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Enjoying camping vacations in an RV has become quite fashionable, and for many, it has even evolved into a lifestyle. Large Class A motorhomes and 5th wheels make it possible to carry along your entire life as you traverse the country.
But sometimes bigger is not always better. There has been a move recently to downsize RV life into smaller, more mobile vehicles that can take you further faster. Can you give up a roomy coach for less storage, but more accessibility? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of smaller RVs.
What exactly are small RVs?
You can find small recreational vehicles in almost every type of RVs. Here’s how to identify them:
- Class C motorhome – these campers built on a truck chassis come in lengths up to 32’, but there are some models that range from 19’ to 24’ long that would be considered ‘small RVs.’
- Class B motorhome – otherwise known as vans, these RVs usually range in size from 17’ to 22’ long.
- Pop-Up Trailer – this camper has a hard-sided metal or fiberglass base and “pops up” and out with tent sides. They come in lengths from 10’ to 12’ long.
- Travel Trailer – created in a wide range of lengths, small travel trailers would be those that are 20’ and shorter.
- Expandable Hybrid RV – these campers are a cross between travel trailers and pop-up campers, with hard sides, but fold-out beds on either end. They are manufactured in lengths up to 32’, but the smaller ones are 19’ to 21’ long.
Small RVs Offer a Very Different Experience
There are numerous benefits to having a smaller recreational vehicle:
- Mobility – small recreational vehicles are easy to hop into and take off, getting into tighter spaces than their larger counterparts.
- Accessibility – everything in a small RV is within reach!
- Maneuverability – because they have a shorter wheelbase and length, small recreational vehicles are much easier to drive. Tight corners, curves, and narrow parking spaces are usually no problem.
- Better Gas Mileage – with shorter lengths and lighter weights, smaller RVs are usually more economical when it comes to gas mileage.
Detriments to Owning a Small RV
- Less Room – smaller RVs don’t offer much space for the storage of personal items.
- Fewer Beds – these campers can’t accommodate more than a few sleeping quarters. Typically, only 2 people can sleep comfortably in most tiny RVs.
For Fulltime Living
Here is a selection of smaller recreational vehicles that can meet all the needs of full-time travelers:
- Unity Small RV by Leisure Travel Vans
- Porto Small Motorhome by Winnebago
- Revel by Winnebago
- Interstate Grand Tour Luxury Small RV EXT by Airstream
- Navion Small Motorhome by Winnebago
Small Motorhomes Under 25 Feet
These RVs are great options for enjoying all the benefits of camping while traveling in a small motorhome:
- Thor Chateau Class C Motorhome
- Coachmen Galleria Class B Motorhome
- Gulf Stream Conquest Class C Motorhome
- Dynamax Isata 3 Class C Motorhome
- Entegra Odyssey Class C Motorhome
As you can see, tiny recreational vehicles can be an efficient and comfortable way to see the country. They come in virtually any RV class and are usually easier to drive, but only you can decide if one will work for your family size, camping style, and transportation needs. Check out the options available to you on any dealer lot today (but make sure you review our 5 things to consider when buying an RV before making a decision.
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