:
Expensive to purchase and operate
Not easy to maneuver — must plan route
Driver might need special license to operate
© Coachmen
Entry-Level Example
Coachmen Pursuit — $133,668
One of the lowest-priced Class A RVs on the market, the Coachmen Pursuit 27XPS is 29 feet long and is powered by a 7.3-liter V8 engine. Features include a 20-gallon LP tank, a powered patio awning and exterior Bluetooth speakers. This smaller Class A doesn’t have any slideouts although it features a rear bedroom containing a queen-size bed in addition to a bunk bed that drops down over the front seats. A small sofa sits across from a four-person dinette and wall-mounted LED TV.
© Coachmen
Coachmen Pursuit
The kitchen of the Coachmen Pursuit has dual stainless steel sinks, a double-door refrigerator, a 3-burner range, a microwave oven as well as a range hood with light. The Pursuit also comes with a 30,000-BTU furnace as well as central air-conditioning, a 100-watt solar panel and a 4.0 kW gas generator.
© Newmar
High-End Example
Newmar King Aire — $1.53 million
This 45-foot luxury RV draws power from a high-torque diesel engine. The motorhome features three slideout sections that create an extremely spacious interior. The interior of the King Aire possesses a high level of luxury with available Tuscan maple hardwood cabinets, tile floors, polished solid quartz countertops, Italian leather trim, a 55-inch 4K TV, recliner seats, a booth-style dinette and a power-extending L-shaped sofa.
© Newmar
Newmar King Aire
The kitchen of the King Aire features a Wolf induction cooktop, a Viking stainless steel refrigerator / freezer with water dispenser, a slideout pantry, a dishwasher and a convection microwave. The King Aire bedroom has a Samsung 49-inch LED TV with Blu-ray player, mounted across from a king-size Sleep Number adjustable bed. The master bath has a fully tiled shower with glass doors, as well as a full-height wardrobe and stackable washer / dryer.
© Airstream
Class B Motorhome
Price Range: $80,000 – $250,000+
Often referred to as a camper van, today’s Class B models are not the same vans of the 1970s with shag carpeting covering every interior surface (including a bed), far-out exterior paint schemes and iconic bubble porthole windows. Class B RVs are built on large van chassis such as the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter or Dodge ProMaster. These smaller, right-sized units are more maneuverable and easier to park than larger RVs, but still provide a comfortable camping experience. Class B RVs can also be configured with 4-wheel drive and thus provide opportunity for additional adventure.
© Thor Motor Coach
Space Ace
Class B RVs make excellent use of limited space, often featuring small kitchens with modest sinks and cooktops. The typical sleeping arrangement in a Class B RV is either a bed over a cargo area, or a dinette that converts into a bed. The most affordable versions of the motorhome-style RVs, a Class B is a prime option for first-time RVers. And even though they are not as expansive as Class A behemoths, Class B units can still be lavishly equipped, and therefore some high-end models can command high prices.
© Winnebago
Pros:
Easy to maneuver
Less expensive than other classes
Fuel efficient (relatively)
Cons:
Can be tight quarters for more than two
Less room for cargo and toys
Limited towing capacity
© Pleasure-Way
Entry-Level Example
Pleasure-Way Tofino — $85,150
Built on a Ram ProMaster chassis, the Pleasure-Way Tofino is designed with seating and sleeping accommodations for up to four people. Making excellent use of available space, the two front seats swivel toward the rear of the coach, facing the sofa. A table can be set up between the seating areas to provide usable living space. The small galley features a sink, a single-burner induction cooktop and a refrigerator. The Tofino also features two 100Ah lithium batteries as well as a 2000-watt inverter to keep the power on.
© Pleasure-Way
Pleasure-Way Tofino
The Tofino stands out – literally – thanks to its pop-up roof that considerably expands the RV’s interior space. With the roof up, not only does the Torino have more headroom, the space also converts into an additional bunk complete with a 2-inch foam mattress, a USB charging port, lighting controls and zippered vents — perhaps a perfect place to put the kids. In the main living space, the sofa converts to a queen-size bed. Opening the rear doors reveals 70 cubic feet of rear storage — plenty of space for camping gear and assorted paraphernalia.
© Airstream
High-End Example
Airstream Atlas — $276,106
Airstream secured its stellar reputation creating well-built, high-quality luxury RVs, and the new Atlas is no exception. The Atlas gets built on a fuel-efficient, diesel-powered Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis; however, it is more than simply a converted van, earning it a designation of Class B+. Ideal for empty nesters, this unit can seat four but sleeps two. The comfortable sofa features two powered recliners and is positioned for optimum viewing of the 40-inch LED smart TV that rises out of its cabinet via remote control. When it’s time for sleep, rather than unfolding the couch into what would often be an uncomfortable bed, the couch folds flat and a powered slideout expands the space, lowering a Murphy bed over the sofa for a convenient, comfortable sleep.
© Airstream
Airstream Atlas
The Airstream Atlas also features a full kitchen with a 2-burner gas stove, a convection microwave, a slideout pantry and refrigerator / freezer. One of the most attractive features of the Atlas is the bathroom, which spans the entire width at the rear of the RV. With room to move around, the bath area has a mirrored vanity and sink, a proper shower with teak inlays, and a conveniently located closet for easy dressing after a shower. The entire section has a single door for maximum privacy.
© Winnebago
Class C Motorhome
Price Range: $90,000 – $350,000
Unlike Class A motorhomes, Class C units can be right-sized choices for folks who want maximum living space, comfort and storage without having to pilot massive, stress-inducing vehicles. Class C RVs are typically built on a van cab or cutaway chassis, so the layout of the cockpit mimics common vans or large passenger vehicles, helping drivers feel more at home behind the wheel.
© Renegade
Like Class A, Only Smaller
A Class C RV can offer the same level of luxury and amenities as a Class A, but on a smaller scale. Many come with slideouts for expanded interior space as well as full kitchens, bathrooms and plenty of sleeping accommodations. Class C RVs are easily recognizable thanks to their cab-over sleeping/storage areas; Class C models typically range in size from 21 to 32 feet, although some high-end models measure more than 40 feet in length.
© Jayco
Pros:
Less expensive than Class A
Familiar to drive
Spacious interiors
Cons:
Truck-like fuel economy
Can be difficult to maneuver or park
Requires large storage space
© Coachmen
Entry-Level Example
Coachmen Freelander 22XG — $96,430
The Freelander is an entry-level Class C RV from the well-known Coachmen brand, and can be built on either a Ford or a Chevrolet heavy-duty chassis. Measuring about 24 feet long, the Freelander comes with all basic niceties, including LED ceiling lights, an Onan 4kW gas generator, roof-mounted air-conditioning, an exterior solar connection and a propane furnace. The Freelander 22XG has sleeping space for up to six thanks to the cab-over bunk, folding dinette and Murphy bed at the rear.
© Coachmen
Coachmen Freelander 22XG
Even it though it stands on a lower rung of the Class C motorhome price ladder, the Coachmen still comes with a long list of residential amenities. The bathroom features its own vanity and sink as well as a separate shower. The kitchen is well equipped with a large 10-cubic-foot refrigerator and freezer, a residential-size microwave, a double sink, a lighted range hood and a 3-burner cooktop. There’s also a 32-inch television as well as multiple USB charging ports.
© Jayco
High-End Example
Jayco Seneca Prestige — $340,000 (estimate)
The Jayco Seneca Prestige is one of the largest and most luxurious Class C motorhomes on the market. Built on a Freightliner chassis, the Seneca is powered by a Cummins diesel engine that produces an impressive 800 lb-ft of torque that gives this big RV a 12,000-pound towing capacity. Measuring almost 40 feet long, the Seneca has a roomy interior further enhanced by three slideout sections. Also standard is an Onan 8,000-watt diesel generator, as well as an exterior entertainment system with an LED TV and outside speakers.
© Jayco
Jayco Seneca Prestige
At the rear of the Seneca, the master bedroom contains a king-size bed with dual wardrobes and LED TV A cabover bunk and folding dinette allow sleeping space for up to eight. The living area has a 50-inch LED TV, a dinette and two sofas, as well as porcelain flooring tiles. The full kitchen features a residential refrigerator, a large stainless steel sink, a 2-burner induction stove, a microwave and high-gloss hardwood cabinetry. The bathroom boasts a one-piece fiberglass shower with a glass door and a skylight.
© KZ RVs
Fifth Wheel
Price Range: $34,000 – $260,000
A fifth wheel travel trailer is among the largest of towable RVs available — one might consider this the Class A of towables. Fifth wheels require a pickup truck for towing — the trailer hitch sits in the bed of the truck — and in most cases the truck needs to be a full-size heavy-duty model such as the Ford F-250 or F-350, or Chevrolet Silverado 2500 or 3500. Fifth wheel trailers can range from around 20- to 40-feet long.
© DRV
Class A of Towables
Because of their size, fifth wheels often feature many amenities including large kitchens, king-size beds, separate sleeping areas and full bathrooms. Many have slideout sections that create spacious living areas. While towing a fifth wheel doesn’t require a special license, it is advisable to have some trailer-towing experience before heading out on the open road with one of these units.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Pros
Spacious interiors
Less expensive than Class A
Easier to maneuver and park than a standard-hitch trailer
Cons
Requires full-size pickup truck
Large area needed for parking and storage
Stressful to tow, since wider and taller than tow vehicle
© Escape
Entry-Level Example
Escape 5.0 — $34,000
Most fifth-wheel trailers require a major pickup truck for towing — not the Escape 5.0. One of the smallest and lightest fifth wheel RVs available, the fiberglass Escape is 21 feet long and has a GVWR of only 5,500 pounds, so it can be towed by a midsize pickup truck. All Escapes come with dual propane tanks, a rear bike rack receiver hitch, thermal double-glazed windows with screens and an awning slightly longer than 12 feet.
© Escape
Escape 5.0
Inside, the Escape 5.0 has sleeping space for four, including a raised large bed at the front and a dinette at the rear that can be converted into a bed. The Escape features a full wet bath (to save space, the toilet and vanity are within the shower unit) and LED lighting throughout the living space. The kitchen offers a reasonable amount of counter space with a stainless steel sink and a 2-burner stainless steel cooktop, as well as a 6-cubic-foot refrigerator and freezer.
© DRV
High-End Example
DRV Mobile Suites 44 Nashville — $260,000 (estimate)
This may be one of the largest and most lavish fifth wheels on the market, although the DRV Mobile Suites RV is actually built for two people to enjoy. The DRV is 44 feet long to accommodate six slideout sections for an incredibly roomy interior. Built on a 15-inch triple-stacked box tube frame, the DRV features a 3-inch floor with residential-rated insulation and a quarter-inch Monsanto vapor barrier. With a GVWR of 24,000 pounds, this big fifth wheel does require a heavy-duty pickup truck — optimally with a diesel powertrain — for towing duty.
© DRV
DRV Mobile Suites 44 Nashville
The lavish interior of this DRV is outfitted with solid hardwood cabinetry, LED interior lighting, a ceiling fan, crown mouldings and plush residential carpeting. At the rear of the unit, the master bedroom has a king-size bed, a large wardrobe, an LED TV and a full bathroom including a shower with glass doors. The kitchen has a 20-cubic-foot stainless steel refrigerator, a double sink and a custom hand-laid tile backsplash. Up the stairs toward the front of the unit is a living room with an available 60-inch television, recliners, couches and an electric fireplace.
© Palomino RV
Toy Hauler
Price Range: $18,000 – $250,000+
While some go camping to relax and enjoy peaceful, outdoor settings, many families prefer bringing motorized toys along for a bit more excitement. The RVs of choice for adventure-fueled folks are called toy haulers — typically travel trailers or fifth wheels that incorporate an actual garage at the rear. These rigs haul dirt bikes, snowmobiles, ATVs — even kayaks. Most range in size between 20 and 40 feet long.
© Jayco
Range of Styles
The U.S. market offers a wide range of toy haulers — most are fifth wheels; however, some are travel trailers, open garage trailers and a very few are even Class A motorhomes. While the garage functions well for storing toys, a ramp at the back of the unit can serve dual duty as both a way to get big items in and out of the rig and also as a back patio or deck. Some can even be screened in to keep bugs at bay.
© Cruiser RV
Pros
Versatile garage space
Rear patio or deck
Secure storage for all types of toys
Cons
Garage takes up living space
Need to be aware of weight management
© Sunset Park RV
Entry-Level Example
Sunset Park RV Rush 22FC — $18,000 (estimate)
It may not be fancy, but the Rush toy hauler from Sunset Park RV offers all basics for a camping trip with a few toys — at an affordable price. The 22FC is the least expensive model in the Rush lineup, and the 14 feet of garage space doubles as living quarters with sofas that convert into beds. With a GVWR of 7,000 pounds, the Rush is a toy hauler of relatively light weight. Although the garage area accounts for most of the interior space, the Sunset Park RV Rush comes with a kitchen that features a double sink, a 2-burner stove, a refrigerator and a microwave oven.
© Sunset Park RV
Sunset Park RV Rush 22FC
The Rush 22FC sleeps up to four people once their toys have been removed upon arrival at camp. After a day of playing with toys, campers will appreciate the Rush’s full bathroom and shower — a welcome rejuvenation to get tired bodies ready for more fun, or a meal from the full kitchen, or a good night’s sleep.
© Luxe RV
High-End Example
Luxe Toy Hauler — $190,000 (estimate)
Perhaps one of the best combinations of cargo carrying and luxury, the Luxe Toy Hauler fifth wheel is constructed for 4-season use with thermopane windows and residential fiberglass insulation for the roof, walls and chassis. The deluxe kitchen can be equipped with a 4-burner range with a 30-inch oven, a dishwasher and a full-size 19-cubic-foot refrigerator that runs on gas or electricity. A dinette and L-shaped sofa offer plenty of seating — both great places for viewing the entertainment center. Up the stairs, Luxe has a full bathroom that even has a bathtub and shower combo, and continuing past the bath reveals a master suite with a king-size bed and an additional television.
© Luxe RV
Luxe Toy Hauler
While the Luxe’s large garage is a great option for carrying all manner of motorized and non-motorized toys, the space also works well as an additional bedroom, craft room or office space. The garage features a separate half bath, power-retractable bunks as well as a loft bunk and plenty of storage. The 5,000-pound ramp functions as a back patio, accessed via sliding glass and screen doors. Th Luxe also has an optional side deck off the garage. Both have stairs to the ground and are fenced, making them ideal for furry friends.
© Forest River
Pop-Up Travel Trailer
Price Range: $8,000 – $65,000
As an economical first-time RV option, pop-up travel trailers are great choices for RV newbies or reformed tent campers who want to stay protected from the elements while sleeping off the ground in a real bed. Many pop-ups have features typically found in larger trailers yet offer compactness, maneuverability and lower cost compared with bigger units. Like the other RV types listed here, pop-ups come in a range of sizes and levels of luxury — some even have slideout sections for an even more spacious interior.
© Coachmen RV
Lightweight Units
While the lower starting price is a great draw for the first-time RVer, another advantage of pop-up trailers are their light weight and maneuverability. Pop-ups can often be towed by small crossovers, making it possible for many shoppers to avoid buying a dedicated tow vehicle. The relatively small size of pop-up travel trailers also makes towing much easier for those new to RVing.
© Jayco
Pros:
Low starting price
Small size and weight
Better than camping in a tent
Cons:
Typically no bathroom
Smaller size means less sleeping space
Some setup required when arriving at campsite
© SylvanSport
Entry-Level Example
SylvanSport GO — $9,995
One of the most versatile pop-up travel trailers on the market, the SylvanSport GO is a camper, gear hauler and utility trailer all in one. The innovative, lightweight design lets active families use the GO for many applications — from camping under the stars to hauling a washer and dryer home from a big box store. The TIG-welded, powder-coated aluminum frame and diamond-plate aluminum deck stand up to abuse. The tent deploys from a case mounted below the equipment racks.
© Sylvansport
SylvanSport GO
As a camper, the GO features a versatile tent floor plan. It has a large dining table for 4+ as well as side benches that can be converted to twin beds or one large king-size bed. The tent material is 220-denier ripstop nylon, and SylvanSport offers attachable awnings, a GOzeebo screen room tent as well as accessories to make the GO an even better camp tool. One might be tempted to call the SylvanSport GO the Swiss Army Knife of tent trailers.
© OPUS Camper USA
High-End Example
Opus Camper USA OP15 — $61,000 (estimate)
While it might be said that other OPUS units are more tent than trailer, the OP15 hybrid caravan is the antithesis — more trailer than tent. At 15 feet in length, the OP15 has hard sidewalls and a pop-up roof for maximum headroom inside. This trailer features a bamboo interior and loads of standard features including a full bathroom with shower, sink and flush toilet; a leatherette dining area; a king-size bed and twin bunk beds; a 4-speaker stereo system; a Truma heater and hot water; and a TV and air-conditioning.
© OPUS Camper USA
Opus Camper USA OP15
The OP15 has an outdoor slideout stainless steel kitchen with a 4-burner stove, a sink, and a separate slideout refrigerator and freezer — both of which maximize interior space. This pop-up travel trailer’s roof provides plenty of headroom, as well as an extendable rear area for even more space. The OP15 has the goods to boondock off-road thanks to three 100 amp-hour AGM batteries connected to a 300-watt solar setup, as well as tanks for 63 gallons of freshwater, 18 gallons of gray water collection and 10 gallons of black water.
© Bean
Teardrop
Price Range: $5,000 – $40,000
Over the past decade, tiny teardrop trailers have grown immensely popular, especially as Americans try to find easy ways to get away inexpensively. The teardrop’s small stature makes it easy to tow behind most properly equipped passenger vehicles, and thanks to a teardrop’s aerodynamic shape drivers can still see the road behind them. Maneuvering in close quarters — such as backing around a corner — is much easier with a teardrop rather than a larger stand-up travel trailer or fifth wheel.
© High Camp
Small Quarters
As expected, many amenities found in higher-level RVs are absent from most teardrops, and these small trailers are typically not tall enough for adults to stand up inside, although they will accommodate most in a seated position. The American market features many teardrop varieties from many small businesses as well as larger manufacturers, with units available in different sizes and with myriad amenities such as outdoor galleys. In recent years, overland teardrops that can go off-road have become increasingly popular with folks desiring to get far off the beaten path.
© RetroRide
Pros
Low starting price
Towed with just about any vehicle
Many will fit in modest-size garages
Cons
Very small inside
No indoor kitchen
Limited storage
© American Teardrop
Entry-Level Example
American Teardrop Osprey — $5,000 (estimate)
A custom-build trailer company out of California, American Teardrop’s models range from the entry-level, twin-mattress-width Osprey 3.5 that starts at $5,000 to the Harrier, which can accommodate a California King bed and starts at $12,295. American Teardrop offers a plethora of options (wooden icebox, anyone?) and packages (Classic, Baja, Off Road) that helps customers configure the exact trailer for their needs.
© American Teardrop
American Teardrop Osprey
Standard features of an American Teardrop Trailer include a welded steel frame, an aluminum exterior, carpeted interior walls, linoleum floors and birch cabinets. Packages and options can be added to all five ATT models so owners can configure trailers to their exact custom specifications.
© Escapod
High-End Example
Escapod TOPO2 — $39,500
The trailer with the funky name (a play on escapade), Escapod trailers are handcrafted masterpieces. The attention to build detail is stunning, and every trailer this company in Coalville, Utah, cranks out brings in new loyal customers. The TOPO2 is built from a single-piece fiberglass shell with a recycled PET insulating core mounted on a laser-cut tube steel frame. With 23 inches of ground clearance and an upgraded suspension, the TOPO2 can be towed just about anywhere.
© Escapod
Escapod TOPO2
Inside the TOPO2 is a queen-size memory-foam mattress that looks up through a 5-foot-wide stargazer window. Baltic birch cabinet faces give the small trailer an upscale feeling, and with 8 cubic feet of cabinet space the teardrop has a decent amount of storage. Outside, the rear hatch opens to reveal a full kitchen with a large sink, a 2-burner stove and space for a cooler or an optional combo refrigerator freezer.
© Eagle Cap
Truck Camper
Price Range: $5,000 – $150,000
Pickup trucks have been the best-selling vehicles in America for about 40 years. At work or play, pickups function as motive multitools for everyday life: business vehicle, family car, stuff hauler — slide a camper into the truck bed and add instant RV to the list. There are campers to fit just about any size pickup truck and they range from simple tent-based rigs to full-on luxury RVs with slideouts and many residential amenities. However, given that these campers have to fit into the bed of a pickup truck, there is a limit to how large they can be.
© Host Industries
Easy Maneuverability
Truck campers offer the benefit of easy maneuverability and parking versus towing a trailer. At the same time, depending on the weight of the camper and the performance of the truck, it’s possible to tow a trailer for additional storage or toys for the trip. Many of these truck-based RVs can be slid out of the bed at the campground, so the truck becomes usable without packing up camp.
© NuCamp RV
Pros
Easy to maneuver park
Can ride in RV while driving
Truck may be used separately when camper removed
Cons
Tend to be smaller than other RVs
Can max-out GVWR of truck
High center of gravity
© Palomino RV
Entry-Level Example
Palomino Rogue EB-1 — $16,000 (estimate)
The Palomino Rogue is made in Colon, Michigan, and features a wedge-style roof for overlanding ease without sacrificing room in camp. The EB-1 has an electric roof lift system, manual Rieco Titan jacks (pre-wired for electric jacks), a 20,000 BTU furnace and a large Dome Skylight up front for nighttime star gazing. A Badlands package includes a Thule roof rack, a 110-watt solar panel and a second battery tray.
© Palomino RV
Palomino Rogue EB-1
The Rogue sleeps three via a queen-size mattress up front (in north/south orientation, so no crawling over your bedmate) and a single bed in the converted dinette. The interior also has a 3-cubic-foot refrigerator, a 2-burner cooktop and a stainless steel sink. The Rogue has some storage next to the bed. Options include electric jacks, an exterior hot shower, a solar panel, a Thule roof rack and maple cabinets.
© LOKI Basecamp
High-End Example
LOKI Basecamp Falcon — $135,000 (estimate)
A high-end adventure vehicle billed as “the most versatile 4-season slide-in on the market,” the LOKI Basecamp Falcon Series is to truck campers what Victorinox is to army knives. The Falcon Series is available in three models based on truck bed size: Falcon 5, Falcon 6 and Falcon 8. As its name implies, the Falcon 8 fits full-size trucks with 8-foot beds. The units feature hand-built aluminum frames and shells.
© LOKI Basecamp
LOKI Basecamp Falcon
The Falcon interior includes 4-season insulation, heating and cooling, a mudroom area at the entrance, a removable shower, a multifunction lounge area, a galley and dinette area with an induction cooktop and a stainless steel sink. The cabover bedroom features a queen-size bed. Standard features are abundant. The interior finishes and materials are nothing short of stunning.
© Grand Design RV
Family Travel Trailer
Price Range: $15,000 – $200,000
Perhaps the most popular perception of RV camping begins with a family in a travel trailer. Travel trailers are available in a wide range of sizes, but typical sizes are in the 20-30 foot range. Most sleep at least four and have options for bunk beds, convertible sofas, dinettes that convert into beds, or in some cases the units have a master bedroom with a queen- or king-size bed. These trailers have kitchens with stoves, sinks and refrigerators, as well as bathrooms. Depending on price point, many family trailers have slideout sections to dramatically increase living space.
© Cruiser RV
Wide Variety
Depending on size and weight, family travel trailers are typically towed with a mid- to full-size SUV or pickup truck. Available in a wide price range, family trailers can be outfitted with the bare essentials, or at higher price points can feature gorgeous interiors featuring the finest materials and latest technology. A typical price for a travel trailer of this type is around $35,000.
© Winnebago
Pros
Room for the whole family
Wide variety of options
Less expensive than a motorhome
Cons
Easy to overload
Can require upgrading to a tow vehicle
Cannot travel inside trailer
© Coachmen
Entry-Level Example
Coachmen Viking Saga 16SFB — $20,000 (estimate)
The smallest of the Coachmen Viking RV lineup, the Saga 16SFB is 18 feet 6 inches long and has a GVWR of 3,863 pounds, so most midsize SUVs can tow it. Even though the Saga sits at the entry point to the family travel trailer market, it still offers plenty for those ready to leap into RV life. With a roof-mounted air-conditioner and a 20,000-BTU propane furnace, the Saga 16SFB will keep its occupants comfortable no matter how frightful the weather outside (within reason).
© Coachmen
Coachmen Viking Saga 16SFB
At the front of the Viking is a queen-size bed — additional sleeping space is available via a convertible dinette. Across from the dinette, the galley has decent counter space, a deep sink, a small refrigerator and a 2-burner stove. The Saga 16SFB has plenty of storage throughout, and it also manages to have space for an optional microwave. At the rear of the unit is something every active American family requires: a bathroom with a shower.
© Airstream
High-End Example
Airstream Classic 33FB — $196,000
Like baseball, hot dogs and apple pie, Airstream is part of the American lexicon and has been for almost 100 years. With its bullet shape and shiny aluminum skin, it’s hard to mistake an Airstream trailer for anything else. They may be expensive, but Airstreams are also among the best-built RVs on the market. The Classic is a full 33 feet long, and while Airstreams don’t have slideout sections, this travel trailer still offers a spacious, elegant interior with room to spread out and sleeping space for up to five people.
© Airstream
Airstream Classic
At the front of the Classic, a master bedroom features a power-operated queen bed; it can be adjusted for sitting or sleeping with the push of a button. The other end of the trailer has a full bathroom complete with vanity, wardrobe, residential-style shower and heated floors. The Ultraleather-trimmed sofa features power recliners; it sits opposite a media cabinet that houses a 60-inch projection TV screen. Across from the dinette, is a full kitchen has a high-end stove, oven, microwave and large refrigerator.
