Spring is coming and with it all those graduations. It’s a time when lots of nests get empty. But instead of getting all teary-bleary-eyed, you could distract yourself with a more joyful question. What are the best RVs for empty nesters looking to get away?
We’re going to look at a few ideas for this, but first, think about where you’re going. Every RVer has a priority in how and where they camp. Some RVers want to get away from it all and be far off the grid. Some are looking to find an RV resort with plenty of amenities. There are those who might want to travel for specific destinations or adventures such as visiting all the National Parks or chasing hobbies or interests. And some people want to spend time with family or friends who have ended-up in specific places across this great land.
All of this matter when shopping RVs for empty nesters. So, before we get to those glorious RV models, let’s briefly talk about this new chapter you’re embarking on — and your new needs.
Prioritizing Your New Priorities
Imagine the Destination
Part of the decision making process will inevitably be to consider where you’re going to travel. For example, we do a lot of driveway hopping where we stay with friends and relatives whom we haven’t seen in a while. Therefore, we prioritized an RV that would comfortably fit in a normal driveway.
If you’re thinking of visiting all the national parks, you might also look into the maximum size of RV that most parks can accommodate. But if you’re seasonal camping and spending long times in resorts, most of those can accommodate the largest of RVs. (And some are motorhome-exclusive.)
Consider the Model’s Build
A big thing to consider is how the RV is built. I always recommend starting at the road and working your way up. That definitely applies when perusing RVs for empty nesters. The caliber of suspension and the way the RV is built is going to make a big difference in your overall experience. I know plenty of people who have had to spend many thousands of dollars on upgraded suspensions, braking systems, and tires after they realized that what came with their RV was not optimal. Give yourself an easier start.
Let Your Lifestyle Guide You
Naturally, you need consider your own lifestyle. And it should be more actual than aspirational. For example, if you tend to go out to eat a lot, you likely will follow that pattern in an RV. There’s a lot to be said for enjoying the dining delights across this vast land. If you’re someone who loves to cook, then the RV’s kitchen may be a priority, especially if you have dietary preferences or demands.
I know people who love to entertain. You might be surprised that you can collect plenty of friends whom you run into on your travels and that enjoying their company could well become an integral part of your adventures. There are definitely RVs for empty nesters that are well-suited to entertaining. My wife loves playing games. So, an RV where people can gather when the weather gets lousy was a factor in our own recent decision.
Pull It All Together
What I’ve done with this list is put together some RVs I’ve written about recently that I think would be great couples’ campers and RVs for empty nesters. These models can serve a variety of people well. These are also rigs that I like from a quality standpoint. (Each of these lists are in alphabetical order.)
Five Tantalizing Travel Trailers
The biggest portion of the RV market is travel trailers. So, I started here with some choices that have stood out to me lately.
Airstream Classic 28RB
28 feet 10 inches • $179,900 MSRP
This revised floorplan in the Airstream Classic 28RB offers a couch at the front as well as a four-person dinette. You can choose either a queen-size bed or two twin beds when ordering this trailer. These feature all the aesthetics of an Airstream including the quiet Alde heating system. Plus, there’s the overall cache of the Airstream brand in a rather usable floorplan.
Grand Design Imagine 2300MK
26 feet 6 inches • $46,791 MSRP
This is the smallest in the traditional Imagine line for Grand Design. But the Grand Design Imagine 2300MK still features a theater seat and a breakfast bar. Grand Design has recently added the safety benefits of anti-lock braking. There is a true queen bed with a wall that separates the bedroom from the main living space and the bathroom spans the full width of the trailer. A lot to like in a shorter package.
Highland Ridge Open Range 322RLS
37 feet 3 inches • $79,124 MSRP
This is on the larger side of travel trailers, but there are some very unique features in this wide-body (measures 101 inches wide, as opposed to the typical 96-inch width) floorplan. That includes two desks, a lot of storage, a very nice kitchen, and several pet-focused features.
The roof in the Highland Ridge Open Range 322RLS is built the way many motorhome roofs are. And there’s also a better-than-average suspension. While this is a large trailer. it’s also very livable and would serve a couple well who still wants to have work space and plenty of room for daily living.
Jayco Eagle HT 230MLCS
27 feet 8 inches • $58,749 MSRP
Often smaller trailers get short-changed on features. But not with the Jayco Eagle HT 230MLCS. Jayco has recently upgraded things like mattresses and furnace ducting , and the company puts all their RVs through an extensive predelivery process before they leave the plant. I also like that this trailer offers the benefits of an anti-lock braking system, a significant safety advance.
This also features a nice kitchen with good counter space and usable systems. So, cooks will enjoy this RV. There is both a theater seat and a dinette so there’s room for friends, too.
Rockwood Mini Lite 2506FK
25 feet 11 inches • $51,766 MSRP (estimate)
Rockwood is a brand that may not be on your radar. But it should be. The company does a lot of things that elevate their products but that starts with a torsion axle suspension, Goodyear Endurance tires with tire pressure monitoring and internal balance beads and many other features that will show-up over time as having value. This is the same suspension system used in the Airstream, for example.
This is a front-kitchen model. Traveling cooks will appreciate the counter space and more capable appliances. There is a choice of U-shaped dinette or theater seats in the slide. The bathroom in this RV separates the bedroom in back from the kitchen in front, which works out for those who have different sleep schedules.
For those who like to camp off the grid, Rockwood offers features like the Shower Miser which helps save water plus up to 400 watts of factory-installed solar panels. There is also an inverter which can operate power outlets on battery power.
(A few others I really like are the Lance 2075, the inTech Aucta line and Ember Touring Edition series.)
Three Fifth Wheels for Fun Lovers
For those who spend a lot of time on the road, fifth wheels are often popular RVs for empty nesters.
Flagstaff Classic 301RKS
31 feet 4 inches • $72,883 MSRP
Flagstaff recently upgraded suspension and braking on their Classic-series fifth wheels, making a good thing even better. This Flagstaff Classic 301RKS floorplan has a lot of kitchen counter space and even a drawer for a trash can. The kitchen is another example of one that road chefs will like.
As for seating, Flagstaff offers a choice of a U-shaped dinette, table and chairs with an ottoman or theater seats in the slide. There’s also a 60-inch, hide-a-bed sofa as well. For those who like to camp off the gridm, Flagstaff offers their Power Package. It’s a state-of-the-art battery and solar system that offers a single 460-amp-hour lithium battery plus 1,000 watts of solar. There is also the option of a second 460=amp-hour lithium battery. So, this might be one of the better choices for off-the-grid camping enthusiasts.
Grand Design Reflection 320MKS
34 feet 9 inches • $88,558 MSRP
There are a lot of travelers who need to get some work done whether that just be emails and catching up on social media to actually getting work done from the road. So, the Grand Design Reflection 320MKS features a desk in the back to accomplish just that. There’s also a dining table with an ottoman that can be used for storage or whose fusion can even be raised to be a table at the couch. There are also theater seats and a trifold sofa.
The kitchen, too, will accommodate those who love cooking. There’s even a pull-out tray with pet bowls in case the chef activities include meals for the furry travelers. This fifth wheel makes good use of space and offers a very livable interior whether that life includes some work time or entertaining.
Keystone Montana High Country 377FL
41 feet 11 inches • $108,608 MSRP
The Keystone Montana High Country 377FL is the largest RV in this article, but I think some travelers are going to want something of this size. Keystone’s Montana remains a popular choice among fifth-wheel buyers. And this model offers a front living room which is great for gatherings. There’s also a mid-ship kitchen that may rival some home kitchens. It includes both a breakfast bar and a dining table.
This also offers a rear bedroom with a loft overhead which could be storage but can accommodate grandchildren or other smaller travelers if need be.
One Untraditional Toy Hauler
A toy hauler can be so many things to so many RVers, but a lot of people ignore them because of the perception that they’re just for toys. In fact the large cargo bays in the back can accommodate hobbies such as crafting, office space, pets, and so much more. Some newer toy haulers are rather luxurious and some are still spartan examples of function over fashion. (On top of all that, obviously, toy haulers are among the top RVs for empty nesters with big toys and an adrenaline rush.)
Ember RV Overland Series 240TKR
28 feet 3 inches • $74,935 MSRP
One toy hauler that might be a big surprise is the Ember RV Overland 240TKR. This travel trailer has a front bed that can pushed together to make a single queen-sized bed, or split to make two full-sized beds.
The back features Ember’s E-Track system. So, you could have bunks, a desk, cargo space, hang a hammock. It’s remarkably flexible. There is an additional set of rails, which means you could also use that space for a desk, dining table, additional sleeping, and more. The flexibility of this trailer is game-changing.
Since it’s technically a toy hauler, there’s a ramp in the back that can also fold-down to become a patio deck and there’s a cabinet with a sink back there so it could be a bar.
Two Majestic Motorhomes
Thor Pasadena 38XL
39 feet 10 inches • $347,060 MSRP
We got to spend time in this motorhome in September, and Thor’s attention to detail with the Pasadena 38XL was quite evident. Little things like cabinets with two access points, a tilt-adjustable bed ,and huge skylight over the over-cab bunk were stand-out features. This is a Super C which means towing is a strong point, and this is a prime example with up to 15,000 pounds of towing capacity.
While this does have bunks those can double as a lot of closet space and there’s a washer and dryer aboard plus a kitchen that features both propane and induction cooktops. Another plus of this floorplan is the sheer volume of under-floor or basement storage and a chassis that can handle the load.
Winnebago EKKO
23 feet • $215,551 MSRP (Ford Chassis)
Some couples love adventure and the Winnebago EKKO has hit a home run with those seeking adventure with its all-wheel-drive, plentiful storage and solid off-grid capabilities. This is also a relatively nimble rig based on the Mercedes Sprinter or Ford Transit cutaway chassis.
These also have a unique twin bed set-up that can also be converted to a single king-size bed. These also have a second row of seats which makes them good for regular transportation and you can spin the front cockpit seats around to create a cozy space for meals, games or conversation.
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