When you’re ready to untether yourself from business as usual and embark on new adventures, you may want to buy an RV, or recreational vehicle, and hit the road for exciting, new, slow travel journeys. However, if you don’t have any experience owning or operating an RV, it can be quite daunting figuring out which RV is right for you and your travel plans.
Fortunately, this doesn’t have to be so scary. Let’s clear the air and clear the path for you by pointing out some entry-level RVs at affordable, mid-range, and high-end budget levels that are ideal for first-time explorers.
1. Winnebago Forza
For anyone who thinks it’s impossible to go RVing in style, think again. The Winnebago Forza is a Class A diesel motorhome that truly provides first-class luxury on the open road—think Ultrafabrics Primera furniture, high-quality plank flooring, residential kitchen appliances, a separate bedroom with a queen-size bed, two full bathrooms with showers, and even space for you to install your own (optional) washer and dryer on board!
2. Holiday Rambler Admiral
This is another great Class A (in this case, gas) motorhome that’s great for the whole family. This RV sleeps up to six, has two full bathrooms with showers, a large kitchen with a home-style fridge and a double-basin sink, two LED TVs, a separate bedroom with a wardrobe, and even an exterior entertainment center that lets you host the perfect al-fresco movie night! Even better, all of this is in a vehicle that clocks in under 34 feet long.
3. Jayco Swift 20T
For those who’ve been inspired by all that Instagram and YouTube #vanlife content to give it a try but don’t want to sacrifice too many creature comforts, the Jayco Swift has it all.
From its 200-watt roof-mounted solar panel (and optional 48-volt smart lithium battery) to its two twin beds that easily convert into one king bed and its rear-park assist system that lets you navigate city streets with incredible ease, this van is well-equipped for you to live your best life.
4. Jayco Redhawk
If you want a nice Class C motorhome with enough space for your family (of four), or if you want an RV with a little extra room for you and your special someone, the Jayco Redhawk is a fantastic option. This motorhome actually has a separate bedroom with a queen bed, along with a cab-over bunk for extra sleep space. It also has a dinette/living room combo space with a large sofa, as well as a bathroom area with a full shower.
5. Thor Scope
If you’re seeking what might be considered a more authentic #vanlife experience without going too bare-bones, this Class B motorhome packs a whole lot of useful punches in a compact vehicle that’s under 18 feet long. More specifically, the THOR Scope has a full kitchen with a microwave, two-burner stove, and a 12-volt fridge, plus it has a removable table, a wet bath, and a 72-by-47-inch pullout bed.
6. KZ Sportsmen Classic 160RBT
This KZ Sportsmen Classic hybrid is a great option for new RVers who want the ease of a travel trailer and the amenities of a larger motorhome. It only weighs 3,500 pounds, yet it has dedicated living and dining spaces, a kitchen with a fridge and a two-burner stove (along with a microwave and a pantry!), a bathroom with a full shower, and two 54-by-74-inch tent beds that are easy to fold out.
7. Forest River Ozark 1650BHK
If you want a tractor-trailer that keeps you ready for whatever you discover next out on the open road, this Forest River Ozark model is a rock-solid option. It clocks in under 3,600 pounds, but it still gives you a bathroom with a 36-by-24-inch shower, two bunk beds and a queen bed, a kitchen with a fridge and a microwave, an outdoor griddle, and even some extra storage space inside.
8. nuCamp TAB CS-S
For an RV that packs plenty of goodies into one cool and compact package, you might want to roll with the nuCamp TAB. This teardrop camper only weighs 2,900 pounds, yet it easily sleeps up to two (with the option of a full-size bed configuration or dual twin beds), and it has a kitchen with a 12-volt fridge, a two-burner glass-top stove, and even a microwave.
9. Coleman Lantern LT 17R
This might seem hard to believe, but it really is possible to score a travel trailer with an electric fireplace, air conditioning, a full kitchen, a full-size dinette, and ample onboard storage for under $15,000!
Coleman really outdid themselves with this Lantern LT model: Not only does it come with all these amenities and room to sleep three, but it also weighs under 3,000 pounds, meaning it’s possible for most large SUVs and even some mid-size SUVs to tow it.
10. Winnebago Micro Minnie
For those seeking a travel trailer with a great reputation and a few extra bells and whistles, you can’t go wrong with a Winnebago.
Not only did their Micro Minnie model win RV News’s Top Lightweight Towable Trailers Award in 2021, but they’re also set to win the hearts and wallets of eco-conscious travelers because they’re electric vehicle–friendly and solar-ready. The Winnebago Micro Minnie has several floor plans available, and they all come with fully equipped kitchens.
11. Forest River Rockwood Tent 1640LTD
Who knew you could have an RV with a mini-kitchen (complete with a mini-fridge!) and a dinette that sleeps up to four for under $16,000? Well, now you know! This Forest River Rockwood Tent trailer may have a low price, but it doesn’t skimp on size or amenities—it even comes with an illuminated awning, a built-in fan for better ventilation, and an outdoor grill.
12. SylvanSport GO
If you want a travel trailer that’s affordable, versatile, and durable, the SylvanSport GO is a great RV for avid campers who prefer a more rustic (yet still comfortable) wilderness camping experience. With a dry weight of merely 840 pounds, the SylvanSport GO can be towed by just about any vehicle. Once you reach your destination, it’s easy to transform this pop-up trailer into a tent on wheels that sleeps up to four.