If you’ve never bought an RV before, let’s face it: It can be intimidating. Compared to car or truck shopping, there’s way more to it. After all, most of us don’t plan to camp in a car or live in a truck, unless we’re towing an RV behind it. You’ve probably never shopped for another vehicle like this. So, you might catch yourself asking, “What are the best RVs for beginners?”
Good question. There’s a saying among RV experts, “Buy your third RV first.” In other words, the best RVs for beginners are the ones that will actually serve their needs. Lots of RV owners learn what they need down the line, but there’s no reason you can’t skip ahead and get it right the first time.
So, let’s talk about a few things to keep in mind as you shop, and then I’ll list ten RVs that are great starting points for beginners on their research journey.
How to Shop for Your First RV
If you’re just joining us in this RV adventure there are a lot of things to learn before stepping into RV ownership. But here are some tips for shopping for your RV.
- Get to know the RV types. The big breakdown in different types of RV is between motorized, which you can drive, and towables, like trailers. However, even within those divisions there are lots of different types. Knowing the types will make you a smarter shopper.
- Be realistic, not ambitious. Take a hard look at how you will actually use your RV. Weekend warriors, full-timers, snowbirds, and overlanders shop differently. So should you.
- Understand the differences in builds. Some use wooden frames with aluminum skins. Often these are easier to repair yourself over time. Some use more modern materials. These may last longer, but eventually require more expert repair.
- Shop from the road up. Better suspension, tires, and other safety components make can be significant. The differences can translate into how much your RV shakes and rattles on the road.
- Pretend as you shop. If you can, step in and use the interior as you would if you were camping. Can you wash your hair in the shower? Prep a meal in the kitchen? Test everything out.
- Shop for yourself first, not others. This happens all the time — so resist! Don’t buy a bunkhouse model and assume your grandchildren will come. Odds are that you will use your RV more than them, even if they come. So, shop with yourself in mind.
Got it? Alrighty. I think you’re ready to start your research journey. Here’s a list of ten RVs — of all configurations. I’ve seen each one in person and really like these for newbie (that’s you, RV beginner) for a number of reasons.
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10 Great RVs for Beginners
Ember RV E-Series Spark 19ETS
Ember RV is a newer RV builder that has come on the scene with some high-quality and innovative products. Within their E-Series, their Spark models, like the 19ETS, are the most affordable in their line. But they still have many of the core quality features that Ember has become known for. One of the best features about this smaller trailer is Ember’s EmberTrack system. This flexible system can be bunks, a desk, additional dining, storage for bikes or kayaks, and more. This small trailer is simply one of the most flexible on the market.
Keystone RV Reign 15RBS
Keystone RV’s new Reign series is built differently. Instead of fiberglass, it opts for an an aluminum exterior. Keystone RV also has other build quality features that are a step above. For smaller trailers the new Reign series is worth a look.
Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro G19DBH
If you’re looking for something smaller but family-friendly the Geo Pro G19DBH is a unique choice. There’s a single-person bed that drops down over the main bed in the back plus a dinette that can also sleep two making room for five in a smaller trailer.
Forest River Rockwood A213HW
Pop-up trailers have a lot of advantages, including being able to be kept in the garage. They’re also light and easy-to-tow. But, when deployed, can have quite a bit of interior space and features. The floorplan of the Rockwood A213HW features twin beds in the front. That means it’ll work for couples and also friends who seek adventure. This even has a toilet, and you can get a power lift for the top. But, even without that, it’s relatively easy to put up and down. The hard wall sides also mean this offers much of the insulation of a standard trailer with the towing ease of a pop-up.
Grand Design RV Imagine XLS 22MLE
This is a popular floorplan built by many makers, but the Grand Design Imagine XLS-series provides a good balance between affordability and features. This is a couples’ camper with a good amount of kitchen space plus theater seats and a dinette.
Escape 21C
Trailers built like this out of fiberglass, like the Escape 21C, tend to be easier to maintain and hold their value. The all-fiberglass exterior also tends to last a long time. Escape is a brand from Canada that specializes in these and sells direct-to-consumer. In addition to some price advantages, this also enables you to heavily customize the trailer to your liking. Being from Canada, Escape partners with owners who are enthusiastic and willing to show off their trailers and share you the inside realities of owning one.
Thor Motor Coach Gemini Trip 22MT
The Gemini Trip 22MT one of the more unusual Class Cs I’ve come across — and I still think of it fondly. The unusual aspect of it is that the bed in the back can be raised and lowered to optimize living space or cargo carrying or sleeping. One of the things that this might work for is if you have very young travelers joining your adventure. You know, where a pack-and-play could be deployed in the back. But it also works if you’re planning to bring bikes or other adventure gear.
Thor Motor Coach Palladium 1930
The Palladium 1930 is a Class B, which means it’s a van conversion. One of the advantages of van conversions is that you can use them as normal daily transportation and then as a part of your weekend adventure plans. I liked this smaller Thor Motor Coach Class B because the bathroom spans the width of the back of the vehicle. So, it’s less of a compromise, but the opposed bench seats give you good space for a meal. Or just a place to sit.
Forest River No Boundaries 20.1 – Beast Mode
A lot of attention is being paid to what is termed “overlanding” in the RV space. Essentially this is camping off the grid using what’s built into your RV. While almost any RV can go off grid some are better suited to doing so. One of those is the Forest River No Boundaries, or NoBo, 20.1 with the Beast Mode package. This package gives an otherwise traditional travel trailer an incredible suspension package which enables it to tackle much tougher terrain. But the bonus to this is that it also tows really well. The NoBo line is also available with an incredible solar and lithium package. (Although, be forewarned, that capability in suspension and off-grid power systems absolutely comes at a price.)
Highland Ridge Open Range Conventional 26RLS
These wood-framed aluminum-skinned trailers, like the Open Range Conventional 26RLS, are very affordable and have a lot of value. For newbies who won’t be able to use them much, they might be the exact thing you’re looking for.
Because RVs Are for Beginners and Experts Alike
There’s no getting around the fact that no one starts as an expert. Go ahead and give yourself a little grace. There’s lots to learn in the RV life, and some things simply get learned the hard way. But starting off with an RV that meets your needs and matches your lifestyle is something you can get right on the first try. It’s not for experts alone. The fact is, RVs are made for beginners. Now, go find yours!
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